Struggling to find the best acoustic guitar for small hands? You’re not alone. With the right information, you can find the perfect instrument that will allow you to express yourself and develop your musical skills.
This article will guide you through tips and top picks to help make your decision easier.
Welcome to the complete guide on finding the best acoustic guitar for small hands! If you’re in the market for a new guitar but worried it may be impossible, never fear. This guide will equip you with all the information and resources you need to find the perfect acoustic guitar tailored to your unique needs.
We’ll start off by covering why size does matter when it comes to guitars. As a small-handed musician, you’ll have different considerations than someone with larger hands. Then we’ll take a look at acoustic vs electric guitars, as well as compare Fender and Martin models. Finally, we’ll discuss frequently asked questions about playing an acoustic guitar with small hands and offer tips and recommendations on instruments specifically tailored to smaller players. Read on to learn how to select the best acoustic guitar for your own needs!
Explanation of the topic
The length and/or size of a guitar’s neck as well as the body can be of great concern for those with small hands. A lengthy or large-bodied acoustic guitar can be daunting, if not outright impossible to play with ease. Here is a guide to help small-handed players determine what size guitar is best for them, accompanied by top picks for small-handed acoustic guitars.
Principally, it makes sense to choose an instrument that fits comfortably in your hands, regardless of your body and hand size since the goal is accuracy and comfort when playing an acoustic guitar. For those who need a little assistance in finding the right guitar neck shape and body size, here are some guidelines:
- Smaller bodied guitars such as parlor guitars are better suited for smaller players than larger bodied instruments like dreadnoughts due to their presence of reduced scale length, narrower waist and less overall weight – generally easier to hold on your lap.
- Look for a nut width between 1 11/16” – 1 3/4”; offer less string spacing than the wide nuts which offer more room between strings – common on dreadnought models.
- For comfortable playing over the entire fretboard look towards guitars that have shorter scale lengths such as 24 3/4 “ vs full-size 25 1/2″ (which can be too long or feel like trying to play an octave down all of the time).
Armed with this information then we can make specific suggestions about some appropriate guitars featuring these components, all suitable choices should you have smaller hands: Yamaha FG800 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar; Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar; Seagull Maritime SWS folk Semi-Gloss QIT; Fender CD-60SCE All Mahogany Electro Acoustic etc….
Understanding Small Hands and Guitar Size
As a guitarist with small hands, you may find it difficult to transition to playing on a regular-sized guitar. But with the right knowledge and research, you can find an instrument that will not just be comfortable for you to play but also sound great.
When it comes to acoustic guitars, there are two main factors that will determine what size instrument is best for smaller hands – the body size and scale length. Body size is essentially the overall width of the guitar, which includes both its depth and width (including how far from the nut it extends), while scale length refers to how long the neck is from nut to bridge.
The body size of a smaller sized acoustic guitar should range from 14” to 16” wide, which is significantly shorter than a standard-sized instrument (19-21”). Scale lengths should typically range from 22.5-24” on any smaller sized guitar, compared to 24.75” on most standard instruments. Generally speaking, if you have small hands or are just starting out as beginner player, these dimension specifications will make playing your guitar much easier and more comfortable.
How hand size affects guitar playing
When shopping for an acoustic guitar, the size of your hands is an important factor to consider. Smaller-handed players may feel uncomfortable or struggle to play certain chord shapes if the guitar’s neck and body are too large for their hands. Manufacturers can account for this by making some models with smaller bodies and/or necks in order to accommodate players with smaller hands.
Choosing a guitar based on its size should not be the only factor you consider, however. While it is important that it is comfortable to hold and play, its sound quality, ease of setup and overall playability should also be taken into account before purchasing a guitar.
In this guide, we will discuss not only how hand size affects guitar playing but also provide helpful tips on what types of guitars are best suited for small-handed players. We will also share some options we think are great fits for small-handed players including what makes each one special and pitfalls you should look out for when shopping around.
The importance of choosing the right guitar size
In order to perform well and feel comfortable playing, it’s essential that you choose a guitar size that fits both your body and hand size. Not all guitars are the same size, and finding the right size for your needs can mean the difference between a pleasurable experience playing music and one filled with frustration. Here are a few tips for finding a guitar size that’s right for you:
First, measure your wrist-to-shoulder distance. It is important to consider how far apart your torso is from your hands when selecting an acoustic guitar―or electric―body shape and neck length. A smaller player will need a shorter scale or narrow fretboard while a larger player might prefer a longer scale or wider fretboard in order to prevent stretching too much during playability.
Second, assess how large or small your hands are. Hand sizes vary significantly from person to person so it is important to select a guitar that accommodates them comfortably. Smaller hands will benefit from guitars with shallower profiles while larger hands may want something thicker with more fingerboard space between frets. Additionally, players with smaller hands may find some comfort in guitars with slimmer nut widths or cutaways providing easier access to higher frets.
Third, get an expert opinion whenever possible to test out different sizes and sounds of acoustic guitars before committing to them long-term; this way you can find which works best for you by trying out different instruments directly before purchase. It’s important to note as well that different types of woods even on the same body shape can produce different tones when played; therefore it is essential for players trying out new instruments in person if playing one in front of an audience is the goal…!
The different types of guitar sizes available
Knowing the different types of guitar sizes available can help you make a more informed decision when purchasing a new instrument. Below we outline the most common types and their benefits:
-Travel or ‘3/4’ size guitars: these come in around 24-30 inches in length, are ideal for carrying on trips, or younger players with small hands. They provide the same playability as full size models but can be played comfortably by smaller hands.
-Parlor or ‘00’ size guitars: these usually range from 24-26 inches and feature a slimmer body than travel models, making them popular for folk and fingerstyle players. The shorter scale also makes them easier to reach across.
-Jumbo sized guitars: generally measuring up to 45 inches in length these have a deeper, more rounded sound that is favored by many country musicians. Their larger bodies offer powerful lows and robust projection.
-Dreadnought sized guitars: one of the most common shapes found today, dreadnoughts are ideal for those who like an all round sound with plenty of volume – great for strumming and lead playing alike. It has an equally balanced tone making it well suited to almost any genre of music.
Maintaining Your Small-Handed Acoustic Guitar
Maintaining your acoustic guitar is important, regardless of size. For small-handed instruments, it is especially important. Once you have an instrument that fits perfectly in your hands and make playing easier, you don’t want to risk damaging it or making playing more difficult. So here are a few tips for how to maintain your guitar and keep it in perfect working order:
-Make sure to store the instrument in a case when it’s not being played. If the guitar is left out, changes in climate and moisture can damage the wood and cause the strings to rust or fray.
-Clean the strings regularly with a dry cloth to prevent dirt buildup that can make chords harder to play.
-Check if you need to retune your strings if they start sounding “off”. This will probably happen more often due to the smaller body of your small hand acoustic guitar as compared with larger guitars; as such, be prepared for frequent tuning sessions!
-Assess whether additional features such as strap locks are needed (if you plan on standing while playing). Many specialize these features towards small handed guitars so check our guide for which products work best for this type of instrument.
-Replace strings periodically–the main wear down occurs at the bridge where fingers press onto them during chord shapes; this happens quicker with smaller hands than normal sized ones. Change them at least twice a year depending on frequency of use and harshness of playing habits.
Proper storage and handling
When handling and storing your acoustic guitar, you want to be sure to take special care of it. To preserve your instrument for the years ahead, it’s important that you properly store and handle it in order to minimize damage and corrosion. Here are the best practices for how to store and handle your acoustic guitar:
– Store your acoustic guitar in a soft case or gig bag when not in use. This will protect it from dust and dirt buildup and provide a buffer from wear and tear.
– Place a humidifier inside the guitar case when necessary, especially in dry climates or during winter months. This will prevent cracks or splits due to sudden changes in humidity levels.
– Wipe down the strings of your instrument after each use using a lint-free cloth dampened with a mild cleaning solution crafted specifically for guitars. This will help remove any dirt buildup on the strings which can cause rusting, as well as keeping them feeling nice under your fingers when playing.
– If necessary, raise the action of the strings at near fret positions using an Allen wrench that came with you instrument’s accessory kit to help avoid buzzing while playing intricately fingered chords or notes at higher frets– especially if you have smaller hands playing them!
Regular cleaning and maintenance
Regular maintenance and cleaning is essential in keeping your acoustic guitar in good condition. Regularly clean the body and strings of the guitar to prevent dust, dirt, and debris from building up. Doing so also preserves the strings’ quality, making them last longer. Many stringed instruments come with care instructions; get familiar with these before you start cleaning your acoustic guitar.
The fretboard of an electric or acoustic guitar also requires regular attention to keep it functioning well. Carefully clean the fretboard using an appropriate cleaner or conditioner specifically made for musical instrument fretboards such as rosewood, ebony, etc. It is important to use a soft cloth or a soft-bristle brush rather than steel wool or scouring pads when cleaning the instrument—no matter what type of guitar you own—as they can cause scratching. The strings should also be replaced regularly; this helps prevent tonal problems due to old worn-out strings. Keeping your acoustic guitar in great shape will make playing it even more enjoyable every time.
Making adjustments to suit your playing style
Once you’ve chosen the best acoustic guitar for small hands, it’s important to adjust the action (distance between strings and fretboard) to suit your playing style. Before adjusting the action, check that all of the parts of the guitar are in good condition, without any cracks or damages. Use a capo and adjust the saddle height until it’s comfortable for you to play using different frets. You can lower or raise the bridge saddle if need be. If too low, you will experience buzzing and poor tone; if too high, playing will be difficult.
For proper intonation, make sure that each string produces an in-tune note when fretted at 12th fret while comparing with an electronic tuner.
For a better idea of how acoustic guitars sound when played properly by people with small hands, take some time to listen to YouTube tutorials from professional musicians with smaller hands who have mastered their instruments. Watching them play will give you added tips on how to maximize your technique on a small-sized instrument.
Knowing when to seek professional repair or maintenance
Although an acoustic guitar may be one of the most durable instruments in a musician’s repertoire, it still requires regular maintenance to ensure it can last for years and continue to produce the best sound quality. Common maintenance tasks include keeping strings tightened, cleaning or replacing worn parts such as frets or nut, and oiling tuning pegs. Cleaning and polishing pickups and hardware should also be done routinely. It’s important to remember that proper maintenance is essential in maintaining a high-quality instrument.
Since certain repair jobs can require expertise, skilled craftsmanship or specialized tools, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help for acoustic guitar maintenance. If you need help determining when repair work is necessary or find yourself lacking knowledge on how to properly care for a guitar, consulting with a qualified professional can save you time and money in the long run. A skilled luthier may also be able to upgrade components of your instrument that result in improved sound quality as well as more influenced styling choices such as repurposing hardware pieces.
Conclusion
Finding the best acoustic guitar for small hands can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding what you need in an acoustic guitar, knowing what kind of music you want to play and considering various factors like size, sound and design, you can find the perfect instrument that will bring a lifetime’s worth of enjoyment.
When searching for the best acoustic guitar for small hands, consider factors like scale length and string height. You’ll also want to think about sound quality and design elements before making your final choice. The good news is that with so many choices and options available today, there is sure to be an acoustic guitar out there that fits your particular needs and wants. Happy shopping!
FAQs
What acoustic guitar is good for small hands?
There are several acoustic guitars that are good for small hands, such as the Taylor GS Mini, Yamaha FG800 Small Body, and the Martin LX1 Little Martin. These guitars are designed with smaller neck profiles and shorter scale lengths, making them easier to play for individuals with smaller hands.
How to choose a guitar for small hands?
When choosing a guitar for small hands, it’s important to look for guitars with smaller neck profiles and shorter scale lengths. Additionally, guitars with a lower string action and a thinner neck can also be easier to play for individuals with smaller hands.
What is the best acoustic guitar neck radius for small hands?
The best acoustic guitar neck radius for small hands is typically around 9.5 inches or less. A smaller neck radius allows for easier finger placement and chord changes for individuals with smaller hands.
Which guitar is best for short fingers?
Guitars with smaller neck profiles and shorter scale lengths, such as the Taylor GS Mini, are typically best for individuals with short fingers. Additionally, guitars with a smaller nut width can also be easier to play for individuals with shorter fingers.
Which guitar neck shape is best for small hands?
Guitar neck shapes can vary, but a thinner neck profile and a flatter fretboard can be easier to play for individuals with small hands. C-shaped necks can also be comfortable for smaller hands, as they allow for a natural grip.
What size guitar for small people?
Small people, including children, may benefit from smaller guitars such as 1/2 size or 3/4 size guitars. These guitars are designed with smaller neck profiles, shorter scale lengths, and smaller body sizes, making them easier to play for individuals with smaller hands and frames.
Which acoustic guitars are easiest to play?
Acoustic guitars with smaller neck profiles, shorter scale lengths, and a lower string action can be easier to play for beginners and individuals with smaller hands. The Yamaha FG800 Small Body, Taylor GS Mini, and Martin LX1 Little Martin are all examples of acoustic guitars that are considered easy to play.
What is a 3/4 size acoustic guitar?
A 3/4 size acoustic guitar is a smaller version of a standard acoustic guitar. It has a shorter scale length and smaller body size, making it easier to play for individuals with smaller hands and frames.
Can you play acoustic guitar with small hands?
Yes, individuals with small hands can play acoustic guitar. It may be beneficial to look for guitars with smaller neck profiles, shorter scale lengths, and a lower string action to make playing easier and more comfortable.
What is the easiest playing guitar neck?
The easiest playing guitar neck is subjective and can vary from person to person. However, guitars with a thinner neck profile, flatter fretboard, and a smaller neck radius can be easier to play for individuals with smaller hands and those who are just starting to learn.
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