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The best acoustic guitar for beginners with small hands in 2023

Travis Moore
  Sep 24, 2023 8:59 PM

You pick the best guitar for you based on your tastes, such as size, shape, style, and sound genres, and then there's the physical aspect. Children, teenagers, and women are the most likely to have small hands. Playing the guitar with small hands can be difficult and even unpleasant. If you're worried about not progressing quickly because your fingers won't stretch far enough or fall in the appropriate places, especially if you are a beginner, don't be. We are here to introduce this buying guide to choose the best acoustic guitar for beginners with small hands. Let's get started!


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Buying guide

Even though you have small hands, you can strum a guitar like a master. It's simply a question of finding the correct one. When looking for an acoustic guitar ideal for someone with small hands, there are a few factors to bear in mind. Simply look for guitars with a thin neck and lightweight strings with short lengths so you can practice, and maybe get over your obsession with a dreadnought. The significance of a solid setup cannot be overstated. First and foremost, consider the size. Many individuals believe that they should choose a smaller guitar if they have small hands. This isn't always the case, however.

Guitar Body Size

A full-size guitar (also known as a dreadnought guitar) can be just as comfortable and, in some situations, even easier to play for someone with little hands than a children's model. These full-size guitars also have a much richer and more robust sound, making them a better choice if you want to jam with other artists. If you have small hands, you should look for an easier-to-play acoustic guitar. Dreadnought guitars, for example, have a full sound and are heavy enough to stay steady on their own while playing, as well as being extremely pleasant to handle. Professional musicians usually prefer this kind of guitar since they produce the greatest sound. A smaller guitar, on the other hand, maybe more appropriate if you're merely planning to play for enjoyment or practice.

The Neck and Fretboard Size

When purchasing a guitar for someone with small hands, the neck is another key component to consider. A decent neck will be balanced and have a diameter that is comfortable for your hand. If you have small hands, seek something with a diameter of 40mm or less. The fretboard is also crucial because it is here that your fingers will be placed. You should seek something that isn't too big, but also not too small. Take a look at this article about fingerboard radius for little hands for more information.

Price

Make a budget because a small-bodied guitar can be fairly costly. Because they're smaller than their full-size counterparts, many of them are on the lower end of the price spectrum. However, several wonderful guitars cost $500 or more that will serve you well.

The idea is to check out a few guitars and observe how they feel in your hands. If you have the opportunity, try both full-size and smaller-sized guitars to compare and discover the one that feels best to you.

We recommend simply purchasing the type of acoustic guitar that best suits your preferences and financial constraints.

Best of luck!

 


FAQs

 What should I consider when choosing an acoustic guitar for small hands?

 When selecting an acoustic guitar for small hands, there are a few factors to keep in mind. First, consider the neck width and shape. A guitar with a narrower neck and a slim profile will be more comfortable for individuals with small hands. Additionally, look for guitars with a shorter scale length, as this reduces the stretch between frets, making it easier to reach chords. Finally, consider the body size of the guitar. A smaller-bodied instrument, such as a concert or parlor guitar, may be more suitable for beginners with small hands.

 

 Are there any specific acoustic guitar models recommended for beginners with small hands?

 Yes, there are several acoustic guitar models that are known to be suitable for beginners with small hands. Some popular options include the Yamaha FG800, Taylor GS Mini, and Martin LX1 Little Martin. These guitars have narrower necks, shorter scale lengths, and compact body sizes, making them more comfortable for players with smaller hands. However, it's important to note that everyone's hands and preferences are unique, so it's advisable to try out different models to find the one that feels the most comfortable for you.

 

 Can I adjust the setup of an acoustic guitar to make it more playable for small hands?

 Yes, the setup of an acoustic guitar can be adjusted to make it more playable for individuals with small hands. One common adjustment is to lower the action, which refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lowering the action can reduce the effort required to press down the strings, making it easier to form chords. This adjustment is typically done by a professional guitar technician. Additionally, changing to lighter gauge strings can also make the guitar easier to play. However, it's essential to strike a balance, as extremely low action or light strings may result in buzzing or diminished tone quality.

 

 Are there any alternative options to consider for beginners with small hands?

 If you're finding it challenging to play a traditional acoustic guitar due to small hands, there are alternative options to consider. One option is a nylon-string classical guitar. Classical guitars generally have wider necks, but the nylon strings are softer and require less finger pressure, making them more forgiving for beginners. Another alternative is a travel-sized or 3/4-size guitar, which are designed to be more compact and portable. These guitars often have shorter scale lengths and narrower necks, making them more suitable for players with small hands.

 

 How important is it for a beginner to have a guitar that suits their hand size?

 Having a guitar that suits your hand size is important for beginners because it can significantly impact your learning experience and overall enjoyment of playing. A guitar that is too large or has a wide neck may cause discomfort and make it difficult to reach and form chords properly. This can lead to frustration and potentially discourage beginners from practicing. By choosing a guitar that suits your hand size, you'll have a more comfortable playing experience, which can enhance your progress and motivation to continue learning.


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