Quick answer: The best guitar for small hands is the Taylor GS Mini, thanks to its shorter scale, comfortable neck and full sound. On a budget, the Yamaha CSF1M and Fender CP-60S parlor are easy to play, and for electric, the Squier Mini Stratocaster and Ibanez GRGM21 Mikro (Black) have short scales that are kind to small hands.
If chords feel like a stretch or your arm aches reaching over a big guitar body, it might not be you. It might be the guitar. The right guitar for small hands has a shorter scale, a slimmer neck and a body that’s comfortable to hold. If you want something even more compact, see our best mini guitars.
Here are seven currently sold guitars that are easier to play for adults with small hands, teens and kids, plus what to look for when you shop.
New to this? Start with our guide on how to buy a guitar.
Related: new to this topic? Start with our list of the best guitar brands to buy from.
New to this? You may also like my guides to best guitars for kids and best travel guitars.
Our top picks at a glance
| Product | Best for | Key features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor GS Mini Mahogany | Most players with small hands | 23.5-inch scale, compact body, solid mahogany top | Check current price |
| Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor | Kids and very small hands | 3/4-size dreadnought, 22.75-inch scale | Check current price |
| Martin LX1E Little Martin | Small hands who want a pickup | 23-inch scale, compact body, Fishman electronics | Check current price |
| Yamaha CSF1M | Comfortable compact acoustic with pickup | Short-scale compact body, solid spruce top, pickup, gig bag | Check current price |
| Fender CP-60S Parlor | Budget small-body acoustic | Parlor body, solid spruce top, rolled fingerboard edges | Check current price |
| Squier Mini Stratocaster | Electric for small hands and kids | 22.75-inch scale, smaller body, three single-coils | Check current price |
| Ibanez GRGM21 Mikro (Black) | Short-scale rock guitar | 22.2-inch scale, humbuckers, slim neck | Check current price |
Best Guitars for Small Hands: reviews
1. Taylor GS Mini Mahogany — best for most players with small hands
Key features: 23.5-inch scale, compact body, solid mahogany top
The GS Mini‘s 23.5-inch scale is shorter than a standard acoustic’s, so frets are a little closer together and string tension is lower. That makes chord stretches and barre chords easier.
Unlike many small guitars, it still sounds full and rich, so you don’t have to give up tone for comfort. It’s my top pick for adults with small hands.
Pros:
- Short scale
- Full sound
- High build quality
Cons:
- Costs more than budget options
- No electronics on base model
2. Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor — best for kids and very small hands
Key features: 3/4-size dreadnought, 22.75-inch scale
The Baby Taylor is even smaller than the GS Mini, with a 3/4-size body. It’s a great choice for kids and players with very small hands.
It’s affordable for a Taylor and light enough to carry anywhere.
Pros:
- Very compact
- Affordable Taylor
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Smaller sound
- Basic features
3. Martin LX1E Little Martin — best for small hands who want a pickup
Key features: 23-inch scale, compact body, Fishman electronics
The Little Martin has a short scale and a compact body, with built-in electronics. It’s comfortable for small hands and practical for playing in church or small gigs.
It’s tough and travel-friendly too.
Pros:
- Short scale
- Electronics included
- Durable
Cons:
- Smaller sound
- Laminate back and sides
4. Yamaha CSF1M — best for comfortable compact acoustic with pickup
Key features: Short-scale compact body, solid spruce top, pickup, gig bag
The CSF1M is a compact acoustic with a shorter scale and slim neck. It has a solid top, a built-in pickup and a quality gig bag.
It’s a great all-round choice for small hands at a mid-range price.
Pros:
- Solid top
- Pickup included
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Less bass
- Matte finish
5. Fender CP-60S Parlor — best for budget small-body acoustic
Key features: Parlor body, solid spruce top, rolled fingerboard edges
The CP-60S is an affordable parlor guitar with a small body that’s easy to hold. Rolled fingerboard edges make the neck feel smoother in the hand.