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What is the perfect guitar cable length?

At Rattlesnake Cable Company, we often get asked, "what is the perfect guitar cable length?" That is a difficult question to answer without knowing some of the critical variables and applications for the musician. But before we get started, let's start with some of the common questions.

Are long guitar cables bad?

Yes and no. Typically, extremely long guitar cables can be a problem due to cable capacitance. The longer the run, the more capacitance can be encountered. Cable capacitance will darken or muddy your tone. The rate of that capacitance has multiple factors, including the length of the cable, the gauge of the conductor, and the how much internal insulation separates the signal conductor from the shield.

Long cables can be remedied with a signal buffer to get that original signal back. So if a long cable is required, we recommend using a buffer somewhere in the signal chain.

Does guitar cable affect the sound?

Absolutely, the guitar cable can affect the sound. As I mentioned above, capacitance can be an issue. This is highly dependent on the cables you purchase and how they are built. Shorter run cables in the 10-15 feet range are ideal and going 20 feet and longer, you may begin to experience some tone or signal loss. Our cables are engineered to be low capacitance, with the sweet spot being in that 15' range, and 20' still sounds clear and natural.

What is the perfect guitar cable length? Cable from spool

Are thicker guitar cables better?

Thicker guitar cables tend to indicate durability (beefy, as they say). But thicker cables also mean a more significant gap between the signal conductor and the internal shield. This gap is critical for maintaining lower capacitance over distance. Thinner cables will have a smaller gap, and high-end frequencies will bleed to ground with shorter lengths. The only way to compensate for that is to go with a thinner signal conductor, resulting in breakage over time. Our cable uses a 20AWG center conductor and spacing for low capacitance 20-25pF/foot at 15-foot length.

Now that we have some of the basics of how length can affect your tone and overall signal, let's talk about length requirements for performing.

Guitar cable length for gigs.

There are a couple of rules of thumb here.

What is the size of the stage?
What is the required movement needed?

If you're performing on a large stage with your rig WAY behind you, you need longer cables. Gigging musicians often carry a short set and a large set for the run between the pedalboard and amp. I usually recommend having an Instrument Junction Box to tie cables together for super long runs. If you're playing in most ‘bar' stages and don't want to be standing on your cables, then I would recommend 10' cables.

The other factor, which can be a significant issue, is where your beverage is during a performance. If you put a drink on your amp, you must ensure your primary instrument cable can return to the pint glass or can. If you use a mic stand to hold your beverage or keep it by your feet, then it's not an issue.

Movement is something to consider as well. Do you stay in your zone? Do you wander around? If so, then a large cable might be required.

For a typical to average stage, I would recommend a 15' to 20' Standard Cable from pedalboard to amp and a 10' or 15' Snake Head or Standard from board to instrument. If you encounter a large stage, I would recommend carrying a 20' Standard as emergency bonus cable and a Junction Box to double your length from pedalboard to amp.

Guitar cable length for recording.

When recording, you are very much in control of your tone, playing area, etc. Length is generally not an issue unless isolation booths are a long way from the playing area. If so, you can dial the proper tone while sound checking and compensating for cable capacitance with the amp or at the console. Starting with the best-desired tone is the way to go, so finding that perfect length for your ear is ideal but not necessary. Also, the opposite can be helpful; in some cases, you may think your tone is too bright, and an extremely long cable might help with that. That is one of the reasons some players like coiled cables to get that added cable capacitance with guitars with exaggerated highs.

In summary, what is ideal cable length for guitar?

Essentially, where it matters the most is live settings. Understand your average stage size and account for that, with backups lengths and the ability to lengthen if needed. Understand how you navigate your playing area (i.e., grabbing drinks, interacting with your band, etc.). Typically, 10-15 foot length cables are ideal for most stages and ensure excellent tone. Anything over 20 feet might require some adjustments.

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Reviews on Google

Brian Mariano
6/17/2024
Excellent American company. All products are handmade in Montana. I ordered 3 guitar cables and the quality is unbelievable. The components are of the highest quality and the sound is crystal clear. I will never use another cable again.

David Powers
7/16/2022
I had been looking for a cable with a 90 degree jack and the add for Rattlesnake Cables came up on FB. I loved the ash limited edition and ordered it. They informed me of the build from start to finish and I had it in hand in 2 days. Wow!! Amazing cable and well beyond my expectations. It came with a very cool cotton bag and candy like you get with a new guitar. Nice touch. I will be ordering more products as I need that stereo cable with the splitter for my RIC and the two Parkers that are both stereo . The cable and hardware is bomber and is the nicest cable I have ever seen. Thanks guys for such a great product and super service. You are hitting the Wow Factor!! Rock ON!!

Robert Chandler
8/18/2024
I purchased one of your snake cables 12 years ago when you first started your company. I was so impressed with how much your cable improved my tone and projection I purchased another cable for a backup. My first cable developed a problem with the wrap pulling away and you replaced the whole cable! Your delivery was so fast (2 days!) I never needed to use the backup cable, Twelve years later I am still using that first cable with no issues. The backup cable is now in the hands of one of my students going professional. Thank you for making such an incredible, durable product!

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What is the perfect guitar cable length?