Small Hands
Have you ever wondered if your small hands would keep you from being a successful guitar player? It’s a common concern, but one that isn’t necessary. It is quite possible for a person who has small hands to be a happy, healthy, and accomplished guitar player.
It’s also possible for players of any size to sustain injuries, and that risk will increase for guitarists who play an instrument ill-fitted to their bodies. Guitars are available in a wide range of sizes and styles. All you have to do is find the right one for you! There are three considerations: body size and shape, neck width and scale length. As a player with small hands, you’ll want to find one that has a narrow neck. Also look for a small enough body that you don’t have to strain to lift your right arm over the it.
I have a short upper body and small hands and I love to play ¾ size guitars. Larger than ¾, but still on the small side is the Taylor I play in my comprehensive video. It has a beautiful sound and I find it quite comfortable. Taylor even makes a “Baby Taylor”, that’s a fun, compact solution to the big-guitar problem. I’ve also enjoyed the smaller Guild acoustics. These aren’t the only companies to check out, so go shopping and have fun – and while you’re shopping, don’t forget to look at my all-time favorites, the parlor guitars!
When you find your guitar, don’t leave the store without having it set up properly. Most people assume that when they buy a new guitar, it’s as playable as it will ever be. This is not the case with most guitars.
Ask to have the action set as low as it can be set without sacrificing the sound or creating buzzes and rattles. Use light gauge strings. When you get it home, take good care of it and yourself, and you’ll never want to put it down!
Proper posture and body use while playing is crucial to your comfort and longevity as a guitarist. Learn to sit and hold the guitar correctly, and guard against tension in your neck, back, arms and hands. Acquire good practice habits, use proper technique and remember to breathe!
My New Toy
I bought another guitar. This time it’s an acoustic guitar. I found it while searching for a small instrument for a student. If you’ve taken lessons or workshops with me or read much on the site, you probably realize how much importance I place on playing a guitar that’s an appropriate size and shape. I injured myself many years ago by playing a Gibson J-200—an extraordinary guitar, but way too big for me. I learned a lot from that experience that I can pass on to other guitar players! Proper body use is essential, but the starting point is an instrument that is comfortable to play!
In my search for a small acoustic guitar with a good sound and a reasonable price, I fell in love with a parlor guitar. The price was so reasonable that I almost didn’t bother to check it out, assuming that it couldn’t be much more than a toy. I’m glad did, though, because it’s so much fun! Plus, it’s a good little guitar to recommend to kids, small adults, or anyone who just wants to have some fun with a guitar that’s easy to handle.
The guitar is a Seagull Grand. It has a solid cedar top with wild cherry back and sides and a neck of silver leaf maple. If you like it, but want to spend even less money, you can get the Art and Lutherie guitar called “Ami.” It comes in various colors, has a solid top, and the same neck as the Seagull Grand. I really like their trans-red solid spruce top guitar, but all of them are cute and kicky and fun!
In addition to giving lessons and workshops, I am available for consultations. To request a lesson or consultation, please email me.
