Last update 6/11/2023
“My hands just aren’t as big as they should be…Can I still learn to play guitar?”
The question above is common for people considering taking the plunge and trying to learn how to play guitar. It’s understandable why some may think that! Also, seasoned players may struggle with playing specific chord fingerings, let alone full-out barre chords that may go across the entire neck or solos with superhuman finger stretches to reach that last high note.
But in the grand scheme of things, does having small hands matter? We say – and firmly say that the answer is ‘NO’!!
Sure, having hands and fingers with smaller proportions can present some challenges. The key is figuring out how to view those challenges as opportunities to improve, not roadblocks to your guitar-playing success. Having the right mindset and point of view can be helpful tools to possess!
Let’s take a quick look at a few things to consider: why (hand) size doesn’t matter when learning how to play the guitar as best you can.
Looking for the best guitar for small hands | Age DOES Matter
There is no one best age to learn the guitar. Some people start later in life. It may be safe to say that for every adult who throws their hat in the ring, just as many kids and youngsters start. Yeah. Kids may lose focus and get bored at these tender ages but may also develop a lifelong passion.
Lower age numbers typically – almost always, actually – mean one thing: small hands and body proportions. It’s important to remember that kids will grow and eventually be just the right size. Don’t let a young age hinder you – take this time as a chance to learn the basics and do your best with your physical abilities.
“The most important part of my religion is to play guitar.” Lou Reed
Compensation
If you’re on the older side of the equation – but do not have hands as big as others – then you may use some compensation techniques to get the job done. If your mindset is right, having smaller proportions will drive your inner self to innovate.
A good example is an acoustic intro to ‘Little Guitars’ by Van Halen (if you’ve never heard it, do yourself a favor and check it out). The short piece – played on a nylon string – has a strong flamenco vibe, and there’s a section with some fast tremolo picking while also playing a melodic bass line. Eddie didn’t have the skill sets to pull off what he heard in his head (if you can believe that), so he innovated. By tremolo picking open E, B, and G strings, he could hammer on the bassline melody simultaneously, producing an awe-inspiring result.
The challenge is finding the best guitar for small hands.
Was it ‘technically correct’ from a classical guitar standpoint? Nope, it wasn’t. The point here is that Eddie ran into a roadblock. Instead of letting it stop him from writing the piece as he wanted, he had the inspiration to figure out a method that fit his toolbox. And the results…as they say. are history!
The same can be said for having short fingers or hands too small to wrap around a guitar neck properly. That may mean you must play a partial rather than a full-barre chord. Instead of having a seven-fret finger spread when soloing, yours may be where you may have to change positions more often.
Challenges can breed innovation! If you can’t execute a particular technique because your hands are too small, work towards finding a solution that accommodates your physical limitations.
Short Scale Guitars
Yes, kids do grow up. And yes, adults with smaller hands can figure out ways to do what they need to do. There is another option – playing short-scale guitars.
As the name implies, a short-scale guitar has a scale length (the distance from the nut to the bridge). It is smaller than what you will find on a full-size guitar. This leads to shorter distances between each of the frets. Furthermore, it may be a dream come true for any youth or adult struggling. That tricky chord progression you’ve been attacking may suddenly become much easier.
Another benefit of playing these instruments is that they tend to have more petite proportions. Since the scale is shorter, the guitar’s body tends to be smaller in size. At the same time, we are primarily focused on ‘small hands’ in this article. Be aware that having a type of guitar body that is too big and awkward can make having more petite body dimensions even more of a battle.
Acoustic Guitar Neck Shape
Guitars with slim or C-shaped neck profiles provide a comfortable grip for players with smaller hands, reducing the strain for smooth chord transitions and intricate playing.
Guitar Neck Size and radius
Guitars with a neck width of around 1.65 inches (42mm) at the nut strike a balance between playability and comfort for players with smaller hands for ease of fretting and chord changes.
Guitars with compound radius fretboards, typically 9.5″ to 14″, provide a versatile playing surface accommodating chordal playing and lead techniques for individuals with smaller hands.
Suitable guitars for small hands
The following guitars have the correct features for guitar players with small hands.
Gibson Electric Guitars
The Gibson Les Paul Studio has a balanced combination of timeless style and comfort for players with smaller hands. Its slim-taper neck profile makes for smooth fretting and intricate playing, while its versatile pickup options allow for a wide range of tones.
With its lightweight body and slim neck, the Gibson SG Standard provides easy access to all frets. It is famous for guitarists seeking that iconic Gibson sound and playability and is tailored to players with smaller hands.
Gretsch
The Gretsch G2622 Streamliner embraces the classic Gretsch look and sound while accommodating players with smaller hands. Its reduced body depth and comfortable “U”-shaped neck profile offer a well-balanced playing experience.
With versatile Broad’Tron pickups, this guitar has both style and sonic flexibility, making it a top choice for those with petite hands.
Martin
The Martin LX1 Little Martin is a compact acoustic guitar perfect for players with smaller hands. It has a shorter scale length and smaller body, making it comfortable to play without sacrificing Martin’s renowned tone and quality.
For anyone looking for a traditional acoustic experience, the Martin 000X1AE combines a slightly reduced body size with excellent playability, making it a great option for individuals with smaller hands.
PRS
The PRS SE Custom 22 is a versatile guitar with a comfortable neck profile that suits players with smaller hands. Its dual humbuckers and coil tap make for a wide tonal range.
In addition, the PRS SE Standard 24 boasts remarkable craftsmanship and playability; it’s a top choice for guitarists who prioritize comfort without compromising performance.
Acoustic-Electric Guitar for Small Female Hands
The Yamaha APX600 is a sleek acoustic-electric guitar designed with a thinner body and narrower waist, catering to players’ comfort with smaller hands. Its onboard electronics and distinctive soundhole design provide both acoustic and amplified performance versatility.
The Fender CD-60SCE offers a more traditional body shape with a cutaway design and responsive electronics. It is an accessible choice for female players with smaller hands looking for a balanced sound and comfortable playability.
Electric Guitar for Adults with Small Hands
The PRS SE Custom 24 offers a sophisticated blend of playability and versatility, accommodating adult players with smaller hands. Its slim neck and iconic PRS design make it comfortable for extended playing sessions.
The Fender Player Stratocaster, renowned for its classic tone and smooth playability, provides an equally appealing option for adult guitarists with smaller hands, offering comfort and iconic style.
Electric Guitar for Small Female Hands
The Fender Mustang combines a shorter scale length with a comfortable neck profile, making it a great choice for female players with smaller hands. Its offset body design adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Additionally, the Gibson Les Paul Special, with its accessible neck and classic Les Paul tone, offers a reliable option for female guitarists seeking a celebrated electric guitar tailored to smaller hands.
Small Fat Hands
Guitars with wider nut widths and flatter neck profiles, like PRS Wide Fat or Gibson ’50s neck profiles, offer ample space and comfort for players with smaller yet beefier hands.
High-End Acoustic Guitar
The Taylor 814ce is a premium acoustic guitar with exceptional playability, tonal richness, and comfort for players with smaller hands. Its exquisite craftsmanship and cutting-edge features make it nothing short of a top choice for those seeking a high-end acoustic guitar that caters to their specific needs.
The Martin OM-28, known for its refined sound and timeless design, provides an equally great option for players seeking a luxurious acoustic guitar suitable for smaller hands.
Jazz Guitar
The Ibanez AS73 combines a comfortable neck profile with versatile tonal options, making it great for jazz enthusiasts with smaller hands. Its semi-hollow design adds warmth to the sound.
The Epiphone ES-339, with its compact body and smooth playability, offers another fantastic option for players looking for a jazz guitar that is great for those with smaller hands; it produces rich, resonant tones.
Parlor Guitar
The Washburn WP11SNS is a parlor-sized acoustic guitar with a charming vintage sound and a comfortable neck profile for players with smaller hands. Its smaller body dimensions offer an intimate playing experience.
The Recording King ROS-06, with its smaller body size and excellent playability, offers a distinctive tonal character, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate the parlor guitar style and have smaller hands.
Best Size Acoustic Guitar
Guitars with 00-size or 0-size body dimensions offer a comfortable playing experience for individuals with smaller hands, balancing comfort and projection.
Starter Guitar
The Yamaha Pacifica 112V is a versatile and reliable starter electric guitar with a comfortable neck profile, making it an ideal choice as a beginner’s guitar for someone with smaller hands.
Furthermore, the Epiphone Les Paul Special II offers an accessible entry point for getting into electric guitars, providing a manageable body size and user-friendly playability for novice players with smaller hands.
Best Bass Guitar for Small Hands
The Fender Mustang Bass PJ is a fantastic choice for bass players with smaller hands. It features a shorter 30″ scale length, which reduces string tension, making it comfortable to play for individuals with smaller hands. The 1.5″ nut width and “C”-shaped neck profile provide a comfortable grip and smooth playability. This bass guitar offers versatile tonal options with its Precision and Jazz pickups. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bassist, this instrument is designed to cater to players with smaller hands, ensuring an enjoyable and ergonomic playing experience.
Electric Guitar
The Ibanez GRGM21, Squier Mini Strat, and the Taylor GS Mini are all designed for easy play. They offer smaller bodies and comfortable necks perfect for individuals with small hands just starting their musical journey.
So there you have it; if you have read all of the above, you may have noticed we offer multiple choices for similar questions relating to playing guitar with small hands. The upshot is that trial and error can be the only real solution to finding the right guitar if you have smaller-than-average-sized hands.
Take plenty of time to find the right guitar that is comfortable to play and tonally pleasing. Doing so will make playing your guitar an enjoyable experience every time you play. Best of luck to you in that pursuit.
Conclusion
The simple answer (in our opinion) is that having small hands is not a game-stopper. It should not be viewed as stopping you from learning how to play the guitar. There’s no doubt that difficulties may present themselves. However, here’s where those who are driven to succeed will succeed.
Whether you are a child, first start on a short-scale instrument. Maybe you had the intention of moving up by buying a full-size guitar as you grow. However, if you are older, you may not have the body measurements that other adults may have. Perhaps you were trying to play a full-size ax from the beginning.
Keep in mind you need to have a straightforward thing. That is the drive and the passion for learning how to play the guitar in the best way possible.
Amazon has an extensive range of guitars to choose from; click the link below to check them out.
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