Bridge pickup

The pickup nearest the bridge, which hears the string where it moves least, giving it a brighter, tighter, more cutting voice.

Because the string's excursion is small near the bridge, the pickup's output is lower and its harmonic content leans to the treble, which is why this position is used for rhythm parts that need to sit above a bass and drums, and for lead playing that has to cut. Small changes in its distance from the bridge change the tone noticeably, and many designs angle it to favour the bass strings. Most players use it far more than the neck pickup for distorted sounds.

Example: a rock riff played on the bridge pickup stays defined under heavy gain where the same riff on the neck pickup turns to mush.

Bridge pickup

See also