Best Electric Guitar for Small Hands Review – Top Rated Models in 2020 with Buying Guide
Finding a guitar for a child or a person with small hands is not always easy. Fortunately, here you can find a selection of some of the best electric guitars for small hands, particularly if you are short on time. Our team has carefully analyzed and evaluated some of the most sought-after models available and they have come to the conclusion that the Fender Kurt Cobain guitar is the one that you should first take into consideration. It sounds awesome, it has a small fretboard radius, making it easier for people to wrap their hands around it and it has a short fretboard, measuring 24 inches. Should you find that this option is no longer available, we recommend the Fender 303000503.
Comparison Table
Our Top Choice
This model is based on the 1965 Jaguar model Kurt Cobain used to revolutionize the alternative rock scene in the 90s. To make their model close to the one used by the rock legend, Fender equipped it with an alder body, a bound fingerboard and a Stratocaster headstock, complete with the so-called spaghetti logo. There are versions available for left-handed and right-handed players. A documentary book about Kurt Cobain is included.
Some say that it does not have all the vintage accessories and electronics, as expected.
A model created to resemble the 1965 Jaguar Kurt Cobain used to play.
2nd Best
If you’re looking for a guitar with a vintage feel, grab the Classic Vibe from Fender, and enjoy playing like one of the rock legends of the 50s. The neck and the fingerboard are made from maple, and the guitar comes with 21 medium-jumbo frets. Excellent string to string balance is provided by the staggered pole pieces. The single-coil pickups are responsible for the unique and familiar sound that takes you back to the 50s.
Some reviewers comment that the finishing touches are less than expected for this guitar.
A genuinely vintage-designed guitar that offers many modern features.
A few essential things make this Gibson guitar stand out from the crowd. For instance, the neck heel design is familiar and has withstood the test of time, while the manual tuners are for the guitarist who is looking to hone his or her skills. The oil finish is hand-rubbed, which contributes to the feel of a well-made instrument that you will love to play. Just like the original guitars made by Gibson that it takes after, this guitar provides good value for the money.
There are buyers who report minor flaws, especially when finishing was concerned.
A model that resembles the originals and borrows all the best features.
6 Best Electric Guitars for Small Hands (Reviews) in 2020
We have taken into account all the features that good electric guitars for small hands need to have, and after researching the market we found that the following models can be great for small players.
- 1. Fender 0143001700 Kurt Cobain Jaguar Rosewood Fingerboard
- 2. Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Stratocaster
- 3. Gibson SG Faded 2016 T Electric Guitar
- 4. Squier by Fender Mini Strat Electric Guitar
- 5. Fender Classic Player Jaguar Special
- 6. Daisy Rock Guitar Stardust Elite Venus
- Yearly Guide & Report
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Fender 0143001700 Kurt Cobain Jaguar Rosewood Fingerboard
As the name suggests, this guitar was inspired by the style of Nirvana’s frontman. It’s based on the body of an older Fender model and features a sunburst finish, which gives the impression of wear and age.
The idea of this guitar is to make it look like a broken one but to work perfectly. The neck is maple and the fretboard is made of rosewood.
What makes this guitar suitable for small hands is the relatively shorter scale that measures 24 inches.
There are also 22 frets, fewer than usual. The short scale may seem unusual to some but it proves to be great for the ones that can’t reach too far.
Another important thing to note is the fretboard radius, which is 5 inches, a lot smaller than the normal 9.5 inches. That means the neck makes it really easy for the player to wrap the hand around it.
Pros
Who said that you can’t play the guitar like a rockstar if you have small hands? This affordable and cool-looking fingerboard is designed to fit right-handed and left-handed players alike, depending on your requirements.
It features a black textured vinyl hard-shell case.
The modified lower switch plate features a three-way toggle pickup switch.
The product is made of the finest quality materials and is a must in any musician’s collection as it will never go out of style.
Cons
Despite its unique performances, the guitar features pickup rings mounted directly to the pickguard, which might turn into a problem after a while.
Keep in mind that the pickguard is delivered with a protective film and the pickup rings are mounted on top of that, so you will need to take them off, remove the protective film, and put them back on, a process that will take a while.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($1224.99)
2. Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50’s Stratocaster
Rocking a solid alder body, this guitar reminds you of the 50’s vibes. The wood used is known for a darker and fuller sound that some people appreciate.
When discussing the sound capturing capabilities, this model features three vintage pickups that secure a strong and easy to control tone. The neck is made of maple and comes with a maple fretboard.
Both of these are quite standard for the industry, but what makes the neck different is the low number of frets — 21. That helps the generally smaller sized players to access all the capabilities of this instrument.
What gives this guitar its sound and what makes it easy to play is its simplicity. It offers two tone knobs, a master volume one and a synchronized tremolo.
Although this model is suitable as a starter electric guitar, it will provide the sound that a professional guitar can offer.
Pros
Boasting a solid alder body, this electric guitar is channeling the 50’s vibes more in aspect than in performance.
The product is made of a special kind of wood that delivers a darker, fuller sound, which makes the product suitable for various musical genres.
The neck is made of maple wood and features a maple fretboard, while the two-tone sunburst finish will make your instrument look and feel flawless.
The custom staggered polepieces ensure an improved string-to-string balance that will benefit inexperienced guitar players.
Cons
Fender is a brand known for delivering high-quality products and has taken it upon itself in the past years to invest in new sound technologies to improve its line of electric guitars. That being said, this particular model boasts some of the brand’s state-of-the-art features and finishes but is not made locally, in the United States, as opposed to others that come at much higher selling prices.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
3. Gibson SG Faded 2016 T Electric Guitar
This guitar has one of the most recognizable designs, sported by famous players. This model prides on being lightweight, slim and easy to handle. The body is made of mahogany and the neck is also mahogany.
Known for allowing fast hand movements, the guitar’s neck is pretty slim but sturdy and it features a rosewood fretboard. The back of the neck has a volute to add more strength to it. The number of frets is small compared to other models — 22 frets are present.
There are different colors to pick from when choosing this guitar and they are all sprayed with satin finishes that showcase the beautiful lines of the wood.
In terms of hardware, this model has passive alnico mini humbuckers at the neck and bridge. They are controlled by two separate volume and tone knobs and you can choose between them using a switch.
Pros
Those who take pride in locally-produced pieces of equipment will be pleased to find out that this Gibson guitar is 100% made in America, capturing the vibes of the great originals.
The 2016 Traditional Series, including the Faded T feature a historic neck heel shape, and standard high-quality manual tuners.
The product can be purchased in two colors and finishes, including the faded dark brown which is as close as possible to an acoustic guitar.
The model comes with passive Alnico mini-humbuckers placed at the bridge and at the neck that can be easily controlled by two separate tone and volume knobs.
Cons
It is slimmer and more slender than you would initially pick up from the description, which may feel funny or uncomfortable in the hands of some guitar players.
Despite Gibson’s tradition of delivering state-of-the-art guitars, this particular product requires some work right out the box. For instance, the frets are not polished and feel gritty.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
4. Squier by Fender Mini Strat Electric Guitar
Squier instruments are known for being some of the most recommended models when it comes to beginner electric guitars. They are reliable and versatile so they can cover a large range of musical styles.
This model is particularly appropriate for kids or anyone with small hands. It’s the same design as a normal Squier but it’s ¾ the size.
The body is made of basswood and the neck is thin and made of maple. The scale is only 22.75 inches in length and the fretboard only has 20 frets. The quality materials and the great looks give this guitar the feeling of a full sized, well-made guitar.
The instrument features three single coil pickups and a switch to choose between five ways of using those pickups. To adjust the levels, you can use the incorporated volume and tone control knobs.
It is worth mentioning that this guitar comes with many accessories including a tuner, a strap, picks, an instructional DVD and polishing cloth.
Pros
When it comes to beginner electric guitars, few brands deliver higher quality than Squier and, when it comes to small hands, this company seems like the perfect choice. The Mini Strat is perfect for kids and petite people.
The body is made of top-quality basswood, while the thin neck is made of maple. Thanks to the craftsmanship of the guitar, it looks and feels just like a full-size model despite being the ¾ version for small hands.
The product is delivered with a full set of useful accessories, including a strap, tuner, picks, a polishing cloth, and a DVD with instructions.
It is available in various colors to meet the requirements of all beginner musicians, regardless of their age.
Cons
Some customers may feel disappointed by the look of the amp and cable, while the overall look falls in-between a toy guitar and a full-size instrument so we mainly recommend it for children.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($179.99)
5. Fender Classic Player Jaguar Special
This one is a really nice guitar that can be used when traveling. Many reviews say that it’s one of the most recommended models in its category.
The modern guitar radius of 9.5 inches makes it easy to play and keeping the fingers on its frets should be no issue for the players with small hands.
In building this guitar, the manufacturers used a slimmer construction and they employed a design that is accessible to small hands.
The body is solid wood and the neck is maple, featuring 22 frets. The neck is also slim and that makes it highly playable, durable and strong enough to withstand heavy playing.
What makes this guitar special is the unique tremolo plate. It’s located close to the bridge in order to offer something extra to the guitar’s sound.
You can get an octave pedal to emphasize this sound even more. The manufacturers upgraded the pickups from the previous models and now use two humbuckers.
Pros
The product features a slimmer construction and a design specifically made for people with small hands, regardless of their level of expertise.
The body is made of solid wood and the neck is made of maple, featuring 22 frets. The slim design of the neck is another feature that makes this guitar particularly accessible to smaller hands.
The heavy-duty construction will resist shocks and tear, delivering the same sound quality day after day. Therefore, it represents a great choice for those who travel a lot.
An improvement from the previous models, the new Fender Classic Jaguar features two humbuckers.
Cons
The neck is made of Pau Ferro and not rosewood as it may look. However, this particular type of wood was considered exotic only a few decades ago and used to be extremely popular before rosewood.
The guitar is not delivered with any accessories, so you’ll have to search for them on your own.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
6. Daisy Rock Guitar Stardust Elite Venus
While it’s able to provide a great experience for boys, the Daisy Rock Venus Guitar is surely made to be a perfect fit for girls, too. It’s a pretty model that showcases a vintage ivory pearl finish and a fingerboard inlay with vines and flowers.
For increased sustain and durability, this guitar features a set-neck construction. The body is made of mahogany and the top is pearloid plastic.
The company’s trademark is the slim and narrow neck that allows girls with smaller hands to play the guitar freely. Additionally, it’s lightweight so it will not be such a burden when carrying it for the gigs.
In terms of hardware, it features a fixed bridge and two humbucker pickups capable of producing quality sound. The player can choose which of them to use with the help of a switch.
Surprisingly, this guitar comes with features present in professional models. It has a precise tune-o-matic bridge, accurate intonation and a stable and reliable tuning.
Pros
This electric guitar features a high-quality mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fingerboard and 22 frets inlaid with vines and flowers for a touch of style and femininity.
The set-neck construction delivers sustainability and durability, making this guitar the perfect one for those who have just picked up playing an instrument.
The slim and narrow neck represents one of the company’s trademarks, suitable for girls and women with smaller hands. Moreover, the instrument is lightweight so it won’t cause fatigue, pain or discomfort when carried by your child.
The precise tune-o-matic bridge, the reliable tuning, and the accurate intonation make this product feel more professional than it looks.
Cons
A thin neck may also be considered a disadvantage because it is easy to pull out of tune when playing.
It isn’t delivered with any accessories, which means you’ll have to take more money out of the pocket for a suitable case, a tuner, and even a shoulder strap.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($458)
Yearly Guide & Report
We know it can be hard to find the best electric guitar for beginners with small hands and that is why we wrote this guide to make it easier for you to choose the instrument of your dreams. Here are some things to consider when purchasing your guitar.
Smaller body
Although a small and narrow body is usually important when getting an acoustic-electric guitar, the same principle applies to those players with smaller arms or hands. A bulky body will make it very difficult for a small player to fully and correctly use and hold the guitar.
The easiest electric guitar to play with small hands is one that has a slim body, allowing you to grab the guitar better and play it freely. You can find cheap electric guitars for small hands that offer a small frame and the possibility to express yourself easily when playing.
Make sure that you properly adjust the length of the strap so you can reach all the chords and the knobs. If you experience discomfort while holding and playing your electric guitar, that means you should look for a model that is a bit smaller. A guitar that is ¾ of a normal sized one is usually a good choice.
Neck and fingerboard
Many reviews of electric guitars for small hands say that the thickness of the neck is probably the most important aspect that small-handed players should consider. If the neck is too large, you won’t be able to wrap your hand around it and you will feel uncomfortable when playing.
When discussing fingerboards, the ideal length is one between 22 and 24.6 inches. A guitar with such a fingerboard will make it a lot easier for a small player to handle it. The short length will help the user to grab the chords properly, using less power.
You should always feel at ease when playing the guitar and getting a fingerboard that allows you to do that is particularly important. However, the number of frets is important, too. Smaller hands can use the frets, even when the distance between them is not so big. Thus, the more frets there are on the guitar, the better.
A small number of frets will make it harder for the player to reach certain musical notes. That is why a person with slim fingers will benefit a lot from a small fretboard that has a lot of frets because he or she will be able to press the chords against all the frets.
Thin neck electric guitars for small hands will accommodate smaller fretboards. Necks that are not as thick will allow you to grab the guitar easier. That is why slim necks are usually used by fast guitarists because they allow them to play the guitar at maximum speed. A slim neck will require less effort to play.
Certain chords are harder to reach when playing a normal guitar. Finding a neck that helps you reach those chords is important. The radius is important as well in these circumstances and that is why you should try more guitars and have a test on how they feel in your hand before purchasing one.
When playing the guitar, the hand that holds the chords should stay in a certain position, with the wrist slightly angled. But if the wrist needs to be bent too much, it causes discomfort. This is a sign that the guitar’s neck is too large and you need to find a smaller guitar.
Softer strings
The strings are an important part of making it easier for you to play the guitar. You should look for thinner ones, with a smaller gauge. That’s because they will be easier to press and softer to your fingers to play in general. Also, make sure that your strings don’t sit for too long, because they will get harder in time and they will make things more difficult for you.
Unfortunately, electric guitar players cannot benefit from the softer nylon strings that one might find on an acoustic guitar. If you’re also looking for the best sounding acoustic guitar, make sure to read our guide on that.
When getting a set of strings, you should make sure they’re high quality and they don’t negatively affect the sound of the guitar. The light string gauges bring your thickest string from a gauge of .052 to .047 inches. Although the difference seems small, they will make your guitar a lot easier to play.
Talking about strings, you can consider tuning them down a bit. That will make them more flexible and softer. Using guitar capos could also be a solution. Many guitarists disregard the usage of these devices, considering it an easy way to play, but for those with small hands, they can be a solution.
The capo will bring the end of the neck closer to you and thus you’ll be able to play the chords closer to your body, on the part of the neck where the strings are easier to press.
Get used to playing
You can find many tutorials online on how to play the guitar and how to position your hand when playing, but most of them don’t offer advice for small-handed players.
You should know that when having small hands you will find it difficult to play most guitars and that’s why you should practice a lot, especially your stretching techniques. Plug your electric guitar into a small guitar amp and hear your improvements as you practice more.
There are loads of exercises that will help you to improve the length of your reach and they are easy to memorize, but they need to be done regularly. However, when practicing you should never push your limits too much, in the sense that you should feel relaxed and your hand shouldn’t be in pain.
You can even find books on this theme and instructional DVDs which show different guitar aerobics for your hand. A guitar that comes with such a DVD, or with an instructional booklet is a very good purchase. When you learn to play different styles of music, you can try and get a guitar multi-effects pedal so you can truly bring the best sounds out of your guitar.
Watch your idols
Some famous musicians managed the performance of playing normally sized guitars, although they have small hands. However, some of them have started their careers playing smaller electric guitars. If you have the possibility, try and do some research on your idols and see how they started and what guitars they used in their career.
This will give you a better impression on what guitars might be suited for your hands and your playing style. You should not assume that having small hands disqualifies someone from playing regular sized guitars, although it makes it a bit harder. With the appropriate technique and with enough practice, a small handed player can play whatever he or she likes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you teach yourself guitar?
Playing the guitar, similar to any other instrument, requires continuous practice and learning. And, while the best way to do so would be with a private tutor or at least some formal classes, this doesn’t mean that you cannot pick up playing this instrument without professional help.
Luckily, we live in the era of fast-speed Internet and YouTube channels, so you can browse through one of the many videos that show you the basics of electric guitars and how to play it.
The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow by newbies but you’ll be surprised to find that you can also apply for more professional classes online, free of charge. All you need is patience, dedication, and enough spare time to practice on your own once you’re familiar with the theory.
However, we suggest looking for online and offline support and joining study groups or even bands to improve your techniques, pick up new ones, and train your “ear”.
Q: Are there any differences between regular guitars and small ones?
Guitar sizes vary and you’ll find no less than ten different options, depending on your tastes, level of expertise, and playing difficulty.
The smallest instrument that falls under the guitar category is the ukulele, a traditional Hawaiian instrument with four strings. These instruments are ideal for people who find normal-sized guitars too big such as children or adults with tiny fingers.
The guitarlele or the Kiku is the perfect combination between a ukulele and a full-sized guitar. It combines the versatility and lightweight design of the Hawaiian guitar with the six-string design of full-size instruments.
The ¾ choice is the most common one for people with small hands and children between 8 and 12 years old. Both the electric and acoustic versions of the ¾ guitars have the same length but the body of an electric guitar is thinner.
The Parlour guitars are the smallest full-size items available on the market and make the transition between the ¾ versions and the full-size instruments. However, regardless of their size, all guitars should sound the same.
Q: What guitars do famous musicians use?
Many guitarists remain iconic in the music industry not only for their talent but also for their choice of instruments. Some of the most important guitar players in the world spent small fortunes on their instruments so they could have them fully customized. Let’s take a look at some powerful duos in the history of music.
Eric Clapton used his beloved “Blackie”, a customized Fifties Fender Stratocaster, assembled from the parts of other guitars the musician bought from a Nashville shop in the 1970s.
Bruce Springsteen has also bet on a Fifties-era Fender Esquire. The exact model he used is often identified as the Telecaster and features a natural wood body with considerable modifications to fit the guitarist’s requirements on stage.
Prince had his iconic Cloud guitar from the movie “Purple Rain” manufactured by a local Minneapolis luthier but was later reproduced at a larger scale by the company Schecter Guitars.
Q: What guitar brand should I go for?
This question doesn’t have an easy answer as it depends on your needs, requirements, playing expertise, style, and budget. Some of the professional models will be sold for prices between $1,000 and $3,000 so it depends on you to pick the right one.
Fender is one of the best brands to opt for if you’re a beginner or have smaller hands and cannot find a good fit in a full-size guitar. Gibson, on the other hand, is recognized as one of the best brands in terms of sound delivery since most of the models are made of heavy wood.
When it comes to a good price-quality ratio, Ibanez guitars are extremely popular. Most of their models are sold for less than $500 and are perfect for those who want to explore heavier music genres like hard rock and metal.
The Japanese manufacturer Yamaha has been on the market for over 100 years, delivering high-quality sound solutions. Its electric guitars remain popular amongst players of all ages but some of the brand’s models won’t come cheap. Prepare to pay over $2,000 for some models.
Q: Is it better to store a guitar in a case or on a stand?
The answer to this question also depends on various factors. A guitar stand is a suitable option for when you’re practicing and need to take a break or when you want to easily clean the instrument without having to hold it with one hand. However, such an accessory won’t keep your product away from dust, debris, humidity, stains, and accidents.
Stands are practical when storing your guitar at home but become useless when you have to constantly carry the guitar with you from one gig to another. On the other hand, cases are made of rigid materials and provide good shock absorption, protecting your instrument in the long term.
Since they can be closed, they are also great for keeping the guitar away from dust, debris, rain, direct sunlight exposure or low temperatures, external factors that will deteriorate the product in time. Cases also feature shoulder straps and are mainly designed for safe transportation.
Bibliography:
1) Practice tips – exercises to play the guitar with small hands
2) Are my hands too small to learn how to play guitar?
4) Great Tips for Playing Guitar With Small Hands
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