Small But Mighty: the Best Acoustic Guitar for Small Female Hands
Learn the features to look for and how to choose the best acoustic guitar for small female hands for your budget and situation, along with our Top 5 recommendations!
For many female guitar players, finding the right acoustic guitar can be a challenge due to their smaller hands. However, with the wide variety of acoustic guitars available in the market today, it is now possible to play guitar comfortably without compromising on sound.
The best acoustic guitars for small hands should have a slim neck, allowing for a comfortable grip and fretting. Additionally, certain body types, such as a parlor style body, are smaller and more compact, and can provide a better playing experience.
Manufacturers like Yamaha, Taylor Guitars, Martin Guitars, and Ibanez produce excellent quality guitars, with solid spruce tops and mahogany necks, perfect for fingerstyle guitar. The solid Sitka spruce top is also widely appreciated for producing rich and full sounds.
Some models in the acoustic guitar world come with features such as an onboard tuner, which can assist the player to tune the guitar easily, while some inexpensive guitar options tend to overlook this feature.
It is important to note that despite their size, smaller guitars like the parlor still resonate and produce high-quality sound just as most acoustic guitars would. To help our female guitarists, we've put together this guide on finding the best acoustic guitar for small female hands.
Overview of Small Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars are one of the most popular types of musical instruments in the world. They have a unique sound that is rich and full of character. However, not all players can easily handle a full-size guitar, especially women and those with smaller hands. This led to the development of parlor guitars and smaller-sized guitars that could be more comfortable to play.
In the past, guitars for female guitarists were often designed with a smaller body and a thinner neck to suit their smaller hands. One of the best examples of this is the Taylor - GS Mini Mahogany Neck acoustic guitar. It has a scaled-down Grand Concert Symphony body that is perfect for female guitarists, and its thinner neck makes it easier for smaller hands to play.
Many other guitars are designed with slim necks and nut width to make playing guitar more comfortable. One of the best acoustic guitars for small female hands is the Martin LXK2 Little Martin. It has a solid spruce top and a synthetic bone nut that provides a great sound and feel. The guitar is also very affordable, making it a great choice for beginners or those who are just starting to play the guitar.
Another great option is the Yamaha FG800 Solid Top acoustic guitar. It features a solid sitka spruce top and a slim, thin neck that is perfect for smaller hands. It also has an onboard tuner, making it easy to keep your guitar in tune while playing.
Affordable guitars can also be a great option for female guitarists who are starting out. Ibanez guitars, for example, are known for their low cost and high-quality sound. The Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood Solid Top is a great example of an affordable guitar that offers a great sound and feel.
Regardless of the type of guitar you choose, always look for high-quality guitars with solid wood tops and quality craftsmanship.
A gig bag is also a great investment to keep your guitar safe and secure. With the right acoustic guitar and a love for playing guitar, any female guitarist can make beautiful music.
Buyer's Guide to Acoustic Guitars for Small Female Hands
For female guitarists with small hands, playing a standard-sized acoustic guitar can be challenging. A guitar with a slim neck, shorter scale length, and smaller body size will make it easier for you to reach the upper frets and play comfortably.
When looking for the best acoustic guitar for small hands, consider the following factors:
Scale Length
A shorter scale length means less tension on the strings, making it easier to press down on the frets. Look for guitars with a 24.84” scale length or shorter.
Nut Width
This is the distance between the strings at the headstock. A nut width of 1 11/16” and below will be comfortable for smaller hands to grip.
Body Size
A smaller size provides better comfort and playability for those with smaller hands. Parlor body guitars, for example, have a shorter scale length and are lighter in weight, making them ideal for those with small hands.
Price
It's important to remember that just because a guitar is expensive doesn't mean it will sound better than one that's more affordable. There are plenty of good-quality budget models available on the market that produce sounds comparable to more expensive guitars.
Neck Width and Thickness
A slim neck allows for easier gripping and finger placement on the fretboard. Additionally, a thinner neck will make it easier for smaller hands to slide up and down the fretboard.
- Acoustic guitars designed for small female hands can be difficult to find, but there are some excellent options available in the market today. Look for a guitar that has a slim neck, shorter scale length, and a smaller size of the body. Additionally, look for features such as onboard tuning that make playing the guitar easier and more. With the right acoustic guitar for small hands, female guitarists can easily play any genre of music comfortably.
Top Acoustic Guitars for Small Female Hands
Yamaha FS800 Small Body Acoustic Guitar
This Yamaha acoustic guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, and a compact body, perfect for those with small hands. Its shorter scale length makes it comfortable to play, and its high-quality sound makes it suitable for various music genres.
Martin LX1E Little Martin
This travel-sized guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany neck, and a richlite fingerboard. This Martin acoustic guitar has a compact body and shorter scale length that make it ideal for players with small hands, offering great playability and sound.
Baby Taylor BT2
The Baby Taylor BT2 offers a solid mahogany top, a slim neck, and a shorter scale length, making it a great choice for small-handed players. Its dreadnought guitar body shape provides a deep sound, and its high-quality construction ensures durability.
Ibanez PN12E Parlor Size Acoustic Guitar
This parlor guitar features a slim neck, shorter scale length, and a compact guitar body size, making it perfect for small hands. Its spruce top and mahogany back and sides deliver excellent sound quality, and is the best parlor guitar option.
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany
With a shorter scale length, slim neck, and small body size, the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany is perfect for small-handed players. Its solid mahogany top and ebony fingerboard provide excellent sound quality, making it one of the top acoustic guitars for small hands.
Other Noteworthy Guitars for Small Hands
Fender CT-60S Travel Body Style Acoustic Guitar
This travel-sized guitar offers a solid spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, and a slim neck design for comfortable playing.
Cordoba C9 Parlor Classical Guitar
With its nylon strings, slim neck, and smaller body size, the Cordoba C9 is perfect for classical guitarists with small hands.
Electric Guitars for Small Hands
While this article focuses on acoustic guitars, it's worth mentioning some electric guitars suitable for small hands:
Fender Duo-Sonic
This electric guitar features a slim neck, shorter scale length, and a compact body size, perfect for small hands.
Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite
With its slim neck and lightweight body, this electric guitar offers excellent playability for those with small hands.
FAQs: the Best Guitar for Small Female Hands
Do I need a special guitar if I have small hands?
While you don't necessarily need a "special" guitar, choosing one with a slim neck, shorter scale length, and smaller body size will make it easier for you to play.
Can I play a full-sized guitar if I have small hands?
Yes, but you may find it more challenging to reach the upper frets and play comfortably.
Are there any disadvantages to playing a smaller guitar?
Smaller guitars may produce a slightly quieter sound compared to larger guitars, but this difference is typically minimal.
What is the difference between a parlor guitar and a travel guitar?
Parlors are designed with a smaller body size for comfort and playability, while travel guitars are specifically made to be compact and portable.
Are smaller guitars only for beginners?
No, many experienced guitarists prefer smaller guitars for their comfort and playability.
Do smaller guitars cost less than full-sized guitars?
Not necessarily. The price of a guitar depends on its materials, construction, and brand, not just its size.
Can I use a capo to make my guitar more comfortable for my small hands?
Yes, a capo can shorten the scale length and make it easier to play chords and reach the upper frets.
Is it better to start with an acoustic or electric guitar if I have small hands?
Both types of guitars come in smaller sizes suitable for small hands. Choose the one that aligns with your musical interests and goals.
Can I get a custom-made guitar for my small hands?
Yes, many guitar makers offer custom options to create a guitar that fits your specific needs and preferences.
Are there any famous female guitarists with small hands?
Yes, many successful female guitarists have small hands, including Ani DiFranco, Kaki King, and Gabriela Quintero of Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Additional Tips for Small-Handed Guitarists
If you're still struggling to play comfortably on your guitar, consider the following tips:
Adjusting Your Technique
Modify your hand position and finger placement to find what works best for you. For example, you may find it easier to press down on the strings with your thumb and index finger rather than using all four fingers.
Using Lighter Strings
Heavier gauge strings require more tension, making them difficult to play for those with smaller hands. Try switching to lighter strings for better playability.
Invest in a Capo
Using a capo helps reduce the tension in the strings, making it easier to press down on them. This is especially useful if you have difficulty playing certain chords or notes. A capo also shortens the scale length, making it easier to play chords and reach the upper frets.
Practice Regularly
Like any skill, playing the guitar takes practice. The more you play, the more comfortable you'll become with your instrument, regardless of your hand size.
Invest in a Quality Guitar Strap
A comfortable, well-fitting guitar strap can help distribute the weight of your guitar evenly, making it more comfortable to play for extended periods.
Stretch and Warm-Up
Before playing, take a few minutes to stretch your fingers and wrists. This can help improve flexibility and prevent injury.
Consider Taking Lessons
A professional guitar teacher can provide personalized guidance and help you develop proper technique, making it easier to play with small hands.
Don't Be Discouraged
Having small hands may present some challenges when learning to play the guitar, but it shouldn't hold you back. Many successful guitarists have overcome these challenges through practice, determination, and finding the right instrument.
Summary of the Best Acoustic Guitars for Smaller Female Hands
Finding the ideal acoustic guitar for small female hands may take some time and effort, but with the right research and dedication, you can find an instrument that suits your needs and allows you to play comfortably.
By considering factors like scale length, neck width, and body size, you can choose a guitar that fits your hands and supports your musical journey. Don't forget to experiment with different techniques, string gauges, and even consider taking lessons to further enhance your playing experience.
Remember, many successful guitarists have small hands, so don't let this challenge discourage you from pursuing your passion for music.
Just to recap, here are our favorites:
Best Budget Option: Yamaha FS800 Small Body Acoustic
Best for Travel: Martin LX1E Little Martin
Best Dreadnought-style: Baby Taylor BT2
Best Parlor Guitar: Ibanez PN12E Parlor Size Acoustic Guitar
Best Overall: Taylor GS Mini Mahogany
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