How does a guitar 3 way switch work?

The 3-Way Switch, like the 5-Way Switch, is comprised of 2 sides, with 4 terminals on each side. The only difference here is the size of the blade that wipes the terminals. The 3 Way Blade only connects one terminal at a time, where the 5-Way blade switch can connect two terminals at a time.

How do you test a 3-way switch on a guitar?

On a 3-way toggle switch, for example, touch either one of the side lugs with one of the test leads from the multimeter, then touch the middle lug—that’s typically the output—with the other test lead (Photo 3). If you hear a tone, then you know the switch is on in that position.

What does a three position blade guitar switch do?

Three-position blade guitar switches are wired and function similarly to a three-position toggle guitar switch, with one setting (usually with the guitar switch slid fully “forward” or towards the neck) activating the neck pickup, a middle position where both pickups are active, and a third where only the bridge pickup is turned on.

What kind of switch is on a Stratocaster?

Three-position guitar switches are more commonly found on two-pickup guitars, while the five-position blade guitar switch is a common feature on guitars equipped with three pickups, like the Stratocaster shown in Figure 2.

Where are the switches on an electric guitar?

Electric guitar switches are usually three-position switches. When the guitar switch is flipped up (towards you as you’re holding the guitar), the guitar pickup that is closest to the guitar’s neck (the “neck pickup”) is usually selected by itself. On some guitars, this setting is marked “Rhythm.”

How to wire a 3 way guitar switch?

How to wire a 3 way (or any) guitar switch. If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV’s watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer.