What Type of Guitar Neck is Best for Small Hands?

Choosing the right guitar can be exciting but sometimes tricky. Especially if you have smaller hands. There’s a big variety of neck sizes, and it’s important to find one that’s comfortable and easy to play with.

Guitar necks come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. If you have small hands, you should pay attention to guitars with slimmer necks and narrower fretboards.

In any case, your ideal neck will allow your fingers to press the strings easily and without discomfort.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to buy the right guitar if you have small hands!

Understanding Guitar Neck Dimensions

Neck Profile and Shape

The neck profile, essentially its cross-sectional shape, affects how your guitar feels when you play it. Common profiles are the C, D, U, and V shapes.

Players with smaller hands often favor the C-shaped neck. Its subtle curvature nestles comfortably in the palm of your hand. It makes it easier to wrap your hand around and access the fretboard.

Scale Length

Scale length refers to the span between the bridge and the nut, which determines the spacing of the frets. Shorter scale lengths mean frets are more closely spaced. 

This is an advantage if you have small hands. Guitar manufacturers and luthiers build smaller-scale guitars with this in mind.

A well-known guitar with shorter scales is the Gibson Les Paul Junior. It features a 24.75-inch scale. Another example is the Fender Mustang, which has a 24-inch scale. Both are friendly for players with smaller hands.

Nut Width and Fingerboard Radius

The nut width measures the neck’s width at the nut. It affects how far apart your fingers need to be when fretting notes. 

A slimmer nut width often means less stretch for small hands. This leads to a more comfortable feel.

The fingerboard radius refers to how curved the neck is when looking at a cross-section. 

A smaller radius means a more pronounced curve. This can make it easier to encircle the neck and press the strings.

Guitars with a nut width from about 1.68 inches (42.8mm) to 1.75 inches (44.5mm) are often suggested if you have smaller hands. 

This is paired with a fingerboard radius from 7.25 inches (184mm) to 9.5 inches (241mm). They tend to be easier to manage.

Electric Guitar Neck Considerations

When buying an electric guitar and you have smaller hands, consider these factors:

• Neck Width: A narrower neck on an electric guitar can make playing more comfortable. Look for neck widths around 1 5/8 inches to 1 11/16 inches;

• Neck Profile: Electric guitars often have thinner neck profiles than acoustics. Slim “C” or “D” shapes are popular among those with smaller hands for their playability;

• Shorter Scale Length: Shorter scale lengths bring the frets closer together. It makes playing chords and single notes easier.

A slimmer nut width often means less stretch for small hands

Neck Comfort

If you have small hands, the comfort of the guitar neck is essential. It’s key to finding a neck that makes it easy for you to play chords and move between notes.

Guitars with thinner necks offer a more comfortable hold. It can help reduce hand strain over longer periods of playing.

Body Size and Shape

The guitar’s body size and shape are crucial factors, too.

Smaller-bodied guitars are a better match for players with smaller hands. It makes for easier reach and maneuverability.

Models like parlor guitars or 3/4-size instruments are often more comfortable. They make for a more accessible playing experience if you have smaller hands. 

Though pretty much all adults should be able to play a regular-scaled guitar, even with small hands. 

Adjustments and Customizations

Adjusting Existing Guitars

Reducing the neck’s thickness is a common adjustment for players with small hands. Adjusting the truss rod can slightly change the neck’s profile, but be careful. Consult with a guitar tech or a luthier if you’re not sure how to do it properly.

A pro can also help you with other tweaks. Like adjusting the string height or action to make playing more comfortable.

Custom-Built Options

A custom guitar could be your solution. Because custom guitars are tailored to your preferences. It gives you influence over many details, so you should be able to make sure the neck fits your hand perfectly.

They ain’t cheap, but it can be worthwhile if you want a precise fit.

Buying Tips for Players with Small Hands

Buyer’s Guide

Finding the right guitar when you have small hands might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Just read the section below. 

When choosing a guitar, focus on the neck’s shape, width, and thickness. A thinner, narrower neck makes it easier for small hands to play.

Generally speaking, players prefer necks with C and D shapes.

Keep this checklist in mind during your search:

• Shape: Go for C or D profiles;

• Width: Seek out a narrower option;

• Thickness: Aim for a thinner neck;

• Weight: Look for a lighter guitar.

Testing Guitars In-Store

Yes, online shopping might be convenient; there’s no substitute for trying out guitars in person. There’s no other way to check how the neck feels in your hands.

At the store, keep these factors in mind:

• Neck Width: The neck should fit comfortably in your hand. You should be able to easily wrap your fingers around it;

• String Spacing: Strings closer together can ease the stretch of your fingers. It obviously makes the guitar more comfortable to play;

• Neck Shape: Neck shapes like the C or D are often recommended if you have small hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best electric guitars for players with small hands?

Electric guitars like the Fender Mustang and Fender Duo-Sonic are great for small hands due to their shorter scale lengths. 

This feature brings the frets closer together, simplifying forming chords and reaching notes. Ibanez guitars are also often suggested because they have models with slim neck profiles. It can make playing more comfortable. 

Are there specific neck profiles that are more comfortable for small hands?

Yes. Slim or narrow neck profiles are pretty much the best choice because they enable a more natural grip and make it easier to reach the frets. 

A good example is the “C”-shaped neck profile, a staple on many Fender guitars and renowned for its comfort. Also, Ibanez’s “Wizard” neck profile is known for its ease of play and comfort for smaller hands. 

Can beginners with small hands find guitars that are easy to play?

Definitely! Beginners with small hands have options for guitars designed for comfortable playability. Key features are shorter scale lengths, narrower neck widths, and slender neck profiles. 

The Squier Mini Strat, Ibanez Mikro, and Yamaha FG Junior are excellent choices. It’s important to consider the size of the guitar, the neck profile, and the scale length.

How does neck width impact guitar playability for individuals with small hands?

If you have small hands, the width of the guitar neck is important for playing comfortably. A thinner neck makes reaching around and holding the guitar easier, which is good for people with small hands. 

When picking out a guitar, look at the neck width, shape, and length.