We’d all like to have the spidery, long fingers of Steve Vai or the daunting stature of James Hetfield. But for those of us with smaller hands (and smaller frames), a 6-string solution that is comfortable to hold and play is needed! The neck and fingerboard widths among guitars, despite their measurement differences, can be very similar in the grand scheme of things.
The body of the guitar is where a lot of the variation is, and, when it comes down to playing feel, it’s going to present the most problems if it doesn’t rest properly. For instance, if you’re five foot five, then trying to play a standard dreadnought acoustic could feel like trying to hug a sequoia! So, instead of only looking at guitars that will feel great in hand, we’ll be diving into some acoustic and electric models with body shapes that more easily fit folks with smaller frames, as well. Nailing down this combination will prioritize playing comfort and will let you play and feel your best every time you start strumming.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- Best Acoustic Guitars for Small Hands
- Best Electric Guitars for Small Hands
- Loog Guitars
- Small Hands: Frequently Asked Questions
Best Acoustic Guitars for Small Hands
Yamaha APXT2 3/4-size Thinline Cutaway
Based on the company’s ever-popular APX500 model, the Yamaha APXT2 3/4-size thinline cutaway is a beautiful and functionally appealing scaled-down option that will feel great in the hands of any smaller guitarist. The single-cutaway design, painted headstock with classic white tuning pegs, and larger soundhole combine for a unique design that is sure to attract some attention! The standard neck shape pairs with a rosewood fingerboard to provide a more traditional playing feel but in a smaller package that travels easily, too! This guitar’s A.R.T.-based preamp system uses a System 68 contact pickup to let you easily switch to plugged-in playing, supplying an onboard tuner and independent tone and volume controls.
Taylor Baby Mahogany BT2 Acoustic Guitar
For top-notch, compact acoustic sound, check out the Taylor Baby Mahogany BT2. This 3/4-size acoustic features a stunning mahogany top that not only looks great but also packs a midrange punch with a bluesy edge that will really stand out in jam sessions. This is a great chance to take advantage of the superior projection and full tone of a dreadnought without the overwhelming bulk that can come with holding a standard-size model. Little elements like the chrome-plated tuners, pearloid inlays, and varnish finish add to the good looks of this Taylor. Plus, it boasts a smooth-playing, 19-fret ebony fingerboard. Great feel, aesthetic, and sound — for a steal of a price, too!
Gretsch Jim Dandy
Designed to recapture the spirit of their original “Rex” line, the Gretsch Jim Dandy parlor acoustic guitar offers vintage warmth while remaining easy to play. The iconic tone comes from the laminated tonewoods that provide the sonic punch and mellow sound of Gretsch’s revered strummers without adding weight. Additionally, the smooth nato neck with walnut fingerboard combines a dovetail neck joint and a C-shaped profile for maximum maneuverability, and a semi-gloss finish on the neck makes for lightning-fast movement. Accented with nickel hardware, a walnut bridge, and open-gear tuning machines, the Gretsch Jim Dandy parlor acoustic guitar offers vintage looks with modern performance in a form factor that fits comfortably in your hands.
Takamine GY93 New Yorker
With short scale and rich, mid-focused tone, parlor acoustics have long been a friend to small-framed players. However, Takamine’s GY93 New Yorker parlor acoustic guitar elevates the parlor design, blurring the lines between traditional techniques and modern advancements without compromising tone. Crafted from a scalloped X-braced, solid spruce top and black walnut sides plus a beautiful, 3-piece black walnut/maple back, this compact acoustic is full-bodied and resonant for its size. This unique build’s distinct tone is bolstered by a mahogany neck with a laurel fingerboard, which is visually stunning and responsive, complemented by an ultra-stable synthetic bone nut and split-saddle bridge. These expansive features come together in a parlor acoustic that is well suited for smaller guitarists, myriad styles, and a lifetime of music making.
Best Electric Guitars for Small Hands
Danelectro Stock ’59 Electric Guitar
This Shorthorn semi-hollowbody Danelectro Stock ’59 is chock-full of midcentury magic that will thrill the smaller-framed guitarist! Rocking some vintage-styled Lipstick pickups, this Danelectro produces all the intoxicating jangle of a bygone era with phenomenal center-block sustain, giving you the genre adaptability for everything from classic country to rock ‘n’ roll. The eye-catching selection of finishes and the unique pickguard contribute to a style that’s remained unmatched since its conception — right down to the trademark skinny headstock! This guitar’s double-cut body style makes it a charm to hold and even nicer to play, and it’s equipped with a classic 3-way pickup selector and master controls for your tone-shaping pleasure.
Fender Player II Mustang
Inspired by Fender’s original Mustang and Duo-Sonic designs, the Player II Mustang is a compact tone machine ideally suited to smaller frames. At just 24 inches, this short-scale electric is much shorter than the standard Fender scale length, measuring a full 1.5 inches shorter than a Tele, Strat, and Jazzmaster. Snappy and percussive, the Mustang has long been a standard for grunge, alt-rock, and indie-rock guitarists, and the Player II Mustang doubles down on that legacy. Sporting a set of blacked-out Player Series Alnico V pickups, this vintage-inspired six-string goes from mellow clean to aggressive lead with ease, balancing its short-scale warmth with punchy single-coil assault. On this tonal powerhouse you’ll find a modern C-shaped neck with a 9.5-inch radius and medium-jumbo frets, creating an instrument that’s responsive and comfortable in anyone’s hands — regardless of size.
Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar
The Gibson SG Standard represents one of the earliest and most popular small-bodied electric guitars. Its compact body design and iconic double horn cutaways leave guitarists with an axe that prioritizes comfort and freedom of movement, both when held and when played all the way up to the very top of the fretboard. Per-pickup tone and volume controls let you channel the rumbling thunder of the 490R neck humbucker or the searing jab of the 490T bridge humbucker. A classic finish, black top hat knobs, and trapezoid acrylic inlays across the 22-fret rosewood fingerboard complete this famous aesthetic with unmistakable style. Plug in and join the ranks of legends like Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, and Pete Townshend!
PRS S2 Vela Satin
While the PRS S2 Vela Satin electric guitar lacks many of the small-hand hallmarks featured on this list, it makes up for it with a unique shape engineered for comfortable playing. The Vela’s offset design turns the traditional “S” shape on its head with a slim, carved body and 10-inch-radius Pattern Regular neck that marries vintage style and modern sensibilities. Crafted top to bottom from mahogany, the body’s offset curves give the instrument an angular look while providing access to every fret and keeping the weight under seven pounds. The tone starts with a PRS Narrowfield neck pickup offering P-90 character with humbucker stability. In the bridge position sits a PRS DS-01, a versatile humbucker that tackles a clean or overdriven tone with the same measured, tight response, wired to a push-pull coil tap for even more sonic variety. A stylish but sensible electric, the S2 Vela Satin is a guitar that easily conforms to any player’s needs.
Small Hands: Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Guitar Is Easiest to Play for Small Hands?
Lightweight guitars with a slim neck profile tend to be easier for small hands to manage. A compact body size also helps, making it more comfortable to reach around the instrument and access all the frets.
Are Short-scale Guitars Better for Small Hands?
Short-scale guitars can be more comfortable for smaller hands because the frets are closer together. This reduces the stretch between fingers and makes it easier to form chords and move along the neck.
How Do You Choose a Guitar Neck for Small Hands?
Look for necks that are thinner and narrower, especially at the nut. A slim neck profile helps fingers wrap around more easily while a narrow fingerboard allows easier reach across the strings.
Can Adults with Small Hands Play Full-size Guitars?
Yes, adults with small hands can absolutely play full-size guitars. It may require an adjustment in technique or extra practice at first, but many players adapt successfully and find ways to play comfortably.
Is It Harder to Play Chords with Small Hands?
It can be a bit more challenging at first, especially for chords that require a wide stretch. However, with the right guitar and good finger placement, most players quickly build the strength and flexibility needed to play confidently.
What Guitar Features Should You Look for If You Have Small Hands?
Prioritize a light body, a shorter scale length, a slim neck, and low string action. These features make it easier to fret notes, switch chords, and move up and down the neck without strain.
Do Small Hands Affect Guitar Playing Ability?
Small hands may influence the initial learning curve, but they don’t limit long-term ability. With the right instrument and consistent practice, players of all hand sizes can achieve accuracy, speed, and expression on the guitar.
Loog Guitars
Designed for players ages six and up, guitars from Loog Guitars are compact instruments for new players. These guitars boast a 3-string design that translates perfectly to the 6-string when the player grows up. Loog manufactures both acoustic and electric guitars, so every aspiring player can get the right axe for their goals. Every Loog guitar includes supplementary educational materials to help beginners stay engaged with fun songs and lessons. Plus, all Loog guitars feature a convertible design, which ensures both right- and left-handed players can use any guitar in any color. Whether you’re buying for yourself or a loved one, it’s hard to go wrong with a Loog.
Shop All Loog Guitar ProductsSmall Hands? Says Who?
As you can see, we’ve got a fascinating selection of both acoustic and electric guitars to accommodate small-handed and small-framed guitarists, and most options offer the same degree of tonal customization and aesthetic styling as standard models. It’s important to remember that despite our differences in size, we are all guitarists, and we all deserve the comfort of an axe that works just as hard for us as we do for the music — and we here at Sweetwater really take that to heart! We hope this article has helped you get a foot in the door in terms of tracking down your ideal instrument. And, as always, if you have any questions or would like some extra help in your search, then make sure to give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700. We’ll be standing by to help!
