Guitar pickups, single coils or humbuckers what's the difference?

by Maxx Music February 27, 2023

Pickups are an essential part of an electric guitar's sound. They are the devices that capture the vibrations of the strings and convert them into an electrical signal that can be amplified and heard through speakers. There are two main types of pickups: single coil and humbucker pickups. While both types of pickups serve the same purpose, they differ significantly in their construction, sound, and applications.

Single coil guitar pickup with its cover removed

Single coil pickups, as the name suggests, consist of a single coil of wire wrapped around a magnet. When the strings vibrate, they create a magnetic field that is captured by the coil, generating an electrical signal. Single coil pickups are known for their bright, clear, and snappy tone, with a distinctive "twang" that is ideal for genres like country, blues, and surf music. They are also known for their excellent dynamics, as they are highly responsive to picking nuances and can convey even the subtlest nuances of a player's style. However, single coil pickups are susceptible to noise and interference, which can result in a humming or buzzing sound. This is because they capture not only the vibrations of the strings but also the electromagnetic fields around them, such as those generated by lights, appliances, or other electrical equipment.

humbucker electric guitar pickup Humbucker pickup

Humbucking pickups, on the other hand, were invented to eliminate the noise and hum of single coil pickups. They consist of two coils of wire wrapped in opposite directions around a magnet, with a thin strip of metal (called a "slug") placed between them. When the strings vibrate, they create a magnetic field that is captured by both coils, generating two electrical signals that cancel out any noise or interference. Humbuckers are known for their warm, fat, and smooth tone, with a more rounded and balanced sound than single coils. They are often used in genres like rock, metal, and jazz, where a thick and powerful tone is required. Humbuckers are also less sensitive to picking nuances than single coils, which can make them easier to play for some players. However, they can also sound less articulate and dynamic than single coils, especially when played with lighter picking or fingerstyle.

Stratocaster guitar with single coil pickups

In addition to their sound characteristics, single coil and humbucker pickups also differ in their applications and compatibility with different styles of playing. Single coil pickups are often used on Stratocaster-style guitars, where they can be combined with a 5-way switch to achieve different pickup combinations and tones. They are also popular on Telecaster-style guitars, where their twangy tone is well suited for country and blues playing. Humbucking pickups, on the other hand, are often used on Les Paul-style guitars, where they can be combined with a 3-way switch to achieve different pickup combinations and tones. They are also popular on hollow-body guitars, where their warm and smooth tone can shine through. Some players also prefer to mix and match single coil and humbucker pickups on their guitars, creating a hybrid setup that combines the best of both worlds.

Gibson Epiphone Les Paul

In conclusion, single coil and humbucking pickups have distinct sound characteristics, applications, and compatibility with different playing styles. While single coils are known for their bright, clear, and dynamic tone, they are also prone to noise and interference. Humbuckers, on the other hand, are known for their warm, fat, and noise-free tone, but can sound less articulate and dynamic. Ultimately, the choice between single coil and humbucker pickups depends on the player's preferences, style, and the type of music they want to play.