3 Best Guitar for Small Hands with Thin Necks 2022

Your options for strumming a guitar with small hands are slightly limited if you go for a regular guitar size. However, guitar manufacturers have made progress in designing and creating guitar models for small hands, making it easier and more enjoyable to learn and play.

Why your hand size matters:

The size of your hands plays a major role when it comes to playing the guitar. This is because guitar strings are tuned and strummed by the fingers, requiring precise positioning and control of each string. If your hands are too small for a full-sized guitar, you may feel uncomfortable reaching certain notes or chords, which can impact your ability to play and enjoy the instrument.

For example, a guitarist with small hands may find it difficult to reach the top three strings on a full-sized guitar.

Smaller guitars are more difficult to manufacture as they require more delicate work due to their smaller size. These types of guitars are also known to be more fragile in comparison to full-bodied guitars. On the market, you’ll notice that most brands offer 3/4 and 7/8 sized guitars.

What size of hands is considered small?

This depends on the individual, but generally speaking, if your hand is smaller than the size of a full-sized guitar fretboard (around 18-inches wide), then you should consider getting a guitar designed for small hands.

According to Paskpiano.org, a ‘small hand’ is defined as one with a thumb-to-fifth finger span of less than 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) and/or a second-to-fifth finger span of less than 6 inches (16.2 cm).

According to Healthline, below are the average measurements of male and female hand sizes;

Gender	Average hand length	Average hand breadth
Male	6-year-olds: 4.6–5.7 inches 11-year-olds: 5.5–6.8 inches	6-year-olds: 2.1–2.6 inches 11-year-olds: 2.0–3.1 inches
Female	6-year-olds: 4.4–5.7 inches 11-year-olds: 5.6–7.0 inches	6-year-olds: 2.0–2.7 inches 11-year-olds: 2.0–3.1 inches

Which type of guitar should I buy?

Assuming you’re a beginner guitarist, we recommend looking for a guitar that is smaller in scale. Examples include 3/4 and 7/8 sized guitars, as well as travel-sized models.

These types of guitars are designed to be easier to hold and play for people with small hands. They’re also often lighter in weight (which makes them great for taking on the road).

How guitars for small hands are designed – 8 specific designs:

Guitar manufacturers have responded to this issue by creating guitars for small hands. These unique guitars are designed differently to make them easier and more comfortable for smaller hands to play on. Here are some of the specific designs that guitar makers use:

• 1. Shorter scale length: A shorter scale length means that the strings of the guitar are spaced closer together. This makes it easier for smaller hands to reach and play each string without having to stretch too far.
• 2. Narrower neck: The neck of the guitar is also narrower than that of a regular-sized guitar, making it more comfortable and easier to grip with small hands.
• 3. Shorter body: Guitars for small hands also have shorter bodies, making them easier to hold and play. This also helps smaller players to reach the strings more easily and comfortably.
• 4. Smaller fretboard: The fretboard of guitars for small hands is generally a bit smaller than that of regular-sized guitars, which makes it easier to access the strings.
• 5. Narrower string spacing: The strings are also spaced slightly closer together on guitars for small hands, making it easier and more comfortable to reach each string regardless of hand size.
• 6. Lightweight bodies: Guitars for smaller hands are also generally lighter in weight, which makes them easier and more comfortable to hold and play.

How to choose the best guitar for small hands:

Once you know what specific designs to look for in a guitar for small hands, it’s time to start shopping! Here are some tips and guidelines on how to choose the best guitar for your needs:

1. Go for guitar models with small fretboard: The size of the fretboard is important to consider when choosing a guitar for small hands. Look for guitars that have narrower and slightly smaller fretboards, which will make it easier to reach each string.

2. Choose a brand with small/thin neck: Neck size is also key when it comes to guitars for small hands. Look for a brand that specializes in making thinner, narrower necks for smaller hands. I found Ibanez guitar which can be as thin as. 669″ (17mm) when measured from the 1st fret. Such a guitar with a thin neck can be ideal for small hands.

3. Consider lightweight models: If you’re looking for a guitar that is easy to hold and play, try going for one with an ultra-lightweight body. This will make it much easier to carry around, as well as being more comfortable when playing.

4.Go for models with shorter scale length: A shorter scale length will ensure that the strings are closer together, making it easier and more comfortable to reach each one. Brands such as Fender and Ibanez make guitars with shorter scale lengths, so keep an eye out for those.

5.Choose guitar models with narrower string spacing: Narrower string spacing makes it easier to reach each string, so make sure to check this spec when shopping for a guitar.

6.Go for brands with shorter body: Look for guitars with narrower bodies. This will make the guitar easier and more comfortable to hold, as well as providing better access to the strings.

Other considerations to have when choosing a guitar model:

1. Input: The type of input is also important to consider. Electric guitars require an amplifier, while acoustic guitars don’t. This can be a key factor when it comes to portability and convenience.
2. Compatibility with amps: If you’re looking for an electric guitar, make sure to check that it is compatible with the amp you have in mind.
3. Type of guitar: Different guitars have different sounds, so make sure you choose the one that suits your style best.
4. Price: Finally, it’s important to consider your budget when shopping for a guitar. You don’t need to spend a fortune on a quality instrument, but make sure to set a realistic budget before buying.
5. Wattage: The wattage of the electric guitar should also be taken into account. Higher wattage tends to result in a louder sound, which is great for rock and metal genres but may not be suitable for those who prefer quieter tones.

How to play guitar correctly with short hands – step by step:

1. Position: The first step is to make sure that you have your left and right hands in the correct position on the guitar neck. This will depend on what type of music you’re playing but generally, the thumb should be placed just behind the middle finger, with both hands supporting the weight of the strings.

2. Finger placement: Make sure that your fingers are placed correctly on the strings. This means that the index finger should be placed on the first fret, middle finger on the second fret, and ring finger on the third fret.

3. Strumming technique: When strumming, it’s important to use a lighter touch with shorter strokes. This will make it easier to reach each string and allow you to move up and down the fretboard quicker.

4. Chord transitions: Make sure that when transitioning from one chord to another, try to keep your fingers close together on the fretboard. This will help prevent any notes from getting lost in between chords.

5. Adjusting the strings: If you find that the strings are too far away from your fingers, try adjusting the bridge of the guitar until they’re closer. This will make it easier to reach each string.

Reviews of the Best Guitars for Small Hands:

Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar:

Our overall best pick for small-handed players is the Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar. This guitar has a shallow body and a thin neck that makes it perfect for those with smaller hands. The sound quality is superb, making this an excellent choice for any level of player.

This Taylor acoustic guitar has a ¾ sized dreadnought body with a real tropical American mahogany top and laminated Sapele sides and back. The shape of this guitar has been refined, with softer curves at the top and bottom to make it more comfortable to play in your lap. It has an ebony fingerboard with 19 frets, and a scale length of 22 ¾ inches.Fender FM-62S Scepter:

Taylor’s Baby Taylor acoustic guitar is the small-bodied, big sound way to go. Perfect for travel, practice or just playing around on a great-sounding instrument with a full-size neck and rich tone.

The Baby Taylor has been the top choice of players from all over the world since it was introduced in 1996. It’s an ideal first guitar for kids (or adults) who want to experience what it’s like to play a real guitar. And it’s so fun that some people never outgrow it!

Body:

• Body type: Dreadnought 3/4-scale
• Cutaway: No
• Top wood: Solid mahogany
• Back & sides: Layered spell
• Bracing pattern: Taylor Standard Baby X-Bracing
• Body finish: Matte 2.0
• Orientation: Right-handed

Neck

• Neck shape: Taylor Standard Baby Profile
• Nut width: 1-11/16″ (42.8 mm)
• Fingerboard: Genuine African ebony
• Neck wood: Sapele
• Scale length: 22-3/4″
• Number of frets: 19
• Neck finish: Matte 2.0

Electronics

• Pickup/preamp: None

Other

• Headstock overlay: Lexan
• Tuning machines: Chrome Baby tuners and buttons
• Bridge: Genuine African ebony
• Saddle & nut: NuBone
• Number of strings: 6
• Special features: n/a
• Case: Taylor Deluxe Baby Gig Bag
• Accessories: None
• Country of origin: Mexico

Epiphone SG Special Satin E1

Second on our list is the Epiphone SG Special Satin E1. This is a great guitar for those who are looking for an easy-to-play electric guitar with a thin neck and solid body construction that will give you plenty of sound and power. The Epiphone SG Special has two open coil humbuckers in the bridge and neck position, giving you plenty of punchy tone. The slim mahogany neck makes it easy to move up and down the fretboard with ease, while the satin finish gives you a smooth feel with no extra effort.

Unlike Taylor’s Baby Taylor, the Epiphone SG has a full-sized body with a 22-fret neck. It also has two humbuckers instead of just one. The pickups are open coil and give you plenty of sound when amplified or through headphones. The neck width is 1.68 inches and the scale length is 24.75 inches, giving you plenty of space to move around on the fretboard. On top of that, the neck has a satin finish for extra smooth playing.

FAQs

Which is the best guitar for small female hands?

Based on my research, the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany acoustic guitar is the best option for female players with small hands. This guitar has a compact body and a thin neck making it easy to handle, while still providing great sound quality.

Are there any electric guitars suitable for smaller hands?

Yes, there are several electric guitars that are suitable for smaller hands. The Epiphone SG Special Satin E1 is a great choice for those looking for an easy-to-play electric guitar with a thin neck and solid body construction. It has two open coil humbuckers, giving you plenty of punchy tone.

What are the best electric guitars with thin necks for small hands?

 Fender Kurt Cobain Signature Mustang, Fender Telecaster Thinline Super Deluxe, and the Epiphone SG Special Satin E1 are all great electric guitars with thin necks suitable for smaller hands. They all feature slim bodies and thin necks that make them easy to play. Additionally, they have quality pickups that allow you to get a variety of sounds out of them.

What’s the best acoustic guitars with thin necks for small hands?

Fender Mustang is a great choice for acoustic players with small hands. The compact body and thin neck make it easy to handle, while the solid spruce top provides excellent sound quality. Additionally, the Fishman pickup system allows you to easily plug into an amplifier or PA system. Other great options are the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany and the Martin LX1 Little Martin. Both of these guitars have compact bodies and thin necks, while still providing great sound quality.

What’s the best acoustic guitar for beginners with small hands?

If you’re a beginner, go for Martin D Jr-10E which has a slim neck and body, making it easy to handle, while the solid spruce top provides excellent sound quality. Additionally, its Fishman pickup system allows you to easily plug into an amplifier or PA system. The D Jr-10E also features Martin’s unique dreadnought shape which gives it a big sound for its small size. It also has a built-in tuner, so you won’t have to worry about always having an electronic device handy.

What’s the best guitar for petite person?

The Taylor GS Mini Mahogany is a great choice for petite players, as it has a compact body and a thin neck that makes it easy to play. Additionally, the solid spruce top and Fishman electronics provide excellent sound quality. The neck width is 1.68 inches and the scale length is 24.75 inches, giving you plenty of space to move around on the fretboard. On top of that, the neck has a satin finish for extra smooth playing. The GS Mini Mahogany also comes with Taylor’s award-winning ES2 electronics system, allowing you to plug into an amplifier or PA system and get great sound quality.

Are guitars for male and female designed differently?

No, guitars are not designed differently based on gender. All guitars are designed to accommodate the anatomy of whoever is playing it. Generally speaking, smaller hands require a thinner neck and shorter scale length for easier playability. Additionally, some guitars may have other features such as cutaway body styles that make them more accessible or comfortable for certain players.

Are small-neck guitars not good as compared to regular-size neck guitars?

No, small-neck guitars are just as good as regular-sized neck guitars. In fact, they can often be more comfortable for players with smaller hands, allowing them to play chords and riffs more easily. However, it is important to note that the sound quality of a guitar is not necessarily determined by its neck size; rather it is determined by the quality of its materials and construction. So, if you’re looking for a great-sounding guitar with a smaller neck size, make sure to check out some high-end models such as the Gibson SG Special Satin E1 or the Fender Kurt Cobain Signature Mustang.