Best
Beginners Acoustic Guitar
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Overall: Solid tonewoods for both body and neck
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Best Feature: RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY QUALITY.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Intermediates Acoustic Guitars
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Overall: Compact size fits easily in most spaces
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Best Feature: Fretboard and top wood give a beautiful look
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Professionals Acoustic Guitars
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Overall: Includes a soft gig bag for easy transport and storage
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Best Feature: Scale Length: 24"
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TedScore™: 9/10
I understand the challenge of handling a full-sized guitar when your hands are smaller. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the Top 14 Best Acoustic Guitars for Small Hands, so you can feel understood and catered to and focus on playing instead of stretching.
I’ve carefully chosen guitars that offer comfort without sacrificing sound quality—because small hands can make great music, too! Whether you’re looking for the cozy curves of parlor guitars or the sleek necks of scaled-down dreadnoughts, I’ve got the details on guitars that will fit your hands perfectly.
These are not just smaller versions; they’re real instruments that can bring out your inner musician. Keep reading, and let’s find the perfect guitar for your smaller hands—your next favorite guitar is just a few paragraphs away!
Best Acoustic Guitars for Small-Handed Children
Martin LX1E Little Martin Electro Acoustic
Small-handed children often find it hard to play the guitars made for adults, given the usual size and length of the strings and the space between them. But small-handed children will have no trouble playing with the Martin LX1E Little Martin Electro Acoustic guitar, as this is a perfect beginner’s guitar for those young and budding guitarists.
The guitar has a solid Sitka Spruce top, a modified X-series “X” bracing pattern, and a crowned cross brace, providing great sound quality. It also has a Mahogany Pattern HPL Textured Finish on the back and sides, making it look great.
The neck is birch laminate with a modified low oval shape to give the fingers more room and a comfortable feel.
This ¾ size dreadnought guitar also comes with Fishman Sonitone electronics, so your little one can plug into an amp or PA system for even more volume.
The Martin LX1E Little Martin Electro Acoustic guitar also features chrome tuners with small buttons that are easy for children to use and a 16″ radius compensated White Tusq saddle, which helps provide better intonation.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: 20 frets on the Richlite fingerboard
OTHER INFO: 23" scale length
Martin LX1E Little Martin Electro Acoustic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Impressive sound for its compact size
- Easy and comfortable to play
- Excellent amplified sound
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Portability and convenience
- Affordable price
- Limited low-end depth
- Minimalistic design may not appeal to everyone
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Fender FSR Sonoran Mini Acoustic
The Fender FSR Sonoran Mini Acoustic in Lake Placid Blue is an excellent option for musicians on the go. This mini acoustic guitar is perfect for travel, small spaces, and those looking to start their musical journey. The bohemian look of the guitar is perfect for those looking to stand out from the crowd. With its top-notch construction and attention to detail, this mini acoustic has a booming sound that belies its small size.
The body of this miniature axe is crafted with spruce, mahogany sides, and back, giving it a unique tone that’s great for strumming chords and picking single notes.
When it comes to the fretboard of this instrument, you’ll find a walnut fingerboard dressed with white dot inlays and a slim taper C-shape nato neck.
For hardware, this stunning small guitar has an aged walnut bridge and vintage-style tuning machines with aged plastic buttons for added stability. This combination of tonewoods provides an unparalleled sound that will have you strumming for hours.
PERFECT FOR: Smaller Side of Acoustic Fun
FEATURES: Scale Length: 24.1"
OTHER INFO: Gig Bag (Included)
Fender FSR Sonoran Mini Acoustic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Stunning aesthetics and improved sound quality
- Excellent playability and reliable tuning
- Outstanding value for the price
- Enhanced comfort with reduced string tension
- Exceptional durability and longevity
- Limited variety of tonal options
- Not ideal for professional-level performances
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Taylor Baby BT1 Acoustic Travel Guitar
If you’re looking for a top-notch travel guitar, let me tell you about the Taylor BT1. It’s small, lightweight, and beautifully crafted, making it the perfect choice for musicians who are always on the move.
The sound quality of the BT1 is absolutely amazing! You’ll never miss the rich, resonant tones that you’d expect in a full-size guitar. The sound is crystal clear, whether you’re strumming chords or fingerpicking intricate melodies.
The BT1 is crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and layered Sapele back and sides. These tonewoods offer an incredible combination of warmth, brightness, and resonance, which gives the guitar its distinctive sound. The body shape is based on Taylor’s popular Baby series guitars, so it’s slightly smaller than other travel-sized instruments.
Just a heads up, the BT1 is a bit pricey for a travel guitar. But spending an extra hundred (or two) might be worth it if you’re all about that premium sound quality.
PERFECT FOR: Affordable alternative to Yamaha and Fender
FEATURES: 19 frets with white dot inlays
OTHER INFO: Scale length comes in at 22.75."
Taylor Baby BT1 Acoustic Travel Guitar
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- High tone versatility
- Broad dynamic range
- Unmatched playing comfort
- Smaller body size
- Elixir Phosphor Bronze Light Strings for improved playability
- Taylor Gig Bag included
- Cracking top and bowing neck reported by buyers
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany Acoustic Guitar
The GS Mini is a smaller guitar that packs a punch, and it’s hard to ignore when discussing this category. Like the Epiphone Dove, this guitar features a comfortable neck that makes playing a breeze.
Despite its smaller size, the fretboard still provides ample space, with string spacing that matches that of a full-sized guitar.
The Ebony fretboard is top-quality, and the rosewood back and sides paired with the spruce top create bright, crisp tones that are synonymous with the Taylor brand.
The guitar’s natural resonance and silky highs are never harsh on the ears. Although it comes with a relatively steep price tag, it’s one of the best deals on the market due to its exceptional quality.
The five-ring rosette and varnish finish add an extra layer of elegance and beauty to the guitar. The die-cast chrome tuners are smooth and precise, making tuning easy. And the craftsmanship speaks for itself; this is a solid guitar, that will last you for years. Taylor guitars are well known for their durability, and the GS Mini won’t disappoint.
PERFECT FOR: Compact but impactful
FEATURES: Scale Length: 23 - 1/2"
OTHER INFO: Elixir Medium Strings
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany Acoustic Guitar
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact size fits easily in most spaces
- Rich tonal quality
- Ideal for intermediate players
- Lightweight and easy to travel with
- Fretboard and top wood give a beautiful look
- Easy to tune and maintain
- Smaller bodies may not be loud enough for some players
- Price tag may be out of reach for beginners or hobbyists.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ibanez EWP14WB, Open Pore Natural
The Ibanez EWP14WB, Open Pore Natural, perfectly fits an instrument that combines a traditional look with a modern sound. With its beautiful open-pore natural finish, this guitar has a timeless appeal that will never go out of style.
The body is made of ovangkol and features a cutaway tenor-style EW body shape, perfect for smaller hands. The bridge is made of purpleheart wood, giving this guitar its unique look and feel. It also includes chrome die-cast tuners and Ibanez Advantage Bridge Pin for added stability when playing.
The sound of this guitar is truly remarkable. It has a mahogany neck with a 19-fret purpleheart fingerboard and maple dot inlay, giving the instrument a warm tone that is perfect for picking out intricate melodies. The short scale length also allows you to easily explore different playing styles, like fingerstyle, jazz, blues, etc.
PERFECT FOR: style with modern sound
FEATURES: Scale: 17"
OTHER INFO: Coated Phosphor Bronze, Light, .010 - .047 Gauge
Ibanez EWP14WB, Open Pore Natural
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Improved volume and sustain.
- Good build and finish
- Unique tone
- Reasonable price
- Good for strumming and fingerpicking
- Tuners are not very durable
- Intonation and action can be difficult to adjust properly
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Deluxe 3/4 Classical Guitar, by Gear4music
Affordable, good-looking and great sounding, the Deluxe 3/4 Classical Guitar by Gear4music is an ideal instrument for beginners. With a short scale length and smaller body size, playing is comfortable even with small hands.
Crafted from superior materials and expertly assembled, the guitar produces a warm, even tone that rivals more expensive counterparts. The top is made from spruce wood, which has a bright sound, while the back and sides are constructed from agathis to add warmth. Both types of wood achieve great resonance with minimal effort for sweet-sounding notes.
The classic blackwood fingerboard and bridge add to the aesthetic of this guitar, making it look as good as it sounds. The neck is crafted from luan wood, a lightweight yet strong material for easy playing.
PERFECT FOR: Get Big Tones in a Small Package
FEATURES: Scale length of 23."
OTHER INFO: 19 frets
Deluxe 3/4 Classical Guitar, by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lightweight and portable
- Ideal for hobbyists and beginners
- Nicely crafted with superior materials
- Blackwood fretboard and bridge
- Rich, full sound with clear highs and deep lows
- Not suitable for advanced techniques
- Might require some setup
- Limited tonal versatility
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha APXT2 3/4 Electro Acoustic
Yamaha acoustic guitars are super popular and have models in all price ranges! Check out this 3/4 model – it comes in tons of colors and has a cutaway to make playing those high notes a breeze. It’s perfect for younger audiences or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with a massive guitar. Plus, it’s got a pickup system, so you can plug it into an amp or speaker.
The APXT2 acoustic-electric guitar features a spruce top and meranti body, with rosewood for the bridge and fingerboard. The neck is made from nato/mahogany and has a 43mm nut width, perfect for smaller hands. All the hardware is chrome-coated to give it a more modern look.
You can get the Yamaha APXT2 in various colors, but the Old Violin Sunburst might be our favorite. This gives it an antique look that’s still modern and stylish.
PERFECT FOR: Versatility for all techniques
FEATURES: 22.8" scale length
OTHER INFO: System 68 Pick-Up
Yamaha APXT2 3/4 Electro Acoustic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Rich, warm tone with a bright and punchy sound
- Easy to play neck for the beginner guitarist
- Lightweight construction makes it easy to transport
- Comes with System 68 Pickup and Preamp built-in
- Ideal for a variety of different playing styles
- Not ideal for those with larger hands
- The lower end can be muddy at higher volumes
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Acoustic Guitars for Small-Handed Adults
Yamaha FS800 Acoustic
The FS Series from Yamaha provides great value for money, offering high-quality instruments with the same performance standards as their more expensive counterparts. Versatile and comfortable to play, these guitars have a smaller frame and shorter scale than full-size acoustics, making them perfect for more intricate playing styles. Plus, their concert body shape produces a crisp sound that will help you get the most out of your playing.
The Yamaha FS800 Acoustic has a solid spruce top, nato/okume body, and a walnut fingerboard and bridge for a beautiful look. The newly developed scalloped bracing gives you more volume and improved sustain, while the matte neck finish is incredibly comfortable.
This parlor guitar is best suited for fingerstyle playing due to its shorter scale length, but it’s equally capable of adapting to other styles, such as folk or blues.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: A tortoise pickguard
OTHER INFO: Hex Wrench Included
Yamaha FS800 Acoustic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Solid tonewoods for both body and neck
- Big and excellent sound despite its small body
- Visually appealing guitar
- Excellent craftsmanship for added durability
- Affordable price range
- Lack of strap button on the body's neck side
- Sound projection is limited
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ibanez AW54 Artwood, Open Pore Natural
Let me take you on a journey through time, from 1908, when the Japanese manufacturer Hoshino Gakki decided to enter the guitar-making business. Fast forward to 1935, and they created their first classic model! This guitar was a big hit in Spanish music and has since become a staple of traditional flamenco music.
Enter the Ibanez AW54OPN. This classic model is perfect for getting a feel for traditional flamenco playing styles and providing the sound and look of an instrument that has been around for over a century.
The AW54OPN features a solid mahogany body with an ovangkol bridge and Ibanez Advantage bridge pins. It’s braced with X-Bracing for a rich tone and sustain and has a natural open pore finish that will age gracefully over time.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: 20 frets
OTHER INFO: Scale Length: 651 mm
Ibanez AW54 Artwood, Open Pore Natural
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Impressive hardware with high-quality components
- Provides a satisfying tactile experience
- Reliable and maintains consistent performance
- Delivers a rich and immersive sound experience
- Slightly heavier than desired
- Fretboard could benefit from improvements
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Hartwood Villanelle Cutaway Electro Acoustic Guitar
The Hartwood Villanelle Cutaway Electro Acoustic Guitar is an excellent choice for any guitarist looking to make a statement with their sound. This beautiful instrument has been crafted with attention to detail, using only the finest materials.
The solid Engelmann spruce top provides plenty of projection and clarity, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and body to your tone. The neck is made of mahogany and features a 43mm nut width for comfortable playing. The American black walnut fingerboard offers 20 frets with dot inlays for easy navigation, while the 12.5″ radius ensures smooth string bends.
The Fishman Isys T pickup system provides plenty of control over your sound, allowing you to adjust volume, tuner, phase, contour, and check the battery indicator. The overall length of 1039mm and body length of 510mm makes this guitar more suited for smaller guitars player but still can produce a great sound.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Fingerboard Radius: 12.5"
OTHER INFO: Fishman Isys T Pickup
Hartwood Villanelle Cutaway Electro Acoustic Guitar
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Versatile sound for various styles and techniques
- Durable construction with high-grade materials
- Fishman preamp for amplification and tuning
- Vintage-style design for a classic look
- Comfortable neck profile
- Setup could be improved for better intonation.
- Fewer customization options compared to other guitars.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Steel
The Fender FA-15 is designed for aspiring guitarist who wants quality sound and style at a low price. This steel string guitar features a 3/4 scale length – perfect for those with smaller hands or players looking to hone their skills on something more manageable.
The body is made from a laminated agathis top with a sapele back, and sides finished in a classic satin polyurethane that looks great on stage or off. A walnut fingerboard has a comfortable “C” shape neck profile, white dot inlays, and 18 vintage-tall frets for easy playability. Chrome hardware includes die-cast tuning machines and a walnut bridge with black pins, while Dura-Tone 880L 80/20 strings make for a lively sound.
Talking about sound, the FA-15 delivers a warm tone that’s sure to please. The guitar includes a gig bag, so you can take your playing wherever you go.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Scale Length: 23.3"
OTHER INFO: Factory-installed forward strap button with internal block reinforcement.
Fender FA-15 3/4 Scale Steel
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Ergonomic and comfortable body shape
- User-friendly bridge design
- Wide nut for enhanced playability
- Shorter scale length for easier reach
- Fretboard may not offer optimal comfort
- Tall frets could affect playability
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Martin Dreadnought Jr Electro Acoustic
Martin guitars are among the most respected brands in acoustic instruments, and the Dreadnought Jr Electro Acoustic is an outstanding example of their craftsmanship.
With a body made from spruce, it boasts an X-braced top and scalloped braces for a warm and balanced tone. The fretboard is Richlite and features a MOP pattern inlay and 28 style dots.
The neck is crafted from select hardwood with a mortise and tenon joint for supreme stability. Chrome tuning knobs give the guitar an elegant touch, while the Fishman Sonitone electronics ensure you can amplify your sound whenever needed.
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate to Advance
FEATURES: Scale Length: 24"
OTHER INFO: Faux Tortoise Pickguard
Martin Dreadnought Jr Electro Acoustic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Faux Tortoise Pickguard
- Lightweight body design
- Plenty of projection
- Great sound quality
- Includes a soft gig bag for easy transport and storage
- Slightly lower volume compared to full-sized counterparts
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Deluxe Cutaway Folk Guitar by Gear4music
The Deluxe Cutaway Folk Guitar by Gear4music is the perfect companion for those looking to learn or improve their guitar-playing skills. This affordable guitar features a spruce laminate top and an ovangkol back and sides for a stunning look.
The maple bridge provides a smooth playing experience, while the matte finish complements its design. The Nato neck is fitted with a poplar laminate fingerboard for added comfort.
To ensure perfect tuning, Chrome die-cast machine heads hold high-grade steel strings. With a nut width of 42mm, the Deluxe Cutaway Folk Guitar is perfect for strumming chords and picking out melodies.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Length: 1033mm
OTHER INFO: Width: 386mm
Deluxe Cutaway Folk Guitar by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Excellent tone for its price range
- Cutaway design allows for easy access to upper frets
- Balanced sound with good sustain
- Lightweight construction for easy handling
- Limited scope for customization
- May require frequent tuning adjustments.
- Sound may not be as powerful.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Differences between Acoustic Guitars for Small Hands and Regular-Sized Guitars
The main difference between small acoustic guitars made for small hands and regular-sized guitars lies in the size of their necks. The neck of a guitar determines how easy it is to play, as well as its overall sound quality.
For players with smaller hands, the most comfortable option is often an instrument with a shorter scale length – usually around 24 inches or less.
These guitars are often light-weighted and have a shallow body depth, making it easier for players with small hands to hold the instrument comfortably.
On the other hand, regular-sized guitars tend to have a longer scale length of 25.5 inches or more. This can make them difficult and uncomfortable to play, especially for those with smaller hands.
But it’s not just about size – while they may be smaller, these guitars still pack a punch regarding sound quality! Many manufacturers have developed specialized construction techniques which enable them to achieve a rich, professional sound from even the most diminutive instruments.
Finally, acoustic guitars for small hands are usually more affordable than regular-sized guitars. This makes them an ideal choice for beginners or those on a budget.
Measuring a Guitar Based on Your Hand Size
Measuring a guitar based on your hand size can help you determine the appropriate instrument size that suits your hand span and length. Below are two measurements method that is straightforward to comprehend and perform are discussed.
Guitar Based on Your Hand Size ?
- Extend your hand fully, stretching your fingers as far apart as possible.
- Position a ruler or measuring tape from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your little finger.
- Observe and record the measured distance.
Begin by positioning your hand so that your palm is facing upwards.
Lay a ruler or measuring tape on your open palm, aligning the starting point (zero mark) with the crease on your wrist.
Measure the distance from the wrist crease to the tip of your middle finger, following the length of your palm.
Record the measurement in millimeters or any desired unit.
Measuring hand size can help individuals, especially beginners, find a guitar that suits their hand proportions and playing style.
By comparing hand span to scale lengths of guitars, one can identify models that provide a comfortable reach for fretting chords. Similarly, hand length can provide a general guideline for selecting an appropriately sized guitar that complements the player’s physical attributes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Acoustic Guitar for Small Hands
The size and dimensions of the instrument can significantly impact your comfort and playability. Below are three critical factors to consider when selecting an acoustic guitar for small hands:
Scale Length
Scale length refers to the length of the vibrating strings on a guitar, typically measured from the nut to the bridge.
For individuals with small hands, a shorter scale length can be more comfortable to play. A shorter scale length means the frets are closer together, requiring less reach and stretching of the fingers.
Nut Width
Nut width significantly determines the spacing between the strings at the guitar’s top end. For players with small hands, a narrower nut width can provide a more comfortable grip and facilitate easier fretting.
Look for guitars with a nut width of around 1.65 inches (42mm) or less to ensure a better fit for smaller hands.
Body size and shape
An acoustic guitar’s’ body style, size and shape can also impact its playability for individuals with small hands.
Smaller guitar body sizes, such as concert or parlor guitars, generally have a more comfortable reach and reduced overall size, making them easier to handle.
A cutaway design can provide better access to the higher frets, allowing for greater flexibility when playing melodies and solos.
Tips and Tricks
for Playing Acoustic Guitars with Small Hands
Best Acoustic Guitar For Small Hands
Summary
Any guitar is only as good as the player behind it. These guitars, with their smaller body sizes and easily accessible necks, make playing guitar a lot easier and more enjoyable.
From the superior sound of the Taylor GS Mini to the slim neck of the Ibanez EWP14WB, we’ve seen some real gems that need to improve quality for size. The Martin LX1 and Deluxe Cutaway Folk have also been standouts, proving that big acoustics come in small packages.
Here’s a nifty breakdown of our finds:
- Top Sound: Taylor GS Mini
- Comfy to Play: Fender FA-15
- For the Road Warrior: Martin LX1 Little Martin
- Budget-Friendly: Ibanez EWP14WB
- Editor’s Pick: Deluxe Cutaway Folk
Remember, it’s all about finding a guitar that feels like a natural extension of your body. So, go ahead and pick one that fits like a glove, delivers a punch of sound, and keeps the tunes flowing without a fuss. Cheers to endless melodies on these compact beauties!
As a mom trying to find the perfect first guitar for my daughter, I found your segment on guitars for small-handed children immensely helpful. The Martin LX1E and the Taylor Baby BT1 seem like wonderful options, especially considering their reduced size and the fact that they are from reputable brands. This article was exactly what I needed to make an informed decision. Thank you, Lewis , for putting together such a comprehensive guide.
Interesting picks, Lewis . I’ve played a few on your list and they’re solid choices. Though, personal touch is key, gotta play ’em to really know.
Good point. Maybe not at first, but as they learn, definitely.
Totally agree, but do you think beginners would be able to tell the difference early on?
Gotta give it to the Yamaha FS800, been playing on mine for months and it’s solid for those of us not blessed with larger hands. The neck feels right and it’s got a sweet tone. Can’t comment on the others but Yamaha’s been good to me. Also, props for including nut width and scale length, not everyone talks about that but it’s crucial info.
Hey Lewis , thanks for the great list! Quick question – for someone who’s just starting out, would you say the Martin LX1E Little Martin is easier to get the hang of than the Taylor GS Mini? I’ve got pretty small hands and wanna make sure I’m picking the right one to start with.