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Great video but one thing that wasn't covered was pick size and I have been trying to find the right pick for my small hands. When picking with long fingers in the strumming hand you don't need as long of a pick to reach from string to string. Longer picks work better for short fingers. I am still looking for a good pick I like If anyone can suggest good one that is a bit pointy but has a long "handle" and is at least 2 mm.
@@drivenmad7676 Explore your options, figure out what works, play to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses. It sounds like you're going to be more limited than most, but there's still plenty of fun things you can play. Visit my website and book a private lesson if you'd like more help. GuitarMusicTheory.com
Thank you! Just sanded the lower side of the neck back made a world of difference for my beginner old arthritic hands, great tips. Look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thanks again!
Suggestion: pay particular attention the fretboard radius, the nut width, and the scale length. Find what feels most comfortable for you. I have fairly short fingers. When I was young, I could play any sort of guitar with no problem (youth includes more hand flexibility). With age I find I cannot stand a typical acoustic guitar 16" fretboard radius, nor a typical 1 & 3/4" nut width. My short fingers much prefer a rounder 12" fretboard radius and a narrower 1 & 11/16" nut width. So, my electrics tend to be Gibsons or their Epiphone clones, and my acoustics tend to be US made Guilds or US made Gibsons. Imported models of the big acoustic guitar makers tend to have different specs than their US counterparts. Eastman is the only large overseas maker that I know of that uses a 12" fretboard radius, and a 1 & 11/16" on some models. Most imports use a flatter 16" fretboard radius and a wider 1 & 3/4" nut width.
Good thoughts. Electrics are generally less challenging than acoustics, but the principles are the same. Fretboard radius is hugely important, as is nut width. Those are two reasons why Martins are pretty bad for smallish hands.
It's odd that stuck-in-the-mud, male-oriented guitar makers pay zero attention to the huge "small hands" market, which numbers in the millions. There are so many obvious design factors that can make playing fun rather than painful. Two factors you don't mention are lighter-gauge strings and increased fretboard radius (i.e., curvature).
Reference : using a Capo : The guitar stays in standard concert pitch ( EADGBE ) tuning but your scale length is reduced and since your position is moved up the neck subsequent fret devisions are relatively reduced (the inter digit spacing is reduced !) in other words it's cheaper than buying a short scale guitar ...my Tel is not far off my Mustang when I do this (every little bit helps ) Only real draw back is Less frets available at the dusty end of the neck .
Great info. My palms are normal/large. My fingers may be a bit short. But my fingertips are wide. So pressing a string and avoiding adjacent strings is hard. I find lower frets, low action and light strings helps as I don't have to press down very far between strings. Also, with wide fingertips I struggle to get 3 fingertips in one space...e.g. for an A chord. 25.5 inch scale length and thin frets give a bit more room. Also while a Jaguar has a leg cut further back, it has a 24 inch scale length.
8:50 "The bottom line is: don't try to play as if you had big hands". Your common sense is refreshing. I have short fingers. Something you've mentioned throughout your podcasts etc. is to "play to your strengths". I've played drums my whole life. My sense of rhythm to come up with cool stuff will have to take precedent over playing blistering fast 3nps legato stuff. Luckily I'm not into crazy speed / shred stuff anyway :) Another common sense tip you've given in your podcasts: don't expect to do everything that every guitar player can play. Nobody can play it all.
I play a Fender Mustang, a Les Paul and a Martin Dreadnought Junior. I have stayed away from the 25.5” scale length instruments. Some PRS guitars have 24.5” scale, but are described as having a “wide fat “neck, so I have avoided them too. Taylor have recently released a new guitar, the GT, with a 24” scale. I can understand some of the commenter’s remarks about instructors with “normal” finger length advising us shorties. Of course, this should not be an issue for a competent teacher. Many say it is no disadvantage, you just need to practice more, look at Joe Bloggs, who’s a whizz and only got two fingers. You have been very positive, probably the best on CZcams on this subject.
I am just learning guitar as a way to keep my left hand loose. I had a mild stroke affecting my left side so this is a great way to keep it's movement. I have medium to small hands and a double jointed left thumb......lol. Good thing I like a good challenge 🎸👍🎸😎
I just started a couple months ago, and I've got some pretty tiny hands and fingers. I can stretch for some decently far chords with just hand wrist changes, but if I'm practicing them over and over for a song it wears me out quick. Good to know there are options. I play an Ibanez gio grx70qa and I love its neck profile and setup.
Thank you. This is probably the most useful information I have heard in years and includes many ideas that had never occurred to me. I do hope it gets seen by many players. For info, I have short thin fingers and hand pain is beginning to take it’s toll. I have found that a narrower width of 43mm (1 11/16ths inch), which is fairly standard for electrics, also works for me with acoustics, but they are less common, as 45mm (1¾) seems favourable with most manufacturers. From my experience. Taylor T5, Yamaha SLG and Gibson J45 have the narrower width. Lowden and Furch will do this as a custom option. I find the Taylor the most comfortable, especially for long stretch chords. This is added by the very thin neck depth. Hope this may be of help to someone.
Some PRS SE like the custom 24, have that thin wide profile which is nice. I currently have the wide fat on a PRS 305 and it's a bit of a bear. Will check out Desi's hand position video now
@@tvtime1505 By some coincidence, I have that actual guitar and yes, it is perfect for smaller hands, particularly if you use "thumb over chords." The 24 frets and cutaways give that extra real estate. Well worth checking out.
He is spot-on in several areas. NONE of guitar teachers explain any of this and I have seen many "students" quit over lack of access. Switching legs while seated and the angles while standing are very important for access to the neck without having to contort your wrist on every chord. I am 50yrs old and was previous a student who quit, sold all of my equipment and just started over after COVID started. Short fingers is NOT the end - you have to know your limits AND discover ways around issues(try further down the neck) to get your "sound" : this is the beauty of the guitar!
very helpful information and really informative commentary....this will help a lot going forward as a beginner guitar player....thanks for sharing the knowledge...
Some good smallish short-scale acoustics I own are the Martin LX1, Eastman ACTG1, and Alvarez RS26. I also like the "guitalele," closer to ukulele in size but with six (nylon) strings played exactly like guitar (pitched 4 degrees higher). Note": most "parlor" guitars have a relatively wide nut and are generally 12-fret instruments as opposed to 14.
Most common number of frets on a 25-1/2" scale guitar are 21, 22 and 24. The number of frets doesn't necessarily dictate the scale length. Shorter scale guitars have fewer frets because they become too close together towards the bridge. Shorter scale guitars with 24 frets would push the neck pickup closer to the bridge. Having 12 or 14 frets clear of the body on an acoustic doesn't necessarily mean the scale length is different.
outstanding!!...an eye opener...and after applying ur suggestions, I got immediate results...but the main takeaway from what u said that clicked with me even after playing all these years is "playing to your strengths...you don't need to play everything"...thank u so very much for sharing...ur a great teacher...
I play guitar with extensive use of the vibrato....I was particularly looking for a Strat....and most short scale Strats have no vibrato arm....I finally found a short scale strat with a vibrato arm....I bought an SA Hawk from Rondo Music....24 inch scale and proportionate body.....regular thickness that took a steel trem block......changed to Custom Shop Fat 50s pickups.....locking tuners.....had it Plek'd....and now it plays and sounds like a full scale Strat.....very happy with it.....bought a matching short scale Tele for it.....
The part about holding your guitar on the opposite leg and choking up on the strap to get the neck closer was super helpful! Ty, i just started playing and srill trying to find the most comfortable position.
Thanks Desi, since I have purchased an Ibanez slim body acoustic my playing has improved, listening to this video has confirmed I made the right decision in buying an Ibanez slim body three quarter size guitar. Other guitar players have commented on my improvement since playing this guitar. Great video, than you.
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I’ve watched a lot of vids on this topic seeking some good ways to adapt for best results. This is hands down THE most helpful, practical, well explained AND realistic. Appreciate the several actually useful applications that don’t involve buying a new guitar. Thank you!
This was a very helpful video! I'm 62 and now feel more comfortable with what I can and cannot play. Oh, sold my Tele because yes....the fret board was too far away while standing. Felt very awkward, now I know why!
I'm 6'3" and have short fingers. My main issue is the pinky. I've bought a few acoustic guitars, and find the "low profile" necks are for me the most comfortable. Thanks for the podcast. It was very helpful.
Thank you so much.as someone wishing to begin playing a guitar, I am re assured,but also realise that at 5 10 my hands are average & not so small as I thought.
2nd reference re Capo : should have said it stays at concert pitch if you drop all tuning relative to the Capo position. Example Capo @ first fret,all strings droped half a tone. ( eg. Open string tuned to E flat then add Capo at first fret, note now E )
I play a Seagull Entourage Grand Rustic QI. Great advice re: positioning. I play both guitar and bass so I have to mention that I play short scale basses exclusively. When I do things on the bass like walking in G I sometimes move my left hand to accommodate. It takes nothing away from the music and that movement saves you a lot in finger stretching aggravation. I bought a mini Taylor acoustic bass and I can’t play it too often, I get way too spoiled and don’t want to play a 30” neck anymore!
To make a Tel or Strat a little more comfortable drop the tuning a half step and put a capo on at first fret, or a full tone and capo on at second fret (if your really having trouble).
Awesome video. It had the guitar placement tips I was looking for. I have some long time ago experience playing ukulele. I’m now trying a 3/4 size Squier Mini Strat. With my middle finger at 2.75”, it is a challenge but I’m confident it will get easier in time.
Great suggestions. There even greater challenges when you have small hands and fat fingers. Martin Jr Dreadnought short scale 24” and 1 3/4 nut width. Most smaller guitars have a narrower nut width which is a problem for fat fingers.
Man! Loved yr video on small hand guitar playing ❤! … I’ve wrestled with this for years ! Thanks for the kick in the ass telling me there are always advantages and disadvantages even in playing! It’s a vote of conf😅dance to never stop playing !!!
I have a Gibson L6 S which has a very narrow nut at 1 9/16” and a better for me 24.74” scale length. It has no horn (Les Paul shape) and 24 frets, so it wants to reach away from me standing up.. Thank you sir for making me aware of this one aspect of shape that I never considered. My lovely Martin I may part with because the 25.65” scale length, 1 3/4” nut, 2 1/4” saddle spacing and long 000 12 fret body make it a full figured beauty that I really have to reach to get around. I finally learned that the 0-18, 00-18 and 000-18 Martins all have the shorter 24.95” scale length! So does the CEO-7,, these are spendy and I don’t have one yet, but these are full sized guitars that fell significantly easier than your standard Martin. Also, most acoustic Gibsons have a 24.75” scale length and many have a 1 11/16” nut width .... not just the petite bodied L-00 but also a J-45!, any of these would be an easier play than the Martin I love which outsizes me. I want a thinline telecaster so badly, yet I realize it presents me with difficulties right off the bat that a Les Paul solves right away. I must say, I’m intrigued by that super short scale Rickenbacker 325 C64... 21” scale length whoa! But $4,000 stretches my pocketbook even more than my hands! Be forewarned, I got my daughter a mini Strat, I had to put lots of work into it’s set up and heavier strings because at a very short scale intonation problems become a bigger likelihood. Again, a quality short scale like a Rickenbacker probably does not have this issue. Thanks Nashville, this was super helpful even though much of it I learned the hard way.
I have played guitar for 20 years and have very small hands. If you are just starting out don't let it discourage you. You may just want to consider getting a smaller guitar rather than trying to wrestle with a strat tele or les Paul. I tried those for years because that's what my heros played. I tried a few short scale guitars and now that's all I want to play. If you like Les Paul get a hard tail Jaguar with humbuckers. Guitars that work great are the Jaguar, duosonic, mustang, Rickenbacker 660 and 60s style Gibson necks. Don't get discouraged because of hand size
Lots of good comments tells how useful these tips are, so great job! Yes I find PRS very comfortable at every price point. And Eastmans too have a comfortable feel. I also find that the.more I practice the better my hands acclimate to most guitars. Im a baker with pudgy hands!
I'm a guitarist/bassist and bass finger positioning is my biggest issue. My solution: I sold the Fender Jazz Bass and bought a Supro Huntington I 30-inch scale bass. What a great instrument, and I feel so much more comfortable on the fretboard!
really interesting about the waist position and horn size and sitting vs. standing. I'll have to check that out on my guitars where I feel like it's more of a reach to play cowboy chords.
I love your last tip don't play beyond your limitations you don't have to..i have short fingers and last time i'm forcing myself learning a song that's beyond my limitation and it gives me frustration almost made me quit to continue learn playing guitar...thanks for your wonderful video...
Holding the guitar on the opposite leg gives you more reach also try those finger permutations which will give your fingers more dexterity and do reaching exercises but slowly. But yes avoid the Les paul classics and thick neck guitars. I got myself a Esp 87 that looks like tele and i can easily shred on it. You dont really need to play crazy barre chords either its all preference
Hi my friend. I'm not criticising you for not having small hands. It's just very frustrating when you have very small hands yourself and long fingered guitarists try to make light of the difficulties. I said before you are a very good guitarist and tutor. I watch you myself and learn from you. I also said you have some very valid comments but how can you really appreciate things like not being able to play open G using 3rd,4th & 5th fingers so 1st finger is free to play individual strings. Or a B flat when your 3rd finger joint is not big enough to cover 3 strings. etc etc. I do advise and try to encourage other short fingered players but one has to approach things differently. You're by no means the only long fingered guitarists advising on this. One guy out there even suggested stretching your fingers. Incredible !! Best wishes.
I’m not making light of your difficulties, I’m trying to help. And I’m providing a forum here for you to add your input. I think others would like to hear how you approach things differently.
@@claudialenoir4589 I'm not looking for attention at anyone's expense. I'm simply trying to help anyone with the same difficulties that I have had. I already said that Desi is a good guitarist and tutor and I have actually watched him and learnt on a number of occasions. No guitarist with long fingers can fully understand the difficulties of short fingered guitarists and several people have told me they have been put off because several long fingered guitarist tutors have made light of their difficulties. I have also experienced this several times myself in younger days. If Desi helps you that's great . People should get help from who they feel comfortable with. I wish you all the very best in your progress on the Guitar whoever you follow.
I love this video - My fingers are short (I'm a small woman), and I love finding ways of adapting songs to fit what I can reach. I have a mid-80's Fender Strat from Japan that has the skinniest neck I have ever seen on a guitar - I immediately fell in love with it 20 years ago, and HAD to have it. It's also a 24.75" scale, which is also the scale of my Stagg M350. Over the past few years, I've found a lot of used small beauties: A black Jackson Dinky Minion (2/3), A Blood Red Mitchell MM100 (3/4), A black Dean Baby ML (7/8), a Candy Apple Red Ibanez Mikro (3/4), a Matte Black Laguna LE (3/4), and a 3/4 size Yamaha JR-2 Sunburst. I like these smaller guitars a LOT!! These electrics all have pretty high-output pickups, and my Strat has a Seymour Duncan JB Jr. in the bridge. Another thing I like to do is a little customization - the Jackson has pewter Skull Guitar pickup rings, My Stagg has a Mighty Mite that I put in the bridge, etc. The necks are all very playable, but not identical - so it allows me some versatility. One of the best things I ever did was to find that Jackson - a whole new world opened up to me (my Strat is dear to me, but my Jackson allows me more of a stretch). I love the fact that these 22.5" scale guitars have become more popular - the ones I mentioned really aren't strictly for kids. The way they fit my body is a lot like the way a 25.5" scale guitar fits on the average guy. Nice presentation, Sir!! Subscribed.
I wanna shred but have small finders and my pinky is tilted inwards midway through (like a boomerang). Is the ibanez mikro actually better than the others for soloing?
Thank you for the tips. Still consider myself pretty much a beginner. I have short thick fingers and at 59 years old are bit stiffer than they used to be as well. Add to that the index and middle fingers curve toward the ring and little fingers, which make doing some of those fancier four fret chords quite a challenge. I'll definitely try some of those alternate chord forms you showed. Back in the late '80s I bought a full size Vester hollow-body electric, which is probably not helping much but it does have a nice sound so I'd hate to give it up.
This has proved very useful. I shall certainly try resting my foot on a stool or similar while playing seated. I have three Squier Mustangs, which all have a 24" scale length.
This is the lesson I needed at this moment because I have an issue with my smaller hand reaching five frets on a lesson I was given. I think I’ll take you up on going to your site for some advice because I was almost considering giving up. Thanks for the great tips
Great video, I'm picking up guitar again after over 30 yrs. Starting out with a Fender Squire Strat. Having to develop my guitar fingers and coordination again.
I first got an Ibanez GRX70QA-TBB. It was too long - 25.5" scale. Next I got my current guitar, a used PRS Santana SE - 24.5" scale Wide Fat neck. I like the wide profile because it allows looser finger placement doing chords. The neck is a bit chunky for me, though, but I am learning about better thumb placement to get my fingers to wrap around it better. I did try a 24" scale like a Fender Mustang and a Duo-Sonic. I liked the Mustang, but $799 is a bit steep.
This video was very informative on how instruments are designed and why for various reasons whether you have physical challenges playing an instrument or not. Thank you. Subscribed.
Guitars used: Taylor GT; Taylor 512ce 12 fret; Martin 00-28 12 fret and 000-18 both with modified low oval neck with performing artist taper with 1 11/16" nut.
Unbelievable video. Common Sense things that you just never think about can make so much sense how this is explained. The sixth trick looks very interesting, potentially solves a problem you've had your whole life.
A lot of useful info, particularly about positioning. Thanks. The only problem I have with this video is the attitude (mainly expressed at the end) of "if you can't find a way to do it differently, just don't play that song, it's no big deal, you don't have to play everything." This ignores the fact that we do this out of love, not duty. If there's a tune I can't play because of some physical limitation, I'm not frustrated because I can't fulfill a responsibility -- I'm frustrated because I can't realize a dream. So for me, it *is* a big deal.
We all have limitations. With everything, explore your options, see if you can make progress with things but if you can’t despite your best efforts, move on. It doesn’t mean you give up on your dream, it means you work toward discovering what fits into your dream. ;)
Maybe you could look into the 'campfire' versions of those songs. I'm a beginner guitar player and there are songs I'd love to play in an intermediate way, but can't (yet!). So I'll find the easier version of it somewhere and go with that. That way, I can get enjoyment out of playing the song, play it for others who may want to sing with me, and know that I can make it more layered over time (by embellishing chords, learning a fingerstyle pattern for it, adding some hammer-ons, etc.). Hope you can find ways to make your guitar-playing dreams come true!! :-)
Thank you so much for this helpful and encouraging video. While I do not have small hands, I’m returning to the guitar after decades away from it. Besides the frustration of having great difficulty in performing what was once quite simple for me, I’m facing neuromuscular issues as well. FYI- All I’m interested in is playing straight rhythm. Chords, and chords only. No lead, no riffs, no shredding. I think my ideal guitar would be a short scale with a 7.25 radius, but good luck finding that. Any further advice from you or fellow comment posters would be much appreciated.
Everything you said about PRS guitars explained why the SE Custom 24 I found in Guitar Center felt like it was calling for me to buy it lol The shorter scale length, the wide thin profile, the way it sits in my lap and hangs from my shoulder, couple that with the 9 gauge strings and my shorter fingers just let me play it SO much easier then any other guitars that I've tried before.
🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit GuitarMusicTheory.com - answer the questions about your playing and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated to your current level.
Great video but one thing that wasn't covered was pick size and I have been trying to find the right pick for my small hands. When picking with long fingers in the strumming hand you don't need as long of a pick to reach from string to string. Longer picks work better for short fingers. I am still looking for a good pick I like If anyone can suggest good one that is a bit pointy but has a long "handle" and is at least 2 mm.
My hands are average, however my index finger on my chord hand is stiff and a bit crooked. I broke it years ago. do you have any advice?
@@drivenmad7676 Explore your options, figure out what works, play to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses. It sounds like you're going to be more limited than most, but there's still plenty of fun things you can play. Visit my website and book a private lesson if you'd like more help. GuitarMusicTheory.com
Thank you! Just sanded the lower side of the neck back made a world of difference for my beginner old arthritic hands, great tips. Look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thanks again!
Like !!! 🕵
Probably the most practical guitar video I've ever watched on CZcams. My stubby pinky thanks you!
The best video for small handed players by a huge handed guy ever👍🏻👀
Haha
Might also mention: Lighter-gauge strings make a big difference, require less finger-strength.
Suggestion: pay particular attention the fretboard radius, the nut width, and the scale length. Find what feels most comfortable for you. I have fairly short fingers. When I was young, I could play any sort of guitar with no problem (youth includes more hand flexibility). With age I find I cannot stand a typical acoustic guitar 16" fretboard radius, nor a typical 1 & 3/4" nut width. My short fingers much prefer a rounder 12" fretboard radius and a narrower 1 & 11/16" nut width. So, my electrics tend to be Gibsons or their Epiphone clones, and my acoustics tend to be US made Guilds or US made Gibsons. Imported models of the big acoustic guitar makers tend to have different specs than their US counterparts. Eastman is the only large overseas maker that I know of that uses a 12" fretboard radius, and a 1 & 11/16" on some models. Most imports use a flatter 16" fretboard radius and a wider 1 & 3/4" nut width.
Good thoughts. Electrics are generally less challenging than acoustics, but the principles are the same. Fretboard radius is hugely important, as is nut width. Those are two reasons why Martins are pretty bad for smallish hands.
Most comprehensive review I've seen thus far. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
lm playinga strat. im just beginning but have come into some of these problems. so im anxious to try some the tips you suggested.thank you.
Go to my website for free beginner instruction. www.GuitarMusicTheory.com
I have average size hands and I prefer a chunky neck, wasn't expecting that to be the case but it is how it is.
The hand likes what the hand likes.
This was a very comprehensive video I'm glad I found it
It's odd that stuck-in-the-mud, male-oriented guitar makers pay zero attention to the huge "small hands" market, which numbers in the millions. There are so many obvious design factors that can make playing fun rather than painful. Two factors you don't mention are lighter-gauge strings and increased fretboard radius (i.e., curvature).
Reference : using a Capo : The guitar stays in standard concert pitch ( EADGBE ) tuning but your scale length is reduced and since your position is moved up the neck subsequent fret devisions are relatively reduced (the inter digit spacing is reduced !) in other words it's cheaper than buying a short scale guitar ...my Tel is not far off my Mustang when I do this (every little bit helps ) Only real draw back is Less frets available at the dusty end of the neck .
Yes!! Thank you...I have noticed the same thing, when I use a capo.
Great info.
My palms are normal/large. My fingers may be a bit short. But my fingertips are wide. So pressing a string and avoiding adjacent strings is hard. I find lower frets, low action and light strings helps as I don't have to press down very far between strings.
Also, with wide fingertips I struggle to get 3 fingertips in one space...e.g. for an A chord. 25.5 inch scale length and thin frets give a bit more room.
Also while a Jaguar has a leg cut further back, it has a 24 inch scale length.
8:50 "The bottom line is: don't try to play as if you had big hands".
Your common sense is refreshing. I have short fingers. Something you've mentioned throughout your podcasts etc. is to "play to your strengths".
I've played drums my whole life. My sense of rhythm to come up with cool stuff will have to take precedent over playing blistering fast 3nps legato stuff. Luckily I'm not into crazy speed / shred stuff anyway :)
Another common sense tip you've given in your podcasts: don't expect to do everything that every guitar player can play. Nobody can play it all.
Yup. Thanks for listening and watching!
I am a newbie with small hands; I will definitely try the trick of resting the guitar on my opposite leg. Thanks!
I have free video instruction for beginners on my website. www.GuitarMusicTheory.com
I play a Fender Mustang, a Les Paul and a Martin Dreadnought Junior.
I have stayed away from the 25.5” scale length instruments. Some PRS guitars have 24.5” scale, but are described as having a “wide fat “neck, so I have avoided them too. Taylor have recently released a new guitar, the GT, with a 24” scale.
I can understand some of the commenter’s remarks about instructors with “normal” finger length advising us shorties. Of course, this should not be an issue for a competent teacher. Many say it is no disadvantage, you just need to practice more, look at Joe Bloggs, who’s a whizz and only got two fingers.
You have been very positive, probably the best on CZcams on this subject.
I am just learning guitar as a way to keep my left hand loose. I had a mild stroke affecting my left side so this is a great way to keep it's movement. I have medium to small hands and a double jointed left thumb......lol.
Good thing I like a good challenge 🎸👍🎸😎
Arguably the most comprehensive explanation on this subject , all in one video....thank you
Glad it was helpful!
I am 5'5" guy, short skinny fingers. I purchase an Orangewood Oliver Jr. Live (3/4 length, narrow neck, and mahogany wood!) I love it!!!
Thanks for that info! I'm creating a list of guitars that may work better for me (5'3" gal, short fingers) and this one is going on there!! :-)
I just started a couple months ago, and I've got some pretty tiny hands and fingers. I can stretch for some decently far chords with just hand wrist changes, but if I'm practicing them over and over for a song it wears me out quick. Good to know there are options. I play an Ibanez gio grx70qa and I love its neck profile and setup.
Thank you. This is probably the most useful information I have heard in years and includes many ideas that had never occurred to me. I do hope it gets seen by many players.
For info, I have short thin fingers and hand pain is beginning to take it’s toll. I have found that a narrower width of 43mm (1 11/16ths inch), which is fairly standard for electrics, also works for me with acoustics, but they are less common, as 45mm (1¾) seems favourable with most manufacturers. From my experience. Taylor T5, Yamaha SLG and Gibson J45 have the narrower width. Lowden and Furch will do this as a custom option. I find the Taylor the most comfortable, especially for long stretch chords. This is added by the very thin neck depth. Hope this may be of help to someone.
Thanks for the input!
How about that moment when you saw Angus holding his guitar at that angle! You're like duh!
Some PRS SE like the custom 24, have that thin wide profile which is nice. I currently have the wide fat on a PRS 305 and it's a bit of a bear. Will check out Desi's hand position video now
@@tvtime1505 By some coincidence, I have that actual guitar and yes, it is perfect for smaller hands, particularly if you use "thumb over chords." The 24 frets and cutaways give that extra real estate. Well worth checking out.
I have the Sterling short scale Cutlass (24" scale); it's a great compromise between a kid guitar (22" scale) and a regular 24 3/4" LP style guitar.
Great video. You can play spot on, yet unlike most, you teach rather than showing off. Thanks.
This is all so obvious, but up until seeing this, was anything but obvious to me!
Thankyou!
Many thanks for your helpful advice! As a two-note bass player for several years, I finally got my youth Mustang's neck back in my hand...
He is spot-on in several areas. NONE of guitar teachers explain any of this and I have seen many "students" quit over lack of access. Switching legs while seated and the angles while standing are very important for access to the neck without having to contort your wrist on every chord. I am 50yrs old and was previous a student who quit, sold all of my equipment and just started over after COVID started. Short fingers is NOT the end - you have to know your limits AND discover ways around issues(try further down the neck) to get your "sound" : this is the beauty of the guitar!
Well said.
Jose Feliciano was only 5' 5" tall and blind to boot and played guitar very well.
No he did not play very well at all. He played brilliantly
Maybe 5’5”, but with long fingers. But yes amazing player.
Y'all talking like he's dead! He released an album last year.
@@MrStevegillette oops 😬
very helpful information and really informative commentary....this will help a lot going forward as a beginner guitar player....thanks for sharing the knowledge...
Glad it was helpful!
Some good smallish short-scale acoustics I own are the Martin LX1, Eastman ACTG1, and Alvarez RS26. I also like the "guitalele," closer to ukulele in size but with six (nylon) strings played exactly like guitar (pitched 4 degrees higher). Note": most "parlor" guitars have a relatively wide nut and are generally 12-fret instruments as opposed to 14.
Most common number of frets on a 25-1/2" scale guitar are 21, 22 and 24. The number of frets doesn't necessarily dictate the scale length. Shorter scale guitars have fewer frets because they become too close together towards the bridge. Shorter scale guitars with 24 frets would push the neck pickup closer to the bridge. Having 12 or 14 frets clear of the body on an acoustic doesn't necessarily mean the scale length is different.
outstanding!!...an eye opener...and after applying ur suggestions, I got immediate results...but the main takeaway from what u said that clicked with me even after playing all these years is "playing to your strengths...you don't need to play everything"...thank u so very much for sharing...ur a great teacher...
Glad you found it helpful. 👍
I play guitar with extensive use of the vibrato....I was particularly looking for a Strat....and most short scale Strats have no vibrato arm....I finally found a short scale strat with a vibrato arm....I bought an SA Hawk from Rondo Music....24 inch scale and proportionate body.....regular thickness that took a steel trem block......changed to Custom Shop Fat 50s pickups.....locking tuners.....had it Plek'd....and now it plays and sounds like a full scale Strat.....very happy with it.....bought a matching short scale Tele for it.....
I have been uplifted by this video please give me more as a small handed person
This is the tip I needed with my mid-small fingers. Thanks for the lesson! 🙏
The part about holding your guitar on the opposite leg and choking up on the strap to get the neck closer was super helpful! Ty, i just started playing and srill trying to find the most comfortable position.
Glad it helped!
I don't have small hands but still found this video very useful. I shared this to a small handed friend also. Thanks for your Great Info.
Thanks Desi, since I have purchased an Ibanez slim body acoustic my playing has improved, listening to this video has confirmed I made the right decision in buying an Ibanez slim body three quarter size guitar. Other guitar players have commented on my improvement since playing this guitar. Great video, than you.
You can view the official tab here www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/69005/Product.aspx or here tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-allman-brothers-band/ramblin-man-guitar-pro-864056
Nice video. I have a Fender Duo-Sonic and Squier Jaguar, both 24" scale. I recommend both for small hands.
I’ve watched a lot of vids on this topic seeking some good ways to adapt for best results. This is hands down THE most helpful, practical, well explained AND realistic. Appreciate the several actually useful applications that don’t involve buying a new guitar. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
This was a very helpful video! I'm 62 and now feel more comfortable with what I can and cannot play. Oh, sold my Tele because yes....the fret board was too far away while standing. Felt very awkward, now I know why!
I’ve got small hands and find the Squier Classic Vibe 50s strats very playable as they have thinner necks
I'm 6'3" and have short fingers. My main issue is the pinky. I've bought a few acoustic guitars, and find the "low profile" necks are for me the most comfortable. Thanks for the podcast. It was very helpful.
Thank you so much.as someone wishing to begin playing a guitar, I am re assured,but also realise that at 5 10 my hands are average & not so small as I thought.
Be sure to check out the free instruction at my website. GuitarMusicTheory.com
2nd reference re Capo : should have said it stays at concert pitch if you drop all tuning relative to the Capo position. Example Capo @ first fret,all strings droped half a tone. ( eg.
Open string tuned to E flat then add Capo at first fret, note now E )
Thanks Desi just getting started lots of good suggestions for small hands Thanks!!!!!!!
Happy to help!
I play a lefty PRS SE 24 and an lefty Epiphone Les Paul Standard
I play a Seagull Entourage Grand Rustic QI. Great advice re: positioning. I play both guitar and bass so I have to mention that I play short scale basses exclusively. When I do things on the bass like walking in G I sometimes move my left hand to accommodate. It takes nothing away from the music and that movement saves you a lot in finger stretching aggravation. I bought a mini Taylor acoustic bass and I can’t play it too often, I get way too spoiled and don’t want to play a 30” neck anymore!
Thanks for sharing!
The placement of my left leg and the sternum advice when standing were so helpful. On this video alone, I subscribed.
Glad it helped!
To make a Tel or Strat a little more comfortable drop the tuning a half step and put a capo on at first fret, or a full tone and capo on at second fret (if your really having trouble).
Interesting. How does this help you?
@@desisernaguitar less tension in the strings. But you have compensate. Just play everything 1 or 2 frets up and throw away your capo.
Thank you for this very important and very useful information.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome video. It had the guitar placement tips I was looking for. I have some long time ago experience playing ukulele. I’m now trying a 3/4 size Squier Mini Strat. With my middle finger at 2.75”, it is a challenge but I’m confident it will get easier in time.
Thank you, sir! Very good information for us shorties.
Thank u so much for the info, having looking for this info for a long time.
Great suggestions. There even greater challenges when you have small hands and fat fingers. Martin Jr Dreadnought short scale 24” and 1 3/4 nut width. Most smaller guitars have a narrower nut width which is a problem for fat fingers.
Man! Loved yr video on small hand guitar playing ❤! … I’ve wrestled with this for years ! Thanks for the kick in the ass telling me there are always advantages and disadvantages even in playing! It’s a vote of conf😅dance to never stop playing !!!
This has changed my mindset on guitar playing. Thanks a lot :)
I found a guitar that has a neck that the width isn't so wide on it. It is an alvarez. And it sounds great
I have a Gibson L6 S which has a very narrow nut at 1 9/16” and a better for me 24.74” scale length. It has no horn (Les Paul shape) and 24 frets, so it wants to reach away from me standing up.. Thank you sir for making me aware of this one aspect of shape that I never considered.
My lovely Martin I may part with because the 25.65” scale length, 1 3/4” nut, 2 1/4” saddle spacing and long 000 12 fret body make it a full figured beauty that I really have to reach to get around. I finally learned that the 0-18, 00-18 and 000-18 Martins all have the shorter 24.95” scale length! So does the CEO-7,, these are spendy and I don’t have one yet, but these are full sized guitars that fell significantly easier than your standard Martin. Also, most acoustic Gibsons have a 24.75” scale length and many have a 1 11/16” nut width .... not just the petite bodied L-00 but also a J-45!, any of these would be an easier play than the Martin I love which outsizes me. I want a thinline telecaster so badly, yet I realize it presents me with difficulties right off the bat that a Les Paul solves right away. I must say, I’m intrigued by that super short scale Rickenbacker 325 C64... 21” scale length whoa! But $4,000 stretches my pocketbook even more than my hands! Be forewarned, I got my daughter a mini Strat, I had to put lots of work into it’s set up and heavier strings because at a very short scale intonation problems become a bigger likelihood. Again, a quality short scale like a Rickenbacker probably does not have this issue. Thanks Nashville, this was super helpful even though much of it I learned the hard way.
I'm sure this info will be helpful to others. Thanks for sharing.
This video is very helpful - thx for it!
I have played guitar for 20 years and have very small hands. If you are just starting out don't let it discourage you. You may just want to consider getting a smaller guitar rather than trying to wrestle with a strat tele or les Paul. I tried those for years because that's what my heros played. I tried a few short scale guitars and now that's all I want to play. If you like Les Paul get a hard tail Jaguar with humbuckers. Guitars that work great are the Jaguar, duosonic, mustang, Rickenbacker 660 and 60s style Gibson necks. Don't get discouraged because of hand size
Just the type of feedback I was looking for. Thanks!
Lots of good comments tells how useful these tips are, so great job! Yes I find PRS very comfortable at every price point. And Eastmans too have a comfortable feel.
I also find that the.more I practice the better my hands acclimate to most guitars. Im a baker with pudgy hands!
I use an ibanez GRX70 and I do pretty good on it. For being short thin fingered I can still maneuver decently on the fretboard.
I'm a guitarist/bassist and bass finger positioning is my biggest issue. My solution: I sold the Fender Jazz Bass and bought a Supro Huntington I 30-inch scale bass. What a great instrument, and I feel so much more comfortable on the fretboard!
Like buying shoes, you need to find something that fits.
Good advice , I’ve been playing in the seated classical position for years for comfort not knowing why.
Excellent. Thanks.
John Scott is so THE MAN ~!!! Love that guy's work.
really interesting about the waist position and horn size and sitting vs. standing. I'll have to check that out on my guitars where I feel like it's more of a reach to play cowboy chords.
WOW! This video is really helpful! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I am not that short, but i do have smaller fingers and I have a hard time with some chords. This was a very helpful video!
I love your last tip don't play beyond your limitations you don't have to..i have short fingers and last time i'm forcing myself learning a song that's beyond my limitation and it gives me frustration almost made me quit to continue learn playing guitar...thanks for your wonderful video...
Exactly! It's silly to quit over things you can't play when they're so many things you can play. 👍
Very helpful video!
Holding the guitar on the opposite leg gives you more reach also try those finger permutations which will give your fingers more dexterity and do reaching exercises but slowly. But yes avoid the Les paul classics and thick neck guitars. I got myself a Esp 87 that looks like tele and i can easily shred on it. You dont really need to play crazy barre chords either its all preference
Hi my friend. I'm not criticising you for not having small hands. It's just very frustrating when you have very small hands yourself and long fingered guitarists try to make light of the difficulties. I said before you are a very good guitarist and tutor. I watch you myself and learn from you. I also said you have some very valid comments but how can you really appreciate things like not being able to play open G using 3rd,4th & 5th fingers so 1st finger is free to play individual strings. Or a B flat when your 3rd finger joint is not big enough to cover 3 strings. etc etc. I do advise and try to encourage other short fingered players but one has to approach things differently. You're by no means the only long fingered guitarists advising on this. One guy out there even suggested stretching your fingers. Incredible !! Best wishes.
I’m not making light of your difficulties, I’m trying to help. And I’m providing a forum here for you to add your input. I think others would like to hear how you approach things differently.
Desi isn't making light of our difficulties. You seem to be looking for attention at his expense. Shame on you.
@@claudialenoir4589 I'm not looking for attention at anyone's expense. I'm simply trying to help anyone with the same difficulties that I have had. I already said that Desi is a good guitarist and tutor and I have actually watched him and learnt on a number of occasions. No guitarist with long fingers can fully understand the difficulties of short fingered guitarists and several people have told me they have been put off because several long fingered guitarist tutors have made light of their difficulties. I have also experienced this several times myself in younger days. If Desi helps you that's great . People should get help from who they feel comfortable with. I wish you all the very best in your progress on the Guitar whoever you follow.
What a great video, it has given me renewed hope that I can progress and made me realise I need to think about alternative playing styles!!
Really good explanation, made me looks at things differently.
I love this video - My fingers are short (I'm a small woman), and I love finding ways of adapting songs to fit what I can reach. I have a mid-80's Fender Strat from Japan that has the skinniest neck I have ever seen on a guitar - I immediately fell in love with it 20 years ago, and HAD to have it. It's also a 24.75" scale, which is also the scale of my Stagg M350. Over the past few years, I've found a lot of used small beauties: A black Jackson Dinky Minion (2/3), A Blood Red Mitchell MM100 (3/4), A black Dean Baby ML (7/8), a Candy Apple Red Ibanez Mikro (3/4), a Matte Black Laguna LE (3/4), and a 3/4 size Yamaha JR-2 Sunburst. I like these smaller guitars a LOT!! These electrics all have pretty high-output pickups, and my Strat has a Seymour Duncan JB Jr. in the bridge. Another thing I like to do is a little customization - the Jackson has pewter Skull Guitar pickup rings, My Stagg has a Mighty Mite that I put in the bridge, etc. The necks are all very playable, but not identical - so it allows me some versatility. One of the best things I ever did was to find that Jackson - a whole new world opened up to me (my Strat is dear to me, but my Jackson allows me more of a stretch). I love the fact that these 22.5" scale guitars have become more popular - the ones I mentioned really aren't strictly for kids. The way they fit my body is a lot like the way a 25.5" scale guitar fits on the average guy. Nice presentation, Sir!! Subscribed.
This is great info! Thanks for sharing.
I wanna shred but have small finders and my pinky is tilted inwards midway through (like a boomerang). Is the ibanez mikro actually better than the others for soloing?
By far this is the best guitar video i've watched! ❤💯
Fender Duosonic II, Taylor L9 acoustic
Thank you for the tips. Still consider myself pretty much a beginner. I have short thick fingers and at 59 years old are bit stiffer than they used to be as well. Add to that the index and middle fingers curve toward the ring and little fingers, which make doing some of those fancier four fret chords quite a challenge. I'll definitely try some of those alternate chord forms you showed. Back in the late '80s I bought a full size Vester hollow-body electric, which is probably not helping much but it does have a nice sound so I'd hate to give it up.
This has proved very useful. I shall certainly try resting my foot on a stool or similar while playing seated. I have three Squier Mustangs, which all have a 24" scale length.
This is the lesson I needed at this moment because I have an issue with my smaller hand reaching five frets on a lesson I was given. I think I’ll take you up on going to your site for some advice because I was almost considering giving up. Thanks for the great tips
Great video, I'm picking up guitar again after over 30 yrs. Starting out with a Fender Squire Strat. Having to develop my guitar fingers and coordination again.
Well, welcome back aboard! I have free beginner video instruction available on my website. www.GuitarMusicTheory.com
thanks for the video, excellent tips I've not gotten anywhere else.
Very good, rarely mentioned point about fretboard radius. Many acoustic fretboards have a very flat radius--painful to play.
I first got an Ibanez GRX70QA-TBB. It was too long - 25.5" scale. Next I got my current guitar, a used PRS Santana SE - 24.5" scale Wide Fat neck. I like the wide profile because it allows looser finger placement doing chords. The neck is a bit chunky for me, though, but I am learning about better thumb placement to get my fingers to wrap around it better. I did try a 24" scale like a Fender Mustang and a Duo-Sonic. I liked the Mustang, but $799 is a bit steep.
This video was very informative on how instruments are designed and why for various reasons whether you have physical challenges playing an instrument or not. Thank you. Subscribed.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, I will buy a guitar and start playing thanks to you!
Sanchez and a Suzuki figure 8. Thanks for the video.💯
Best video I’ve seen, very helpful for my very very small hands
Glad it helped
Best small hand video i've seen! thank you!
You're welcome!
Guitars used: Taylor GT; Taylor 512ce 12 fret; Martin 00-28 12 fret and 000-18 both with modified low oval neck with performing artist taper with 1 11/16" nut.
How did you go about getting the neck modified? Thanks!
brilliant iv.e learned a lot from this one video thank you i.m 80 just starting and left handed playing right.
Glad it helped!
Outstanding, the best video on this topic I've encountered
Glad you think so!
Fantastic tips! I have more hope now. Wish I'd seen this before I bought my guitar. Past the point of refund, I'll choose more wisely next time
Unbelievable video. Common Sense things that you just never think about can make so much sense how this is explained. The sixth trick looks very interesting, potentially solves a problem you've had your whole life.
Glad it was helpful! Getting good at anything usually involves a little ingenuity.
A lot of useful info, particularly about positioning. Thanks.
The only problem I have with this video is the attitude (mainly expressed at the end) of "if you can't find a way to do it differently, just don't play that song, it's no big deal, you don't have to play everything." This ignores the fact that we do this out of love, not duty. If there's a tune I can't play because of some physical limitation, I'm not frustrated because I can't fulfill a responsibility -- I'm frustrated because I can't realize a dream. So for me, it *is* a big deal.
We all have limitations. With everything, explore your options, see if you can make progress with things but if you can’t despite your best efforts, move on. It doesn’t mean you give up on your dream, it means you work toward discovering what fits into your dream. ;)
Maybe you could look into the 'campfire' versions of those songs. I'm a beginner guitar player and there are songs I'd love to play in an intermediate way, but can't (yet!). So I'll find the easier version of it somewhere and go with that. That way, I can get enjoyment out of playing the song, play it for others who may want to sing with me, and know that I can make it more layered over time (by embellishing chords, learning a fingerstyle pattern for it, adding some hammer-ons, etc.). Hope you can find ways to make your guitar-playing dreams come true!! :-)
@@tkenglander6226 Be sure to check out the free instruction on my website. I can help you learn beginner songs. www.GuitarMusicTheory.com
TOO GOOD, TOO HONEST 🫶
After long search for short hand this guidance is the best and too much to learn - Thanks, Serna (Love from Bharat/India)
Glad I could help!
Your recommendations are the best out there and makes the most sense. Thank you. I went and bought an Ibanez Mikro. Perfect!
Glad to help!
Thank you so much for this helpful and encouraging video. While I do not have small hands, I’m returning to the guitar after decades away from it. Besides the frustration of having great difficulty in performing what was once quite simple for me, I’m facing neuromuscular issues as well. FYI- All I’m interested in is playing straight rhythm. Chords, and chords only. No lead, no riffs, no shredding. I think my ideal guitar would be a short scale with a 7.25 radius, but good luck finding that. Any further advice from you or fellow comment posters would be much appreciated.
Great lesson Desi…I recently watched a video of HOLD THE LINE GUITAR LESSON where legato was used …it’s nice to fully understand legato style playing
Glad this video helped!
My favourite guitar is an Ibanez s series 521.
Everything you said about PRS guitars explained why the SE Custom 24 I found in Guitar Center felt like it was calling for me to buy it lol
The shorter scale length, the wide thin profile, the way it sits in my lap and hangs from my shoulder, couple that with the 9 gauge strings and my shorter fingers just let me play it SO much easier then any other guitars that I've tried before.
Thanks for sharing. I know others will find this helpful.