9 Best Electric Guitars For Small Hands 2024

Do you find that some guitars are nearly impossible to play because of the associated finger stretches? You’re not alone in feeling this way, as it’s actually quite a common problem that people face. 

If you’re on the hunt for a guitar to suit your smaller hands, you’ve come to the right place. The following electric guitars are examples of instruments that smaller-handed individuals will have no problems playing. 

Squier Mini Strat – Best Overall

There’s just something about the Stratocaster that keeps it extremely relevant, no matter what decade it may be. If you have smaller hands, the Squier Mini Strat (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is a great option.

As the name suggests, the Mini Strat is a scaled-down guitar at 3/4 size dimensions. Both the neck and the body’s dimensions have been decreased.

The Mini Strat features a body made of Poplar, which lends the guitar to have an extremely light weight. A gloss polyurethane finish is applied to the guitar, with multiple color choices available including:

• Dakota red
• Shell pink
• Black (left-handed models only)

Maple is used for the Mini Strat’s neck, which has a scale length of 22.75”. This neck comes with Fender’s classic C-shape neck contour, providing a balance between comfort and performance. 

The fretboard is crafted of Indian Laurel to have a 9.5” radius. You’ll find 20 frets outlined by dot inlays, all of which are extremely accessible. 

As you might expect to find on a Stratocaster, the Mini Strat is stocked with 3 single-coil pickups. These are standard pickups, designed by Squier.

To control the tone, Squier has provided a 5-way pickup selector switch to choose the tonal position. 2 knobs are also provided, which correlate to volume and pickup tone controls.

Aside from this, the other hardware you’ll find on the Mini Strat includes:

• Synthetic bone nut
• Hard-tail bridge
• 6-string saddle
• Die-cast tuners

What’s So Great About The Squier Mini Strat?

There used to be a time when low-priced Squier guitars were the stuff of nightmares. However, that’s certainly not the case anymore, as their guitars are some of the most recommended for beginners and intermediates. 

A fine example of Squier’s offerings can be seen with guitars like the Mini Strat. Despite being extremely affordable, it seems as if Squier didn’t cut too many corners for the lower price point.

Sure, maybe the guitar has less material in general, as well as a missing tone knob. And, maybe the pickups aren’t up to snuff for professional demands.

However, for a child especially, the Mini Strat could prove to be quite exceptional for its purpose. Despite having a smaller size, nearly all of the traditional Stratocaster features can be found here. 

The fact that a trio of single-coil pickups is here gives you affordable access to those famous Strat tones. Despite this missing tone knob, this offers a straightforward approach to dialing in the guitar’s tones. 

Another major component missing here is the signature synchronized tremolo system. However, having a hardtail bridge here does eliminate any possible associated tuning nightmares. 

It would have been exceptional to see this come with a gig bag. But, aside from that, this is a great value. Considering the price, this is quite a lot of guitar, despite being smaller in size.

This guitar is a prime choice for a younger beginner. It has nearly everything found on a Strat, making it a simple transition to a Strat of standard sizing. 

With that being said, some in-person experience will be needed to determine if this guitar is a proper fit. 

Fender American Original '60s Jaguar – Best Premium

The Jaguar is one of Fender’s most futuristic guitar designs. With the Fender American Original '60s Jaguar (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon), you can have an authentic vintage replica. 

This Jaguar is quite a beautiful sight in every detail of the guitar. Its body is crafted from Alder and has vintage comfort contours for a classic playing experience. 

The American Original '60s Jaguar features a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish and comes in the colors of: 

• 3-color sunburst
• Daphne blue

Maple is used for the neck, which has a scale length of 24”. This neck features a C-shape contour constructed according to 1960’s specifications. 

The fretboard is made of round-laminated Rosewood and has a 9.5” radius. This guitar features 22 frets, with classic Pearloid dot inlays outlining the fretboard’s pattern.

Perhaps the real star of the show is the pickups, which feature a pair of ’62 Pure Vintage Jaguar single-coils. Along with this, you’ll have the traditional circuitry, with all the tone knobs, switches, and wheels included. 

Other hardware featured on the American Original '60s Jaguar includes:

• Bone nut
• Floating tremolo designed to vintage specs
• Vintage-inspired deluxe tuners

It should also be noted that the American Original '60s Jaguar comes with a hardshell case included. 

This is certainly a luxurious guitar that is only suitable for guitarists that have a certain budget. Those that can realistically afford it will definitely be rewarded tenfold in terms of tone. 

What’s So Great About The Fender American Original '60s Jaguar?

The American Original '60s Jaguar is the closest thing you can get to an actual vintage Jaguar. Only an actual vintage Jaguar would come closer to providing an authentic vintage playing experience. 

Why would somebody want to pay this kind of money for a Jaguar of this caliber?

As is usual with guitars with a long lineage, the Jaguar has evolved over time to adapt to modern players. Some people prefer to have a guitar built to vintage specs as it provides a different playing experience.

The neck on this Jaguar is a bit thicker in feeling compared to that of modern Jaguars. Despite this, it is still quite comfortable and easily navigable.

Adults with small hands will especially find this Jaguar to be a great fit. Its body is a standard size, with the neck being not too small, and not too large.

Heavy styles of music aside, the Jaguar will be able to deliver the goods in almost any genre. This can also handle a hefty dose of fuzz or distortion if the situation calls for it.

And really, aesthetics aside, the tones are really where this guitar shines. This guitar has all of the classic circuitry, with vintage-spec pickups to match.

You know that Fender is being meticulous with details when you see a guitar having a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish. This is something the company largely phased out in favor of gloss polyurethane finishes. 

Sure, you could easily find a Jaguar at a much lower price. But, if you’ve lusted after a true vintage Jaguar, this makes for an easy consolation prize.

It is the perfect re-creation of a design that will forever remain timeless. Plus, it comes with a hardshell case, which you would expect to have if buying a guitar at this price.

Ibanez miKro GRGM21M – Best Budget

On a tighter budget but not willing to compromise on playability? The Ibanez miKro GRGM21M (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is one of the best options available to you. 

This guitar has a familiar Stratocaster-style double-cutaway design, with modern edges. All of the comfort contours are emphasized, ultimately providing increased comfort when playing the guitar. 

The body itself is made of Basswood, featuring a gloss polyester finish, and the color options of:

• Metallic purple
• Black
• Jewel blue
• White

Each color offering is quite attractive in its own right, ensuring there’s a guitar for just about anyone.

Maple is used for the neck, which sports a 22.2” scale length and a standard C-shape neck contour. The fretboard is also crafted of Maple, featuring a fairly flat 15.7” radius, with 24 frets. 

For pickups, the miKro GRGM21M is stocked with a pair of Infinity R Ceramic humbuckers. A 5-way switch, as well as a volume and tone knob, are provided for dialing in your favorite tones. 

Other hardware to be found on the miKro GRGM21M includes:

• Plastic nut
• Closed-gear tuners
• Fixed bridge
• 6-string saddle 

What’s So Great About The Ibanez miKro GRGM21M?

The miKro GRGM21M is an ideal guitar for the beginner who needs a playable guitar without the cost. Ibanez’s attention to detail is really on display here, as few corners have been cut with this guitar. 

It’s an unfortunate reality that many affordable guitars tend to be of fairly poor quality. They might look nice, but if they play terribly, it kind of defeats the purpose of having the guitar.

That certainly isn’t the case with the miKro GRGM21M. Sure, it might not play like a professional guitar, but you shouldn’t expect it to. 

However, considering the overall cost, Ibanez seems to have gone the extra mile to pack in value. This fact alone deserves the attention of the aspiring beginner who requires a guitar of certain playability. 

For starters, the miKro GRGM21M has an extremely short scale length, making it suitable for even the youngest of players. Despite this, it still offers a 2-octave playing range, allowing you to play all of your favorite metal songs.

The pickups themselves are fairly warm, but they should be plenty suitable for any heavier style of music. Even lighter levels of distortion or overdrive can sound nice here.

Another excellent aspect here is the numerous color options. Younger players will definitely appreciate this level of personalization. 

The only thing really missing here is the inclusion of a gig bag. However, despite this fact, the miKro GRGM21M is definitely a value buy for the aspiring technical player in mind. 

Both young children and adults have found the miKro GRGM21M to be a suitable guitar for learning. Adults can find this guitar to be a fun experience due to its shortened scale length. 

Fender Vintera '60s Mustang

One of the most iconic offset guitars in the Fender lineup is the Mustang. Unlike the other offsets, the Mustang has a character unique to itself.

The Fender Vintera ‘60s Mustang (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is perhaps the best professional Mustang for today’s player. This has all of the vintage Mustang qualities but has been touched up for modern playing styles.

Alder is used for the Vintera ‘60s Mustang’s body, featuring a gloss polyester finish. You can get this guitar in the attractive colors of:

• Lake Placid blue
• Sea foam green
• 3-color sunburst

The Maple neck has a 24” scale length, with a C-shape contour designed to 60’s specifications. You’ll find this to feel slightly thicker than today’s Fender standard C-shape contours.

Pau Ferro is used for the Vintera ‘60s Mustang’s fretboard, featuring a 7.25” radius. There are 22 frets here, outlined by white dot inlays.

For pickups, a pair of Vintage-inspired ‘60s Mustang single-coils have been included. All of the classic control knobs and phasing switches have also been included for a vintage-inspired playing experience. 

Other hardware to be found on the Vintera ‘60s Mustang includes:

• Synthetic bone nut
• Vintage-inspired Mustang tremolo system
• 6-string saddle
• Vintage-inspired tuners

Fender has also included a hardshell case with the purchase of the Vintera ‘60s Mustang. 

Overall, the Vintera ‘60s Mustang is the perfect blend between vintage and modern. It’s priced relatively affordably for the professional’s working budget. 

The Vintera series has been gaining a solid reputation over the last few years amongst working professionals. In some ways, these guitars retain important traditional elements and sometimes take liberties for today’s demands. 

For the most part, the ‘60s Mustang does stay relatively close to the original Mustang designs.

Epiphone Power Players Les Paul

In search of a high-quality guitar bundle package? You’ll want to check out the Epiphone Power Player Les Paul (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon).

For years, Epiphone Les Pauls have been the go-to choice for budget-conscious guitarists wanting a Les Paul experience. The Power Players Les Paul is definitely a great choice for those needing a smaller Les Paul body size.

Its body is crafted from Mahogany, featuring a gloss polyurethane finish, along with color choices of:

• Lava red
• Ice blue

Mahogany is also used to craft the neck, which has a shortened scale length of 22.73”. Gibson’s SlimTaper D-shape neck contour is also featured here for extreme comfort.

The fretboard is crafted from Indian Laurel to have a 12” radius. Classic Pearloid Trapezoid inlays outline the 22 frets found on the neck.

For pickups, the Power Players Les Paul is stocked with humbuckers, featuring:

• Epiphone 650R (neck position)
• Epiphone 700T (bridge position)

A pair of volume and tone knobs, along with a 3-way switch, provide access to those classic Les Paul tones. 

Other hardware featured here includes:

• Plastic nut
• Die-cast tuners
• Wraparound bridge 

Aside from the guitar, this bundle also includes:

• Gig bag
• Guitar cable
• Guitar picks
• Guitar strap 

Overall, this is a beginner’s dream come true, especially if they don’t mind paying a little bit for quality. This is pretty comparable to Les Pauls that are priced at nearly double the price of this guitar. 

Plus, its shortened scale length provides access to hands of all sizes who desire to have the Les Paul experience. 

Aside from an amplifier, you’ll get just about everything you need with this bundle. 

Epiphone Power Players SG 

On a budget, but prefer the body style of the SG over the Les Paul? Well, you’re in luck, because the Epiphone Power Players SG (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) has you covered.

On the surface, this version is essentially the same bundle as the Les Paul, only with an SG instead. Even the builds are similar, although this fact is comparable to the similarities between professional-grade Les Paul and SG guitars. 

The Power Players SG’s body is crafted of Mahogany, features a gloss polyurethane finish, and the color choices of:

• Lava red
• Ice blue

Other similarities between the Power Players SG and the Les Paul include:

• Mahogany neck with a 22.73” scale length
• SlimTaper D-shape neck contour
• Indian Laurel fretboard
• 22 frets outlined by Pearloid Trapezoid inlays
• Epiphone-designed 650R/700T humbucker pickups
• 2 volume knobs
• 2 tone knobs
• 3-way switch
• Die-cast tuners
• Plastic nut
• Wraparound bridge

As you might expect, the rest of the bundle also includes:

• Gig bag
• Guitar picks
• Guitar strap
• Guitar cable

Again, the Power Players SG is definitely ideal for a beginner wanting a powerful guitar bundle at an affordable price. 

You might be wondering why this SG is so comparable to the Power Players Les Paul. The short answer is that they were originally the same guitars, minus the obvious body design aspects. 

What’s so great here is that, despite the small price tag, the build elements are relatively consistent historically. Mahogany construction is a hallmark feature between both the Les Paul and the SG and is great to see here. 

Squier Mini Jazzmaster HH

As nearly every style of Fender offset has been mentioned, it wouldn’t be right to exclude a Jazzmaster. After all, the Jazzmaster is perhaps the most ubiquitous Fender offset guitar to be found out in the wild. 

However, most Jazzmasters aren't exactly affordable for everyone. And, not all of them have accessibility for smaller hands.

With the Squier Mini Jazzmaster HH (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon), all of that changes. As its name suggests, this is a miniature version of a full-size Jazzmaster, with a few notable differences. 

The Poplar body features the iconic Jazzmaster shape and comes in the color options of:

• Daphne blue
• Surf green
• Olympic white

Maple is used for the neck, which has a 22.75” scale length and a C-shape contour for familiar comfort. The fretboard is also Maple, with a 9.5” radius and 20 frets outlined by black dot inlays. 

Unlike full-size Jazzmasters, the Mini Jazzmaster HH is stocked with a pair of humbuckers. However, these can definitely provide some classic tones in their own right. 

A pair of knobs have been provided for volume and tone controls, along with a 3-way selector switch. Again, this lacks the original circuitry of vintage models, but that is to be expected.

Other hardware on the Mini Jazzmaster HH includes:

• Synthetic bone nut
• Die-cast tuners
• Hardtail bridge
• 6-string saddle

Squier Bullet Mustang HH

Like the idea of Squier’s mini guitars, but find them to be a little too small? Consider trying on the Squier Bullet Mustang HH (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) for size. 

This guitar is definitely slightly smaller than a standard guitar, but not enough to be considered miniature. If you compare it to other Mustang guitars, its dimensions are relatively similar. 

The Bullet Mustang HH’s body is made of Poplar and comes in the color choices of:

• Sonic grey
• Imperial blue
• Black 

Maple is used for the neck, which has a C-shape contour and a 24” scale length. The fretboard is made of Indian Laurel, featuring a 12” radius, as well as 22 frets and white dot inlays. 

As you might expect from the name, this particular Mustang is stocked with a pair of standard Squier humbuckers. A 3-way switch, as well as a volume and tone knob, are provided for all of your tone needs.

Other hardware to be found on the Bullet Mustang HH includes:

• PPS nut
• Die-cast tuners
• Hardtail bridge
• 6-string saddle

Overall, this is definitely worthy of closer inspection if you’re on a tighter budget but looking for cool aesthetics. While the guitar is affordable, its components could be easily upgraded down the road if you so desired.

Jackson Dinky Minion JS1X

Have you been searching for a shredding machine, but been limited by a tight budget? Don’t pass up a chance to look at the Jackson Dinky Minion JS1X (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon).

The JS1X is built just like the axes of guitar heroes past, only this one has smaller body dimensions. Its body is crafted from Poplar and comes in the color of black.

Maple is used for the neck, which features a speedy C-shape contour, and a 22.5” scale length. The fretboard is crafted from Amaranth, featuring a 12” radius, and 24 frets.

For pickups, a pair of Jackson-designed humbuckers are installed, both of which are wired for high output. A 3-way switch, as well as a volume and tone knob, are provided for controlling the guitar’s tone. 

The other hardware to be found on the JS1X includes:

• Plastic nut
• Die-cast tuners
• Hardtail bridge
• 6-string staddle

This affordable guitar was truly built for somebody longing to play heavier styles of music. It has components and aesthetics (especially the Sharkfin inlays) to match.

Any aspiring technical player will feel right at home here. Despite having a smaller size, the JS1X offers a full 2-octave range and doesn’t compromise much on tone.

What To Look For When Buying An Electric Guitar For Small Hands

Things are definitely much different than they used to be with regard to the entire electric guitar market. When walking into a shop with the intent to purchase, you’ll notice the innumerable options available on the wall. 

Today, there are guitars made just for about every type of player imaginable. Along with this, some guitars are even tailored more toward specific music genres. 

While you’re probably no stranger to option overload and decision paralysis, you’ll want to avoid this when buying a guitar. Being properly equipped with some basic information can help you make your research phase a much easier process. 

Keep the following points in mind, and you’ll be able to guide your way through the vast ocean of guitars. You don’t have to be a complete beginner to benefit from the following information.

The reality is that, with more experience, you’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking for. Nevertheless, you can modify and adapt the following informational points to aid you with any guitar purchase. 

Scale Size

If you have smaller hands, the first thing you’ll want to be paying attention to is the scale length measurement. This is essentially the distance of string between the nut and the string saddles. 

Why is this important? Take a moment to visualize a guitar, and really focus on the length of the strings in this area.

A smaller scale length will generally mean that the guitar has a shorter neck. This effectively scales down the guitar’s size in general, often without compromising a full-scale playing experience. 

Most standard guitars generally have a scale length between 24.5” and 25.5.”. Anything below 24.5” is generally considered to be a “short-scale” guitar. 

A beneficial side effect of a shortened scale length is that the distance between the frets decreases. This ultimately means you won’t have to stretch an inhuman distance to be able to play your favorite songs. 

When shopping online, you can easily browse through specific guitars by using the search filter. Most online shops will have different scale length sizes that you can use to isolate your search results.

Likewise, if you’re in a physical brick-and-mortar shop, it’s essential that you ask to see the “short-scale” guitars. Otherwise, you’re liable to spend an entire day searching through guitars to find a shorter-scale guitar on your own. 

You don’t necessarily need to have small hands to be able to enjoy playing a short-scale guitar. In fact, many people have an inclination toward these guitars for their easier playing experience. 

The strings are generally less stiff on these guitars, allowing for easier bending during guitar solos. 

Body Dimensions

Another area that you’ll need to pay attention to is the actual dimensions of the guitar’s body itself. If you’re buying a short-scale guitar, there is a good chance the body could also be smaller in size. 

Now, if you’re a child, a smaller guitar body might not be such a bad thing. It usually provides a more proportionate experience when having an electric guitar on a strap. 

However, if you’re a full-grown adult, a miniature guitar might not be the most appropriate thing to play. This is especially true if you’re looking to use the guitar on stage. 

Unless you have a smaller stature, a miniature guitar is guaranteed to look a little goofy on stage. Looks aren’t everything, but visuals are an important element in performance and the judgments others make about your performance. 

That’s not to say an adult won’t find benefits with a miniature guitar. These guitars make great companions for playing on the couch or any other informal setting.

Fortunately, when shopping in person, it’s pretty easy to tell whether a guitar has a smaller body than normal. If you’re browsing the internet, usually a distributor will notate whether the guitar’s size is scaled down. 

Aside from full-size guitars, manufacturers have been known to produce guitars in the following sizes:

• 1/4 size
• 1/2 size
• 3/4 size
• 7/8 size

Like the scale length, these guitars usually do not compromise much in order to have a smaller size. In fact, many of them have the same features found on a guitar of standard size. 

In general, it’s best to really see the guitar with your own eyes so you don’t make a careless mistake. While you could always return a guitar, it’s best to just make the right purchase the first time. 

Hand Dominance

It might be a silly thing to have to consider which hand is your dominant hand when buying the guitar. This should be pretty self-explanatory, right?

For the most part, this is pretty straightforward, but there is one major caveat. If you’re left-handed, your choices are going to be much more limited in terms of what is available to you. 

I know, it’s tough always getting the short end of the stick in the normalities of modern engineering. But there’s actually a good reason for this, and it has to do with a company’s financial bottom line. 

There are simply fewer left-handed people than there are right-handed, which guitar manufacturers reflect in their offerings. So, the reality is that, if you’re left-handed, you’re just a little bit more special than the rest of us. 

You might have to pay a bit of a premium for a left-handed version of a guitar model. It’s unfortunate, but it’s just the nature of the game, and something you’ll have to accept. 

Budget

I know it’s not exactly the most attractive and alluring to think about, but you’ll need to consider your budget. The reason for this is that your logical budget will determine which guitars you have access to. 

Guitarists are known for being able to rationalize just about any kind of purchase related to musical gear. This includes the guitars costing as much as a used car when it might not make sense for the purchase. 

The proper budget can be found by taking a little time and applying some logic to your decision process. This budget can be determined by answering the following questions:

• How long have you been playing?
• What do you consider to be your skill level? (Be sure to answer honestly)
• What are your aspirations as a guitarist?
• How do you plan on using the guitar once you own it? 

Those questions, alone, will help you really determine where you should be looking in the ideal scenario. However, if you don’t have much savings built up, you’ll need to keep that in consideration, too. 

It is paramount that you always respect your financial capabilities when purchasing a guitar. Musicians are often known for being financially broke, but that doesn’t mean you should do it to yourself.

As a general rule of thumb, there are 3 different levels of guitars on the market. Each of these is generally associated with skill level and price correlations:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Professional 

Keep in mind that there are golden nuggets of guitars that provide extreme value at every price level. Also keep in mind that many professionals opt to play intermediate guitars, as some are comparable to professional-grade instruments.  

Guitar Style

When buying an electric guitar, you’ll want to decide what style of guitar you really desire to have. There are many classic designs, and there are some designs that are quite a bit more modern. 

Along with this, you’ll want to pay attention to the type of pickups the guitar has. These will play a big part in how the guitar sounds, which is why it’s important to try guitars out. 

Single-coil pickups will tend to be a bit more bright and trebly, with less presence. Humbuckers are usually a bit warmer in the mid-range and have a thicker tone overall. 

Playability

Another reason to try out guitars is to see how it actually plays in your hands. If you’re searching for something to accommodate your small hands, do not skip this step. 

Aside from the scale length, really pay attention to how easy the guitar plays. Does the guitar allow you to play easier, or does it require a bit more effort to move around quickly?

Another thing to consider is whether the neck contour feels comfortable in your hands. Everyone has their preferences, so take the time to figure out your own preferences. 

Best Brands For Electric Guitars For Small Hands

If you feel like you’re drowning in the swamp of guitars, take a look at some established brands. These brands are highly reputable for their guitars crafted for smaller-handed individuals.

Squier

For years, Squier has been the go-to guitar for guitarists looking for an affordable entry into the Fender experience. Squier is owned by Fender and produces Fender guitars with more affordable components. 

Epiphone

Epiphone has been around since the late 19th century and is still a prominent figure in the industry. Today, they primarily produce Gibson-style guitars using affordable components. 

Top Electric Guitars For Small Hands, Final Thoughts

As a guitarist, you’ll want to find a guitar that is equivalent to a well-fitting sock or glove. If you have to frequently stretch beyond capacity, you’ll quickly tire of playing the guitar.

You owe it to yourself to have a guitar that allows you to play as effortlessly as possible. Effortlessness, after all, is one of the major hidden keys needed for becoming a master of the guitar.