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Small Hand Guitar recommendations
Hello,
I am looking for recommendations for a guitar for people with small hands. I have a beginner Yamaha FG700S but I have some issues with being able to reach some chords.
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12 Replies
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probably want to be looking at shorter scale guitars. OOO short scale vs Om longscale. J45 short scale vs Advanced jumbo long scale. look for scale length of 24.75. Its not much but other than uke that is what guitars have. There is 3/4 size but it is a different thing, I don’t think that is what you are asking. Check out some Paul Simon videos. He plays OOO’s and has tiny hands.
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Thanks
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I have a Taylor GS Mini which is a 3/4 size guitar and it works pretty well for me. My preferred guitar is my full sized Martin. It’s not in front of me but I’m pretty sure it’s a 000. Hope that helps!
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thank you
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Hi @Donnie_1020 I’ll 2nd the Taylor GS-mini. It’s extremely easy to play and sounds great. Try one out at your local shop, and they should have some recommendations too.
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Actually, any Taylor IMO is easier to play than most. They have a unique neck profile, and fantastic action. I thought my hands were too small when playing my Recording King. Similar to the Yamaha. Amazed at the difference between them. I have two Taylors now. An AD17 Grand Pacific, and a Big Baby Taylor. I also go back and play the recording king. So much harder to play. The Taylor Academy series offers great value, and are super easy to play. Just my opinion if you want to stick with a full scale guitar.
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Hi @Donnie_1020 , I believe you need to look at “nut width” to find a guitar that suits you. You definitely want to look at ones below 1.69″ (1 11/16″) width – the narrower the better, perhaps for you. Then you’ll also want to pay attention to the “neck profile” too.
My 2 cents about a guitar model might be counter to everyone else, but have you thought about an electric? The Fender Squire models are inexpensive and are made for smaller hands – just my 2 cents😱
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Hi @Donnie_1020
I totally agree with Loraine. I have the Taylor GS mini and it is perfect for my son (aged 9) to play!
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Having played just about everything in the market, I suggest you consider the possibility of picking up a martin LX1, a Taylor mini, or the equivalent. Then once you are up and feeling proficient with the smaller guitar, change over to something larger. It will take some an adjustment period when you make this changeover to feel comfy with the change but not that big of a deal.
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Hi @Donnie_1020 Just a couple thoughts on your search for a more playable guitar. I have small pudgy fingers. Bill Brown mentioned a smaller nut size but when I accidentally played a Street version Martin with a 1 11/16″ width, it was terrible. Short scale is nice all though I don’t own one. I used to complain about my Jumbo that I bought years ago. ” It was too big, too bulky. My arms couldn’t go around the neck. My stomach was ih the way.” Then, someone sent me this video of Korean children playing full size guitars. I never complained again. I kept the jumbo and use it for alternate tunings. I bought an af77 OM size Alvarez that is very comfortable for $375.
Whatever you buy play it first! Go to a music store and play many instruments. The right size and feel will talk to you.
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oops, forgot the video
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@Donnie_1020 There’s a few things you can do here. Many great tips listed below already- I might add a suggestion that you could try your Yamaha that you already have, and use a capo on the 2nd or 3rd fret when you practice. It will instantly lower your action, and it will also require less stretching to reach those tricky chords because your frets are now closer together. And, as always, keep practicing and do light finger/hand exercises and stretching.
There’s tons of guitar professionals out there with small hands- they are great people to watch for copying their good technique. It’s amazing how just shifting your fretting hand at a different angle can suddenly make a struggle into an “I got this!”
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