For individuals with small hands, playing a regular-sized acoustic guitar can be a challenge. In such cases, purchasing an Acoustic Guitar for Small Hands can be a solution to the problem. With the right Acoustic Guitar for Small Hands, players can experience more comfort, ease of play, and better sound quality.
Finding the best Acoustic Guitar for Small Hands can be a daunting task, given the wide variety of models and brands available on the market. Many guitars labeled as “small” may still be too large for individuals with small hands. Additionally, some manufacturers don’t provide accurate measurements, making it challenging for players to know if the guitar is the right size for them.
Fortunately, we have reviewed and tested numerous Acoustic Guitars for Small Hands and can assist you in finding a suitable instrument that meets your specific needs. By carefully considering factors such as size, weight, and sound quality, we can help you find the best Acoustic Guitar for Small Hands to take your playing experience to the next level.
Contents
Top 3 Acoustic Guitars for Small Hands
1. Yamaha APX600 BL Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Yamaha APX600 is a highly recommended beginner’s instrument because it is comfortable to play with.
The onboard System 65 pickup/preamplifier system with a built-in tuner is also easy to use.
More importantly, it has a profile that makes the upper part easier to reach and has a slim-line body style.
By giving the APX600 a slim body, Yamaha can provide a guitar that is easier to hold, especially for short-skilled players such as older children, teenagers, and short-sleeved adults.
You can more easily put your arms around the guitar while you play, reducing the pressure on your shoulders and arms.
The sound from the thinner body is not as loud as the full-size fearless sound, but its size is still impressive.
When you need more volume, plug it into the amplifier.
You can adjust the output through the preamplifier, which has volume and tone control.
Other specifications include spruce panels, wooden back, and side panels, and a Namu neck with rosewood wood fingerboards.
Pros:
- Comfortable and lightweight body
- With built-in pickup/preamplifier
- The onboard tuner is very accurate
- It’s great to play and sound
Cons:
- Lower volume without preamplifier
2. Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar
Taylor’s idea was to make a guitar for the kids and travel so small that Baby Taylor was born.
The Baby Taylor BT2 is a 3/4 size fearless model with a solid mahogany panel, so it is also known as Baby Mahogany.
The mahogany panel has a distinctly deep midrange and low pitch, and the more guitars you play, the more full it will be.
The side panels and arched back panels are made of layered Sapele wood, which makes the guitar attractive and durable.
The layered wood structure also makes BT2 more affordable, which is advantageous for beginners who want to start using high-quality acoustic guitars.
Due to its small body and reduced weight, Baby Taylor is not only the ideal instrument for children and travel musicians, but it is also very suitable for a limited range of adult guitarists.
Baby Mahogany BT2 is no problem for musicians who don’t need an amplifier at all.
Pros:
- The solid mahogany panel produces a rich, full tone.
- The smaller size makes the guitar lighter.
- Suitable for small hand players
Cons:
- No amplifier
- Tone adjustment sometimes has problems
3. Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Yamaha APXT2 is a 3/4 size version of the APX500III, which means it is better for small hand guitarists.
This small acoustic guitar features the same slim body design.
The Yamaha APXT2 is equipped with a System 68 contact pickup and an active preamplifier with volume and tone control.
This is an ART-based pickup system (ART stands for Acoustic Resonance Sensor). The ART system is designed around the internal support of the guitar for optimal pickup placement. This keeps the sound of the guitar, resulting in a natural, expressive, and dynamic electro-acoustic sound.
The APXT2 is also equipped with Yamaha’s proprietary tuner, which is very accurate and easy to use and is recommended.
The Yamaha APXT2 has a laminated spruce panel, a neck of cypress or mahogany, a back and side panel of willow wood, a 21-piece rosewood fingerboard with a dot inlay, and a vintage-style covered tuning. And a mahogany bridge.
In terms of sound, the projection does not have a larger body like a guitar, but it is enough for practice and camping.
For larger volumes, use the pickup/preamplifier system.
Pros:
- Thin and compact body for a more comfortable workout
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Preamplifier control is limited
The acoustic guitar buying guide for small-handed people
If your hands are small, it’s best to choose a guitar that you feel comfortable holding, playing, plucking, and strumming.
If the guitar takes extra effort to hold or string properly, you’ll soon tire or, worse, lose power. It makes you feel like you’re not cut out to be a musician.
What makes your guitar feel even better is an instrument that fits your hands, making it easier to practice good posture and hit notes on the right notes.
Here are a few tips for small-handed people to choose the right acoustic guitar
- Pick up a 3/4 travel acoustic guitar.
When choosing a folk guitar, select a model that is smaller than a full-size guitar. Check out travel guitars, concert and living room guitars, string guitars, and 3/4 size guitars.
- Smaller guitars are easier to hold, play, and press strings.
The guitar that works best for small hands should be the same as choosing a good pair of shoes. If you have 40 feet and wear a team of 44 shoes, you will feel awkward and cumbersome, though you can still walk in them.
For players with short bodies and arms, oversized guitars and even standard full-size guitars can give the impression of being huge.
Playing them can seriously worsen your condition, putting you at risk for back and shoulder pain and joint pain in the elbow and hand.
- Add some useful ergonomic features.
A slim neck outline and a narrow chord pillow width make it easier to play the guitar with small hands.
The shorter scale length and the shorter neck make it easier to press the notes closest to the head.
The cuts on the guitars also help make them easier to play. The cut body allows easy access to the top grade, especially if your fingers find it hard to reach.
- Don’t decide until you try.
Guitars come in different sizes, just like people, so you need to find the right size. If possible, go to an instrument store and play as many guitars as possible to see which one works best for you and is easiest to play.
- Work for your hands, and build up your strength.
Even if you choose the perfect guitar, what if you still have trouble playing the song? Try these exercises to relieve tension in your hands.
- Stretch your fingers before you start
Place your thumb directly under the fingerboard. This will give you a better grip on the guitar and make it easier to put pressure on the strings.
- Use lighter strings that are easier to hold down.
- Choose songs with no strings attached.
These require using one finger, leaving only three fingers that can be moved on the fingerboard. And for harder chords, it’s best to wait until your fingers have more power.
- Use modulating clamps more often.
If you want to play a song with Gareth Barry Chords, then toning and toning is the perfect solution. This will solve the problem of taking up one finger to play a chord and letting all fingers play freely.
- Look for a light electric guitar with a hollow body
The electric guitar’s body is smaller, so you can more easily reach the arm around it to pluck strings and play.
The thing to consider here is weight, including the weight of the neck. Hollow guitars are a good option for small players because they are lighter than solid-body guitars.
You can also find 3/4 size, short-scale electric guitars with hollow bodies that are lighter than traditional ones.
How To Choose The Best Acoustic Guitar for Small Hands
Choosing the right acoustic guitar for small hands can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. However, with some key considerations in mind, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect guitar that suits your needs.
1. Scale Length
Scale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge on the guitar. A shorter scale length is preferable for players with small hands as it requires less finger stretch. A scale length of 24 inches or less is ideal for small hands.
2. Neck Width and Shape
The width and shape of the neck should also be considered. A narrower neck with a slim profile makes it easier for small-handed players to fret chords and reach the notes. C-shaped necks are the most comfortable for small hands.
3. Body Shape and Size
The shape and size of the guitar body can affect the playability and comfort of the guitar. Smaller-bodied guitars like parlors and 00 shapes are great options for players with small hands as they are more compact and easier to hold.
4. Action and String Gauge
The action and string gauge on a guitar can also make a difference for small-handed players. The lower action and lighter gauge strings require less finger pressure and are easier to play.
5. Cutaway
A cutaway on the guitar body allows better access to the higher frets, which can be difficult for small-handed players to reach. Consider getting a guitar with a cutaway if you plan on playing higher notes.
6. Brand and Quality
Choose a reputable brand and a high-quality guitar within your budget. A good quality guitar will not only sound better but also be more comfortable to play.
7. Playability and Comfort
It’s important to test out the guitar before purchasing it to ensure it feels comfortable and playable. Sit down with the guitar and play a few chords and scales to gauge the comfort and ease of playing.
8. Price
Set a budget for your guitar and stick to it. There are many great options available at different price points, so you don’t have to break the bank to find a suitable guitar.
In conclusion, finding the best acoustic guitar for small hands requires careful consideration of various factors. By keeping these key points in mind, you can choose a guitar that is comfortable, playable, and perfect for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acoustic Guitars for Small Hands
If you have small hands, finding the right acoustic guitar can be a challenge. In this article, we answer some of the most common questions about acoustic guitars for small hands.
1. What should I look for when choosing an acoustic guitar for small hands?
When choosing an acoustic guitar for small hands, you should look for a guitar with a smaller body size and a narrow neck width. A shorter scale length can also be helpful.
2. Is a smaller guitar always better for small hands?
Not necessarily. While a smaller guitar may be more comfortable to play, it may also have a thinner sound due to its smaller body size. You should consider both comfort and sound quality when choosing a guitar.
3. What is the ideal neck width for small hands?
The ideal neck width for small hands is usually around 1.6 inches (40mm) or less. This will allow you to reach all the frets without straining your hand.
4. Should I choose a guitar with a cutaway?
A cutaway can make it easier to play higher frets, but it may not be necessary if you don’t plan on playing in those higher ranges often.
5. Are there any specific brands or models that are recommended for small hands?
Many brands and models offer guitars designed for smaller hands. Some popular options include the Taylor GS Mini, Martin LX1 Little Martin, and the Yamaha FG Jr.
6. Can I modify a regular-sized guitar to make it easier to play with small hands?
Yes, you can have a guitar technician adjust the nut width and string height to make it more comfortable for small hands to play.
7. Should I choose a guitar with light or heavy strings?
Lighter strings may be easier to play for small hands, but heavier strings may produce a better sound. You should experiment with different string gauges to find what works best for you.
8. How important is the action of the guitar for small hands?
The action (string height) of the guitar is important for small hands because it can affect how easy it is to press down the strings. A lower action can make playing easier, but it may also result in buzzing. It’s important to find the right balance for your playing style.
In conclusion, finding the right acoustic guitar for small hands requires careful consideration of factors such as body size, neck width, and string gauge. By keeping these factors in mind and experimenting with different guitars, you can find the perfect instrument for your needs.