Best
Wide-Neck Acoustic Guitar
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Overall: Professional Audio Preamp for Perfectly Balanced Sound
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Best Feature: Scale Length: 25.5" And Equipped With Elixir Phosphor Bronze Light String.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Wide-Neck Electric Guitar
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Overall: Ideal for rock and metal performers.
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Best Feature: Fingerboard Radius: 400mmR
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Wide-Neck Classical Guitar
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Overall: Excellent sound quality, with a warm and rich tone
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Best Feature: Features 19 Frets And 12 On The Guitar's Body.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Ever fancied picking up a guitar but ditched the idea because your fingers felt too chunky?
Don’t worry; we got you!
Playing the guitar can be made easier with the right instrument, and today we will look at the best wide neck guitar for fat fingers (also known as larger digits).
You can still enjoy playing the guitar, no matter how large your hands or fingers may be. You just need to find the one that is comfortable for you and your hands. We’ve researched for you and rounded up some of the best guitars for big fingers, so your search will be a breeze!
What is a Wide-Neck Guitar?
A wide-neck guitar is a type of guitar with a neck that is wider than a typical guitar neck. The width of the neck is measured at the nut, which is the small piece of material at the top of the neck where the strings are guided to the tuning pegs.
The wide neck guitar for fat fingers is a specialized instrument designed to accommodate players with larger hands. The extra space on the neck allows for more room between the strings, making it easier to fret individual notes and chords.
While there is no standard width for a wide-neck guitar, they typically have a nut width of 1 7/8 inches (47.6 mm) or greater, compared to the standard nut width of around 1 11/16 inches (42.8 mm) on most guitars.
Wide-neck guitars are available in various styles, including acoustic, electric, and classical guitars. They are often used by jazz and fingerstyle guitarists and players who prefer a more spacious fretboard.
Should I Get a Wide-Neck Guitar?
Whether or not you should get a wide-neck guitar depends on your preferences and physical attributes. Wide-neck guitars are designed to provide more space between the strings, which can be helpful for players with larger hands or fingers.
A wide-neck guitar could be a good option if your fingers are cramped or you struggle to find space on a standard-neck guitar.
However, a wide-neck guitar may feel uncomfortable or challenging to play if you have smaller hands. It’s essential to try out different guitars and neck widths to find what feels most comfortable and natural for you.
In addition, it’s worth considering the style of music you plan to play on your guitar. Some genres, such as classical or flamenco, often require wider necks for proper finger positioning and technique, while others, such as rock or blues, may not need a wider neck as much.
Is It Easier to Play With Wide-Neck Guitar?
Yes, playing with a wide-neck guitar can be easier if you have bigger hands and fingers. While navigating a standard guitar neck may be uncomfortable, wide-neck guitars are much more accommodating for those with fat fingers.
The wider neck allows the guitarist to spread their fingers out more comfortably while playing chords and picking strings, making it easier to play complex pieces of music. The extra room also allows guitarists to build up speed and dexterity, as they can move their fingers around the fretboard more easily.
What Should You Look For in a Wide-Neck Guitar?
Whether you’re a guitar novice or an experienced player, finding the best guitar for big fingers can be challenging. While having large hands and thick fingers may make some guitar-playing techniques more difficult, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun of learning guitar. The key is to find a guitar with a wide neck that can accommodate your fingers and thumb.
But what should you look for in a guitar designed to cater to those with wider hands and thicker fingers? Below are some key things to look for when shopping for a wide-neck guitar:
Materials & Build Quality
When purchasing a wide-neck guitar, it’s crucial to consider the build quality, as it plays a significant role in the instrument’s sound, feel, and longevity. Whether it’s an electric or an acoustic guitar, the materials’ quality and construction process should be of a high standard.
While there is no perfect material for guitar necks, maple is an excellent choice for its durability and smoothness. It allows your fingers to glide effortlessly along the fretboard, which can be particularly useful if you have larger fingers or want to play more complex chords or solos.
The guitar’s body is also essential, and mahogany is popular for its tonal qualities. It produces a warm, rich sound ideal for many music genres. Moreover, mahogany is a dense and sturdy wood, which makes it less prone to warping or cracking over time.
The attention to detail in the construction process is also essential for a high-quality guitar. A well-constructed guitar will have solid joints, even frets, and smooth finishes, contributing to a comfortable playing experience and a consistent sound.
Nut Width
A guitar’s nut width refers to the neck’s width at the top of the fretboard. It’s essential when choosing a guitar, especially if you have larger hands or fingers. Standard nut and neck widths usually measure between 1.6 to 1.73 inches, but for a wide-neck guitar, the nut width should be at least 1.75 inches, with some models measuring up to 1 ⅞” or 1 and 23/32″.
Designing a wide-neck guitar is not as simple as making the nut either thinner or wider. The spacing of the strings needs to be carefully considered to ensure optimal tonality. Even a slight increase in nut width from 1.6 to 1.75 inches can significantly affect the comfort and ease of playing chords.
Neck Shape and Thickness
The shape and thickness of the guitar neck also play an essential role in providing an enjoyable guitar-playing experience. The thickness should be neither too thick nor too thin, as both can cause discomfort. A guitar neck’s shape should also be considered, as some shapes allow for a more comfortable grip than others.
For instance, a guitar neck with a C-shape can be exceptionally comfortable for guitarists with larger hands and fatter fingers. Smaller hand guitarists may find an ultra-thin C-shape more compatible.
Moreover, guitarists with small hands but fat fingers should opt for a neck that offers less depth than those with larger hands. The guitar neck should be tailored to each guitarist’s preference and playing style.
Body Style
The guitar body’s style is essential in providing a comfortable playing experience. Some guitarists prefer the sound of a wide-neck acoustic guitar, while others opt for electric guitars due to their versatility.
Double-cutaway guitars are often more comfortable for guitarists with large hands. It provides easier access to the higher frets and allows for a more comfortable grip when playing chords or solos.
On the other hand, guitarists with smaller hands may find that a smaller guitar body is more comfortable. Parlor-style guitar bodies are ideal in this scenario as they have a smaller overall size and narrower upper bouts than most jumbo-bodied guitars.
Playability
Finally, the guitar’s playability is perhaps the most important factor. A guitar that is easy to play and feels comfortable in your hands will make it easier to play for longer periods, ultimately leading to better performances.
Factors such as string height, action, and intonation should all be considered when assessing the playability of a guitar.
6 Best Guitars For Fat Fingers
Are you struggling to find a guitars for big hands? Look no further!
We’ve compiled a list of the best wide neck guitar for fat fingers. From wider fretboards to spacious necks, these instruments ensure comfortable and effortless playing for guitarists with big fingers. Explore our top recommendations now.
Best Acoustic Guitars for
Fat Fingers
Wide neck acoustic guitars for fat fingers, providing more space between strings for comfortable finger placement. These guitars ensure easier fretting and prevent unwanted buzzing, resulting in better playability.
Invest in a wide neck acoustic guitar for a more enjoyable playing experience with your fat fingers.
Fender ESC-110 Classical Guitar, Wide Neck
The Fender ESC-110 Classical Guitar with a Wide Neck is one of the best wide neck guitar. Featuring a traditional design and vintage natural finish, this guitar is part of Fender’s Educational Series, which means it’s affordable without sacrificing quality.
Despite its wider neck, the ESC-110 Wide Neck maintains a standard nut size of 2 inches and a full-sized body, ensuring an authentic classical playing experience. It’s made from laminated tonewoods, including a spruce top and Okoume body, which provide the necessary strength and reliability for life on the go.
The guitar’s climate-resilient construction prevents warping in different environments, so you can take it out and jam with friends without worrying about damage. The walnut bridge and fingerboard add a touch of elegance, while the improved Fender nickel tuning machines improve tuning stability for longer playing sessions.
The ESC-110’s versatile nature means you can play modern, more complex picking patterns and basic scales and chords. And, with its authentic Fender vibe, you can enjoy a rich, mellow tone that’s perfect for traditionalists. The Fender gig bag is also an excellent addition, protecting your investment from scratches and dust.
Fender ESC-110 Classical Guitar, Wide Neck
PERFECT FOR: Beginner and intermediate players
FEATURES: Traditional fan bracing
OTHER INFO: Scale: 648 mm
Fender ESC-110 Classical Guitar, Wide Neck
- Laminated tonewood ensures strength and reliability
- Dynamic, responsive spruce top offers clarity and versatility
- Traditional nut size and neck give authentic playability
- Improved hardware boosts tuning stability
- Vintage tinted satin finish for a sophisticated look.
- Affordable and perfect for those on a budget
- Versatile, allowing players to play a variety of picking patterns and chords
- Ideal for adult learners wanting to add music into their daily lives
- Players with wider fingers may find the traditional neck design difficult to play.
- Nylon strings may take some time to get used to for players used to steel strings
- Traditional design may not appeal to those looking for a more modern look.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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 814ce Electro Acoustic, Natural
The Taylor 814ce is an exceptional electro-acoustic guitar built with the most significant attention to detail, making it the perfect choice for guitarists with fat fingers. The hollow body top is made from Sitka Spruce. This tonewood offers a wide dynamic range and crisp articulation, ensuring every note is released from the strings with a glistening definition.
The back and sides are made from Indian Rosewood, which adds rich, bright qualities to your tone and can even out any harsh frequencies. The grand auditorium body is known for its versatility and brilliant sound projection, with a gorgeous tonal response across the whole frequency range.
The neck is made from Tropical Mahogany, a wood that exudes resonance, richness, and outstanding balance thanks to an emphasis on midrange frequencies. Its robust and durable properties make it perfect for this scrupulously crafted neck, which promises flawless playability thanks to a satin finish.
The fretboard is made from West African Crelicam Ebony, a tonewood that offers a beautifully bright sound and a lusciously smooth finish thanks to its high oil content. The ebony used on Taylor guitars is unique due to the sustainable and socially responsible sourcing process that has led to it being in your possession.
One of the most notable features of this guitar is the sleek and comfortable armrest, which enhances your playing experience, allowing you to lose yourself in waves of glorious sound. The Venetian cutaway makes it even dreamier to play, with an exceptionally comfortable playing experience even when reaching those upper frets.
Another compelling feature of this guitar is the Expression System 2, which is mounted discreetly. This advanced electronic system boasts three pickup sensors that capture various acoustic dynamics, providing excellent tonal properties.
The system works with Taylor’s “professional audio” preamp, enabling you to connect the guitar to an amp, PA system, or recording software. Moreover, the ES2 has three soft rotary controls that let you fine-tune and shape your sound to achieve a unique and personalized tone.
Taylor 814ce Electro Acoustic, Natural
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate To Advance
FEATURES: Feature a V-Class bracing
OTHER INFO: Scale Length: 25.5" and equipped with Elixir phosphor bronze light string.
Taylor 814ce Electro Acoustic, Natural
- Bright and Responsive Tonal Properties
- Professional Audio Preamp for Perfectly Balanced Sound
- Comfortably Smooth Playability
- Versatile Sound with Expression System 2 Electronics
- Sleek and Stylish Design
- May Not Be Suitable For Amateurs Due to the Cost
- Body Size Might Feel Uncomfortable for Smaller Players
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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 Electric Guitars
For Fat Fingers
Searching for a wide neck electric guitar for fat fingers? Look no further. Wide neck guitars are designed with a broader fretboard, providing more space between strings, making it ideal for players with thicker fingers. Invest in a wide neck electric guitar to enhance your playing experience and ensure comfortable finger placement.
Let’s take a look at some of the best ones below…
PRS SE Custom 24/08, Vintage Sunburst
The PRS SE Custom 24/08 in Vintage Sunburst is a high-quality wide neck electric guitar built for performance and creativity. Featuring a stunning maple and mahogany construction, this guitar delivers a balance of warmth and brightness, projecting every note with clarity and definition.
The guitar’s maple top ensures glistening definition and minimal feedback, while the mahogany back and sides provide a resonant undercurrent of warmth and midrange frequencies.
The guitar is equipped with TCI “S” pickups that have undergone a meticulous tuning capacitance and inductance process to ensure every note is projected with refined tuning. With the 3-way pickup selector and two mini-toggle coil tap switches, you have eight pickup settings to explore, allowing you exceptional versatility and the opportunity to create your distinctive sound.
The guitar’s maple neck has a thin and wide design that’s incredibly comfortable to hold, while the rosewood fretboard allows for easy string bending and offers a beautifully balanced sound. The bird inlays on the fingerboard add an elegant touch to the guitar’s classic aesthetic.
The PRS SE Custom 24/08 also features a Sturdy Tremolo Bridge for mind-blowing divebombs and dynamic chord enhancements. With PRS Designed Tuners, you can rest assured that this guitar will stay in tune throughout the longest of gigs or studio sessions.
PRS SE Custom 24/08, Vintage Sunburst
PERFECT FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: Scale Length: 25"
OTHER INFO: 24-frets
PRS SE Custom 24/08, Vintage Sunburst
- Maple and mahogany tonewoods for warmth, projection and definition
- Thin wide neck for comfortable playability
- Great for rhythmic styles and percussive playing
- Can handle high distortion and gain with ease
- Exceptional tone quality for its price range
- Versatile and suitable for various musical styles
- Some people may not like the flat body design
- The tremolo version may have issues with tuning stability
- Limited color options for those who prefer a more traditional appearance
- There is no left-handed version available.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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 RGA42FM, Blue Lagoon Burst Flat
The Ibanez RGA42FM in Blue Lagoon Burst Flat is a sleek, modern electric guitar that perfectly combines style and performance. This guitar is designed with a classic Ibanez tone and custom Quantum Humbucker pickups that produce rich, warm tones ideal for any style and genre.
With an accelerated bass response, crushing mids, and high-end articulation, this guitar delivers thick and distorted tones without sacrificing sound quality.
One of the standout features of this guitar is its comfortable playing experience. The Wizard III Neck profile is thin and flat, making it ideal for rock and metal performers who want to shred with ease. The thin neck also reduces hand cramps and provides hours of comfortable playing.
The body is sculpted to provide unrestricted playing, ensuring the guitar won’t dig into you while you’re rocking out. The well-crafted neck joint also allows you to easily reach the higher notes on the frets.
The body of the Ibanez RGA42FM is designed with a flamed maple top and a mahogany back, providing a stylish look and producing a tone full of depth. The fingerboard is made of Jatoba, and the frets are jumbo-sized, making it easier to hit every note.
The neck and bridge pickups are controlled by volume and tone knobs, and the 5-way pickup selector allows you to switch between pickups easily. The fixed bridge provides tuning stability, ensuring your performance is always pitch-perfect.
This is an ideal guitar for players with short and fat fingers, as the comfortable neck and thin body allow your hands to move freely across the fretboard. The Ibanez RGA42FM electric guitar will become many musicians’ favorites with its high-quality pickups and exquisite design.
Ibanez RGA42FM, Blue Lagoon Burst Flat
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Fingerboard Radius: 400mmR
OTHER INFO: Nut Width: 43mm
Ibanez RGA42FM, Blue Lagoon Burst Flat
- Fixed bridge provides tuning stability.
- Ideal for rock and metal performers.
- Visually appealing design.
- Lightweight construction.
- High-quality metallic components.
- Comes well set up and is easy to play straight out of the box.
- Can intonate well with heavier gauge strings.
- Possible minor manufacturing defects.
- Body can be easily damaged due to its light build.
- Produces flat high-gain sounds, may need modification with better pickups.
- Price may be too high for its value, especially if you are looking for high-gain tones.
- Fingerboards may require more maintenance than some other materials.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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 Classical Guitar for
Fat Fingers
Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar Standard Pack, Natural
The Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar Standard Pack is one of the best guitar for big hands. It is perfect for beginners, young learners, or anyone looking for an affordable classical guitar.
The guitar is built with a spruce and meranti body, which provides a responsive and versatile tone. The natural gloss finish gives it a classic and elegant look.
The included soft gig bag makes it easy to carry the guitar around and protect it from dust and scratches. The gig bag is also perfect for students bringing their guitar to school or classes. The tuner is another excellent addition to the pack. It helps players ensure their guitar is always in tune, which is crucial for learning and playing music.
The neck of the guitar is made of nato wood, while the fingerboard is made of rosewood. The fingerboard width is 52mm, making it comfortable for players to hold and play. The gold/nylon roller tuners provide smooth and precise tuning, essential for a classical guitar.
Overall, the Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar Standard Pack, Natural, is an excellent investment for anyone looking to start their guitar journey. It offers exceptional value for money, great sound quality, and all the essential accessories you need to get started. So go ahead, express yourself, and let the music flow!
Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar Standard Pack, Natural
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Body Depth: 94-100 mm
OTHER INFO: Number of Strings: 6
Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar Standard Pack, Natural
- Sturdy and durable spruce and meranti build
- Lightweight and comfortable neck and body design
- Rich, full-bodied tone
- String height easily adjustable to suit personal preferences
- Comes with an array of accessories, including a tuner and gig bag
- Easy to learn for beginners.
- Not suitable for more advanced players
- Some users may find the strings feel too high
- High-gloss finish may require frequent polishing
- Pickup not included for electric amplification
- May not have the same depth and complexity of sound as more expensive classical guitars
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Cordoba Iberia C7-CEDAR Classical Acoustic Guitar
Looking for an acoustic guitar that captures the essence and guitar sounds of classical charm? Look no further than the Cordoba Iberia C7-CEDAR Classical Acoustic Guitar.
This stunning instrument features a combination of solid Canadian red cedar and Indian rosewood, two tonewoods trusted by fingerstyle players for years. The result is a guitar that produces a rich, nuanced sound focusing on quality and clarity.
The fingerboard is made of rosewood, providing a smooth surface for easy playing, while the neck is crafted from mahogany and shaped in a traditional classical style. The guitar also features a beautiful wooden mosaic rosette and a high-gloss PU finish, giving it a charming aesthetic.
At 375mm (14.75″) wide at the lower bout and 1,003mm (39.5″) in total length, the C7-CEDAR is a comfortable size for players of all levels. And with a two-way adjustable truss rod and bone nut and saddle, this guitar is as playable as it is beautiful.
With the mother-of-pearl fret marker inlays located at the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 12th frets, you can easily navigate the fretboard up and down with precision and accuracy. Whether you’re a classical guitarist or a fingerstyle player with fat fingers, the C7-CEDAR has everything you need to take your playing to the next level.
Cordoba Iberia C7-CEDAR Classical Acoustic Guitar
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate players
FEATURES: Overall Length: 39"
OTHER INFO: Features 19 frets and 12 on the guitar's body.
Cordoba Iberia C7-CEDAR Classical Acoustic Guitar
- Excellent sound quality, with a warm and rich tone
- Comfortable to play, with a smooth neck and low action
- Great attention to detail in terms of smaller parts, such as the saddle, nut, and bridge, can significantly impact the guitar's sound and playability.
- Affordable price point
- Solid wood construction and traditional design provide a classic and warm sound.
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
How to Make Playing Guitar Easier with Fat Fingers
1. Choose a guitar with a wider neck
Wide-neck acoustic guitars are ideal for guitar players with fat fingers because they offer more space between the strings, allowing you to play notes and chords that would be impossible on a narrower guitar.
2. Consider using lighter gauge strings
Lighter gauge guitar strings can make guitar playing easier for those with fat fingers as they are easier to press down.
3. Maintain Vertical Fretting Hand Fingers
To make it easier to play the guitar with fat fingers, keep your fretting-hand fingers as close together and as vertical as possible when pressing down on the guitar strings. This will help reduce the pressure required for each note or chord.
4. Utilize a guitar capo
A guitar capo is a tool that can be used to raise the pitch of strings, making it easier for guitarists with fat fingers to reach higher notes and chords.
5. Practice proper finger placement
Proper finger placement is essential for guitar players with fat fingers as it allows you to properly press down the strings while keeping your finger placement consistent.
Best Guitar for Fat Fingers
Summary
If you have fat fingers and love to play the guitar, don’t let your hand size hold you back!
Many great options on the market can accommodate larger fingers, from wider necks and fretboards to specific models designed for comfort and ease of playing. By considering factors like neck shape, fret size, and overall build quality, you can find the perfect guitar for your needs and preferences.
What do you think? Have you tried any guitars we recommended, or do you have a favorite for players with fat fingers? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
