GuitarScholar.co.uk

Guitar Dictionary | A-Z


a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z | 0-9 | Symbol Dictionary


Natural

A note that is neither sharpened nor flattened.

Natural Harmonic

Harmonics that occur at certain parts of the string called nodes. A note of purer tone can be produced by touching these nodes whilst the string is being plucked.

Full Article on: natural harmonics

Naturalise

Reverse the effect of a sharp or flat.

Full Article on: accidentals

Neck

The wooden stem that extends from the main body of the guitar and supports the headstock. The fretboard is found on the surface of the neck.

Full Article on: anatomy of the guitar

Neck Block

A block of wood found inside acoustic guitars where the neck meets the body. The block provides a structurally sound place to attach the heel.

Synonymous With: Heel Block, Head Block

Neck Joint

The part of the body to which the neck is attached.

Neck Pickup

The pickup that is located next to the neck.

Synonymous With: Bass Pickup, Rhythm Pickup

Neck Profile

The dimensions and design of the neck.

Neck Through Body

A style of neck that extends right to the end of the body of the guitar. This design of neck is used to mount the pickups and bridge and does not have a heel, making it easier to reach the higher frets. This design is found on basses more than guitars and more often on the more expensive ranges.

Synonymous With: Neck-Through, Thru-Neck

See Also: Pickups, Bridge

Neck-Through

Short for neck through body, a style of neck that extends right to the end of the body of the guitar. This design of neck is used to mount the pickups and bridge and does not have a heel, making it easier to reach the higher frets. This design is found on basses more than guitars and more often on the more expensive ranges.

Synonymous With: Thru-Neck, Neck Through Body

See Also: Pickups, Bridge

Nitrocellulose

A substance derived from cellulose that is commonly used as a finish on guitars.

Synonymous With: Cellulose

Node

A point on a guitar string that, when touched lightly, will produce a harmonic (12th fret for example).

Full Article on: natural harmonics

Noise

Short for string noise. Any unwanted sounds from the guitar. This can be caused when your fretting hand or picking hand rubs against the strings when you play. String noise may not be noticed when playing acoustically but amplifiers magnify the problem. Noise gates and muting can help reduce any unwanted noise.

Synonymous With: String Noise

Noise Gate

A sound processor that removes any components of an audio signal that are below a certain amplitude. Noise gates can be found on effects units and are used to reduce string noise.

Noise Reduction

Any process that removes or reduces unwanted noise from an audio signal. Used in the recording of guitar music to reduce string noise. One such example is a noise gate.

Non-Locking Tremolo

Any vibrato system other than the Floyd Rose locking tremolo system to clamp the strings in place. Instead the strings are anchored to the bridge by ball-ends. Non-locking tremolo systems have static bridges.

Notation

Universal symbols that make up a system of written music.

Full Article on: symbol dictionary

Note
  1. A sound of fixed pitch that has a set name.
  2. A written representation of a fixed pitch and its duration.

Full Article on: note duration

Nut

The component separating the fretboard from the headstock. It keeps the strings in their correct position.

Full Article on: anatomy of the guitar

Nut Locks

The screws and metal plates that are used on a locking nut. There are three small metal plates (one for each pair of strings) that are screwed in place.

Nut Slots

The thin slits found on the nut that holds the strings in place.