While dreadnoughts seem to be the standard shape for many acoustic electric guitars, they can be frustrating in size when it comes to getting your arms over it.
Plus, you might even have smaller hands that just can’t stretch as wide as your well-endowed peers.
No matter. There’s a fix for that.
Whether you’re shopping for your pre-teen, teenager, or yourself, there’s a small guitar that will perfectly match your body frame and your smallish hands!
Contents show
Quick Answer: 4 Best Small Acoustic Electric Guitars In 2022
- Taylor GS Mini-e Koa
- Martin LX1E
- Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size
- Epiphone PR-4E
The Best Small Body Acoustic Electric Guitars
Best Overall
Runner-Up
Budget Option
Product
Taylor GS Mini-e Solid Koa Top ESB w/Gig Bag with case
Martin LX1E Little Martin Solid Sitka Spruce/Mahogany HPL Acoustic/Electric w/Gig Bag
Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Black
Body
Koa
Mahogany/Spruce
Meranti/Spruce
Neck
Sapele
Mahogany
Nato
Pickup
Expression System 2
Fishman Isys T
System 68 pickup
Customer Rating
Best Overall
Product
Taylor GS Mini-e Solid Koa Top ESB w/Gig Bag with case
Body
Koa
Neck
Sapele
Pickup
Expression System 2
Customer Rating
Runner-Up
Product
Martin LX1E Little Martin Solid Sitka Spruce/Mahogany HPL Acoustic/Electric w/Gig Bag
Body
Mahogany/Spruce
Neck
Mahogany
Pickup
Fishman Isys T
Customer Rating
Budget Option
Product
Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Black
Body
Meranti/Spruce
Neck
Nato
Pickup
System 68 pickup
Customer Rating
You don’t have to be on the short end of the stick to appreciate a scaled-down guitar. In fact, many guitarists of larger stature enjoy playing a small acoustic electric guitar. Why? It offers greater ease of playability.
However, players of all ages and statures can have various hand sizes that affects playability. Our lineup presents some of the best small body guitars to improve playability for smaller persons, increase travel length, and provide refreshing tonality for finger-style players.
Beware though, the price tag may not be so small on a small-sized guitar. Depending on the level of quality and brand you may be scoping out, it could cost you. Thanks to our lineup, we’ve got quite the variety in price range for you!
Our 4 Top Small Electric Acoustic Guitars In 2022
1. Taylor GS Mini-e Koa – Best Small Body
154 Reviews
Taylor GS Mini-e Solid Koa Top ESB w/Gig Bag with case
- Body Body shape: Other Cutaway: Non-cutaway Top: Hawaiian koa Back and sides: Layered koa Bracing pattern: Other Body finish: Varnish Orientation: Right handed Neck Shape: Other Nut width: 1.687"...
You’re not missing out on resonance with this scaled-down dreadnought with the rounded bottom. In fact, while many small body guitars often forfeit a hefty bass presence, the GS Mini-e Koa guitar offers reverberated bass tones thanks to its shapely derriere.
While its bell-like chimes are the prominent tones, you can expect your resonance to evolve as the Koa wood ages. By then, you should be a pro player that knows the ins and outs of how your Taylor works.
As mentioned earlier, smaller guitars are excellent options for finger-style players, and the Taylor GS Mini is no exception. Small hands or not, this guitar is worth the buy for any enthusiastic guitar player and collector! However, be prepared to lay down a hefty cash payment for this baby.
READ REVIEW
2. LX1E Little Martin Travel Guitar
190 Reviews
Martin LX1E Little Martin Solid Sitka Spruce/Mahogany HPL Acoustic/Electric w/Gig Bag
- PROFESSIONAL SOUND: Martin’s Little Martin LX1E acoustic-electric guitar has a Sitka spruce top and high-pressure laminate (HPL) construction. It is Martin’s smallest guitar and while small in...
- SUPERIOR APPEARANCE: The Little Martin LX1R acoustic-electric guitars are made with a Sitka spruce top and mahogany high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides with a warm satin finish. These guitars...
- Handmade from the highest-quality wood, Little Martin guitars are built to stand up to late-night jams, long studio sessions, and plenty of strumming or picking. These solid-wood, acoustic-electric...
$499.00
If the budget is tight, this Little Martin might be the only Martin you will ever own. While it still sports a hefty price tag, it’s cheaper than the Taylor GS Mini-e guitar, but it still holds quality where you need it most.
You can thank Ed Sheeran for possibly bringing back the popularity of small body guitars, and yes, he is a fan of the Martin LX Series. Even if you’re not up in arms about the troubadour, this is still one of the best small body guitars that’s worth your time and your money.
While compromises were made to bring costs down, Martin got creative with highly-pressurized mahogany laminate, Fishman electronics, and a richlite fretboard. It’s a crowd favorite, and a favorite of ours!
READ REVIEW
3. Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric
638 Reviews
Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Black
- Spruce Top
- Rosewood Fingerboard & Bridge
- System 68 Pick-Up
This Yamaha is expertly designed for small hands that want a small price tag within reach. As one of our most budget-friendly, small-sized guitars, it definitely earned its place in this lineup.
Its neck is fully accessible for adults with shorter arms and smaller hands, so you know youth players are going to claim this guitar as their own. Looking past just being user-friendly in size, it’s also an excellent guitar for travel or practice.
Remember how we mentioned that larger framed players appreciate the ease of use a smaller guitar offers? This guitar epitomizes the perfect size for full sound while joshin’ about and having a good, jammin’ time – plugged-in of course. For the price, you can’t pass it up!
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4. Epiphone PR-4E – Best for Small Hands
358 Reviews
PR-4E Acoustic/Electric Guitar Player Pack
- Slim Taper D, Mahogany Neck
- Chrome Hardware
- Strings: .012 .016 .024 .032 .042 .053
$289.00
This guitar isn’t technically considered a small guitar, but we’ve listed it here because it’s actually smaller than you would expect. While it is a full-size guitar, it’s not a dreadnought, and its cutaways make for comfortable handling.
We felt it worthy of an honorable mention in this lineup for a few reasons. Players aged 12 and up would definitely find it appropriate to wield without feeling like they were strumming a “kid-size” guitar. Adults on the shorter end of the stick will find that this instrument was made for small hands because its frets aren’t too wide. Obviously, this also improves playability for beginner players too – just a bonus tip!
Additionally, the fact that this guitar also comes with a complete equipment and accessories package without a ridiculous price makes it a winner in our books. If you want large sound, big value, and full-size aesthetics for a small price with benefits for the smaller person, this is the Epiphone guitar for you!
READ REVIEW
What to Look for in a Small Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Small-size guitars can get a bad rap from those vain guitarists who have played nothing but a dreadnought their entire lives. Well, scaled-down guitars used to be all the rave in Europe once upon a time, and their popularity is back in fashion.
Scaled-down guitars are also excellent instruments for practice jams and for they make great acoustic electric guitars for traveling. There’s a lot to benefit from when you own a small guitar for whatever reason and despite your size. But, here’s what you need to know before you buy!
- Tone woods: Laminate is quite likely the norm, however, you can find solid top guitars (per brand) with a higher budget. Laminate can definitely be more impervious to damage, especially while on the road.
- Size: Small, scaled-down, and compact designs will vary. Travel or parlor size guitars will be the norm.
- Shape: Shape will vary. It could be a scaled-down, customized dreadnought, or it might have cutaways that make for better handling.
- Electronics: For a scaled-down size, you’ll need to make up for the lack of sound with the electronics. You might want to be brand-specific or look for a more expensive, small-sized guitar for the best electronics.
- Accessories: Additional accessories and equipment are typically offered with the cheaper guitars. If you already have equipment, you might just want to spend a little more on a higher-quality, small guitar.
- Value: As a scaled-down sized guitar, you’re going to get immediate cost savings versus a full-size guitar. However, brands, quality, and unique features can quickly run up the costs to rival full-size guitars. Ensure money spent is inline with the features you’re after.
Less Can be More!
We all know the saying, “Less is more.” But, in this case, it really can be. There’s no point in spending full-size prices on a full-size guitar if it doesn’t suit your needs.
Despite your reasons for wanting a scaled-down guitar, they offer versatile and multiple benefits that not even a full-size guitar can achieve. Make your own signature groove with a small guitar like Ed Sheeran who brought life back into the scaled-down instrument and is now a millionaire. You know, that could be you!
Further Reading:
- Taylor 224CE-K DLX Review – Koa Acoustic Electric Guitar (Excellent Craftsmanship)
- Yamaha FGX800C Review – Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Takamine GD30CE Review – NAT Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Martin DRS1 Review – Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar
FAQs
What is the most comfortable acoustic guitar to play? ›
If you're looking for the best acoustic guitar overall, we don't think you can get much better than the Taylor Builder's Edition V-Class K14ce. Perfectly marrying vintage vibe with modern playability it offers fantastic upper fret access, comfortable body contours, and most importantly, a phenomenal unplugged tone.
What is as small body acoustic guitar called? ›Parlor. The smallest model of acoustic guitars. Parlor guitars are known for their huge presence in the mid range, and are extremely comfortable to play. This is because of their small size and “pinched” body shape.
Which electric guitar is closest to acoustic? ›Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster
It cuts a familiar sillhouette, but its Stratocaster body is semi-hollow, the guitar is string with acoustic strings with a “donut” soundhole projecting an acoustic voice that might lack volume but not detail or musicality.
Clapton has used a variety of guitars throughout his career, but his 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar is still his favorite. The original owner pawned it for $250 at a pawn shop, but he took it home for $250.
What is the most versatile acoustic guitar? ›The Dreadnought shape is known as the Swiss Army Knife of acoustic guitars. It's by and large the most versatile acoustic guitar shape around. Brilliant for flatpickers and strummers or players after a traditional acoustic sound and shape.
Which acoustic guitar is easiest on the fingers? ›Classical guitars are traditionally played with nylon strings, which are by far the easiest type of string material on your fingers. Even still, nylon strings come in different gauges (a fancy term for thickness). The higher the gauge, the thicker the guitar string.
Which brand acoustic guitar is best? ›- Fender.
- Guild.
- Yamaha.
- Gretsch.
- Takamine.
- Ibanez.
- Epiphone.
- Gibson.
Martin Guitar
Long considered the holy grail of acoustic guitars, the D-45 appeared first as a 12-fret neck to to body version with snowflake fingerboard inlays owned by cowboy legend Gene Autry.
When it came to acoustic guitars, McCartney initially used an Epiphone Texan to record 'Yesterday', but later adopted a Martin D-28 during most of the band's studio-only years.
What size guitar should I get for my height? ›| Age | Height | Guitar Size |
|---|---|---|
| 5 - 12 years | 100 - 120cm | 3/4 Size |
| 12 - 15 years | 120 - 165cm | Small Body |
| 15+ years | 165cm + | Full Size |
Are smaller acoustic guitars easier to play? ›
1- Easier to play / Great for beginners
Small guitars solve this problem and that makes them a great beginner guitar. A guitar like the Baby Taylor is ¾ the size of a traditional acoustic guitar. This means it's a lot easier to hold for someone that is not used to the shape and feel of a guitar.
For situations where a full-sized acoustic instrument simply consumes too much space, small acoustic guitars are an excellent choice. They are not only useful, but also intelligent. The best small-body mini acoustic guitars are regarded as the best due to their cool vibe, surprising sound, and solid construction.
What is the best acoustic guitar that plays like an electric guitar? ›Acoustic guitars that play like electric guitars include a low action, radiused neck, and small body. None more so than the Kramer Ferrington. Other guitars worth considering are the Ibanez Talman, the Fender Acoustisonic, Taylor T5, Godin A-series, and the Yamaha APX series.
What acoustic guitar do most musicians use? ›What does Acoustic Guitar Do Most Musicians use? Most musicians who play acoustic guitar use a dreadnought guitar. This type of guitar has a large body and a powerful sound. It is the most popular acoustic guitar for both beginners and experienced players.
Is there a guitar that can do acoustic and electric? ›Electro Acoustic Guitars offer you the best of both worlds - the tone of an acoustic with the volume and capabilities of an electric. They are ideal for live performances as you can plug straight into an amp or PA system.
What is Keith Richards favorite acoustic guitar? ›Keith's favorite acoustic guitar is a Martin D-28, which he has used on many of his solo albums. This guitar has a rich, full sound that is perfect for Keith's style of playing.
What is Eric Clapton's favorite guitar? ›Blackie is the nickname given by Eric Clapton to his favorite Fender Stratocaster.
What acoustic guitars do famous guitarists use? ›- The Fender Stratocaster. Among its most famous players are Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Hendrix, and Eddie Van Halen.
- The Fender Telecaster. ...
- The Fender Jaguar. ...
- The Gibson Flying V. ...
- The Gibson SG. ...
- The Ibanez RG550. ...
- The Gibson Les Paul.
So, to sum up, good quality beginner acoustic guitars cost around $100 – $400, intermediates range between $400 – $1000, and professional acoustics are $1000 and more. But don't be scared that you aren't getting a high-quality acoustic if you are paying less than $1000.
Which guitars are easiest to play? ›Solidbody Guitars are the Easiest to Play
There are three types of electric guitars—hollow body, semi-hollow body, and solid body. Of these three, solid body electric guitars are the most recommended by experts in terms of comfort and playability.
What is the best acoustic guitar body shape? ›
Concert Guitar
The Concert is our most popular body shape, favored by players because it is well-balanced, compact, comfortable to play, and offers all the qualities of a great sounding guitar.
The price of a good acoustic guitar for a beginner should range between $150 and $300. A high-quality intermediate guitar can cost up to 800 dollars. Custom guitars can cost thousands of dollars, but once you've purchased one, you'll notice a huge difference.
What guitar do most professionals use? ›1. GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD. The Gibson Les Paul Standard is one of the best electric guitars for the money relied upon by professional guitarists all over the world. A selection of brands have tried their best to emulate this design, but there's only one Gibson Les Paul.
What size guitar should I get if I have small hands? ›Consider buying a ¾ size guitar
There are a ton of ¾ or “travel” sized guitars currently on the market and they are perfect for people with smaller hands. Popular models include the Little Martin, Ed Sheeran's signature Martin, the Baby and Big Baby Taylor, and Fender's Travel acoustic guitars.
Yes, nylon strings are softer and more gently on players' fingers, so beginners generally won't have to worry about finger pain or developing the callouses that will help them practice pain-free.
What is the easiest guitar neck to play? ›Answer: There is no certain answer, but the most common one or generally considered the easiest to play is the C shape guitar neck, found on many Fender Stratocaster type guitars.
What is the easiest style of guitar to play? ›Electric guitars are generally the easiest to play: the strings are usually thinner, the 'action' is lower and therefore the strings are easier to press down.
Which acoustic guitar strings are easiest on fingers? ›Nylon strings are easiest on the finger due to their smooth texture and low density compared to steel strings. In terms of steel strings, flatwound strings cause less friction than roundwound strings. Silk and steel winding is gentler on the fingers, as are most coated strings.
Which guitars are easier to play? ›Electric guitars are easier to play. The strings are lighter and far more comfortable than acoustic guitars. One key aspect which makes electric guitars so appealing is that they are a lot smaller than acoustic guitars, so it does make learning more comfortable.