Muscle Gain Forum

I’ve always defaulted to wide-grip pull-ups for back width, but lately I’m seeing more guys run shoulder-width or even closer grips. Curious which grip actually builds lats better in the long run, or if it’s just preference and execution.

Wide grip feels more lat-focused, but I actually grow better with shoulder-width. I can get more reps and control the movement instead of just yanking myself up.

Close or shoulder-width lets me get a way better stretch and contraction. Wide grip just turns into arms and upper back for me most days.

I think wide grip is overrated unless you’re built for it. Most people don’t have the shoulder mobility to really use their lats properly that wide.

That makes sense. I do notice my reps get sloppy when I go really wide, especially once fatigue sets in.

I rotate grips. Wide for variety, neutral or shoulder-width for actual progress. Back responds better when I don’t lock into one grip forever.

Execution matters more than grip. If you’re pulling elbows down and in, you’ll hit lats regardless. If you’re just thinking “chin over bar,” grip won’t save you.

Neutral grip pull-ups were a game changer for me. Easier on shoulders and elbows, and my lats finally started growing.