SSS vs HSS vs HH: What Does it Mean for Your Guitar?

If you’re shopping for an electric guitar and come across terms like SSS, HSS, or HH, you might be wondering: What does that mean? And why does it matter?

These letter combinations refer to the pickup layout on your guitar and they play a huge role in your tone and versatility.

Let’s break down what each one means and which might be right for you.

🎸 SSS = Three Single-Coil Pickups

SSS stands for Single-Single-Single - that’s three single-coil pickups in the neck, middle, and bridge positions.

Sound:

• Bright, clear, and glassy

• Great for clean tones, funk, blues, surf, indie, and vintage rock

• Iconic “Strat” tones with lots of character and snap

Best for:
Players who love clean tones and classic Fender-style sound.

⚡ HSS = Humbucker + Two Single-Coils

HSS stands for Humbucker-Single-Single - that’s a humbucker in the bridge position, with single-coils in the middle and neck positions.

Sound:

• Versatile “best of both worlds” setup

• Bridge humbucker gives you warmth and power for heavier tones

• Middle/neck single-coils keep things bright and clean

Best for:
Players who want to cover a wide range of styles - rock, blues, worship, funk, and pop - without switching guitars.

🔥 HH = Two Humbuckers

HH stands for Humbucker-Humbucker - this gives you a thicker, punchier sound at both the neck and bridge.

Sound:

• Full, warm, and powerful

• Handles distortion and high gain easily

• Ideal for lead tones, sustain, and aggressive rhythm playing

Best for:
Hard rock, metal, punk, or any style where you need a thick, saturated sound with minimal noise.

🛒 Not Sure What to Pick?

Your pickups shape your sound more than almost anything else on the guitar. If you’re not sure what fits your style, contact us for help!

At Morris Guitar Company, we carry a rotating selection of SSS, HSS, and HH-configured guitars - used and refurbished, professionally set up, and ready to play.