Some electric guitars have two pickups, while others have three. You may have seen terms like SSS, HSS, HSH and HH when shopping for a guitar.
These letters describe the type and number of pickups on a guitar. Different setups give you different sounds.
So, why do some guitars have three pickups? And which setup should you choose?
What Are Single-Coil and Humbucker Pickups?
There are two common types of electric guitar pickups.
Single-Coil Pickups (S)
Single-coil pickups are known for their bright and clear sound. They are common on Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars.
They work well for pop, blues, funk, indie and country music.
One downside is that they can produce unwanted electrical hum.
Humbucker Pickups (H)
Humbuckers usually produce a fuller, thicker sound. They are popular for rock and metal, but they can also produce clean tones.
They are designed to reduce unwanted electrical hum.
Why Do Some Guitars Have 3 Pickups?
Three pickups give you more sound options.
On a typical Strat-style guitar, the pickups sit in three positions.
- Bridge pickup gives you a brighter, sharper sound.
- Middle pickup gives you another sound option and can be combined with other pickups.
- Neck pickup usually gives you a warmer, fuller sound.
A five-way pickup selector lets you choose different pickups and combinations. This gives you more tones to work with.
However, more pickups do not always mean a better guitar. It depends on the sounds you want.
What Is an SSS Guitar?
SSS means the guitar has three single-coil pickups.
This setup is common on Strat-style guitars. It is known for bright, clear tones and the familiar sounds used in blues, funk, pop and indie music.
Who should choose SSS?
Choose SSS if you like clean tones and want a classic single-coil sound.
The main downside is that single coils can produce unwanted hum, especially with distortion.
What Is an HSS Guitar?
HSS means the guitar has one humbucker at the bridge and two single coils in the middle and neck positions.
The bridge humbucker gives you a thicker sound for rock and heavier music. The single coils provide brighter tones for clean parts.
Who should choose HSS?
HSS is a good option if you play different styles of music. You can use the humbucker for heavier riffs and the single coils for cleaner sounds.
It is a popular choice for pop punk, alternative rock and hard rock.
What Is an HSH Guitar?
HSH means the guitar has two humbuckers and one single-coil pickup in the middle.
The humbuckers give you fuller tones for riffs and solos. The middle single coil adds more sound options.
Some HSH guitars can split the humbuckers to produce different tones. This depends on the guitar's wiring.
Who should choose HSH?
HSH is worth considering if you play rock or metal but still want access to brighter sounds.
What Is an HH Guitar?
HH means the guitar has two humbuckers, one near the bridge and one near the neck.
This setup is common on Les Paul-style guitars and many other electric guitars.
Humbuckers produce a full sound that works well for rock, blues and metal. They can also produce warm clean tones.
Who should choose HH?
Choose HH if you prefer humbuckers and do not need a middle single-coil pickup.
Some HH guitars have coil splitting, which gives you extra tonal options.
Is a Guitar With 3 Pickups Better?
Not necessarily.
Three pickups give you more combinations to choose from, but you may not use all of them.
A guitar with two pickups can still be very versatile. Some models offer coil splitting or other switching options for different sounds.
Think about the tones you use most often instead of choosing a guitar based on the number of pickups.
Which Pickup Setup Should You Choose?
Here is a simple guide.
- SSS for bright, clear tones.
- HSS for a mix of bright and thick sounds.
- HSH for humbucker tones with extra options from a middle single coil.
- HH for players who prefer two humbuckers.
If possible, try different guitars before buying. Switch between the pickups and listen to how they sound through the same amplifier.
Final Thoughts
The main reason some guitars have three pickups is to give players more sound options.
SSS guitars offer classic single-coil tones. HSS guitars combine a humbucker with two single coils. HSH guitars use two humbuckers with a single coil in the middle. HH guitars have two humbuckers.
There is no single setup that is best for everyone. Choose one that suits your playing style and the sounds you enjoy.
Visit Guitarlicious to explore different electric guitars and find one that works for you.
Recommended By Guitarlicious Specialist Team
This online guitar guide is recommended by our in-house guitar specialists, whose expertise is built upon years of hands-on experience and deep knowledge of the instrument. Based on their practical application and professional vetting, they have found this resource to be an exceptional and reliable tool for guitarists of all levels.