Different Bridge Types in an Electric Guitars
If you’re new to electric guitars and not entirely sure what features to look for, you’re not alone—especially when it comes to bridges! With so many types available, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Starting your journey into the world of electric guitars is exciting, but you may find yourself puzzled once you’ve made your purchase: Why is it uncomfortable to play? Why is restringing so difficult? Why won’t my guitar stay in tune?
One key component that significantly affects a guitar’s playability and tone is the bridge. Many beginners overlook or misunderstand the differences between bridge types, which can lead to frustration. The type of bridge on your guitar affects everything from palm muting and picking-hand placement to how you interact with the instrument overall.
In this article, I’ll cover the most common types of guitar bridges found on electric guitars. While there are always new innovations—like the Evertune or Bigsby bridges—we’ll stick to the fundamentals for now.
Main Categories of Electric Guitar Bridges:
Fixed Bridges
1. Standard Fixed Bridge
2. Tune-o-matic
3. Telecaster Style
Tremolo Bridges (Floating)
1. Vintage Tremolo
2. Two-Point Synchronized Tremolo
3. Locking Tremolo
Each of these bridges has its own feel and impact on the guitar’s tone. Let’s dive into the details so you can determine which suits you best.
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges, such as the standard fixed bridge, Tune-o-matic, and Telecaster-style bridges, are generally the easiest to manage. These bridges are fixed in place and don’t move while you play, making them stable and simple for string changes.

Fixed bridges, often called hard-tail bridges, are designed to be simple and reliable. There’s no tremolo arm or any mechanism to move the bridge, so you won’t be able to change the pitch while playing. Almost all fixed bridges have six saddles (although vintage Telecaster bridges may have only three). The saddles allow for adjustments to the intonation and string height, which we’ll cover in a future setup guide.
Types of Fixed Bridges:
Standard Fixed Bridge:
This type is attached directly to the body and has six saddles, with many variations available from different manufacturers and aftermarket parts suppliers.
Tune-o-matic:
Found on guitars like the Gibson Les Paul and SG, this bridge features two components: the bridge itself, where the strings rest, and a stopbar tailpiece that holds the strings in place.
Telecaster Style:
Tele bridges come in two main variants: the vintage 3-saddle version and the modern 6-saddle version. The 3-saddle version may have intonation issues since two strings share each saddle, which is something we’ll explore further in another article. These bridges are primarily found on Telecaster-shaped guitars.
Pros
- Tuning Stability:
- With fewer moving parts, fixed bridges generally provide excellent tuning stability. It’s easy to change between standard and alternate tunings.
- Increased Sustain:
- Fixed bridges often have more contact with the guitar body, leading to better resonance and sustain. Strings typically pass through the guitar body, which can enhance sustain compared to tremolo bridges.
- Simpler Maintenance:
- String changes are straightforward, and the lack of springs or a tremolo cavity makes fixed bridges easier to maintain—especially for beginners.
Tremolo Bridges
Tremolo bridges allow you to change the pitch of the strings by using a tremolo arm (also called a whammy bar). These bridges are divided into two types: non-locking and locking. Let’s take a closer look.
Non-Locking Tremolo Bridges
Non-locking tremolos provide pitch variation, but they don’t have the locking mechanisms of the more advanced systems.
Vintage Tremolo:
Found on vintage-spec Stratocasters, this bridge has six screws attaching it to the guitar body. Fans of vintage guitars often prefer this design for its more solid connection to the guitar body.

Two-Point Synchronized Tremolo:
Common on modern Stratocaster-style guitars, this design features two pivot points, allowing the bridge to move more freely. Many players find it easier to use compared to the vintage 6-screw version.

Pros
- Ease of Setup:
- Although not as simple as fixed bridges, non-locking tremolos are still easier to set up and restring compared to locking systems.
- Subtle Vibrato:
- These bridges allow for smooth, subtle pitch changes, perfect for adding vibrato.
Cons
- Tuning Stability:
- Non-locking tremolos can struggle with tuning stability, especially if not properly set up or if the nut and tuners aren’t lubricated.
- Limited Range:
- They don’t allow for the extreme pitch changes that locking systems offer.
Locking Tremolo Bridges
The Floyd Rose revolutionized tremolo bridges in the early 1980s, introducing a system that could handle extreme pitch shifts while staying in tune. The Floyd Rose—and its variations from companies like Schaller and Ibanez—has since become iconic for its ability to perform deep dive bombs and dramatic pull-ups.

Double Locking Tremolo Systems:
This design locks the strings at both the nut and the bridge, preventing slippage during heavy tremolo use. The bridge floats, meaning it can move both up and down for radical pitch shifts.
Pros
- Tuning Stability:
- Even with extreme tremolo use, a well-set-up locking tremolo provides excellent tuning stability.
- Versatile Pitch Control:
- Locking systems allow for extreme pitch changes, both raising and lowering notes. You can create wild effects and sounds with ease.
Cons
- Complex Setup:
- Locking tremolo bridges require more time and effort to set up, especially when changing strings or adjusting intonation.
- Maintenance:
- Fine-tuning can be time-consuming, and many players find string changes on these systems particularly challenging.
I personally have a love-hate relationship with the double-locking tremolo bridge systems. I like to use them, but I really find the setup to be really time consuming which turns me away from them at times. Therefore I do have a mixture of guitars with different bridge systems and I do tend to play the fixed-bridge ones a lot more as time passes.
In summary, the type of bridge you choose can significantly impact your playing experience. Fixed bridges offer simplicity and stability, while tremolo systems provide more expressive possibilities, especially if you’re willing to spend extra time on setup and maintenance. Hope this guide helps you narrow down your choices as you explore the world of electric guitars!