Playing guitar is one of the most common hobbies among music lovers. However, if you have short hands, things may get a bit hard for you. So, how will you deal with it? Do you even know what the best guitar neck radius is for small hands? It is something that you must check if you have got small hands.
There are different sizes of nack radius for different guitars, however, a 9.5 to 12-inch neck radius is best for small hands. With these radius sizes, guitars are easy to hold and play.
Here, we will introduce you to everything that you need to know about the perfect guitar neck radius for small hands. Hence, give this article a good read and know everything about a proper guitar neck radius for small hands.
Contents
Guitar Neck Radius Chart By Guitar Brand and Type
| Brand | Neck Radius |
| Fender Stratocaster’s | 9.5 and 10 inch |
| Gibson Style Guitars | 12 Inch |
| Classical Guitar | 14 Inch |
| Modern Day Electric Guitars | 16 Inch |
| Few Special Guitars | 20 Inch |
Guitar neck radius is one of the most important things that you need to check while betting on a guitar for shorthand. A guitar neck radius usually starts from 7.25 and ends at 16″. However, there are some special guitars with higher and lower guitar radii.
But, the thing that you need to remember is that the higher the radius, the flatter the neck of the guitar will be. Most people confuse a higher radius with a thick guitar neck, but things are the opposite here. The lower the radius, the thicker the neck will be. So, if you want to bet on a guitar for shorthand, we suggest you bet on a guitar that has a higher guitar radius.
With a higher radius and thinner guitar neck, you will be able to reach around the neck with no issues faced, and this is something that allows you to play impressive music. Along with it, a thinner guitar neck reduces the chances of buzzing.
In short, if you are someone having shorter hands, then you must go for thin-necked guitars.
Guitar Neck Radius Playability
You must not know, but the guitar neck radius has a direct impact on the playability of the guitar. All of the manufacturers available in this market produce different guitars with varying radii, and this is what affects the playability of the guitar.
We all know how important and unique it is to learn bending techniques while playing guitar. If you master this technique, you can rock any stage in seconds. However, there are some guitar neck radius-related issues that you may face while bending your strings at lower notes.
A guitar neck with a higher curvature will be hard to play while bending your strings. Due to the great and thicker radius, your fingers may find it hard to curve your hands and fingers properly while playing, and bending this may lead to a buzzing sound while playing. If you are a guitarist, you will admit how embarrassing it is to be in this condition.
However, with a flatter guitar neck radius, it becomes easy for you to have control over your guitar, and it allows you to enhance playability. A flatter neck radius provides your control and grip while playing, and when your fingers reach the fretboard easily, it becomes easy for you to enjoy music.
Also, it must not go without saying that for people with short hands, it will be beneficial if they bet on a guitar with a flat neck radius. It allows them to have ultimate control over the strings and fretboard, leading you to enjoy playing quality music.
Which Guitar Neck Is Easiest?
All types of guitar necks have different functions and performances, and this is why we have so many options when selecting a guitar neck. However, if you ask us about the best guitar neck, then we ask you to bet on a flat neck guitar.
It’s one of the most efficient and easy-to-use guitars that you will ever have in your life. It allows you control over your guitar and allows you to enjoy playing quality music no matter what type of musician you are and what music you prefer.
Along with it, if you have short hands or small fingers, then there is no better option for you than a flat-neck guitar. These types of guitars are produced especially for people with shorthands, and we suggest you try a flat-neck guitar if you want to enhance your guitar playability while having shorthands.
A flat-neck guitar allows your hands to reach around the neck with no issues faced, and this is why most musicians prefer having a flat-neck guitar for shorthand.
However, if you are still confused, then it is better to visit a guitar store and try both round and flat neck guitars; you will yourself have an idea why we are insisting you get a flat neck guitar for shorthands.
Does Neck Size Affect Playing?
Certainly, the neck size affects the playing of your guitar. It is something that, if neglected, will stop you from becoming a great guitarist.
We know that most people only look for built quality, shape, action, and brand. But, a true guitarist will always check the neck size before getting any guitar.
This is something that will decide whether or not you will be creating impressive music. And, if you have got shorthands, then we tell you that the most important thing for you to check while getting a guitar is its neck size.
It is something that will easily reach around the neck. So, if you are a beginner with short hands and want to get an impressive guitar, then do check the neck size.
If possible, bet on a guitar with a flat neck. It will allow you to practice with ease.
How Does Hand Size Affect Your Guitar Playing?
Most beginners consider that guitar is all about strumming. But, we must tell you that if you do not know how to land on string and chord perfectly, then you can never become a good guitarist.
It is something that you must learn if you want to create impressive music. And, this is why the size of your hands affects the playing of your guitar. There are people with normal hands and some with small or large hands.
This is something that decides the playing of your guitar. People with normal hands can play any guitar, and they will sound amazing. But, if you have short or big hands, you will have to get certain guitars for perfect music production.
For shorthands, you will have to get a guitar with a flat neck and average radius, and for big hands, you need to bet on a guitar having a U or V type of neck. This is something that you must remember.
The reason why such things affect playing is that people with short hands find it hard to reach around the neck on a normal guitar, and those having big hands find it hard to reach lower notes on a normal guitar.
So, while getting a guitar, do check out for the hand size and then select the guitar which is made for your hands only.
Conclusion
To conclude, it will not be incorrect to say that this draft is a perfect read for those looking for the best guitars for shorthands. Here we have told you finely what is the best guitar neck radius for small hands.
So, if you are one of those looking for the perfect guitar neck radius for small hands, then this is the article to trust on. However, if you feel anything missing, do let us know. We would love to help you out.
FAQs
What guitar has the thinnest neck?
There are a lot of guitars that produce thin-necked guitars. But, if you are looking for a guitar that comes under the name of a renowned brand and still owns the thinnest neck in the guitar world, then we ask you to look for Ibanez.
Ibanez is one of those guitar manufacturers that produce guitars with the thinnest necks in this guitar market. The best thing about them is that despite having thin necks, their guitars are durable and sound amazing. So, for a thin-neck guitar, you must always reach out to an Ibanez store.
What fretboard radius is the best for small hands?
Finding the perfect fretboard radius for small hands is one of the hardest things to do. But, if you have short hands and want to know the perfect radius for playing guitar, then we must tell you that everything between 12″ to 16″ will work for you.
For shorthands, professionals always suggest thin-neck and flat-neck guitars, and this radius range is where you will get perfect guitars for small hands.
Is Les Pauls good for small hands?
This is something that depends from model to model. But, if you are asking in general, then it is true that Les Paul is perfect for small hands. Usually, Les Paul guitars come up with small-scale length, which means that their frets will not be far apart, and this makes chord shifting much easier.
Also, a Les Paul is most of the time a thin-necked guitar, and we bet our lives that there is no better option for short and small hands than a thin-necked guitar.
How do I know what size guitar neck to buy?
This is something that depends on the size of your hands. If your hands are of normal size, then you are good to choose any guitar neck size. But, if you are someone having shorthands, then we ask you to look for a guitar having a neck size between 12″ to 16″. This is the fretboard radius size that will fit short hands perfectly.