squareneck

A squareneck is a type of resonator guitar distinguished by a square or rectangular cross-section neck. This design contrasts with the rounded “roundneck” guitars and is intended for playing that guitar on the lap with a steel or glass slide, rather than fretting while held in the traditional playing position. The square neck makes it easier to slide smoothly across the fretboard and is a defining feature of many dobro-style instruments.

Historically, squareneck resonator guitars emerged in the early 20th century as part of the development of resonator instruments by manufacturers such as National/Dopyera and later Dobro. The square-neck form became closely associated with the dobro and related square-neck models, which gained popularity in blues, bluegrass, and Hawaiian-influenced music. These instruments often contribute a bright, metallic sustain due to the cone resonator inside the body.

Construction and design elements commonly include a metal body with a single resonator cone and a neck that is rigid and flat enough for slide technique. Necks may be fixed to the body and, in some cases, feature limited adjustability rather than a full truss rod. Strings are typically steel, and tunings vary, with open tunings frequently used to facilitate slide melodies.

In performance, squarenecks are favored for lap-style blues and bluegrass playing, as well as for certain Hawaiian-influenced styles. They are distinct from roundneck resonator guitars and from other square-necked instruments like the squareneck banjo.