I am almost 70 yrs old, have small hands with arthritis in my left thumb joint. I have struggled over the past several years BUT I have just purchased a PRS SE Hollowbody Piezo and wow! the neck is so smooth its like playing butter, I can hit chords I couldn't hit before, with very little pain in my left hand. Now I have been able to explore voicings etc that I would not even attempt earlier. Anyone who suffers then try a SE PRS! It works for me.....I'm not saying it works for everyone, but it has certainly helped me. Good Luck from the UK
I am also almost 70 years old, a beginner with small hands and some neuropathy. I have a PRS Santana SE with the 24.5" scale. It is mostly working for me now, but I might want to go down to a 24" scale.
Hi, i also have small hands. It took my hands and ears only two minutes to fall in love with the wonderful neck of an Ibanez AM93 semiacoustic that i tested and then bought second hand on the spot. It was made in China 2015. Both the AM 93 and 153 models provide that perfect neck profile, at least for me - allthough it might get a bit chunky around the area where the neck is glued to the body. Best comfort and playability of all my guitars. Very versatile in sound and genre. It plays everything from metal to jazz (i cannot, but that's another story 🙂). The AM's body has a small and slender footprint compared to most other semiacoustic guitars (about the size of a Gibson ES 339 size, and far smaller than Ibanez's better-known AS-shaped models). An AM93 weights about 3,6 kilogramms. Another pro: It offers a sensationally easy access to even the highest frets - by far best accessability in all of my guitars, better even than in my two PRS SE Custom 24 superstrats.
Great to see another guitarist with small hands. I have the Squire Bullet FSR and it has the best playabily of any guitar I have gigged and I have gigged about 50 in over 35 years of gigging. It helped that I worked in a music store and had access to many different guitars to try. My main guitar is a schecter Solo ii custom. It's a single cut guitar but with a short scale and compound radius neck for easy playability. Plus locking tuners and coil split American made pick ups are a great.
How is the neck on it. Honestly the necks i have liked are the Epi Special II 😂😂 and the PRS 245 se. they were beefier on the back than most strats and LPs, as my thumb sits more comfortable having full contact... The thing is, i dont like the way they look at all. But may get either a PRS 245 se just becaus they are out of production now... Even the mustang bullet souns nice (in theory) with the 12" radius but have never touched the later
What the FSR suffix acronym for in Squier Bullet Tele? Fender Special Release? Is it somehow different from the regular Squier Bullet Tele? If so, how? Not my only Tele, I actually have a Squier Bullet Tele, a too good not to curiosity opportunity buy Christmas 2021. TBH, I wasn't expecting much from it, but I was blown away. Its neck is truly nice to play, and the tall narrow frets feel much better to fret than expected. All in all a very comfortable guitar with its slim C satin neck & 1.65" (42mm) nut. Even its roundish 9" radius was surprisingly pleasing. The light weight and marginally thinner body thickness contributes to overall comfort too. What surprised me most, was the build quality. Mine was a Chinese manufactured top loader, and the BQ and finish were of a standard to rival Yamaha product coming out of Indonesia. Kudos indeed. My sole criticism, the pickups. At the price point I paid I wasn't complaining. They do sound OK. Although still ceramic, the OEM in the Chinese made Bullet are higher output and IMO sweeter sounding than those supplied OEM in the Indonesian production units. The Indonesian Squier Bullets are string through, but AFAIC pragmatically in an instrument like the Bullet Tele, that's an aesthetic pandering to tradition nothing more. With a pickup swap, a set of smoother nicer heavier mech tuners and perhaps some heavier machined saddles this unit would really pop. All inexpensive upgrades courtesy of Korean Wilkinson via AliExpress. My nut was OK, but if carrying out the other upgrades I'd probably fit a Graph Tech TUSQ nut too. Performing the above would turn this guitar into a class act punching way above the price point of the unit including cost of upgrades. As is out of the box, I'd confidently endorse the Squier Bullet to noobs looking for a first guitar as a pleasant to play problem free unit if a two pickup Tele config was what they wanted.
Thank you Robert for taking the time and effort to provide a very thorough approach to a not uncommon set of circumstances. I have small hands, stubby fingers, arthritis and ME. I am 71 years old. I have played on and off for a number of years mainly in Church Worship groups. When arthritis/ME first hit me, I didn't pick a guitar up for over 5 years as it was impossible to intonate properly and use barre chords. Little by little over the next few years I started thinking more of how to adapt to my difficulties. I play fingerstyle as I cant grip a plectrum. I found playing in open tunings helpful as was slide guitar. Next, one of my favourite acoustics is a Yamaha APX5A which has a fairly reasonable thin neck. However, the scale was too long so I dropped the EADGBE tuning down a whole tone and then have a capo permanently fixed to the 2nd fret so it brings the tuning back to standard but more importanly, shortens the scale length and the width of the fret spacings. For chords I use triads, shell voicings etc. I am wanting to play jazz lead but am having great difficulty identifying a value jazz guitar with short scale, thin C neck and jazz tone. I cannot travel around the UK trying out each type so must rely on recommendations/reviews etc. Thanks again and God bless.
Thanks for your feedback. Your persistance is very inspirational. I have a new video in-work that goes even more broadly on guitar ergonomics. In December I had carpal tunnel surgery on both of my hands and thankfully I am getting some reach back. I am a worship guitarist also and love it.
@@robertsguitarsandgear I am pleased to hear that surgery has provided you with some improvement, Robert. I hope the progress continues. The opportunity to worship and praise our Father God in any way or form (Psalm 150) is a wonderful privilege but given my singing voice, I think using guitar was a blessing, not only for me but also the congregation! I am glad you have found outlets for your talents. God bless. Roy.
Great info Newwineskin! Your capo solution sounds very intriguing. I just recently picked up my Squier Strat again after a period of over two years. I'm 70 y.o. myself, so I felt some kinship right off. When I purchased it, the salesperson directed me to the Affinity rather than the Bullet Mustang which would have saved a little dough, but also would have made my learning process a lot less painful. I'm now thinking of trading my Affinity for the Fender Player Duo-sonic; a much better guitar, and much more comfortable to play than the Affinity I suspect. I will still have to road test the Sonic and the Bullet Mustang, but in the meantime I will try your capo route. Please give us a short primer on how you did this. I think if you just attach the capo on the first fret and retune each string setting to E, etc, it would be easier? I have Snark which is pretty good for tuning my Affinity. Please help us with a tip or two? Thanks so much.
I believe the young woman at Fo3ev3faithful suggested this same capo solution, if I recall correctly. She has several vlogs about playing with small hands and/or fingers. So, it appears you're in good company!
Thanks for the video Robert. I'm an older beginner with shorter fingers and a crooked pinky that had been broken. Aspire to play jazz style guitar so started with a 24.8" scale archtop and was struggling. After some research decided to splurge on an expensive, though not crazy vintage priced, Gibson Byrdland but it's 23.5" scale felt too cramped especially as I went down the neck. Additionally the Byrdland was too precious to think about traveling, so on a whim picked up a used Fender Japanese Jaguar from Reverb and its 24" scale and neck shape turned out to be just right. I've now lived with six Jaguars in different configurations (including semi-hollow Thinline) over time and found three great ones. Yes, Jaguar's tend to be more expensive (and complicated) than Duo-Sonics or Mustangs but offer a wider range of sounds: from fuller jazzy with "rhythm" circuit (see video of Joe Pass playing Jaguar soon after leaving rehab) to classic surf to various avant rock sounds (e.g., Tom Verlaine, Marc Ribot). I just broke down and picked up a very pricey beautiful Fender Custom Shop Jaguar which feels and sounds amazing, but Fender's more budget lines offer considerably less expensive models. Also, Reverb lists lots of options, with some of the Japanese models in particular being great values. Two caveats: 1) there's range of neck profiles out there and some can possibly feel too thin or thick, and 2) the tremolo/bridge design can make setup more temperamental and often benefit from aftermarket replacements. If you're not interested in wild trem bends check out the Japanese dual humbucker HH model with hard tail.
@@robertsguitarsandgear Hey, came across above video first and had not seen your Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar review. Would be curious to see your thoughts on the Player Jag. I had an American Pro Jaguar which has similar electronic scheme as Mod Shop Jag. Personally I have little use for the strangle switch, so if I really wanted phase shifting option between series and parallel might make more sense to repurpose strangle switch for that function? BTW - appreciate The Kinks riffs that sneak into your demos
..you seen to know alot and that is why I want to ask you, why are all guitar necks designed wider at the end that meets the body than at the nut and not the Same, at both ends? I know there must be a reason for that, but what are Is it?
Don't forget to mention the importance of string gauge when it comes to playing comfort. Changing to lighter gauge strings is very helpful in this regard. Also properly adjusted truss rod, properly filed nut slots and lowering string saddles can turn a neck that is "just ok" into one that is nearly effortless to play. Having a nice neck is one thing but set-up is crucial imo.
In my experience (with measurements) the Squier Teles have the thinnest necks. I suspect the Player Teles are OK and likely the American Performer also.
Thanks for this video and your advice here. I'm around 5' 6" and I 've got very small hands , i mean, my wife has bigger hands than me ...I've played guitar for ages, started taking classical guitar lessons in 1970, and classical guitar necks are very wide. I had a rare electric Vox Soundcaster once in 1971, sky blue, VERY large neck like a baseball bat. It never stopped any of us although , yes , certain chords are a stretch and I became a jazz guitarist, so Jazz chords aren't sometimes the easiest with their extensions. Mind you, many jazz guitarists have had small hands, Lenny Breau and Pat Metheny even. But of late I've found the Fender Performer Series to be REALLY good...VERY comfy for me at least, especially the rosewood neck models. ( some of the Performer MAPLE neck models can be a little chunkier). I cant speak for everyone on this issue but the Performers are incredibly good and exteremely smooth satin like. Thank you again.
Thanks for your comments. The classic Fender Modern C as on the Player and Performer series I believe work really well. The American Pro II has adopted a deeper C that might be a bit less comfortable. I'm going to do an update video, as my hands are healing I have a Classic Vibe Tele with the Modern C that is working really well.
@@robertsguitarsandgear ah yes, the Classic Vibe has a nice profile....I tried an Ultra Luxe a few days back and loved the stainless steel frets but the neck is bg far the largest on any Fender, though i could be wrong LOL...its an augmented D shape but it gets thinner and flatter passed the 12th fret(compound radius).thank you for the reply.
I started off on a strat and really grew to hate the C profile, narrow nut and long scale length. When I tried a guitar with a slim taper neck I could finally play the way I wanted to.
How would a thinner nut be bad for small hands? The thinner the nut width, the more narrow the neck, the easier it is to wrap your hand around the neck around the lower frets. A wide nut width means wide neck- definitely not good for small hands.
@@r3tr0sp3ct3r Thay all makes perfect sense, but this is a video about what’s good for small hands. You don’t have small hands, so a wider neck with wider string spacing is fine for you to handle. If you have small hands, the more narrow the neck, the easier you can get your hands around it. There’s a reason why Angus Young always preferred the late-60’s SG’s- they had the extremely narrow nut width of 1 9/16”, as opposed to the classic 1 11/16” nut width pre-1965. Angus himself has said he loved that because he couldn’t get his hand around the wider neck.
I have blunt fingertips that mute strings above and below the string I’m fretting. I just had a 1-13/16” wide at the nut Strat neck made and I love it. I can FINALLY, after 40+ yrs of struggling, really enjoy the guitar.
@@robertsguitarsandgear Love your channel! I'm 62 and have played since I was 14 and I have always struggled and sounded like it. I just sounded sloppy. I mastered a lot of picking technique and arpeggios are big finger friendly so I naturally gravitated towards staccato, and single and two and three note power chords but as I get older I want to play jazz and other more complicated chords and with my fingertips it's impossible to cleanly get more than 4 notes. So, I played a Martin with a 1-13/16 wide at the nut neck. I sounded better immediately. So I was on a quest for a wide neck. Now I can learn chords that have so much more expression and it just frees my fingers up so that I'm constantly amazed at how great the guitar sounds with a full compliment of notes. I was cleanest on a Les Paul 59 profile with a 12 inch radius so I had the new Strat fingerboard made with a 12 inch radius. I really want a Les Paul with a wide neck, but that will have to wait.
Thank you Robert for the content. I have smaller arthritic hands and in my 48 years of playing I’ve tried lots of different guitars and neck profiles. For me personally, my most comfortable playing guitars are: Fender Player and Fender Professional 2 Telecasters (tuned down half or full step which helps to compensate for the scale length), Ibanez 540S (thin Wizard neck and double locking Edge Tremolo, helps compensate for scale length), Schecter PT, and my absolute favorite necks: Peavey Wolfgang (I’ve not tried Music Man or EVH versions) and my absolute favorite American made used budget guitar, the Peavey Predator ($150 to $300 used). Again, I tend to down tune on 25.5 inch scale length guitars which makes them easier to play. I hope this is helpful.
The slimmest and narrowest neck I’ve played is a Peavey T-15 that is a short scale guitar from the 80s, they called it the Mississippi Mustang. The Peavey T-30 is also short scale and is likely as slim. Thank you Robert for this video!
Great and useful video Robert. Had surprise sum of money come in some years ago. Went into large guitar shop in Glasgow fully intending to buy a US strat. I'm left handed but they had around 12 lefties in stock. I tried them all, none had a neck that I liked, felt comfortable with. As a last resort, I then tried a Squier CV 60's strat - it was perfect, played great. It's my main squeeze and has been for 6 yrs now. Love it.
Squire mini. Have mine sitting right here. LOVE this little thing. Easy bends, awesome neck and pickups sound great. I use a focusrite solo and guitar rig 7. Addicting. 😁
Robert, Bravo! Thank you so much for this vlog. For some time now, I have been looking for this video, and you did it. You really should have more subscribers. I am now a follower of yours. You know the frustration which people with small hands or arthritis experience. When I purchased my Squier Affinity, the salesperson moved me away from the Mustang. Maybe because of its poor reputation among TH-camrs? I am definitely going to check out a Bullet Mustang and the Player Duo-Sonic on your advice. Great job.
I have an LTD EC-256. It has a nice slim neck with a Gibson scale length. Great guitar for the price. I changed out the nut for a Tusq xl, put on locking tuners, and a set of emg pickups.
This is 2 years old, before Ibanez released AZES40, I believe. It is a fantastic guitar, more than just a beginner guitar, comparable to more expensive guitars likw a Fender Player which is double the price. And it is made for smaller hands!
I wish I had seen your video prior to purchasing my first guitar, a lot of great information here. I ended up buying a lefty Squier Telecaster. I am managing but I do have very small hands for an adult, and worry that my wrist/thumb aren’t in the proper position while I’m stretching my fingers to fret. When I purchase another one, this will be a great resource. I’m liking the offset models!
Hey Robert, thanks for producing such an informative video. I ended up with the squier bullet mustang myself as it felt right in the shop. The neck is perfect. Some food for thought with the d’angelico when I look to add expand my collection. Thanks again, great video
For me the nut width matters most, next scale length. I have a Yamaha Revstar which has a 24.75" scale and 1.649" nut and an average to slightly thinner neck. The EVH Wolfgang has a 1.65" nut. The scale is 25.5", but since the neck is set further back into the body it is the most comfortable guitar that I've played. Naturally the neck fall closer to the center of your body making hand position optimum and lessens the hand angle. It also has a 1.65" nut width.
Wow Robert!! What an out standing and helpful review!! The Mustang Bullet has been on my radar as of late after I bought very beautiful looking Suire Strat that has been giving me lots of pain and grief with my small hands. I just hope I can find a bullet in Sunburst!!
@@robertsguitarsandgear Would you happen to know if the newer Squier Sonic Mustangs, which replaced the Bullets, retained the narrow necks or did they thicken up?
There’s a reason Angus Young always preferred the pre-1965 SG’s- he has tiny hands! He has said himself that he prefers those late-60’s SG’s because Gibson switched to very narrow 1 9/16” nut width around 1965. Angus loves this because with the narrower neck he could actually get his hand around the neck. Whereas with the classic 1 11/16”, of was harder for him to get his hand around it. If you strictly are someone who plays shredding lead guitar, with your thumb always planted on the back of the neck, then you can get away with a wider neck (not deep, but wide) much easier with small hands. But if you’re someone who likes to play with your thumb over the top of the neck to mute/fret the E string with your thumb, then you will want a narrow nut width if you have small hands. The one caveat may be if you have short, but fat fingers, the narrow nut width might make chording in the first position too crowded. However, SRV and Hendrix both had huge meaty fingers, and both had no issue with the classic 1 5/8” nut width on their Fenders.
@ Indeed. As for the skinnier nut width on an SG, unfortunately the only modern SG model with that 1 9/16” is the signature Angus Young model, which is of course extremely expensive.
Very helpful. Thank you I thought I was stuck with whatever the standard was and figured I just don't have any talent.. I know what I want to play , I just cant get my fingers there
Every guitarist should get a fender mini Squier they're unbelievably cool also Cordoba mini classes are also awesome 30-inch scales and Taylor mini acoustic mini guitars are fun as hell to play and you'll get addicted to them 1 tip is to put a little heavier strings on them to make up for their shortness of scale also some of them are cheap like the Squier so you might want to upgrade some of the parts
One other thing I disagree is on the matter of the fret size. A super jumbo fretted 25.5" scale guitar will have the exact same distance spread between frets as a standard Fender wire fret on a 25.5" scale. The only real difference will be in the height of the strings above the fretboard when fretted. If yer looking to minimize the grip circumference, then yes, a shorter frets may be desirable. That said, keeping in mind that I have US Men's Small hands, I actually prefer the jumbo frets for a different reason: it has the same effect as having scalloped frets which eliminates finger and string contact with the fretboard. This allows "touch fretting" in similar skein as touch typing. Quicker, lighter touch on the fretting gets the job done, less stress and wear on fingertips. Plus faster arpeggios and fret changes. End results is longer finger durability in a session. Plus if ye can learn to fine control the pressure, you can sharpen the notes slightly just by increasing fretting pressure for a little vibratto. If ye desire more vibrattos then ye can bend the strings. This is another area where a jumbo fret becomes an advantage: the flesh of fingertips gets a better grip onto the strings and not drag on the fingerboard, thus bends becomes less effort intensive. It is far cheaper to refret with jumbo frets than to scallop fretboards. Scalloping is irreversible and I'd have concerns about the scallops reducing the total neck rigidity strength in response to environmental changes.
In fact, this is the formula that Ibanez, ESP and Schecter guitars use: real thin necks with more or less standard 41-42mm nut widths combined with jumbo frets that still adds up to similar or slightly smaller grip circumference as a typical Fender Strat. Twill be smaller if it's a Japan Domestic Market guitar for the typically smaller average hands of the typical Japanese guitarist.
An excellent, knowledgeable review. As an older guy with stiff, average hands this is just what the doctor ordered. Unfortunately, most of my guitars are standard Fender scale.
Great video! I started with super strat-style guitars with thin necks and when I got a Les Paul, the neck felt huge. I had no idea they could vary so much...
Very nice video Robert. This is the one I’ve been looking for. Thank you for the information. I’m a beginner and I’ve been searching for my first electric guitar. I’m gonna try it out at Guitar Center. 👍👍👍🎸🎸🎸
Intriguing perspective Robert. Thank you! Another option to consider is the Warmoth custom necks. There is the option of G-scale 24.75" conversion necks for Strat/Tele style bodies. And also Jaguar/Mustang 24" scale necks. I would consider a 1.65" nut with the 10-16 compound radius. And for the neck back profile a standard thin. Although I would also maybe consider the 59 roundback neck profile as I find the prs and reverend necks comfortable. I wish there was a 24" scale hollowbody, i think the closest is the gretsch with the 24.5 scale. So far I have been playing the Guild Starfire III (MIK) which has 24.75" scale neck and 9.5 fingerboard radius. The body can be a bit cumbersome at times. I've also been playing a Squier Jaguar.
One thing that I found to be a big help for me is angling the neck up allows my fingers to spread out further, it probably helps that my natural strumming position is about buckle height so I have that vertical real estate. The way most people play sitting down with the neck being horizontal, I find that to be unplayable because of the lack of stretch in that orientation. For Strats, I find them very comfortable as long as the neck is angled up enough mainly due to just how well they hug up against you. I wouldn't mind picking up a Mustang or two though
I have the Ltd-EC256 great 24.75” scale length and slim neck put in Duncan JB pickup great guitar. I sanded down the neck of an Epiphone Les Paul replaced the electrics tuners and pickups it’s a great guitar. I have some Ibanez great thin necks but 25.5” scale is a stretch. PRS SE Tremonti fixed bridge 25” is nice after pickup change but neck is a bit thick.
Wow, I wish I'd seen this video before I bought a PRS. While I love it, I probably would've been better served by those less expensive Squiers. Thanks for the video!
I have an American Fender Strat that over time had developed a slight bow with the truss rod maxed out. At the time I thought my only viable option was to get a new neck. If I had known about the methods that good luthiers can use to reshape the neck, I'm sure that would have influenced my decision. Instead I went with the nuclear option and found a new Warmoth roasted maple neck. Could have gotten a whole new guitar for what I paid for that neck, but it's an awesome neck! Problem is now the profiling of this neck is notably wider and flatter which (although it is thinner) makes it more challenging to reach the low notes! I'm also trying jumbo frets for the first time! My hand slides up and down the fretboard easier then ever! Low notes on scales can be tough. You are inspiring me to believe it will get easier. I think it will be a growing experience! (It has to!) 😁 Peace!
I had a 2011 MIC Duosonic. I loved it except for the full gloss fingerboard and the fact that you have to have a lighter touch. Had to sell it, but really miss those Alnico V pickups.
I have not tried it but lots of players use sand paper to reduce the size of the neck. I saw a video on Jimmy Page's guitars and he actually had the neck sanded down on his iconic les paul and it was smaller than average 1959 beefy neck. I've also read about early players in the 1950s and 1960s who commonly sanded the neck to fit their hands. I have a PRS S2 singlecut (les paul clone) with a neck that is 1.65" wide at the nut, 25" scale and moderate C shape. I like it the best of my 4 electric guitars but would probably like it more if it were a 24.75 scale.
My first legit guitar was an MIJ ESP Eclipse. 24.75 scale length with a tiny neck. Perfect for us guys with small hands. Easier to play than my new Les Paul by a mile. I imagine an LTD EC-1000 would be similar. Check those out.
I have shorter sausage fingers and normal palms. All of my guitars are strats/super strats @ 25.5". My PRS SE is 24.5. I've played Gibsons and they are more manageable. I stretch, I play. If you can do diatonic scales starting at the first fret you can play that guitar. Im envious of the guys with long fingers, but it hasn't stopped me. Play what's comfortable. The Kramer guitars have 25.5" scales, but are thinner and easy to play.
I have recently started augmenting my guitar collection and learning about all the possible neck specs after a friend lent me his Godin LG which made me realize I dislike my Fender Strat's neck and scale length very much. I have the same problem as Robert here where I was never really comfortable playing on some guitars and I didn't understand why. And I absolutely despise the fact that Fender and Gibson guitars are so expensive making them inaccessible resulting in you never being to explore. I highly recommend going to music store and trying a variety of guitars before purchasing, and don't let the brand names impress you, they have built a lore around their names with many marketing dollars. I just recently started buying Godin guitars and I can say without doubt that they are better than any American made Gibson or Fender I ever played, and they cost about half or a third of the price on the used market. The only good thing about a Fender or Gibson is they retain value, so if you are into collecting as much as playing then get yourself one of those. About the comfort level for small hands (my hands aren't huge): I am not sure Robert's "circumference" measurement is really what you should be looking for. What I think you should try to figure out is which neck shape/profile you like, nut width, fret board radius and scale length. And by the way your preference may vary depending on what music you are playing :) Here is a rundown of my solid body electrics and some of the specs, and wether or not I think they are comfortable: - Fender Stratocaster with 1-11/16" (43mm) or 1-3/4" (44mm) nut, 9-1/2" radius, 25-1/2" scale length, modern C shape neck => I find the nut slightly too wide, would like to have had a 1.650" (42mm) - Godin Session with 1.650" (42mm) nut, 12" radius, 25-1/2" scale length, modern C shape neck => love this one but not the scale length - 2 x Godin LG with 1-11/16" (43mm) nut, 16" radius, 24-3/4" scale length, modern C shape neck => these are by far my favorite ones - Jackson Crackle replica with 1-5/8" (41mm) nut, 9-1/2" radius, 25-1/2" scale length, wizard profile neck => I hate this nut width and neck In general I prefer the shorter scale lengths for comfort but I have to admin the 25-1/2" ones have a more solid ring to them. I also have an acoustic Yamaha with a sort of boat neck and I have to say I don't dislike it! btw check out the Warmoth website and videos for good detailed explanations on all these things! Happy playing
Nice video, but I want to share my experience with everyone. I have moderate sized hands with very short fingers. I have tried skinnier necks and they make my left hand cramp . I find a,thicker neck to be more comfortable, even though my pinky is pretty useless, I can play much longer and more comfortably with a thicker and preferably rounder neck profile. So my point is that you may think that thinner necks are logically better for small hands, don't be afraid to experiment with thicker profiles...you might be pleasantly surprised!
I’m glad you measure the circumference to compare different guitars. All I play are acoustic guitars with short scales(24 7/8 inches). I have small hands but also fat fingertips. So a smaller nut width for smaller hands doesn’t work for fat fingertips. Some days I can play the 1 7/8 nut compared to 1 3/4 inches. I have not found an electric guitar with 1 3/4 nut and a short scale. Any reaction?
Honestly I have never picked up an electric guitar. All the specs, until your article , indicate electrics 1 11/16 or 1.6875. My 1 3/4 is 1.75 and 1 7/8 converts to 1.87. Way wider than electrics seem to have. However I’m going to go to a guitar store and hole a short scale electric with at least 1. 11/16 nut to see if I can fret chords without buzzing. A narrower nut should allow me to arch my fingers more. I’ve only played for five years and started at age 70. Kind of a challenge.
Thanks very much for this video. I am 73 I started guitar at 13, played my first paid gig at 18 and am still playing in local bars with my band. I am not blessed with large hands, I do not play barre chords with the thumb over grip being used by many. I am a Strat guy and my main guitar is an 83 so called Dan Smith design with straight jack on the surface of the instrument. This guitar has a slim neck which suits my left hand. However, it does have that Fender 25.5" scale length. I am using 9's now after 6 decades of playing and I do have arthritis in the thumb of the left hand so I may be looking for an easier instrument to play which is where your video comes in. I am going to check out the 2 guitars you featured here. I am also wondering about the 61 reissue SG??
@@briguylor That might work ok for you if the reach on the SG with your fretting hand is Ok. Thanks for your feedback. I will update this video soon, I am liking Strats much more and really like the Squier Paranormal Strat-o-Sonic.
Thanks for this video. And yes, I did hit the subscribe button. But it's true, those of us who are older often need to pay more attention to this neck issue. I'm having some arthritic problems in my hands now but I don't want to give up playing the guitar. It's my escape from an often harsh existence! I was reading that earlier on in the war a lot of Ukrainians could only take a few things with them as they had to abandon their homes and many of them chose to take their pets and also their guitars for example and probably other musical instruments. Music is so important.. None of the guitars I bought have been very expensive fortunately but I find that I can't play most of them for extended periods without having some problems due to neck profile. . The one that I play the most is one I bought close to 15 years ago for about $130. Some Asian company. But well made and unfortunately they're discontinued and the ones you see secondhand the people are charging more than I originally paid for it. And I think people are holding on to them because they're good. Most comfortable neck of any guitar I have. Wish I'd bought two of them. Nice to have extra budget guitars to keep in different tunings. I can sit there for hours and play this guitar without too much problem. And you have to put in the time if you want to get good. Thanks for your other recommendations. Maybe I'll try something like a fender squire mustang if I buy another guitar. You play really well by the way.
Hi Robert. This is my second comment to you. I have been researching the electric with the narrowest or smallest in circumference nut or first fret for sometime now. Currently, I am playing one of your favorites; the Squier Bullet Mustang. I dream of John Lennon's 325 C64 Rickenbacker semi-hollow body. I believe 20 inches long with just 21 frets, and the narrowest nut/head stock ever built for a band like the Beatles. Many vlogs have remarked how small Lennon's rig was: just so he ould get his left hand around it. I dream this is the perfect guitar for my small hands. I've tried many others including D'Angelico, Gibson, Gretsch, and the Fenders of course. The Rick's are expensive, of course, but I am getting up there in age, and simply don't GAD about the money any more. Will the Rick be satisfactory? My hands are too small and too arthritic to waste any more time trying to find the smallest neck on by own search. I love to practice every day, and get too much enjoyment out of it. You're a good man, and your advice would mean so much to me. I'm a subscriber now, and I pour over each of your vlogs. Than you in advance for all your help.
Thanks for your kind words. I think you will be hard-pressed to do better than the Mustang ergonomically, but let me research the Rickenbacker and give you an update.
@@robertsguitarsandgear Robert, Thank you so much! When you look at the Rick up close, it appears to be very manageable. In one respect, I don't care all that much about appearances, so a Squier Mini could very well be the most accommodating of all. It's short dimensions seem to be pretty close to that of Lennon's 325 Rick. I've never seen a Rick up close (or even handled one for that matter), so I can not really tell how similar the 325 and the Mini really are. Like so many of us arthritic or small handed players, and even though I could not do a Rick, and Lennon's memory proud, it would just be too effing cool to strap one on. Could you possibly share with me if the 325 Rick's fingerboard radius or any other measurements would make an appreciable difference to us disadvantaged folks? Anything would help. Thanks again.
Hi Robert, thanks for this topic. My hands are just slightly below average for an adult male (approximately 7.45 vs 7.6). I am also older, so not as flexible. I can play strats and get by comfortably for most things, it is always the annoying edge case that drives me crazy--for example, trying to play Little Wing where there is a very key note combination spanning the 5th to 9th frets on the 4th and 5th strings, pinky to index! Similar stretch for things like "Every Breath You Take" (add 9 chords, but you can cheat there as the notes are played individually) ... One thing that almost gets me there are the strats/teles using Warmoth necks that are Gibson scale, 24.75"... but I am finally going to try a Fender Jaguar to see if that gets me the single coil tones I like, with being able to hit the edge cases!
I really like the Player Jag for this. Also look at the new Squier Strat-O-Sonic with (I believe) a classic Fender C neck but a 24.75 scale. You can upgrade the hardware as desired.
@@robertsguitarsandgear I picked up a 2011 Player Jag, all was good except the bridge, it was absolutely terrible. Local luthier suggested a Mastery M1 ($200) replacement. Everything else was good. I happen to favor music that use "strat tones", I see there is a MIJ "Junior collection" (strat, tele, jazzmaster) that has 24" scale, and see a few on Reverb, may give that a go... all will depend on how much scale length factors into the overall tone.. if I can get "close to strat" on any 24" scale I will be happy!
Also, you did mention the 25" scale PRS... the Santana version of that is 24.5 (quarter inch shorter than gibson scale)... that is definitely worth a look. I use my PRS custom 24 (25" scale") for all things that I might use a les paul for
@@learningguitar7948 Thanks, they are great guitars for sure. From my investigations the shorter-scale PRSs primarily have a fairly think neck, with the exception for example of the McCarty S2 thinlines. Pls let me know if I'm wrong on this one.
Hi, thanks for the great video! In your comments you listed the ESP LTD EC-256 as a good guitar for smaller hands, but I didn't see it in your video. Do you feature that guitar in another video? Also, what were the neck circumference measurements you had for the guitars you featured? I would like to compare it to my current guitar.
Thanks for your comment. I have two reviews of the EC-256 on my channel. I'm not so big on this anymore for small hands as the neck circumference is more average and the "reach" parameter is actual worse than a Les Paul. For the measurements, if you go to the Community tab on my channel and scroll down just a bit you'll see my measurements, click on it and you'll have the full picture.
Yep i have small hands and arthritis in my worn out fingers. I love my Strats and Teles, but its the stretch i can't do them justice. I'm on the limit of finger from 2nd to 5th. Gonna check out a Jaguar or Mustang because of the scale.
Schekter and Ibanez have very thin nuts which really help. I recently picked up a second hand Jackson Minion on a whim. It was a good price and I thought it would be interesting. I absolutely love it! Sounds great and has made life easier for my old, and small hands.
Very informative and helpful! That D'Angelico is a beautiful looking guitar! I just have to find out where I could find one to try that out... BTW I'm having an eye on a PRS SE 245 Standard, they have an 24.5 inch scale length wich is also great for my small fingers, the curious thing is that I feel way more comfortable on thicker neck shapes rather than those thin Ibanez type D shapes... I found out for my self that scale length is great when it is shorter and when I have a "rounder" chunkier C shaped neck and that combined fits great and makes it very comfy to play then .. The prs 245 has a wide fat neck that feels somehow way better idk why but my hands don't cramp with that one.
Very interesting comments, thanks for the feedback. Absolutely scale length addresses so much of the issue for small hands. I would eventually like to try a PRS with the Pattern Thin neck.
@@robertsguitarsandgear absolutely, those prs se models are worth it! And for me, I have to thank you! I've never heard of those D'Angelico before but I immediately fell in love with them!! Thanks to you :) I need to try one now... Especially cause the scale length is perfect too and I'm most excited to feel the neck how that one feels!
Hi, I like your channel! I've read other opinions on the Squier Bullet that said they had thick necks, seems people confuse opinions from facts! Also I didn't realize 25.5 scale length guitars (haven't played any yet) are more difficult for beginners. Thanks!
The Squire Bullet doesn't seem to be available anymore, all I see are the Squire Sonic. 24 in scale length. Does anyone know how similar these are to the Bullet?
I beg to differ about the Strat. Not all Strats are built the same way. If ye look at the Squiers, some models have very slim and thin necks, some of which are actually borderline too small for me. Im a guy who has size US Men Small hands. I have an older 2001 Affinity neck that have a 40.5mm nut and ultra thin and narrow neck. This neck is just on the verge of too small where there's almost not enuff spacing between the strings at the low end for my fingers to fret without touching adjacent strings. This neck will be ideal for kids and people with tiny hands. Specifically, Id recomnend 41mm nuts on the slighttly newer (2004-up) Affinity necks which are thin and slim but not as tiny as the older 2001 neck I have. Once yer used to these necks one can then step up to the standard 42mm neck size found on the Squier Standards and the Mexican Standards. Another brand that has excellent thin and slim necks are Ibanez and Schecters. But these are slightly upscale brands that costs more. Another are the ESP and LTD, but these are prwmuum guitars that cost noticably more but are excellent options when you're ready to upgrade for medium advanced skill levels or for starting to gig with.
Thanks, I working up a video to talk about Strat options for smaller hands, for sure there is a huge range. The current Players and Am Pro IIs are on the bigger side. Optimum for me are the classic C shapes, e.g. American Performer.
My hands are small but I'm also cursed with fat stubby fingers. Playing chords are next to impossible. I have a Fender Jangstang which has a thin c shaped neck which I love, but the nut with is still 1.69. I put thinner strings on it and was surprised at how much more space there as between the stings. Problem is I hate thin stings and lost tone. After some research I found a few companies that make a bone width up to 2.0. The demos swear playing chords are easier and faster. What are your thoughts on a bone width of 2.0? TY
This video is spot on! My hands check all the boxes you mentioned: stubby, stiff, previously injured... Moving to a short-scale bass allowed me to keep playing. For guitar, started on a MIM strat (an incredibly lucky gift) which, just like you say, is a great guitar -- that makes my hands hurt. Got the Squier Mustang Bullet HH (same Sonic Gray even) and the neck is soooo much more comfortable. Love everything but the strings -- what do you recommend as replacement strings for the Mustang?
Robert, you recommeded D'Angelico Atlantic, in one of your highest categories. I bought and had to return a B-stock D'Angelico Excell SS, but had to return it because the controls were defective. I wanted a hollow or semi-hollow for its lower weight, and the scale length of the Excel was 25 inches. Now I am getting ready to try again. Did you only evaluate the one Atlantic model, or did you try any of the hollow or semi-hollow models? I think you only evaluated solid body electrics in this video. Do you have thoughts on easy to play hollow or semi-hollow electrics?
Hello Glenn, I'm sorry you had such a problem. I only tried the solid body Atlantic, I had a total of three of them over my time. I never had an issue with them. I think for hollow or semi-hollow the ergonomic question will be the thickness of the body. Weight should be good, and of course the Neck ergonomics go with their shape and dimensions.
Hi, I am texting you once again regarding your small hand guitar recommendations. I have a Squier Mustang partially upon your expertise in this area. I am now seriously investigating the PRS S2 Mccarty Thin Line 594. Everything I have read or watched thus far about the Thin Line indicates that it is pretty much a home run for us small hand players. Have you road tested this model? If not, do you expect to any time soon? I have been unable to find one in stock at any of the local guitar stores or for private sale Iocally. Any help would be appreciated.
@@rogerspalding5673 Thanks Roger. I’ve had my eye on this one for a long time. It does look good to me except the 1.69” nut width. Maybe you can find a guitar with that nut width to asses. I would hate to spend S2 $ on a mistake. Thanks for reaching out.
a question about conform, I see all guitars have their strap button (IDK what is it called) on the same points, the neck one is obviously at the corner of the guitar. And the bridge one is right in the middle of the guitar, alligned with the neck. I feel like if the later were little above, it would help the guitar be tilted (more vertical). When I play certain cords or licks I really need to tilt it (like 45 degrees), but my guitar/strap natural balance is more horizontal (like 20 degrees). Are there guitars that have "better tilting"? Is it to crazy to add an additioal strap button in my stratocaster??
I got a Duo Sonic and it fits so well. The problem I'm having with it is I'm getting a lot pops and snaps from my amp. I don't get that with my other guitars. Did you have any shielding issues with yours? Thanks for this review. Very helpful.
I don't recall any major noise problems, but with the single coil that is possible. For sure you can shield the pickup and electronics cavities with copper tape or shielding paint and you will reduce that a lot. You might find that the cavities are already painted with shielding paint and you just need to connect the painted area with the bottom of the covers (shield them if necessary) so that you get a full Faraday cage.
I wish I'd seen this before I bought my first guitar too. While I have a music background, I've played woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Stringed instruments have always been difficult for me because of my smaller hands. First guitar I ever tried was a full-sized. I was a kid, and I quickly became discouraged. As an adult, I later tried again, but it was during a difficult time in my life (divorce). I ended up frustrated and had to sell it to pay a utility bill. Later, I took some courses at the local college and took guitar as an elective. Full classroom, and the guy was so mechanical with it all. I'm not even sure he enjoyed playing guitar; there was no joy in the sounds he made. I wanted to learn to play music, not memorize a bunch of stuff, do a few covers of songs, and not really understand the instrument. I had a 3/4 guitar at that time, and I did what was necessary to do well in class. I just didn't enjoy it at all; it actually turned me OFF of guitar for many years. Now, 50 years old, and it's on my "Bucket List". Older and more determined, I ordered a full-sized acoustic guitar online (small town, no local shops) thinking it was a solid purchase because I love music, enjoy trying new things to keep my mind sharp, and it would help with the neuropathy in my hands. The numbness and muscle weakness is bad enough now though that I have a nerve conduction test and the doctor said the muscle difference in each hand is severe enough that surgery might be a better solution that therapy and medication. We'll know after the test results and go from there he said. But the full-sized guitar sits in the corner taunting me, reminding me of past failures. I have this and an Epiphone Les Paul electric. Small hands,... short, stubby fingers,.... I'll know next time and may put these up for sale as they are mint condition, get a smaller sized guitar I can better manage if my hands, touch, numbness recover. Ideally, I wanna learn guitar and bass-- especially bass. At this point, I'm ready to duct tape a slider to my hand and try to learn lap steel. I am cross handed (not ambidextrous; some things I use my left hand for instead) so I'm considering a left-handed guitar as well. I just REALLY wanna play. Thank you so much for your time and effort to help those who might otherwise feel hopeless. It's much appreciated!
I had carpal tunnel surgery on each hand in December, which 99.5% solved the numbness problem. My hands are still small(!) and a bit stiff, but the guitars I talk about I can play just fine, I played in Church three days after my first surgery. BTW I started from zero at age 55 four years ago. Good luck to you!
Can you tell me which Telecaster has the thinnest neck? I would love to have a thinline telecaster and I don't care if it's a Squier or an off brand. Thanks!
Hi Robert I have the same problem smaller hands,but I have found a great guitar for smaller hands.The Music Man Silhouette.I have played for many years on lots of guitars I would tell anyone with smaller hands go find and play one.
Small proportional hands here. Several factors come into play with the neck IMPE, and they really can't be divorced from one another. i.e. No point having a short scale guitar if the neck profile is deep C baseball bat. That said, advantageous for small handspan IME are; 1. Neck profile -slim D or C, compound radius even better, 2. short scale, 3. nut width -between 42mm or = < 43mm, 4. string spacing no more than 11mm -more critical on standard scale.
This was very helpful. Ibanez uses a thinner "Wizard" neck on its RG series of guitars. Do you have any experience with that? I don't recall the scale.
Hello Pritam. You will have to look around because they only made 50 of them. It looks like it may be in stock at Guitar Center: www.guitarcenter.com/DAngelico/Deluxe-Atlantic-Limited-Edition-Solid-Body-Electric-Guitar-Rust-1500000366557.gc?cntry=us&irclickid=xYwX15zlixyPUfyTljQq-SZIUkFWOB0VLUc8R40&irpid=2003851&irmpname=Bing%20Rebates%20by%20Microsoft&source=4ACJWXX2&irgwc=1&im_rewards=1
Yeah, when i make a "ratio" of the height of some players : chuck berry, slash, vai, etc...on some the ratio is 3:1... Aka one third of their height... Based on my height (and my reach on piano, i maximum can hit an octave cleanly)... I should be playing somethin between 22 -23 inches on scale... There's exceptions like the 21 inch Rickenbacker 325 lennon used to play, around 21.7 inches (if i remember clearly)
very interesting information, thanks. I do have a question. The last guitar the bullet mustang i know has a 12 inch radius neck and the new sonic mustang has a 9.5 inch neck that replaced the bullet. Have you compared the bullet mustang to the sonic mustang? and if so do they feel the same?
Sorry I haven't tried the Sonic but the Fender site confirms the 9.5" radius. I'm not sure that in practice it would be that big a deal, but no doubt I would prefer the Mustang HH.
Thanks for your comment and thank you for your service! This is an important question. Hand size is a bit of shorthand for hands that are truly smaller, and hands that are relatively stiff due to being a newer player or having medical issues. Very small people over time can play any guitar as their hands stretch out, whereas you can be a new player with bigger hands but they are a bit arthritic and not yet limber from a lot of playing. My hands measure 8.5" from the tip of my thumb to little finger when fully extended. I have played long enough that I can play a guitar with a 25.5" scale length and full-thickness neck, but thinner necks will always be more comfortable to me.
@@danielsudds8075 It is LP-shaped with LP-style controls. The Neck is much thinner and faster, and the body is thinner and has a major belly cut. Finally mine is an Alder body, it is much lighter than Mahogany, giving a brighter sound and perhaps a bit less sustain.,
Excellent video, just what I was looking for. Thank you! One quick follow-up, for small hands, any thoughts on the Gibson Les Paul Modern vs. Fender Ultra Telecaster?
The Tele will have a 25.5" scale length, which is a negative for smaller hands, but possibly not a show-stopper. The Les Paul Modern (at least the one I just looked at) has a Slim Taper neck as well as the 24.75" scale, should be much better.
I can't play my strats anymore After multiple wrist fractures my hands don't stretch like they used to, I'm using my Les Paul type guitars now, I so miss the trem Les Pauls have such sharp edges too
Almost all cheap guitars have somewhat thick necks. That includes most Harley Benton, but also EART, Squire Debut, Sonic (strat), Volgoa, Grote, Firefly, Leo James, IYV, Fesly. All these are thicker than fender standard. Donner strat is an exception. I guess you go to Ibanez but find an Ibanez 22 fret is difficult. My s521 is very nice to play but the SA series and SASEX is thicker than it strat.
I am almost 70 yrs old, have small hands with arthritis in my left thumb joint. I have struggled over the past several years BUT I have just purchased a PRS SE Hollowbody Piezo and wow! the neck is so smooth its like playing butter, I can hit chords I couldn't hit before, with very little pain in my left hand. Now I have been able to explore voicings etc that I would not even attempt earlier. Anyone who suffers then try a SE PRS! It works for me.....I'm not saying it works for everyone, but it has certainly helped me. Good Luck from the UK
Thanks for sharing, so glad to hear that you are energized about playing again.
I am also almost 70 years old, a beginner with small hands and some neuropathy. I have a PRS Santana SE with the 24.5" scale. It is mostly working for me now, but I might want to go down to a 24" scale.
@@RJ-mz3co For sure you should find everything right in front of you with minimal reaching.
Hi, i also have small hands. It took my hands and ears only two minutes to fall in love with the wonderful neck of an Ibanez AM93 semiacoustic that i tested and then bought second hand on the spot. It was made in China 2015. Both the AM 93 and 153 models provide that perfect neck profile, at least for me - allthough it might get a bit chunky around the area where the neck is glued to the body. Best comfort and playability of all my guitars. Very versatile in sound and genre. It plays everything from metal to jazz (i cannot, but that's another story 🙂).
The AM's body has a small and slender footprint compared to most other semiacoustic guitars (about the size of a Gibson ES 339 size, and far smaller than Ibanez's better-known AS-shaped models). An AM93 weights about 3,6 kilogramms. Another pro: It offers a sensationally easy access to even the highest frets - by far best accessability in all of my guitars, better even than in my two PRS SE Custom 24 superstrats.
@@bruncher11 Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Robert! You hit the nail on the head. It being more comfortable has contributed greatly
Great to see another guitarist with small hands. I have the Squire Bullet FSR and it has the best playabily of any guitar I have gigged and I have gigged about 50 in over 35 years of gigging. It helped that I worked in a music store and had access to many different guitars to try.
My main guitar is a schecter Solo ii custom. It's a single cut guitar but with a short scale and compound radius neck for easy playability. Plus locking tuners and coil split American made pick ups are a great.
I have a Solo Custom II also, great guitar, thanks for the feedback.
How is the neck on it.
Honestly the necks i have liked are the Epi Special II 😂😂 and the PRS 245 se.
they were beefier on the back than most strats and LPs, as my thumb sits more comfortable having full contact... The thing is, i dont like the way they look at all.
But may get either a PRS 245 se just becaus they are out of production now... Even the mustang bullet souns nice (in theory) with the 12" radius but have never touched the later
@@0000song0000 These are really thin necks, almost shredder necks.
What the FSR suffix acronym for in Squier Bullet Tele? Fender Special Release? Is it somehow different from the regular Squier Bullet Tele? If so, how?
Not my only Tele, I actually have a Squier Bullet Tele, a too good not to curiosity opportunity buy Christmas 2021. TBH, I wasn't expecting much from it, but I was blown away.
Its neck is truly nice to play, and the tall narrow frets feel much better to fret than expected. All in all a very comfortable guitar with its slim C satin neck & 1.65" (42mm) nut. Even its roundish 9" radius was surprisingly pleasing. The light weight and marginally thinner body thickness contributes to overall comfort too.
What surprised me most, was the build quality. Mine was a Chinese manufactured top loader, and the BQ and finish were of a standard to rival Yamaha product coming out of Indonesia. Kudos indeed.
My sole criticism, the pickups. At the price point I paid I wasn't complaining. They do sound OK. Although still ceramic, the OEM in the Chinese made Bullet are higher output and IMO sweeter sounding than those supplied OEM in the Indonesian production units. The Indonesian Squier Bullets are string through, but AFAIC pragmatically in an instrument like the Bullet Tele, that's an aesthetic pandering to tradition nothing more.
With a pickup swap, a set of smoother nicer heavier mech tuners and perhaps some heavier machined saddles this unit would really pop. All inexpensive upgrades courtesy of Korean Wilkinson via AliExpress. My nut was OK, but if carrying out the other upgrades I'd probably fit a Graph Tech TUSQ nut too. Performing the above would turn this guitar into a class act punching way above the price point of the unit including cost of upgrades.
As is out of the box, I'd confidently endorse the Squier Bullet to noobs looking for a first guitar as a pleasant to play problem free unit if a two pickup Tele config was what they wanted.
Thank you Robert for taking the time and effort to provide a very thorough approach to a not uncommon set of circumstances. I have small hands, stubby fingers, arthritis and ME. I am 71 years old. I have played on and off for a number of years mainly in Church Worship groups. When arthritis/ME first hit me, I didn't pick a guitar up for over 5 years as it was impossible to intonate properly and use barre chords. Little by little over the next few years I started thinking more of how to adapt to my difficulties. I play fingerstyle as I cant grip a plectrum. I found playing in open tunings helpful as was slide guitar. Next, one of my favourite acoustics is a Yamaha APX5A which has a fairly reasonable thin neck. However, the scale was too long so I dropped the EADGBE tuning down a whole tone and then have a capo permanently fixed to the 2nd fret so it brings the tuning back to standard but more importanly, shortens the scale length and the width of the fret spacings. For chords I use triads, shell voicings etc. I am wanting to play jazz lead but am having great difficulty identifying a value jazz guitar with short scale, thin C neck and jazz tone. I cannot travel around the UK trying out each type so must rely on recommendations/reviews etc. Thanks again and God bless.
Thanks for your feedback. Your persistance is very inspirational. I have a new video in-work that goes even more broadly on guitar ergonomics. In December I had carpal tunnel surgery on both of my hands and thankfully I am getting some reach back. I am a worship guitarist also and love it.
@@robertsguitarsandgear I am pleased to hear that surgery has provided you with some improvement, Robert. I hope the progress continues. The opportunity to worship and praise our Father God in any way or form (Psalm 150) is a wonderful privilege but given my singing voice, I think using guitar was a blessing, not only for me but also the congregation! I am glad you have found outlets for your talents. God bless. Roy.
Great info Newwineskin! Your capo solution sounds very intriguing. I just recently picked up my Squier Strat again after a period of over two years. I'm 70 y.o. myself, so I felt some kinship right off. When I purchased it, the salesperson directed me to the Affinity rather than the Bullet Mustang which would have saved a little dough, but also would have made my learning process a lot less painful. I'm now thinking of trading my Affinity for the Fender Player Duo-sonic; a much better guitar, and much more comfortable to play than the Affinity I suspect. I will still have to road test the Sonic and the Bullet Mustang, but in the meantime I will try your capo route. Please give us a short primer on how you did this. I think if you just attach the capo on the first fret and retune each string setting to E, etc, it would be easier? I have Snark which is pretty good for tuning my Affinity. Please help us with a tip or two? Thanks so much.
I believe the young woman at Fo3ev3faithful suggested this same capo solution, if I recall correctly. She has several vlogs about playing with small hands and/or fingers. So, it appears you're in good company!
BTW, you could not have picked a better leader among men than King David.
Thanks for the video Robert. I'm an older beginner with shorter fingers and a crooked pinky that had been broken. Aspire to play jazz style guitar so started with a 24.8" scale archtop and was struggling. After some research decided to splurge on an expensive, though not crazy vintage priced, Gibson Byrdland but it's 23.5" scale felt too cramped especially as I went down the neck. Additionally the Byrdland was too precious to think about traveling, so on a whim picked up a used Fender Japanese Jaguar from Reverb and its 24" scale and neck shape turned out to be just right. I've now lived with six Jaguars in different configurations (including semi-hollow Thinline) over time and found three great ones.
Yes, Jaguar's tend to be more expensive (and complicated) than Duo-Sonics or Mustangs but offer a wider range of sounds: from fuller jazzy with "rhythm" circuit (see video of Joe Pass playing Jaguar soon after leaving rehab) to classic surf to various avant rock sounds (e.g., Tom Verlaine, Marc Ribot). I just broke down and picked up a very pricey beautiful Fender Custom Shop Jaguar which feels and sounds amazing, but Fender's more budget lines offer considerably less expensive models. Also, Reverb lists lots of options, with some of the Japanese models in particular being great values. Two caveats: 1) there's range of neck profiles out there and some can possibly feel too thin or thick, and 2) the tremolo/bridge design can make setup more temperamental and often benefit from aftermarket replacements. If you're not interested in wild trem bends check out the Japanese dual humbucker HH model with hard tail.
Thanks, great input. I’m looking at the mod shop also but I want to play my Player Jag for a while.
@@robertsguitarsandgear Hey, came across above video first and had not seen your Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar review. Would be curious to see your thoughts on the Player Jag.
I had an American Pro Jaguar which has similar electronic scheme as Mod Shop Jag. Personally I have little use for the strangle switch, so if I really wanted phase shifting option between series and parallel might make more sense to repurpose strangle switch for that function?
BTW - appreciate The Kinks riffs that sneak into your demos
@@rubiera58 Thanks, I’m giving away my age on those riffs. Will do a video on the Player for sure!
..you seen to know alot and that is why I want to ask you, why are all guitar necks designed wider at the end that meets the body than at the nut and not the Same, at both ends? I know there must be a reason for that, but what are Is it?
@@benwright6330 Thanks Ben. Possible that is partially tradition, but probable that is mainly for strength.
Don't forget to mention the importance of string gauge when it comes to playing comfort. Changing to lighter gauge strings is very helpful in this regard. Also properly adjusted truss rod, properly filed nut slots and lowering string saddles can turn a neck that is "just ok" into one that is nearly effortless to play.
Having a nice neck is one thing but set-up is crucial imo.
In my experience (with measurements) the Squier Teles have the thinnest necks. I suspect the Player Teles are OK and likely the American Performer also.
Thanks for this video and your advice here.
I'm around 5' 6" and I 've got very small hands , i mean, my wife has bigger hands than me ...I've played guitar for ages, started taking classical guitar lessons in 1970, and classical guitar necks are very wide. I had a rare electric Vox Soundcaster once in 1971, sky blue, VERY large neck like a baseball bat. It never stopped any of us although , yes , certain chords are a stretch and I became a jazz guitarist, so Jazz chords aren't sometimes the easiest with their extensions. Mind you, many jazz guitarists have had small hands, Lenny Breau and Pat Metheny even.
But of late I've found the Fender Performer Series to be REALLY good...VERY comfy for me at least, especially the rosewood neck models. ( some of the Performer MAPLE neck models can be a little chunkier). I cant speak for everyone on this issue but the Performers are incredibly good and exteremely smooth satin like. Thank you again.
Thanks for your comments. The classic Fender Modern C as on the Player and Performer series I believe work really well. The American Pro II has adopted a deeper C that might be a bit less comfortable. I'm going to do an update video, as my hands are healing I have a Classic Vibe Tele with the Modern C that is working really well.
@@robertsguitarsandgear ah yes, the Classic Vibe has a nice profile....I tried an Ultra Luxe a few days back and loved the stainless steel frets but the neck is bg far the largest on any Fender, though i could be wrong LOL...its an augmented D shape but it gets thinner and flatter passed the 12th fret(compound radius).thank you for the reply.
I started off on a strat and really grew to hate the C profile, narrow nut and long scale length. When I tried a guitar with a slim taper neck I could finally play the way I wanted to.
There is a lot of variation in the Slim Tapers, but for sure it is a nice overall package with the slightly wider nut and just-right scale.
How would a thinner nut be bad for small hands? The thinner the nut width, the more narrow the neck, the easier it is to wrap your hand around the neck around the lower frets. A wide nut width means wide neck- definitely not good for small hands.
@@r3tr0sp3ct3r Thay all makes perfect sense, but this is a video about what’s good for small hands. You don’t have small hands, so a wider neck with wider string spacing is fine for you to handle. If you have small hands, the more narrow the neck, the easier you can get your hands around it. There’s a reason why Angus Young always preferred the late-60’s SG’s- they had the extremely narrow nut width of 1 9/16”, as opposed to the classic 1 11/16” nut width pre-1965. Angus himself has said he loved that because he couldn’t get his hand around the wider neck.
I have blunt fingertips that mute strings above and below the string I’m fretting. I just had a 1-13/16” wide at the nut Strat neck made and I love it. I can FINALLY, after 40+ yrs of struggling, really enjoy the guitar.
@@tonybranton Great, thanks for sharing.
@@robertsguitarsandgear Love your channel! I'm 62 and have played since I was 14 and I have always struggled and sounded like it. I just sounded sloppy. I mastered a lot of picking technique and arpeggios are big finger friendly so I naturally gravitated towards staccato, and single and two and three note power chords but as I get older I want to play jazz and other more complicated chords and with my fingertips it's impossible to cleanly get more than 4 notes. So, I played a Martin with a 1-13/16 wide at the nut neck. I sounded better immediately. So I was on a quest for a wide neck. Now I can learn chords that have so much more expression and it just frees my fingers up so that I'm constantly amazed at how great the guitar sounds with a full compliment of notes. I was cleanest on a Les Paul 59 profile with a 12 inch radius so I had the new Strat fingerboard made with a 12 inch radius. I really want a Les Paul with a wide neck, but that will have to wait.
@@tonybranton Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Robert for the content. I have smaller arthritic hands and in my 48 years of playing I’ve tried lots of different guitars and neck profiles. For me personally, my most comfortable playing guitars are: Fender Player and Fender Professional 2 Telecasters (tuned down half or full step which helps to compensate for the scale length), Ibanez 540S (thin Wizard neck and double locking Edge Tremolo, helps compensate for scale length), Schecter PT, and my absolute favorite necks: Peavey Wolfgang (I’ve not tried Music Man or EVH versions) and my absolute favorite American made used budget guitar, the Peavey Predator ($150 to $300 used). Again, I tend to down tune on 25.5 inch scale length guitars which makes them easier to play. I hope this is helpful.
The slimmest and narrowest neck I’ve played is a Peavey T-15 that is a short scale guitar from the 80s, they called it the Mississippi Mustang. The Peavey T-30 is also short scale and is likely as slim.
Thank you Robert for this video!
@@fjaguilarp Thanks for you info!
Great and useful video Robert.
Had surprise sum of money come in some years ago. Went into large guitar shop in Glasgow fully intending to buy a US strat. I'm left handed but they had around 12 lefties in stock. I tried them all, none had a neck that I liked, felt comfortable with. As a last resort, I then tried a Squier CV 60's strat - it was perfect, played great. It's my main squeeze and has been for 6 yrs now. Love it.
@@redstrat1234 Great choice!
Squire mini. Have mine sitting right here. LOVE this little thing. Easy bends, awesome neck and pickups sound great. I use a focusrite solo and guitar rig 7. Addicting. 😁
That is sooo cute
Robert, Bravo! Thank you so much for this vlog. For some time now, I have been looking for this video, and you did it. You really should have more subscribers. I am now a follower of yours. You know the frustration which people with small hands or arthritis experience. When I purchased my Squier Affinity, the salesperson moved me away from the Mustang. Maybe because of its poor reputation among TH-camrs? I am definitely going to check out a Bullet Mustang and the Player Duo-Sonic on your advice. Great job.
Thanks for your feedback, good luck!
I have an LTD EC-256. It has a nice slim neck with a Gibson scale length. Great guitar for the price. I changed out the nut for a Tusq xl, put on locking tuners, and a set of emg pickups.
This is 2 years old, before Ibanez released AZES40, I believe. It is a fantastic guitar, more than just a beginner guitar, comparable to more expensive guitars likw a Fender Player which is double the price. And it is made for smaller hands!
Thanks, I'm very tempted to try one.
For me, the string spacing is what made the difference.
@@Mr6767Will Yep, Nut Width, or string spacing, is huge.
13:32 What a great looking guitar. 🎸 D’Angelico.👍
I wish I had seen your video prior to purchasing my first guitar, a lot of great information here. I ended up buying a lefty Squier Telecaster. I am managing but I do have very small hands for an adult, and worry that my wrist/thumb aren’t in the proper position while I’m stretching my fingers to fret. When I purchase another one, this will be a great resource. I’m liking the offset models!
Thanks Alyssa, I’m really happy to help however I can.
Hey Robert, thanks for producing such an informative video. I ended up with the squier bullet mustang myself as it felt right in the shop. The neck is perfect. Some food for thought with the d’angelico when I look to add expand my collection. Thanks again, great video
Thanks for your feedback!
Happy to learn that a 24" scale neck is 8mm shorter between the first four frets than a 25.5" neck. I'll definitely try one out. 👍
For me the nut width matters most, next scale length. I have a Yamaha Revstar which has a 24.75" scale and 1.649" nut and an average to slightly thinner neck. The EVH Wolfgang has a 1.65" nut. The scale is 25.5", but since the neck is set further back into the body it is the most comfortable guitar that I've played. Naturally the neck fall closer to the center of your body making hand position optimum and lessens the hand angle. It also has a 1.65" nut width.
@@mcmlxv9827 Thanks, great info!
Wow Robert!! What an out standing and helpful review!! The Mustang Bullet has been on my radar as of late after I bought very beautiful looking Suire Strat that has been giving me lots of pain and grief with my small hands. I just hope I can find a bullet in Sunburst!!
@@scourneene Thanks for the feedback, good luck!
@@robertsguitarsandgear Would you happen to know if the newer Squier Sonic Mustangs, which replaced the Bullets, retained the narrow necks or did they thicken up?
@@scourneene I have not had my hands on one, you might be able to find that online.
@@robertsguitarsandgear findmyguitar.com/reviews/Fender-Squier-Sonic-Mustang-HH-review.php
There’s a reason Angus Young always preferred the pre-1965 SG’s- he has tiny hands! He has said himself that he prefers those late-60’s SG’s because Gibson switched to very narrow 1 9/16” nut width around 1965. Angus loves this because with the narrower neck he could actually get his hand around the neck. Whereas with the classic 1 11/16”, of was harder for him to get his hand around it. If you strictly are someone who plays shredding lead guitar, with your thumb always planted on the back of the neck, then you can get away with a wider neck (not deep, but wide) much easier with small hands. But if you’re someone who likes to play with your thumb over the top of the neck to mute/fret the E string with your thumb, then you will want a narrow nut width if you have small hands. The one caveat may be if you have short, but fat fingers, the narrow nut width might make chording in the first position too crowded. However, SRV and Hendrix both had huge meaty fingers, and both had no issue with the classic 1 5/8” nut width on their Fenders.
@@kevinmurtagh4996 Thanks for sharing, yes. You do need the practice with an SG for the long reach with your fretting hand.
@ Indeed. As for the skinnier nut width on an SG, unfortunately the only modern SG model with that 1 9/16” is the signature Angus Young model, which is of course extremely expensive.
Very helpful. Thank you I thought I was stuck with whatever the standard was and figured I just don't have any talent.. I know what I want to play , I just cant get my fingers there
@@techone8924 Thanks for your feedback and best of luck for your playing.
Great information! Thank you for putting this on TH-cam!
Every guitarist should get a fender mini Squier they're unbelievably cool also Cordoba mini classes are also awesome 30-inch scales and Taylor mini acoustic mini guitars are fun as hell to play and you'll get addicted to them 1 tip is to put a little heavier strings on them to make up for their shortness of scale also some of them are cheap like the Squier so you might want to upgrade some of the parts
11:44 “This neck”. Suddenly possessed by Christopher Walken.
Very helpful video.
@@dustdevilz4771 Thanks very much!
One other thing I disagree is on the matter of the fret size. A super jumbo fretted 25.5" scale guitar will have the exact same distance spread between frets as a standard Fender wire fret on a 25.5" scale. The only real difference will be in the height of the strings above the fretboard when fretted. If yer looking to minimize the grip circumference, then yes, a shorter frets may be desirable.
That said, keeping in mind that I have US Men's Small hands, I actually prefer the jumbo frets for a different reason: it has the same effect as having scalloped frets which eliminates finger and string contact with the fretboard. This allows "touch fretting" in similar skein as touch typing. Quicker, lighter touch on the fretting gets the job done, less stress and wear on fingertips. Plus faster arpeggios and fret changes. End results is longer finger durability in a session.
Plus if ye can learn to fine control the pressure, you can sharpen the notes slightly just by increasing fretting pressure for a little vibratto. If ye desire more vibrattos then ye can bend the strings. This is another area where a jumbo fret becomes an advantage: the flesh of fingertips gets a better grip onto the strings and not drag on the fingerboard, thus bends becomes less effort intensive.
It is far cheaper to refret with jumbo frets than to scallop fretboards. Scalloping is irreversible and I'd have concerns about the scallops reducing the total neck rigidity strength in response to environmental changes.
In fact, this is the formula that Ibanez, ESP and Schecter guitars use: real thin necks with more or less standard 41-42mm nut widths combined with jumbo frets that still adds up to similar or slightly smaller grip circumference as a typical Fender Strat. Twill be smaller if it's a Japan Domestic Market guitar for the typically smaller average hands of the typical Japanese guitarist.
Thanks for the detailed response!
Thanks for the advice I've tried for years on and off to learn to play and always struggled due to.small.hands
Thanks for the feedback!
An excellent, knowledgeable review.
As an older guy with stiff, average hands this is just what the doctor ordered. Unfortunately, most of my guitars are standard Fender scale.
Thanks for the feedback. Keep working on those hands! I’m playing my fenders ok now.
Great video! I started with super strat-style guitars with thin necks and when I got a Les Paul, the neck felt huge. I had no idea they could vary so much...
Thanks very much.
Very nice video Robert. This is the one I’ve been looking for. Thank you for the information. I’m a beginner and I’ve been searching for my first electric guitar. I’m gonna try it out at Guitar Center. 👍👍👍🎸🎸🎸
Thanks for the feedback. Good luck and enjoy!
thanks...great video...very helpful.
Thanks very much!
Intriguing perspective Robert. Thank you!
Another option to consider is the Warmoth custom necks. There is the option of G-scale 24.75" conversion necks for Strat/Tele style bodies. And also Jaguar/Mustang 24" scale necks. I would consider a 1.65" nut with the 10-16 compound radius. And for the neck back profile a standard thin. Although I would also maybe consider the 59 roundback neck profile as I find the prs and reverend necks comfortable.
I wish there was a 24" scale hollowbody, i think the closest is the gretsch with the 24.5 scale. So far I have been playing the Guild Starfire III (MIK) which has 24.75" scale neck and 9.5 fingerboard radius. The body can be a bit cumbersome at times. I've also been playing a Squier Jaguar.
Great advice - the 24" Fenders are hard to beat for this. Thanks.
One thing that I found to be a big help for me is angling the neck up allows my fingers to spread out further, it probably helps that my natural strumming position is about buckle height so I have that vertical real estate. The way most people play sitting down with the neck being horizontal, I find that to be unplayable because of the lack of stretch in that orientation.
For Strats, I find them very comfortable as long as the neck is angled up enough mainly due to just how well they hug up against you. I wouldn't mind picking up a Mustang or two though
I have the Ltd-EC256 great 24.75” scale length and slim neck put in Duncan JB pickup great guitar. I sanded down the neck of an Epiphone Les Paul replaced the electrics tuners and pickups it’s a great guitar. I have some Ibanez great thin necks but 25.5” scale is a stretch. PRS SE Tremonti fixed bridge 25” is nice after pickup change but neck is a bit thick.
Wow, I wish I'd seen this video before I bought a PRS. While I love it, I probably would've been better served by those less expensive Squiers. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for your feedback.
I have an American Fender Strat that over time had developed a slight bow with the truss rod maxed out. At the time I thought my only viable option was to get a new neck. If I had known about the methods that good luthiers can use to reshape the neck, I'm sure that would have influenced my decision. Instead I went with the nuclear option and found a new Warmoth roasted maple neck. Could have gotten a whole new guitar for what I paid for that neck, but it's an awesome neck! Problem is now the profiling of this neck is notably wider and flatter which (although it is thinner) makes it more challenging to reach the low notes! I'm also trying jumbo frets for the first time! My hand slides up and down the fretboard easier then ever! Low notes on scales can be tough. You are inspiring me to believe it will get easier. I think it will be a growing experience! (It has to!) 😁 Peace!
Thanks for sharing your story.
I had a 2011 MIC Duosonic. I loved it except for the full gloss fingerboard and the fact that you have to have a lighter touch. Had to sell it, but really miss those Alnico V pickups.
I have not tried it but lots of players use sand paper to reduce the size of the neck. I saw a video on Jimmy Page's guitars and he actually had the neck sanded down on his iconic les paul and it was smaller than average 1959 beefy neck. I've also read about early players in the 1950s and 1960s who commonly sanded the neck to fit their hands. I have a PRS S2 singlecut (les paul clone) with a neck that is 1.65" wide at the nut, 25" scale and moderate C shape. I like it the best of my 4 electric guitars but would probably like it more if it were a 24.75 scale.
Thanks, I did that to my LP also!
My first legit guitar was an MIJ ESP Eclipse. 24.75 scale length with a tiny neck. Perfect for us guys with small hands. Easier to play than my new Les Paul by a mile. I imagine an LTD EC-1000 would be similar. Check those out.
Those work great for sure.
Good work Rob
@@davidkean5680 Thanks very much!
I have shorter sausage fingers and normal palms. All of my guitars are strats/super strats @ 25.5". My PRS SE is 24.5. I've played Gibsons and they are more manageable. I stretch, I play. If you can do diatonic scales starting at the first fret you can play that guitar. Im envious of the guys with long fingers, but it hasn't stopped me. Play what's comfortable. The Kramer guitars have 25.5" scales, but are thinner and easy to play.
For sure. I started with Tele’s and Strats and hope to get stretched out again after my carpal tunnel surgery in both hands.
@@robertsguitarsandgear gotta love wear and tear eh? Does that count for being "relic'd"?
I have recently started augmenting my guitar collection and learning about all the possible neck specs after a friend lent me his Godin LG which made me realize I dislike my Fender Strat's neck and scale length very much.
I have the same problem as Robert here where I was never really comfortable playing on some guitars and I didn't understand why. And I absolutely despise the fact that Fender and Gibson guitars are so expensive making them inaccessible resulting in you never being to explore.
I highly recommend going to music store and trying a variety of guitars before purchasing, and don't let the brand names impress you, they have built a lore around their names with many marketing dollars. I just recently started buying Godin guitars and I can say without doubt that they are better than any American made Gibson or Fender I ever played, and they cost about half or a third of the price on the used market. The only good thing about a Fender or Gibson is they retain value, so if you are into collecting as much as playing then get yourself one of those.
About the comfort level for small hands (my hands aren't huge): I am not sure Robert's "circumference" measurement is really what you should be looking for. What I think you should try to figure out is which neck shape/profile you like, nut width, fret board radius and scale length. And by the way your preference may vary depending on what music you are playing :)
Here is a rundown of my solid body electrics and some of the specs, and wether or not I think they are comfortable:
- Fender Stratocaster with 1-11/16" (43mm) or 1-3/4" (44mm) nut, 9-1/2" radius, 25-1/2" scale length, modern C shape neck => I find the nut slightly too wide, would like to have had a 1.650" (42mm)
- Godin Session with 1.650" (42mm) nut, 12" radius, 25-1/2" scale length, modern C shape neck => love this one but not the scale length
- 2 x Godin LG with 1-11/16" (43mm) nut, 16" radius, 24-3/4" scale length, modern C shape neck => these are by far my favorite ones
- Jackson Crackle replica with 1-5/8" (41mm) nut, 9-1/2" radius, 25-1/2" scale length, wizard profile neck => I hate this nut width and neck
In general I prefer the shorter scale lengths for comfort but I have to admin the 25-1/2" ones have a more solid ring to them. I also have an acoustic Yamaha with a sort of boat neck and I have to say I don't dislike it!
btw check out the Warmoth website and videos for good detailed explanations on all these things!
Happy playing
Thanks, lots of great information here.
Nice video, but I want to share my experience with everyone. I have moderate sized hands with very short fingers. I have tried skinnier necks and they make my left hand cramp . I find a,thicker neck to be more comfortable, even though my pinky is pretty useless, I can play much longer and more comfortably with a thicker and preferably rounder neck profile. So my point is that you may think that thinner necks are logically better for small hands, don't be afraid to experiment with thicker profiles...you might be pleasantly surprised!
Thanks for sharing. For sure ever body is different and a key point is to try before you buy.
I’m glad you measure the circumference to compare different guitars. All I play are acoustic guitars with short scales(24 7/8 inches). I have small hands but also fat fingertips. So a smaller nut width for smaller hands doesn’t work for fat fingertips. Some days I can play the 1 7/8 nut compared to 1 3/4 inches. I have not found an electric guitar with 1 3/4 nut and a short scale. Any reaction?
@@fred4664 Thanks for sharing. For me even 1.69 or so really helps my fingers fit. How do you hands do with Les Paul’s?
Honestly I have never picked up an electric guitar. All the specs, until your article , indicate electrics 1 11/16 or 1.6875. My 1 3/4 is 1.75 and 1 7/8 converts to 1.87. Way wider than electrics seem to have. However I’m going to go to a guitar store and hole a short scale electric with at least 1. 11/16 nut to see if I can fret chords without buzzing. A narrower nut should allow me to arch my fingers more. I’ve only played for five years and started at age 70. Kind of a challenge.
@ Most people find electrics much easier to play. Good luck!
Possibly electrics with their lighter strings will be a positive factor.
@@fred4664 And much thinner bodies. For sure worth a try in a store.
thanks a lot my friend, watching from France
Merci!
Thanks very much for this video. I am 73 I started guitar at 13, played my first paid gig at 18 and am still playing in local bars with my band. I am not blessed with large hands, I do not play barre chords with the thumb over grip being used by many. I am a Strat guy and my main guitar is an 83 so called Dan Smith design with straight jack on the surface of the instrument. This guitar has a slim neck which suits my left hand. However, it does have that Fender 25.5" scale length. I am using 9's now after 6 decades of playing and I do have arthritis in the thumb of the left hand so I may be looking for an easier instrument to play which is where your video comes in. I am going to check out the 2 guitars you featured here. I am also wondering about the 61 reissue SG??
@@briguylor That might work ok for you if the reach on the SG with your fretting hand is Ok. Thanks for your feedback. I will update this video soon, I am liking Strats much more and really like the Squier Paranormal Strat-o-Sonic.
wow,thank you for the education,i love learning,and learning is forever
@@rickyparr8001 Thanks for your feedback, I agree completely!
Great video rob just what I was looking for thanks david
Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks for this video. And yes, I did hit the subscribe button. But it's true, those of us who are older often need to pay more attention to this neck issue. I'm having some arthritic problems in my hands now but I don't want to give up playing the guitar. It's my escape from an often harsh existence! I was reading that earlier on in the war a lot of Ukrainians could only take a few things with them as they had to abandon their homes and many of them chose to take their pets and also their guitars for example and probably other musical instruments. Music is so important.. None of the guitars I bought have been very expensive fortunately but I find that I can't play most of them for extended periods without having some problems due to neck profile. . The one that I play the most is one I bought close to 15 years ago for about $130. Some Asian company. But well made and unfortunately they're discontinued and the ones you see secondhand the people are charging more than I originally paid for it. And I think people are holding on to them because they're good. Most comfortable neck of any guitar I have. Wish I'd bought two of them. Nice to have extra budget guitars to keep in different tunings. I can sit there for hours and play this guitar without too much problem. And you have to put in the time if you want to get good. Thanks for your other recommendations. Maybe I'll try something like a fender squire mustang if I buy another guitar. You play really well by the way.
Thanks for your comments and best of luck to you. I really like the Squier Bullet Mustang neck for comfort, and it is a cool guitar to boot.
Hi Robert. This is my second comment to you. I have been researching the electric with the narrowest or smallest in circumference nut or first fret for sometime now. Currently, I am playing one of your favorites; the Squier Bullet Mustang. I dream of John Lennon's 325 C64 Rickenbacker semi-hollow body. I believe 20 inches long with just 21 frets, and the narrowest nut/head stock ever built for a band like the Beatles. Many vlogs have remarked how small Lennon's rig was: just so he ould get his left hand around it. I dream this is the perfect guitar for my small hands. I've tried many others including D'Angelico, Gibson, Gretsch, and the Fenders of course. The Rick's are expensive, of course, but I am getting up there in age, and simply don't GAD about the money any more. Will the Rick be satisfactory? My hands are too small and too arthritic to waste any more time trying to find the smallest neck on by own search. I love to practice every day, and get too much enjoyment out of it. You're a good man, and your advice would mean so much to me. I'm a subscriber now, and I pour over each of your vlogs. Than you in advance for all your help.
Thanks for your kind words. I think you will be hard-pressed to do better than the Mustang ergonomically, but let me research the Rickenbacker and give you an update.
@@robertsguitarsandgear Robert, Thank you so much! When you look at the Rick up close, it appears to be very manageable. In one respect, I don't care all that much about appearances, so a Squier Mini could very well be the most accommodating of all. It's short dimensions seem to be pretty close to that of Lennon's 325 Rick. I've never seen a Rick up close (or even handled one for that matter), so I can not really tell how similar the 325 and the Mini really are. Like so many of us arthritic or small handed players, and even though I could not do a Rick, and Lennon's memory proud, it would just be too effing cool to strap one on. Could you possibly share with me if the 325 Rick's fingerboard radius or any other measurements would make an appreciable difference to us disadvantaged folks? Anything would help. Thanks again.
Hi Robert, thanks for this topic. My hands are just slightly below average for an adult male (approximately 7.45 vs 7.6). I am also older, so not as flexible. I can play strats and get by comfortably for most things, it is always the annoying edge case that drives me crazy--for example, trying to play Little Wing where there is a very key note combination spanning the 5th to 9th frets on the 4th and 5th strings, pinky to index! Similar stretch for things like "Every Breath You Take" (add 9 chords, but you can cheat there as the notes are played individually) ... One thing that almost gets me there are the strats/teles using Warmoth necks that are Gibson scale, 24.75"... but I am finally going to try a Fender Jaguar to see if that gets me the single coil tones I like, with being able to hit the edge cases!
I really like the Player Jag for this. Also look at the new Squier Strat-O-Sonic with (I believe) a classic Fender C neck but a 24.75 scale. You can upgrade the hardware as desired.
@@robertsguitarsandgear I picked up a 2011 Player Jag, all was good except the bridge, it was absolutely terrible. Local luthier suggested a Mastery M1 ($200) replacement. Everything else was good. I happen to favor music that use "strat tones", I see there is a MIJ "Junior collection" (strat, tele, jazzmaster) that has 24" scale, and see a few on Reverb, may give that a go... all will depend on how much scale length factors into the overall tone.. if I can get "close to strat" on any 24" scale I will be happy!
Also, you did mention the 25" scale PRS... the Santana version of that is 24.5 (quarter inch shorter than gibson scale)... that is definitely worth a look. I use my PRS custom 24 (25" scale") for all things that I might use a les paul for
@@learningguitar7948 Thanks, they are great guitars for sure. From my investigations the shorter-scale PRSs primarily have a fairly think neck, with the exception for example of the McCarty S2 thinlines. Pls let me know if I'm wrong on this one.
Les Paul is to big for my hands but Melody maker fit me just right also Ibanez Destroyer was a good fit
Very helpful video. Thanks
Thanks for the feedback.
It would be interesting for you to try a Yamaha Pacifica.
@@gpaul856 Thanks, that’s been on my mind for a long time, let’s see!
nut width and scale...
then neck cut and fret wire
size.
Hi, thanks for the great video! In your comments you listed the ESP LTD EC-256 as a good guitar for smaller hands, but I didn't see it in your video. Do you feature that guitar in another video?
Also, what were the neck circumference measurements you had for the guitars you featured? I would like to compare it to my current guitar.
Thanks for your comment. I have two reviews of the EC-256 on my channel. I'm not so big on this anymore for small hands as the neck circumference is more average and the "reach" parameter is actual worse than a Les Paul. For the measurements, if you go to the Community tab on my channel and scroll down just a bit you'll see my measurements, click on it and you'll have the full picture.
I just bought a thin neck PRS. Pretty good.
Which model? Thanks!
@@robertsguitarsandgear 2018 S2 Standard 24.
Well done!
@@woodyblakemore8401 Thanks for the feedback!
Yep i have small hands and arthritis in my worn out fingers. I love my Strats and Teles, but its the stretch i can't do them justice. I'm on the limit of finger from 2nd to 5th. Gonna check out a Jaguar or Mustang because of the scale.
@@soulsoul67 Good choices for you for sure.
I sometimes use a epiphone electric with a capo on first fret same scale as gibson birdland 23.5
Nice workaround!
Schekter and Ibanez have very thin nuts which really help. I recently picked up a second hand Jackson Minion on a whim. It was a good price and I thought it would be interesting. I absolutely love it! Sounds great and has made life easier for my old, and small hands.
Very informative and helpful! That D'Angelico is a beautiful looking guitar! I just have to find out where I could find one to try that out... BTW I'm having an eye on a PRS SE 245 Standard, they have an 24.5 inch scale length wich is also great for my small fingers, the curious thing is that I feel way more comfortable on thicker neck shapes rather than those thin Ibanez type D shapes... I found out for my self that scale length is great when it is shorter and when I have a "rounder" chunkier C shaped neck and that combined fits great and makes it very comfy to play then .. The prs 245 has a wide fat neck that feels somehow way better idk why but my hands don't cramp with that one.
Very interesting comments, thanks for the feedback. Absolutely scale length addresses so much of the issue for small hands. I would eventually like to try a PRS with the Pattern Thin neck.
@@robertsguitarsandgear absolutely, those prs se models are worth it! And for me, I have to thank you! I've never heard of those D'Angelico before but I immediately fell in love with them!! Thanks to you :) I need to try one now... Especially cause the scale length is perfect too and I'm most excited to feel the neck how that one feels!
@@Chris_OConnor I don’t know where to find them retail. You can look for a used Premier Atlantic and take your chances. They are also great guitars.
Try the Fender Japan Junior collectios.....scale length 24 ....Stratocaster....Telecaster....Jazzmaster.....JazzBass.....FANTASTIC.....
Hi, I like your channel! I've read other opinions on the Squier Bullet that said they had thick necks, seems people confuse opinions from facts! Also I didn't realize 25.5 scale length guitars (haven't played any yet) are more difficult for beginners. Thanks!
Thanks for your comment.
I agree. It has a wide chunky neck. Horrible for small hands.
The Squire Bullet doesn't seem to be available anymore, all I see are the Squire Sonic. 24 in scale length. Does anyone know how similar these are to the Bullet?
The Sonic is quite similar to the Bullet except it does not have the belly or arm carves. It is still quite a think body so that might still be OK.
Godin Radiator is also perfect for smaller hands!
Great video. Thank you! P.S. What's that red guitar in the backround?
@@david894 That is a Fender Player Duo-Sonic, a really great compact and very ergonomic guitar.
Awesome reviews!!
I beg to differ about the Strat. Not all Strats are built the same way. If ye look at the Squiers, some models have very slim and thin necks, some of which are actually borderline too small for me. Im a guy who has size US Men Small hands. I have an older 2001 Affinity neck that have a 40.5mm nut and ultra thin and narrow neck. This neck is just on the verge of too small where there's almost not enuff spacing between the strings at the low end for my fingers to fret without touching adjacent strings. This neck will be ideal for kids and people with tiny hands.
Specifically, Id recomnend 41mm nuts on the slighttly newer (2004-up) Affinity necks which are thin and slim but not as tiny as the older 2001 neck I have. Once yer used to these necks one can then step up to the standard 42mm neck size found on the Squier Standards and the Mexican Standards.
Another brand that has excellent thin and slim necks are Ibanez and Schecters. But these are slightly upscale brands that costs more. Another are the ESP and LTD, but these are prwmuum guitars that cost noticably more but are excellent options when you're ready to upgrade for medium advanced skill levels or for starting to gig with.
Thanks, I working up a video to talk about Strat options for smaller hands, for sure there is a huge range. The current Players and Am Pro IIs are on the bigger side. Optimum for me are the classic C shapes, e.g. American Performer.
My hands are small but I'm also cursed with fat stubby fingers. Playing chords are next to impossible. I have a Fender Jangstang which has a thin c shaped neck which I love, but the nut with is still 1.69. I put thinner strings on it and was surprised at how much more space there as between the stings. Problem is I hate thin stings and lost tone. After some research I found a few companies that make a bone width up to 2.0. The demos swear playing chords are easier and faster. What are your thoughts on a bone width of 2.0? TY
@@leebasey1786 I’m not familiar with that wide. Check out the new Gibson Victory. They are in the 1.70+ range for nut width.
very helpful. Thank you!
Thank you for the feedback!
This video is spot on!
My hands check all the boxes you mentioned: stubby, stiff, previously injured... Moving to a short-scale bass allowed me to keep playing. For guitar, started on a MIM strat (an incredibly lucky gift) which, just like you say, is a great guitar -- that makes my hands hurt. Got the Squier Mustang Bullet HH (same Sonic Gray even) and the neck is soooo much more comfortable. Love everything but the strings -- what do you recommend as replacement strings for the Mustang?
Thanks for your comments. Short scale guitars like thicker strings. I have 10-46 NYXLs on mine.
@@robertsguitarsandgear Great info! Thanks!
That D'Angelico is a real beauty.
Is it "neck heavy" at all ?
I like your no-nonsense vids, thank you.
Thanks for the comment, it is balanced nicely, no problem at all.
Robert, you recommeded D'Angelico Atlantic, in one of your highest categories. I bought and had to return a B-stock D'Angelico Excell SS, but had to return it because the controls were defective. I wanted a hollow or semi-hollow for its lower weight, and the scale length of the Excel was 25 inches. Now I am getting ready to try again. Did you only evaluate the one Atlantic model, or did you try any of the hollow or semi-hollow models? I think you only evaluated solid body electrics in this video. Do you have thoughts on easy to play hollow or semi-hollow electrics?
Hello Glenn, I'm sorry you had such a problem. I only tried the solid body Atlantic, I had a total of three of them over my time. I never had an issue with them. I think for hollow or semi-hollow the ergonomic question will be the thickness of the body. Weight should be good, and of course the Neck ergonomics go with their shape and dimensions.
have you looked at the Fender Player Mustang 90?
I haven’t yet, but the Fender offsets with 24” scales are great and the player series are really solid.
Hi, I am texting you once again regarding your small hand guitar recommendations. I have a Squier Mustang partially upon your expertise in this area. I am now seriously investigating the PRS S2 Mccarty Thin Line 594. Everything I have read or watched thus far about the Thin Line indicates that it is pretty much a home run for us small hand players. Have you road tested this model? If not, do you expect to any time soon? I have been unable to find one in stock at any of the local guitar stores or for private sale Iocally. Any help would be appreciated.
@@rogerspalding5673 Thanks Roger. I’ve had my eye on this one for a long time. It does look good to me except the 1.69” nut width. Maybe you can find a guitar with that nut width to asses. I would hate to spend S2 $ on a mistake. Thanks for reaching out.
Fender Jaguars have a 24" scale length.
a question about conform,
I see all guitars have their strap button (IDK what is it called) on the same points, the neck one is obviously at the corner of the guitar. And the bridge one is right in the middle of the guitar, alligned with the neck.
I feel like if the later were little above, it would help the guitar be tilted (more vertical).
When I play certain cords or licks I really need to tilt it (like 45 degrees), but my guitar/strap natural balance is more horizontal (like 20 degrees).
Are there guitars that have "better tilting"?
Is it to crazy to add an additioal strap button in my stratocaster??
I got a Duo Sonic and it fits so well. The problem I'm having with it is I'm getting a lot pops and snaps from my amp. I don't get that with my other guitars. Did you have any shielding issues with yours? Thanks for this review. Very helpful.
I don't recall any major noise problems, but with the single coil that is possible. For sure you can shield the pickup and electronics cavities with copper tape or shielding paint and you will reduce that a lot. You might find that the cavities are already painted with shielding paint and you just need to connect the painted area with the bottom of the covers (shield them if necessary) so that you get a full Faraday cage.
@@robertsguitarsandgear Thanks for the feedback and info!
Static. Rub the pick guard with one of those sheets you put in the clothes drier, especially the screw heads.
I wish I'd seen this before I bought my first guitar too. While I have a music background, I've played woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Stringed instruments have always been difficult for me because of my smaller hands. First guitar I ever tried was a full-sized. I was a kid, and I quickly became discouraged. As an adult, I later tried again, but it was during a difficult time in my life (divorce). I ended up frustrated and had to sell it to pay a utility bill. Later, I took some courses at the local college and took guitar as an elective. Full classroom, and the guy was so mechanical with it all. I'm not even sure he enjoyed playing guitar; there was no joy in the sounds he made. I wanted to learn to play music, not memorize a bunch of stuff, do a few covers of songs, and not really understand the instrument. I had a 3/4 guitar at that time, and I did what was necessary to do well in class. I just didn't enjoy it at all; it actually turned me OFF of guitar for many years. Now, 50 years old, and it's on my "Bucket List". Older and more determined, I ordered a full-sized acoustic guitar online (small town, no local shops) thinking it was a solid purchase because I love music, enjoy trying new things to keep my mind sharp, and it would help with the neuropathy in my hands. The numbness and muscle weakness is bad enough now though that I have a nerve conduction test and the doctor said the muscle difference in each hand is severe enough that surgery might be a better solution that therapy and medication. We'll know after the test results and go from there he said. But the full-sized guitar sits in the corner taunting me, reminding me of past failures. I have this and an Epiphone Les Paul electric. Small hands,... short, stubby fingers,.... I'll know next time and may put these up for sale as they are mint condition, get a smaller sized guitar I can better manage if my hands, touch, numbness recover. Ideally, I wanna learn guitar and bass-- especially bass. At this point, I'm ready to duct tape a slider to my hand and try to learn lap steel. I am cross handed (not ambidextrous; some things I use my left hand for instead) so I'm considering a left-handed guitar as well. I just REALLY wanna play. Thank you so much for your time and effort to help those who might otherwise feel hopeless. It's much appreciated!
I had carpal tunnel surgery on each hand in December, which 99.5% solved the numbness problem. My hands are still small(!) and a bit stiff, but the guitars I talk about I can play just fine, I played in Church three days after my first surgery. BTW I started from zero at age 55 four years ago. Good luck to you!
@@robertsguitarsandgear Thank you so very much for your reply, Robert! That's left me with such hope!
Can you tell me which Telecaster has the thinnest neck? I would love to have a thinline telecaster and I don't care if it's a Squier or an off brand. Thanks!
Hi Robert I have the same problem smaller hands,but I have found a great guitar for smaller hands.The Music Man Silhouette.I have played for many years on lots of guitars I would tell anyone with smaller hands go find and play one.
Small proportional hands here. Several factors come into play with the neck IMPE, and they really can't be divorced from one another. i.e. No point having a short scale guitar if the neck profile is deep C baseball bat.
That said, advantageous for small handspan IME are; 1. Neck profile -slim D or C, compound radius even better, 2. short scale, 3. nut width -between 42mm or = < 43mm, 4. string spacing no more than 11mm -more critical on standard scale.
@@theblytonian3906 A good breakdown, thanks.
This was very helpful. Ibanez uses a thinner "Wizard" neck on its RG series of guitars. Do you have any experience with that? I don't recall the scale.
Thanks for your comment. Ibanezes are mostly 25.5” scales except for the AX and AR guitars.
Please send me the link where I can buy the exact guitar you are holding d'angelico atlantic
Hello Pritam. You will have to look around because they only made 50 of them. It looks like it may be in stock at Guitar Center: www.guitarcenter.com/DAngelico/Deluxe-Atlantic-Limited-Edition-Solid-Body-Electric-Guitar-Rust-1500000366557.gc?cntry=us&irclickid=xYwX15zlixyPUfyTljQq-SZIUkFWOB0VLUc8R40&irpid=2003851&irmpname=Bing%20Rebates%20by%20Microsoft&source=4ACJWXX2&irgwc=1&im_rewards=1
@@robertsguitarsandgear thank you sir for the link
Yeah, when i make a "ratio" of the height of some players : chuck berry, slash, vai, etc...on some the ratio is 3:1... Aka one third of their height... Based on my height (and my reach on piano, i maximum can hit an octave cleanly)... I should be playing somethin between 22 -23 inches on scale...
There's exceptions like the 21 inch Rickenbacker 325 lennon used to play, around 21.7 inches (if i remember clearly)
very interesting information, thanks. I do have a question. The last guitar the bullet mustang i know has a 12 inch radius neck and the new sonic mustang has a 9.5 inch neck that replaced the bullet. Have you compared the bullet mustang to the sonic mustang? and if so do they feel the same?
Sorry I haven't tried the Sonic but the Fender site confirms the 9.5" radius. I'm not sure that in practice it would be that big a deal, but no doubt I would prefer the Mustang HH.
Duo Sonic is good smaller hands too.
For sure! Check out my video on the Duo-Sonic.
Ok I’m a recently retired vet and am just like in the research stage- what is a small hand measure at?
Thanks for your comment and thank you for your service! This is an important question. Hand size is a bit of shorthand for hands that are truly smaller, and hands that are relatively stiff due to being a newer player or having medical issues. Very small people over time can play any guitar as their hands stretch out, whereas you can be a new player with bigger hands but they are a bit arthritic and not yet limber from a lot of playing. My hands measure 8.5" from the tip of my thumb to little finger when fully extended. I have played long enough that I can play a guitar with a 25.5" scale length and full-thickness neck, but thinner necks will always be more comfortable to me.
A Les Paul is too big for me and an SG is too small. I have found that Telecasters and Stratacasters fit me perfectly.
Is that d’angelico the Premier or Excel version? Looks beautiful.
Thanks. It is a Deluxe Atlantic LE. Great guitar.
@@robertsguitarsandgear thanks! How does it compare to an actual LP?
@@danielsudds8075 It is LP-shaped with LP-style controls. The Neck is much thinner and faster, and the body is thinner and has a major belly cut. Finally mine is an Alder body, it is much lighter than Mahogany, giving a brighter sound and perhaps a bit less sustain.,
What is the good scale_length for small hands ?
@@Nooopal-t8p 24.75 though I have stretched out ok for 25.5. Look at the Squier Paranormal Strat-o-Sonic.
Excellent video, just what I was looking for. Thank you! One quick follow-up, for small hands, any thoughts on the Gibson Les Paul Modern vs. Fender Ultra Telecaster?
The Tele will have a 25.5" scale length, which is a negative for smaller hands, but possibly not a show-stopper. The Les Paul Modern (at least the one I just looked at) has a Slim Taper neck as well as the 24.75" scale, should be much better.
I can't play my strats anymore
After multiple wrist fractures my hands don't stretch like they used to, I'm using my Les Paul type guitars now, I so miss the trem
Les Pauls have such sharp edges too
I’m sorry to hear that. I’m into Jaguars now that keeps a Trem in the picture.
Almost all cheap guitars have somewhat thick necks.
That includes most Harley Benton, but also EART, Squire Debut, Sonic (strat), Volgoa, Grote, Firefly, Leo James, IYV, Fesly. All these are thicker than fender standard.
Donner strat is an exception.
I guess you go to Ibanez but find an Ibanez 22 fret is difficult. My s521 is very nice to play but the SA series and SASEX is thicker than it strat.
I just bought an S521 and love the Neck and the weight. Video to come.
Not true, I have 2 squier mustangs and have the skinniest necks on any guitar I’ve ever tried. Works perfectly for my wrap around playing style
@@Chickenwingsinthedings
Good to know. My Affinity is on the large side, as the Sonic I tried. My CV 60 and Paranormal Offset are good.