How many times have you picked out a guitar you really liked only to hold it and feel that it’s too big for your hands? Those who have big hands probably have no idea what I’m talking about, but smaller-handed readers will definitely relate to that feeling. Don’t you worry – this time we’re going to concentrate on you and provide you with a list of smaller guitars.
It could be for anyone – a kid, a teenager, or an adult. Your age doesn’t matter: the main thing is to offer you an option that you’ll love and play comfortably. Today is the day when you’ll find the best guitar for small hands, as I’m going to offer you top picks on the market. Get comfortable, get ready and gather up all your attention – we’re about to dive in. Let’s begin!
What’s The Best Guitar for Small Hands?
| Image | Guitar Model | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fender Vintera '60s Jaguar Modified HH - Pau Ferro Fingerboard |  (5 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | ESP E-II Eclipse | (5 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Dean ML Buddy Guitar |  (4.9 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Supro 1261AW Ozark Antique White | (4.9 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | LTD EC-401 |  (4.8 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Squier by Fender Classic Vibe 70's Jaguar |  (4.7 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Epiphone SG Special |  (4.6 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Silvertone Classic 1478 | (4.6 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Daisy Rock Bangles Signature Model Guitar |  (4.5 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA-M |  (4.4 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
Fender Vintera ’60s Jaguar Modified HH – Pau Ferro Fingerboard
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All the Fender fans out there can rejoice as this model will make you stand up and jump in excitement. I wish I was exaggerating but I’m not. Take a look at their Vintera ‘60s Jaguar Modified and you’ll immediately understand what I mean. The first thing that’s going to make you smile is the design. This beautiful piece comes in two colors: Surf Green and Sonic Blue. It’s paired with a 3-ply mint green pickguard, silver hardware and that classic Jaguar body shape.
This fella features alder for the body, maple for the neck, and Pau Ferro for the fingerboard. 22 medium jumbo frets are easy to access as they offer the perfect amount of space for your fingers. Most importantly, Vinter’s ‘60s Jaguar Modified has a shorter scale (24”), making it a perfect option for small hands. Two Atomic humbuckers and a number of useful switches yield a versatile, dimensional, and unique tone. Is it even possible to say no to this beauty?
Pros:
- Versatile tone
- Durable construction
- Beautiful design and finishes
Cons:
- You might have to change the strings
ESP E-II Eclipse
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If you want to experience what an expensive guitar feels like, then you should go for ESP E-II Eclipse. This beast is easily the best electric guitar for small hands. We couldn’t find any major flaws with it – that’s how amazing it is. It comes with a mahogany body that has a flamed maple top. A see-through black finish covers the body and adds a fancy appeal to the guitar. The wood used for the neck is mahogany, which is something we don’t see that often. Set-neck construction enhances its durability and guarantees that you get your money’s worth.
The single-cutaway is perfect for accessing all the frets – we can’t ever complain about unlimited possibilities. Speaking of which, E-II Eclipse is a tonal heaven – its active EMG pickups yield a powerful sound that will give you goosebumps every time you plug in the guitar. Versatility is something you can’t complain about here as you get a lot of it. And one last thing – it comes with a hard case!
Pros:
- Impeccable craftsmanship
- Powerful tone
- Expensive feel to the touch
Cons:
- A bit heavy
- E-II logo in case you have something against it
Dean ML Buddy Guitar
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Now we’re moving onto something that’s completely unique and different. Man, it’s so badass that you’ll never want to put it down. Dean ML Buddy Blaze is a one-of-a-kind instrument – it’s not easy to find, but once you do, you shouldn’t let it go. It will keep you interested even with its design. The brand’s renowned ML shape is paired with a flame pattern on the top. The finish is blue, matching the character of the guitar perfectly. It takes just a glance to understand that this puppy was made for those who love speed, girth, and unique pieces. But that’s nothing compared to the tone it can unleash.
It has two humbuckers on the middle and bridge positions, delivering a sound that you could only dream about. ML Buddy Blaze is steeped with the character of its creator (i.e. Buddy) and will immediately force you to get up on stage and start performing. Oh, I got so carried away that I almost forgot to mention – this fella has a shorter scale (24.75”), which means your small hands can easily wrap themselves around it. Fascinating, isn’t it?
Pros:
- Unique design
- Dimensional tone
- One of a kind
Cons:
- Not for those who want a typical electric guitar
Supro 1261AW Ozark Antique White
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I don’t know about you but the guitar I’m about to discuss always makes me feel like we’re in a sci-fi movie from the ‘50s. It’s unlike anything we’ve seen before and that’s not a bad thing in this case. Supro Ozark was first created back in ‘50s and has been played by Jimi Hendrix and Joe Perry. Now it’s recreated in a more contemporary body to make sure it satisfies the needs of modern players. But it still shares everything that made the original so special. Its Antique White body has two black lines on the top, the Ozark logo, a black pickguard and black details around the bridge.
There’s something really appealing about such a design, yet I can already hear many of you complaining about it. If you’re into vintage things, then you’ll enjoy this one a lot. Why is it so special? – you might ask. Well, it features a custom-made Aluma 90 pickup which is responsible for the tonal wonders this thing can produce. As it was used on lap-steels, it has a distinctive character that can be left vintage or modernized. It’s all up to your taste. The main thing is that Ozark is extremely playable and you won’t have any problems with it.
Pros:
- Unique appearance
- Close replica of the original Ozark
- Massive tone
Cons:
- Not everyone will enjoy the design (even though I really do)
LTD EC-401
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Yes, you’re right, it’s another model from ESP. You can’t blame us, because they keep coming out with wonderful pieces. How can we not mention them? This time we’re going to go down the price lane and talk about something that’s more affordable than the previous one. LTD EC-401 is made for girth, growl and distortion. You can achieve nice clean tones with it, but high gain is its true nature. Active EMG pickups are responsible for such results as they are capable of producing interminable sustain.
You can easily jam out unforgettable solos with this one – trust me, that sound will always remain in the heart and ears of the audience. The body and neck are built with mahogany, while the fingerboard is made from Pau Ferro. The scale length is 24.75 inches, making it suitable for small-handed players. Grover tuners can hold tune amazingly, sparing from the trouble of returning every time you hold the guitar. If a reasonably priced, high-quality model is what you’re looking for, then LTD EC-401 is the one.
Pros:
- Advanced tone
- Durable construction
- Suitable for heavier genres
Cons:
- Needs initial setup to remove buzz
Squier by Fender Classic Vibe 70’s Jaguar
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Have you ever watched a jaguar run towards its prey? It’s one of the most impressive things I have ever seen, because their eyes reveal their intentions, determination, and lust. These animals are fast, beautiful and powerful, just like a Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ‘70s Jaguar. It comes in three colors, but my favorite one is surf green (you guessed it, I have a thing for pastel colors). Regardless of the one you choose, the design is spectacular – the body is topped with a 4-ply tortoiseshell pickguard, which goes extremely well with the chrome hardware.
Poplar body, maple neck, and Indian Laurel fingerboard are the main constituents of the guitar. A Curved, smaller body makes it comfortable to hold and play with. But the truth is, that animal nature shows itself only when you plug the instrument in and start playing. That’s when you’ll see why Squier by Fender Classic Vibe ‘70s Jaguar made it to the list of the best guitar for small hands.
Pros:
- Beautiful design
- Great value for money
- Rich tone
Cons:
- Hard to keep in tune
- The intonation might be off (good ol’ setup will fix that issue)
Epiphone SG Special
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Epiphone has made so many guitars accessible to those who have a limited budget. They have created models that can be used by beginners, amateurs, and professionals equally. Their SG Special is a guitar that I’m sure you’ll enjoy. It’s simple, beautiful, and inexpensive – the legendary trio that we usually look for. The sound is decent for such an affordable guitar. It wouldn’t have made it to this list if it wasn’t. I can’t lie and tell you that the craftsmanship is impeccable because it’s not.
You’ll have to tune it quite frequently, because, for some reason (I’m guessing the pegs cause the issue), it has a hard time staying in tune. Taking it to the luthier should take care of the problem. And while you’re at it, get it set up to eliminate that annoying fret buzz. If you do that, SG Special will turn into something you won’t let go off. Its spec list includes interesting features, such as a tune-o-matic bridge, stop tailpiece, and two double-waxed humbuckers. Great job, Epiphone!
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to play
- Great sound
Cons:
- You might notice some fret buzz
- Doesn’t hold tune well
Silvertone Classic 1478
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There are many reasons why we love everything vintage. If you ask various guitarists their own reasoning, you’ll surely get a list of different things. But one thing doesn’t change from a musician to a musician – we can’t say no to anything once we see that magical word. Put it in the label and we’re sold. I know I’m oversimplifying things, but I truly believe you know what I’m talking about. Luckily, Silvertone Classic 1478 has a lot more to brag about apart from the fact that it is loaded with vintage vibes.
Along with the exquisite design that I fancy a lot, this bad boy features a mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard and adjustable bridge with Bigsby tailpiece. All of these components increase playability and make sure the intonation is spot on. This guitar is quite versatile, as well – you can mess around with two single-coil pickups, experiment with the combinations of switches and achieve a diverse, sustained, and rich tone. Whether you’ve played the original or not, Silvertone Classic 1478 could easily become the best electric guitar for small hands for you.
Pros:
- Vintage vibes
- Cool design
- Extremely playable
Cons:
- Small control knobs
Daisy Rock Bangles Signature Model Guitar
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Daisy Rock guitars were specifically designed for girls (and women in general) in order to encourage them to start playing professionally and be more willing to occupy stages. The majority of their models have beautiful designs to make sure feminine guitarists have something they can be inspired by. Bangles is their signature model that definitely leans towards the style of Gibson. There’s something really sleek about the body shape, not to mention the snowflake inlays on the fretboard.
It’s a semi-hollow guitar with a single f-hole and double cutaways. The body is crafted from lightweight material so that you can hold it easily. The neck is on the slimmer side, which means your small hands won’t suffer. Two mini vintage humbuckers create a powerful, airy, and punchy sound that will set your performance apart from the crowd. Just imagine yourself on stage, playing Daisy Rock Bangles, and you’ll immediately feel empowered. What else would you need for inspiration?
Pros:
- Built with girls in mind
- Comfortable to play
- Interesting sound
Cons:
- Some boys might dislike the design (but it’s for girls so sit back, fellas)
Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA-M
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I could have never imagined an affordable guitar could be so amazing before I encountered Jackson JS32 Dinky DKA-M. If I’m being honest, it doesn’t even have any major flaws – that’s how good it is. The pickups are powerful and punchy, which means they will enable you to go as heavy and dark as your heart desires. You can do whatever you want with this one and it won’t get out of tune. You can take it as a challenge and rock the hell out of it and you’ll see, it will still be in tune.
The design is truly dinky with its white poplar body and black hardware. The maple neck and fingerboard feature 24 jumbo frets, meaning that you’ll have a lot of space to do various things with your fingers. The neck is also comfortable to play as it won’t strain your fingers and muscles. If you want to become a real rockstar with your small hands, then the Jackson JS32 Dinky is the best thing you can purchase for the price.
Pros:
- Stays in tune really well
- Perfect for heavier genres
- Amazing bang for the buck
Cons:
- The tremolo bar isn’t the best
- Some of you might not like the pickups
Main features of guitar for small hands
I’m sure you have already noticed that the models we discussed above had some similar patterns. Though some of them are easy to notice and really stand to reason, there are some factors you should consider before making a purchase. After all, our goal is to find the ultimate guitar for you – an instrument that won’t feel uncomfortable to your fingers and hands. It’s important to discuss all the features that make a guitar suitable for small hands.
The scale length
I don’t like stereotypes, which is why I hate when people attribute smaller guitars to kids or girls and women. I have met many men who struggled with playing just because they had short fingers and small hands. And let’s face it – it doesn’t really matter. If you need a guitar for small hands, you should go for it. One of the most important factors that will help you in the process of searching is the scale length. The shorter the scale is, the easier it will be for you to reach the neck and fretboard perfectly. The scale length also determines the space between the frets. If they aren’t too fat apart, you’ll find it way easier to do the chords. As a small-handed person myself, I can’t even tell you how many times I have struggled to reach the needed string or fret. That pain is easily avoidable – simply look for the shorter scale!
Neck width
The second feature you should look out for is the width and the shape of the neck. Short scale won’t help you if the neck itself is wider than the body (I’m exaggerating but you get the point). It’s always better to go for something that has a slim neck. That way, your hand will wrap around it comfortably and you’ll easily reach your low strings. You don’t want to get an injury, do you? You might remember that our list included the models such as Fender Jaguar, for instance. It’s definitely the best electric guitar for small hands, as it combines the shorter scale with the slim c-shape neck. Speaking of the shape, you can go for the C or U, the main thing is to avoid bulky ones.
The body size
This is probably the trickiest part, because it’s not exactly set in stone. What I mean is that body size is strictly individual and even a shorter scale guitar can have a heavy, bulky body. To be able to guide your way through those, you should, once again, look for a slim design. If the body is rounded and thin, the chances are you’ll find it easy to hold and play.
All in all, if you consider all these factors, you won’t have a hard time finding the best guitar for small hands. After all, the majority of the models we have provided combine all of them. That means you have a lot of options to check out. Just make sure you get the right instrument and the rest will follow!
Conclusion
We’ve had such a wonderful adventure, my friend. This article taught us that we don’t have to suffer through pain or give up playing just because we have small hands. We simply have to do better research and find the guitars that will suit our body size and parameters better. We did everything we could to include the models with diverse characters, shapes and price ranges. I hope you have found the best guitar for small hands.
If I were you, I’d have a hard time picking out only one – some of these fellas are so good you’ll want to have them all. But we should never forget about self-control and the importance of reasonable decisions. With that being said, splurge if you can and get as many wonderful pieces as you want. You’re the one who decides how big their collection will be. And let’s face it – is there really such a thing as too many guitars? I don’t think so. Good luck, my friend!
