If you have smaller hands than normal, you may find it hard to find a quality guitar that works for your hands. It can be difficult to find a guitar that works for you, so I have made it easier by creating this guide that deals with guitars which are well suited for players with smaller hands.
I know how hard it can be it find a guitar with small hands as I have small hands, too. I have been playing guitars for many years and struggled to find comfortable guitars so I know how you feel. These guitars in this guide are all very easy to play and should help you grow on guitar and have fun. Just remember that your hands will liber up as you play and you will be able to play most guitars after you have played for several months or more.
Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar
Taylor has a wide range of acoustic guitars and some of them are well suited for those that have smaller than normal hands such as the BT2 Baby Taylor. The guitar has mahogany back and sides and Sapele bracing. The fingerboard is made from African Ebony and there are 19 frets. The guitar is a smaller sized dreadnaught so it’s perfect for those that have smaller hands. The instrument sounds great and the neck is smooth and responsive for many different acoustic guitar styles of music.
Pros
- Looks great
- Easy to play
Cons
- Might be too small for some players
Final Verdict
The Baby Taylor was originally designed for children, but it’s now a well-known and loved guitar because it's very easy on your hands and yet it sounds very good. Any beginner or student with smaller hands is going to love this guitar. The guitar has solid tuners and a stable bridge which help this instrument hold it’s tuning. You get a gig bag to protect your investment when you buy. For any player with smaller than normal hands, this guitar is a solid buy.
Yamaha A-Series AC3M Small-Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Yamaha has a wide range of acoustic as well as electric guitars. This Yamaha has a smaller than normal body which is easy to hold and perfect for those with smaller hands. There is a cutaway feature so you can reach the higher frets with ease. The instrument has a Sitka spruce top with mahogany sides and back. The neck is made from mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard and 20 frets. For those that want to play their guitar with an acoustic amplifier, you can use the SRT System63 piezo/preamp. The guitar has a rich and vibrant tone which you’re going to love.
Pros
- Looks great
- Very easy to play
Cons
- EQ system may confuse some
Final Verdict
This Yamaha guitar is perfect for those with smaller hands as the smaller body makes the guitar very comfortable to hold as well as play. The guitar neck is smooth and responsive for both lead and rhythm guitar playing. This instrument comes with a hardshell case to protect your investment. I like the EQ on this guitar has it has several settings that give this instrument a nice tone. For those that have small hands looking for an above average guitar, the Yamaha A-Series AC3M is a solid purchase.
Martin X Series 2015 LX Little Martin Acoustic Guitar Black
Martin makes a wide range of solid guitar and they have several models well-suited to players with small hands such as the Martin X Series. It features a wood-pattern HPL top with 1-style Sitka spruce bracing. You get a Micarta bridge and fretboard. The neck is low-oval and easy in those with smaller hands. It features the Martin logo on the headstock and comes complete with a gig bag. This instrument has a good feel and it sounds great so it’s the perfect options for many styles of acoustic guitar music.
Pros
- Very easy to play
- Good tone despite the smaller size
Cons
- Might be too small for some
Final Verdict
If you have smaller hands, you’ll find that this Martin is a good choice. The instrument has that famous Martin tine and it also features great Gotoh tuners which help keep this guitar in tune for longer. The neck on the guitar is smooth for rhythm and leads and the smaller size means it’s also portable so you can take it with you wherever you go. For those with small hands, this guitar for Martin is the right choice.
Fender MA-1 3/4-Size Steel String Acoustic Guitar
Fender makes a wide range of electric guitars, but they have acoustic guitars too and ones that are well suited for those that have smaller hands. This guitar is a ¾ sized steel-string guitar with Agathis top with Sapele sides and back. The instrument has a smooth satin finish and the neck is a comfortable C shape which is perfect for smaller hands. The X-bracing helps stabilize the guitar. The bridge is solid and keeps the guitar in tune.
Pros
- Easy to play
- Solid design
Cons
- Might be too small for some players
Final Verdict
For those with small hands, this Fender guitar is the ideal choice. The body is easy to hold and the neck is smooth which reduced hand and finger fatigue. The guitar has a very good sound and the tuning pegs are solid so this further enhances the tuning stability of the guitar. The instrument comes with a limited warranty so you’re covered if something happens to it. This is a great choice for any player that needs a guitar to accommodate their smaller hands.
Taylor GS Mini Acoustic Guitar
This guitar by Taylor s the right choice for anyone with small hands. The body, sides, and back are made of mahogany. The instrument features a Taylor GS Mini Profile nut and the fingerboard is African Ebony with 20 frets. It has X bracing which stabilizes the guitar and adds to the tone. The instrument has a rich sound so it’s well-suited to many different styles of acoustic guitar music. Added touches include black binding and a tortoise style pickguard.
Pros
- Easy to play
- Solid hardware
Cons
- Could be too small for some
Final Verdict
For players that have smaller hands but are looking for a guitar with great tone and playability, they will find it with the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany. This instrument looks great and it produces a solid tone which sounds like a larger guitar. The smooth neck is comfortable for those with smaller hands and responsive up and down the neck. For any player that has a smaller hand size, this is a quality guitar and an excellent buy.
Yamaha FS820 Small Body Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
Yamaha makes both solid electric as well as acoustic guitars. They have several models which make the perfect choice for those with smaller hands such as the Yamaha FS820 Small Body Guitar. This instrument has mahogany sides and back as well as a spruce top. The smaller body style means it’s comfortable to hold and the neck is easier on the hands. You will find that the tone is full and rich. This guitar is suited for many different styles of acoustic guitar music.
Pros
- Easy playing
- Looks great
Cons
- Might be too small for some
Final Verdict
I love the great full sound this low-cost guitar provides. This instrument by Yamaha has everything you need to sound great. The smaller size is very comfortable and it comes with many added accessories. You get picks, strap, strings, tuner, and a DVD to help you learn. The bridge and tuners are stable so you won’t have to tune your guitar as often as you do with other instruments. For guitar players with smaller hands, this is a solid choice and recommended buy.
Martin LXK2 Little Martin Small Acoustic Guitar
Martin is well-known for their acoustic guitars. They have many different models and some are well suited for those that have smaller hands such as the Little Martin Koa This instrument has a wood-pattern HPL top along with Sitka spruce bracing. You get a Micarta bridge and fretboard along with 20 frets. The guitar sounds great and it’s easy on the fingers so it’s well suited for smaller hands. There’s a nice design around the sound hole and the bridge itself is very stable to support the tuning of the guitar.
Pros
- Very nice sounds
- Perfect for beginners or smaller hands
Cons
- Could be too small for some
Final Verdict
Many guitars are far too large for younger players or those with smaller hands, but the Little Martin Koa is very easy to play and its well-suited for many different acoustic guitar styles. The chrome Martin tuners keep the guitar in tune so you don’t have to tune your instrument as often. You can an included gig bag which helps keep the instrument free from damage. Other added touches include the Martin logo on the headstock. Any player with smaller hands will enjoy this smaller sized Martin guitar which offers you a lot for your dollar.
Taylor GS Mini-E Solid Koa Top ESB W/Gig Bag with Case
Taylor produces a wide range of excellent acoustic guitars and they also feature models which are perfect for those with small hands such as the Taylor GS Mini-E Solid Koa. This instrument is smaller sized dreadnaught style guitar with Hawaiian Koa top, sides, and back. The fingerboard is made from Ebony wood. There is an under saddle piezo Preamp EQ with 2 bands so you can plug the guitar into an acoustic amplifier if you prefer. The Koa wood of this guitar produces a vibrant and rich tone. The guitar is suitable for many styles of acoustic music and the smaller size of the guitar makes it ideal for those that have smaller hands.
Pros
- Sleek look
- Easy to play
Cons
- Could be too small for some players
Final Verdict
This Taylor guitar is just the right size for a player with smaller hands. The instrument sounds great and the neck provides smooth action as well as feel. The bridge is stable and helps he instrument stay in tune well. It has solid tuners and extras such as a decorative sound hole and the Taylor logo on the headstock. This is the ideal choice for any player with small hands that needs an above average guitar that sounds great straight out of the box.
Yamaha CGS103A 3/4 Size Classical Guitar
Yamaha is well known for both electric as well as acoustic guitars. They have many models and some are well suited for those with small hands. If you have small hands, ¾ sized guitars are ideal and so are ones with nylon strings as they are easier on your hands. You get both with the Yamaha CG103A Classical Guitar. This instrument has a spruce top with Meranti sides and back. It features a Sonokeling Fingerboard and standard classical style bridge. Other added features include a rosette around the sound hole and a satin style finish.
Pros
- Looks great
- Easy to play
Cons
- Nylon strings aren’t as loud as steel strings
Final Verdict
As a guitar teacher, I always recommend that students use nylon strings as these strings are easier on their fingers. The same can be said if you have smaller hands. This guitar has everything you need to begin to play guitar without the stress that steel strings can put on your fingers. This guitar has a nice sound and it’s a good choice for that first guitar or for any player with smaller hands that wants to learn to play.
Cordoba Cadete 3/4 Size Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar
Cordoba makes a wide range of acoustic guitars and they also feature models which are perfect for those that have small hands. The Cordobo Cadete ¾ sized guitar is an excellent choice for any player that has a smaller hand size. This guitar features a solid cedar top along with mahogany sides and back. This classical guitar takes nylon strings which are easier on your hands and well suited for those that have a smaller reach. The guitar has a standard style classical bridge and a rosette design around the sound hole.
Pros
- Looks great
- Easy to play
Cons
- Might be too small for some players
Final Verdict
The Cordobo Cadete is an excellent guitar that’s well suited for players with a smaller hand size. The neck is smooth and easy to play and the smaller size means the guitar is comfortable to hold and easier on your fingers. It features solid tuners which help to keep the tuning of the instrument. Any beginner or others with a smaller hand reach will love this guitar.
Things to Consider
When it comes to acoustic guitars for players with small hands, there are some things that you need to consider. Here are some tips and suggestions if you have small hands and want to play acoustic guitar.
Types of Acoustic Guitar and Small Hands
have smaller hands the best type of acoustic guitar that you want to get is a 3/4 size acoustic guitar. This guitar is smaller than the regular standard Dreadnought acoustic guitar which is a lot larger. The 3/4 size is easier to hold, easier to play, and it will reduce the amount of stress on your fingers. There are many different 3/4 size guitars on the current market that you can buy if you have small hands.
Another type of acoustic guitar that you might want to look at it is to get an acoustic guitar that has a cutaway. The Cutaway feature allows your hands to move higher up the neck and the neck joint doesn't interfere with your hand. This is ideal if you want to play more lead guitar on an acoustic instrument. Many cutaway guitars are also well suited for electronics and many of them come with electronics such as an EQ and a pickup so the instrument is ready to go with an acoustic amplifier. If you struggle with regular Dreadnought size acoustic guitars you should try a cutaway as it's much easier to play.
another option that you should consider if you have small hands is to use an acoustic guitar that has light steel strings or pick a classical style guitar which uses a nylon string. By using light acoustic strings, you won't have to press down as hard on the strings and this will reduce hand pain. If you use a nylon string guitar this is even easier than a regular steel string guitar with light strings. The downside to using a nylon string guitar is it doesn't have as much sound as a regular steel string guitar and the nylon string guitar can't be strong with steel strings because this type of guitar can't handle the pressure that the steel strings produce.
The main thing to keep in mind when searching for a guitar for small hands is that the guitar needs to be comfortable for you. As you search you will probably have to go through several guitars until you find one that is comfortable. There are many options on the market and you should find something that works for you.
One other point you should keep in mind is that as you develop hand strength and are able to stretch your fingers farther, regular guitars are going to be a lot easier for you to play. I have played guitar for quite a few years and have quite small hands but I find even the largest acoustics to be easy to play because my hands have developed from many years of practice. When you are new to acoustic guitar with small hands you may have to use a smaller size guitar until your hands are developed enough. As you develop hand strength, the smaller size guitar usually isn't as much as an issue and you should be able to use larger guitars without a lot of problem. As long as the guitar is comfortable for you the type of acoustic guitar that you buy for your small hands shouldn’t really matter all that much.
Setup
One thing that can impact how well a guitar plays is the action of that guitar. When you have a smaller hand reach you may want to lower the strings more than normal on your guitar because you won't have to press down as hard to get the notes to sound. Lowering the action on an acoustic guitar is a more elaborate process than an electric guitar so it's a good idea to take your guitar to a technician at a guitar store. They will lower the saddle slightly and this will allow the strings to lower as well. If the action needs to be raised they will usually put a small shim underneath the saddle and raise it slightly. The technician may also adjust the truss rod of your guitar neck if your guitar happens to have one as this can also improve the action on an acoustic guitar. If you have both the neck and the action adjusted on an acoustic guitar, this can make it much easier to play and it will reduce the tension and fatigue that you feel in your smaller hands.
I Have a Guitar for Smaller Hands Now What?
Once you have purchased a guitar there are still several things that you can do to improve the playability of the guitar and to make it easier on your hands. Here are some quick tips that you can use to make playing guitar easier for you.
Strings
One of the simplest adjustments that you can make to your acoustic guitar is to place a new set of strings on your guitar. Once you get your guitar home, change the strings. The main reason you want to do this is at the strings have been on your guitar since the factory and they may be rusted and difficult to play. If you use a fresh set of strings this is going to be much easier on your hands. I recommend that players with smaller hands use either an extra light, light or a custom light gauge of strings for their acoustic guitar. I don't recommend a medium or heavier string for players with small hands especially when they're first starting out because of these strings are much harder to press down and you will have a lot more hand fatigue as well as strain on your fingers.
Stretching
One of the simplest things that you can do if you have smaller hands when playing acoustic guitar is to do plenty of stretching and other exercises for your hands before you play guitar. One thing you can do is to take a simple tennis ball or another small ball and squish the ball within the fist of your hand. This will help develop the muscles and tendons of your hand. You can even find devices that have springs in them and you simply press down on the springs and the added attention can help develop your fingers. Stretching is one of the critical exercises in guitar playing and it is even more critical when you have smaller hands because you may have to develop the muscles in the ligaments a lot more so that you can play certain scales and chords on your guitar.
Another simple trick that you can do before you play your guitar is too warm up your fingers and hands. You can do this by simply shaking your hands a few times to get the blood flowing, and then you can pull and push on your fingers a little bit to get the blood flowing to your fingers. if you're playing something on guitar and your hand or fingers start to hurt, stop for a couple of seconds and give your hand a couple of quick shakes. This will usually reduce the pain that you feel and you'll be able to continue.
Relaxation
When playing your acoustic guitar and make sure that you keep your hand very relaxed. You want the hand to be relaxed as well as your arm and shoulder. You should play guitar in a natural. You want the hand to be relaxed as well as your arm and shoulder. You should play guitar in a natural manner and not strain yourself to hit the notes on the frets. One of the most common causes of hand pain for guitar players and those with smaller hands is tension in the fingers and hand. When you play with tension you will find that it's much harder to play scales and chords. Another exercise that you can do is to play plenty of guitar scales instead of chords because you'll develop your hands more by playing single notes. Many chords especially barre type chords can be difficult for players that have small hands. You will have to spend a lot of time practicing at these sorts of chords to get good at them. An alternative to playing at these barre chords is to simply use open position chords until your fingers are ready for bar chords.
Spend 30 mins a Day
Another top tip that I can give players with smaller hands is to spend at least 30 minutes each day playing the guitar. If you spend more time that you might normally spend playing a guitar you're going to get better at it and this is going to help develop your finger strength. Only by constant practice and determination will your finger strength and finger reach be developed enough so that you don't have hand and finger pain when you play. The minimum requirement should be just 30 minutes a day, but you can always practice for more time if you have it. As you practice, make sure you play things very slowly. You will never get better on the acoustic guitar if you try to play things too fast. If you have any hand discomfort, stop for around 5 minutes and rest your fingers. If you feel that you can continue then you can go back into your practice routine. You may find certain chords, scales, and other guitar techniques can hurt your smaller hands so you may need more rest than other guitar players do. The thing to keep in mind is to just listen to your body and if you feel any sort of pain, simply rest and then try again later.
Tuning
Another way that you can set up your guitar so it's easier to play if you have a smaller hand is to use altered tunings. For example, you can tune your guitar down to E flat which is slightly lower than regular standard tuning. By turning your guitar at slightly lower, this will reduce the tension on the strings and it will be easier for you to play the notes. many famous players have used E-flat because it makes playing the guitar easier than standard tuning. If you still find it difficult to play an E flat you can always use other tunings because there's a wide range of different tunings for the guitar that you can try. Some tunings allow you to play chords with just one or two fingers and you can still play most popular songs with just one finger when you use alternate tunings.
If you struggle to play guitar with small hands, consider trying and altered tuning because this will not only make the guitar easier to play, but you're going to have more fun because you're not struggling with fingering various chords which can be difficult when you have a smaller hand. The main thing to keep in mind is that you can still learn guitar in standard tuning, it just might take you a little longer until you develop the proper hand strengths which is necessary for playing chords scales and songs in the appropriate way.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has helped you pick out just the right guitar for your small hands. Just remember that it's not really your hand size that matters when you play guitar. In the beginning, you may find that your hand size is a bit of a burden for you but as you get better on the guitar and your tendons begin to stretch, you’ll find it easier to play even a full-sized guitar.
I struggled in the beginning with my guitar playing it because my hand size is smaller than normal, but now I'm able to play most guitars fluently because my hand strength allows me to play those guitars. All you need to do is to be patient and you will find that you can still learn guitar, have fun, and even become proficient on the instrument if you just give it the time it requires to get good on guitar. If you're a complete beginner and steel string acoustic guitars are bothering your fingers, consider trying a nylon string acoustic guitar because these are much easier on your hands and you should have less difficulty when you use a nylon string guitar.