Stratocaster Pickup Positions

EMG DG-20 Pro Series Pick Guard
The EMG DG-20 Pro Series Active Pickup Prewired S-S-S Pick Guard.

There are many types of Fender Stratocaster pickup positions that you can configure with S-S-S, H-S-H and S-S-H types of guitar pickup pick guard controllers. Charvel, Gibson, Ibanez, Dimarzio, EMG and Seymour Duncan also make pre-wired pick guards.

Charvel Pro-Mod Seymour Duncan TB-4 and 2 BHK Single Coils
The Charvel Pro-Mod Seymour Duncan TB-4 and 2 BHK Single Coils Prewired Humbucker Pick Guard

The USA and Standard MIM Fender Stratocaster features a five-way pickup selector switch that allows you to choose between its three single-coil pickups—bridge, middle, and neck—either individually or in specific combinations. This switch is typically numbered 1 through 5, with selector 1 controlling the bridge pickup, selector 3 the middle pickup and selector 5 controlling the neck pickup. The following list details which pickups are active in each of the five standard switch positions:

Charvel Pro-Mod Seymour Duncan TB-6 So-Cal Pro-Mod Pick Guard
The Charvel Pro-Mod Seymour Duncan TB-6 So-Cal Pro-Mod FR HSH Prewired Humbucker Pick Guard.

Fender Stratocaster Pickup Positions

  • Position 1: Bridge Pickup Only. This position uses the pickup closest to the bridge and often is a humbucker pickup. It produces the brightest and sharpest tone, often described as “twangy” or “biting,” and is frequently used for rock and lead guitar to cut through a mix.
  • Position 2: Bridge and Middle Pickups. Often called one of the “in-between” or “quack” positions, this activates both pickups in parallel. It yields a bright, slightly hollow, and percussive sound that is a signature of the Stratocaster.
  • Position 3: Middle Pickup Only. This provides a balanced, versatile tone that sits between the brightness of the bridge and the warmth of the neck. Some players find it useful for open chords or rhythm parts where they want a neutral sound.
  • Position 4: Middle and Neck Pickups. The second “quack” position, favored for its warm but tight and funky tone. It is widely used by artists like John Mayer and Stevie Ray Vaughan for smooth, articulate lead lines.
  • Position 5: Neck Pickup Only. This position uses the pickup closest to the fretboard. It delivers a warm, full, and smooth tone, often described as “woody” or “bell-like,” making it a go-to for blues and jazz styles of playing.
Fender MIM Standard Stratocaster S-S-S Pick Guard
The Fender MIM Standard Stratocaster S-S-S Pick Guard with factory 250K pots and 5-way Fender switch.

One of the easiest ways to change the look of your Fender instrument is to replace the pick guard. This Standard MIM pick guard fits Mexico, MIM Standard, Standard, Highway One™, Road Worn®, Deluxe Player, Blacktop, Standard, Deluxe and Modern Player series Stratocaster guitars with three single-coil pickups (also fits Squier® Standard series Stratocaster models 2004-present). Featuring and 11-hole screw configuration and three S-S-S pickups with Fender factory 250 pots and a 5-Way switch. Below is a standard Fender MIM S-S-S pickup wiring diagram with Middle & Bridge Tone.

Fender MIM standard Stratocaster S-S-S Wiring Diagram with middle and bridge tone.
The Fender MIM standard Stratocaster S-S-S Wiring Diagram with middle and bridge tone.