Choosing the right instrument can be a challenge for any musician. Whether you have big hands, small hands, or somewhere in between, it is important to find an instrument that is comfortable and easy to play. In this article, we will look at 3/4-sized instruments, parlor guitars, and slim necks.
Tired of feeling like your fingers are always in a cramped position? If you have small hands, you know the pain of trying to stretch them across the fretboard. But don’t give up hope yet, there are certain guitars that can make it easier for you to play.
A guitar is a personal choice and not all that is available will suit everyone’s needs. But there are some guitars that can give you a new lease on life.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
The first thing you’ll want to do before deciding on which acoustic guitar will work for you is take note of the measurements. This doesn’t mean measuring your hands, but rather the scale of the instrument to get an idea of how big it is. The scale refers to the distance between the nut (the first fret) and the bridge (the highest string).
Fretboard Radius
When choosing your acoustic guitar, pay attention to how curved or flat the fretboard radius is. A flat fretboard radius is comfortable for those who aren’t used to playing the guitar, but parlor guitars and slim necks typically have a smaller radius. This is to ensure that it’s comfortable for those with smaller hands.
Neck Width
The width of the neck is an important factor when it comes to choosing your acoustic guitar. The width is measured by the space between the nut and the edge of the fingerboard at the twelfth fret.
Body Size
The size of the guitar’s body is also a big factor in choosing one. Typically, a full-sized acoustic guitar will have a bigger body than a parlor/slim-necked model.
5 Best Acoustic Guitar for Small Hands
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Jasmine S34C NEX Acoustic Guitar – with FREE Tune Pro clip on Tuner
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If you are looking for an affordable guitar that is perfect to learn the basics, the Jasmine S34C guitar is just for you. This 4 string acoustic-electric guitar has everything that a beginner would need to learn how to play.
Pros :
- Beautiful mahogany body
- The highest quality tuners available
- A hardshell case included for protection
Cons :
- A few mentions of the guitar pickers, but not bad
- The strings are a little loose almost always
2. Yamaha JR1 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar with Gig Bag and Accessories Bundle
- LEGACY ACCESSORY BUNDLE INCLUDED - The Instrument Store includes its Legacy Accessory Bundle: clip-on tuner, capo, guitar strap, peg winder, Legacy...
- PERFECT BEGINNER GUITAR - 3/4 Size Acoustic Body Style, NOT full-size
- SMALLER SIZE - Smaller for children or ideal as a travel guitar; Body Depth is 80 to 90 mm (3 1/8" to 3 9/16"); Finger Board Width (Nut/Body) is 43 mm...
- QUALITY YAMAHA PRODUCT - Spruce Top, Meranti Back and Sides, Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge
- GREAT STARTER KIT - This beginner kit will supply everything a student guitar player needs, including a gig bag
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The JR1 includes a spruce top and rosewood back and sides. The Jumbo Resonance Chamber is engineered to produce larger dimensions of sound as well as deliver a full tonal range.
Pros :
- Perfect for beginners!
- Solid wood construction with natural finish
- Includes gig bag for protection , stand, picks, strap and tuner
- String-through body design produces more volume and bass response.
Cons :
- Really not the most attractive guitar.
- Not as light as some 3/4 guitars, so it might be a bit more difficult for smaller players to play
- Non adjustable truss rod
3. Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar, Walnut Fingerboard, Sunburst
- Solid Spruce Top with Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides
- 24.75" scale mahogany neck w/20 fret walnut fingerboard
- Chrome Die-Cast tuners
- Rosewood Bridge
- Case Not Included
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Fender® CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar features a laminated spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fingerboard. The tasteful light color is a stone-finished sunburst.
Pros :
- This guitar is an affordable option for beginners, but it doesn’t lack in quality if you’re an intermediate player.
- The control cavities are shielded with copper foil to eliminate interference from cell phones and other electronics.
- A no-load pickup system cuts down on excess feedback that can be caused by stage monitors or amplifiers.
Cons :
- Lacks a pickup system for performance or recording
- Limited tonal variation from string to string because of the single row of steel strings
- The walnut fingerboard is a nice touch, but may not make a big difference in sound quality.
4. Taylor BT1 Walnut w/Gig Bag
- Top: Spruce
- Back/Sides: Walnut
- Neck/Heel: Tropical Mahogany
- Fretboard Wood: Ebony
- Case: Gig Bag
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ibanez BT1 Walnut Electric Guitar with Gig Bag is a walnut wood guitar that has been crafted into a full-sized electric guitar.
Pros :
- Durable
- Great sound for the price
- Beginners-friendly
Cons :
- The bridges are made of a less robust material than a light weight metal.
- Some backpackers have reported difficulty in getting the ability to easily fit their gear inside.
- The guitar bag is not as durable as some other bag brands, specifically those that have been made from leatherette or cloth.
5. Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
- Mahogany pattern HPL (high pressure laminate) textured finish, solid sitka spruce top
- Rust Stratabond neck, shortened 3/4 scale
- Chrome small-knob tuners. Tusq saddle.
- Solid Morado or East Indian Rosewood fingerboard
- Includes padded gig bag
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the most famous guitar makers in the world, Martin guitars have been crafted in America since 1833. The Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar is a good choice for an entry-level player, with its small body made from solid mahogany.
Pros :
- The guitar is perfect for performers, educators, and learners of all ages.
- Fretboard easily accessible at finger level for easy picking and strumming.
- Body produces a bright tone with excellent player-to-player communication.
Cons :
- Keyboard included
- Takes a little while to tune
- Not as loud as a full sized acoustic guitar
Conclusion :
If you have small hands and are looking for a guitar, you’ve come to the right place! The length of the guitar is not as important as other factors such as body size and weight, neck thickness, and width. The guitars we’ve discussed today work great for people with smaller hands.
FAQ:
Q: What is the best guitar for small hands?
A: – Shorter fingerboard – Slimmer neck (sometimes called “thin neck” guitars) – Smaller body – Light strings
Q: Which Guitar Hero Guitar is best for small hands?
A: – 3/4 guitar – Available in many colors – Cheap electric guitar – Good for kids and adults with small hands.
Q: How do you play guitar with small hands?
A: Get The Right Guitar For Your Anatomy. If your foot is a size 6,you don’t want to buy a size 9 shoe. … Have Your Guitar Setup By a Pro. In general when you buy a guitar from a music store or online,it’s not “set up” for optimal playing. Using a Capo. … Work With Your Hands,Not Against Them. … A Little Inspiration. … General Guitar Chord Help. …
Q: Which acoustic guitar should I get?
A: Think about guitar size: do you need a baby acoustic,small-bodied acoustic,dreadnought or jumbo? Are you buying a trusted brand? … A low action – the height of the strings above the fretboard – makes a beginner acoustic guitar easier and more comfortable to play. Want to play higher notes? …