Are Small Acoustic Guitars Easier to Play?

Small Acoustic Guitars Are Easier to Play?

We all know that the shape and size of acoustic guitars influences tone, volume and projection. Then, if the size influences the playability? Besides, we often heard that the smaller the guitar, the easier the playing, is that true?

Although we all hate the word “depend”, it really depends on various aspects like physical size, personal preference and playing style.

Before we go any further, we need to figure out what the small acoustic guitar is. And what is the difference with the standard one.

However, what we can say is that the small acoustic guitar is easier to play. It contains reduced string tension because of the scale length is shorter which allows easier fretting.

What Is Small Acoustic Guitar?

Some said that the small acoustic guitar refers to the one that has smaller sized body. That is true. But it is not that simple.

We should say that acoustic guitars with small sized body and shorter scale length are small sized acoustic guitars.

Today, we’d like to consider any acoustic guitar with bodies beside D-shape and Jumbo like OOO, OM, etc. are small guitars.

What Determines Playability?

Firstly, we should notice the acoustic guitar body size. We should say that small acoustic guitar body has tighter waists to be more suitable for playing seated.

It is a bit complicated when we talk about neck. Because there are various types of neck design. However, we should pay much attention to the depth of the neck. The shallower the neck depth, the easier the fretting. Especially for small hand players.

Scale length refers to the distance between saddle and nut. You may visit Acoustic Guitar Scale Length: Impact & Measurement for better understanding. Normally, the smaller the size of guitar, the shorter the scale length. This is related with the bearing capacity of neck and body of guitar, etc. We have to mention that the shorter scale length frequently causes narrower frets, which is friendly for small hand players.

Summary

From above, we think we made our point clear. Small acoustic guitar contains easier playability. However, we also know that the size and shape of the guitar body influences the sound, volume, etc. Thus, choose the right sized guitar according to depends on the purpose of playing, for concert, recording, fingerstyle or company, etc. is very important. The difficulties of playing should not be the only metrics.

By the way, we have to say that the performance of small acoustic guitar can never be equal to standard sized guitar. That is why we often see small classical guitar for practicing of children, but seldom see it is played by an adult player. Don’t mention to play a small classical guitar on a concert.

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