Do you know what sets the world-renowned music artists and us apart? It’s the fact that they started at an early age.
Say, Mozart— he wouldn’t be considered one of the greatest without his early awakening to music and opera, and eventually, practicing it over the years.
But, I’m not saying let’s all be Mozart. It only goes to show that, basically, anybody can be a “somebody” if talents are not put to waste.
Just like playing the guitar. Whether it’s for someone who has small hands or your kid just wants to start playing the guitar, practicing that particular skill, while using the appropriate (with great features) guitar will help you be the next best Guitar Hero.
Legendary guitarists won’t be legendary if not for their love for music and constant drive to practice their talent. That’s why, if you have it, why don’t you flaunt it? Of course, the first step is to find the best instrument that complements our skills and preference.
If you’re a person with small hands and have been having a hard time looking for the right guitar, fret not because I have laid down five of the best acoustic guitar for small hands.
Contents
The best acoustic guitars for small hands
- Martin LX1E Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
- Taylor Academy 12 Acoustic Guitar
- Taylor BT1 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar
- Fender MA-1 Acoustic Guitar
- Yamaha APXT2EW Acoustic Guitar
Runner Up | Editor's Choice | Also Great |
Martin LX1E Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
Considered the front runner of the show is the Martin LX1E Little Martin. With its features, it’s easy to say that this acoustic guitar is made especially for guitarists with small hands. Even if you’re still a beginner or already a pro, the Martin LX1E Little Martin is perfect for everyone with a musically-inclined heart.
True to its name, the Little Martin is a handy acoustic guitar perfect for backpacking and travel. It’s the perfect choice for beginners because of its small body features. The Little Martin boasts a wood exterior with “1-style”, Micarta fretboard and bridge, along with a Stratabond modified low-oval neck.
Basically, the Martin LX1E Little Martin is just a modified 0-14 Martin, just with a smaller size. Also owning Gotoh nickel-plated tuners and Sitka spruce bracing, this sturdy acoustic guitar is both aesthetic and functional. The Martin LX1E Little Martin is sure to stay for a long time.
Pros
- Functional Tuners
- Solid Spruce
- Sturdy Body
Cons
- Strings might feel a little heavy for the body
Taylor Academy 12 Acoustic Guitar
Last on the list for the best acoustic guitar for small hands is the Taylor Academy 12 Grand Concert. If you desire something that gives a pleasingly light sound, the Academy 12 is your go-to. Still possessing that classic Taylor sound, the 12E does not compromise when it comes to giving the best acoustic sound there is.
If played alone, the Taylor Academy 12 will give off an easy and light-to-the-ears sound. It’s played best for open chords and finger picking. However, it works and sounds just as astounding when plugged. Whether you’re looking for a deep or sweet tone, the Academy 12 will always be a charmer.
Pros
- High quality
- Comfortable handling
- Easy to use
- Not entirely an acoustic guitar, as it has an electric touch to it
Taylor BT1 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar
Among the top choices for the best acoustic guitar for small hands is the Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor.
Known as one of the best kids guitar and beginners alike, the Baby Taylor could be a stepping stone to unleash the inner superstar in you.
With its attractive look, the Baby Taylor has a solid mahogany wood with a matte body finsih, layered Sapele back, sides and neck, and a genuine Ebony fingerboard. The Baby Taylor is perfect for your travel entertainment because of its handy size and sturdy build. Its storage won’t be a problem since it comes with a gig bag fit for travel and protection.
Pros
- Simple design
- User-friendly for beginners
- Durable quality
Cons
- Tuning will be needed every now and then
Fender MA-1 Acoustic Guitar
Second on the list is the Fender MA-1 ¾ Acoustic Guitar. If you’re looking for the best acoustic guitar for small hands but still fits your budget, the Fender MA-1 ¾ Acoustic Guitar is your best bet. It’s made especially for the small hands, so kids can also maneuver it without a problem.
The Fender MA-1 ¾ String Acoustic Guitar is the ultimate choice for players looking for an acoustic guitar that could make playing the instrument easier. Playing the MA-1 will make you feel at ease with its comfortable size, satin body and neck, shorter string scale length, and a full tone.
Packed with a gig bag for easy transport, the Fender MA-1 ¾ Acoustic Guitar makes a perfect companion for all your travels. Who wouldn’t love a good road trip jam? The MA-1 will make you realize that you don’t need to shell out a big amount for to have a wonderful musical experience.
Pros
- Affordable
- Light strings
- Decent quality
Cons
- For beginners, it’s best to use nylon strings instead of the original steel strings
Yamaha APXT2EW Acoustic Guitar
If you’re a fan of Yamaha instruments, then Yamaha APTX2 will have a special place in your heart. The APXT2 is like a replica of the best-selling Yamaha APX500III, only smaller. Just like the latter model, the APXT2 is just as study and functional.
Coming from a brand that has exceptional reputation when it comes to musical instruments, the APXT2 won’t be a waste of your money. It boasts a sound quality of every other Yamaha acoustic guitar. Built with high quality materials, this guitar owns an ART-based pickup system along with a System 68 contact pickup.
Also available in different colors and finishes, the Yamaha APXT2 can be the definition of a stylish yet functional instrument. With Yamaha’s proprietary tuner, you’ll have no problem with tuning it.
Pros
- Loud volume for its size
- Simple controls
- Sturdy build
Cons
- Might too simple for advanced players
Factors To Consider When Buying an Acoustic Guitar for Small Hands
To shop for a regular-sized acoustic guitar is a breeze, but to find the best acoustic guitar for small hands is another story. Acoustic guitars have a bulky body in nature, which makes it hard for aspiring guitarist with small hands. To make sure the best one lands on your hands, here are some of the factors to consider before sealing the deal.
Slim Neck
One of the things to check when buying an acoustic guitar for small hands is its slim neck. A guitar with a slim neck just makes it easier to use. Users with small hands will have an easy experience if the guitar has a slim neck because it’s easier to grab and hold on to, which makes it equally easier to produce chords.
Another reason why slim necks are essential is because it allows users to play it on a faster tempo. Although, note that a slim neck will not produce fat sonic attacks you get from full-sized guitars.
String Length
Acoustic guitars for smaller hands should have a string length that is suitable for its users. To make things easy, the string length should be about 22 inches to 24.6 inches. When the strings are within the appropriate length, playing the guitar will be a walk in the park.
Shorter string length means less finger strength and power needed to play the guitar properly. It also allows the users to play the guitar at ease because of the easy access it gives to all the chords.
Lighter Strings
Among others, lighter strings are a must when it comes to having the best acoustic guitar for small hands. If you have small hands, you’ll have smaller gauge. Lighter strings are more suitable for users with smaller hands, in general.
In this case, nylon strings are lighter compared to steel strings. Acoustic guitars that have steel strings won’t be a problem since nylon strings are easy to find. Try playing an acoustic guitar with nylon strings, and you’ll see a huge difference when it comes to playability and ease of usage.
Also Read: Classical Vs Steel-String Guitar – Which is Better?
If you are to choose the best acoustic guitar for small hands, choosing a smaller guitar will be your priority. That’s why, it is best to remember that acoustic guitars that are made for people with small hands tend to sound slightly different than the regular-sized ones. For one, smaller bodies don’t resonate as much when compared to guitars with average to large bodies.
Slim necks and lighter strings also affect the way the guitar sounds. Light and heavy strings very differently as do different materials as well. For this matter, make sure to test your potential acoustic guitar so you’ll have #NoRegrets.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Acoustic Guitar Strings
What is the best guitar for small hands?
The Martin LX1E- Little Martin is the best acoustic guitar for small hands on this list. Coming from its name, the Little Martin is perfect for every guitarist with small hands because of its size and its handy for travel.
Beginner or not, you’ll love the Little Martin’s wood exterior, micarta fretboard, and bridge, Sitka Spruce bracing, and Gotoh tuners, among others.
A lot of its users love it because of its functional tuners and solid construction. However, you might want to replace its strings with something lighter. Nonetheless, the Martin LX1E Little Martin is the choice for the best acoustic guitar for small hands.
Having small hands does not necessarily mean you won’t be a great guitar player.
Sometimes, it only means you need the best acoustic guitar for small hands.
Having talent is already a blessing in itself. Honing it with an instrument you personally prefer and hand-pick is a bonus. Pair the best instrument on hand with your great talent, and you’ll have the greatest musical experience ever.
Get the Martin LX1E- Little Martin here.
ALSO READ: Our ultimate list of the best acoustic guitar