A full sized guitar might be difficult to handle especially if you are a beginner or you have small hands. These categories of people may not be able to learn the musical instrument effectively as they will find it difficult to play around with a full-sized guitar.
In these cases, a short-scale guitar is highly beneficial and rewarding. Apart from aiding their learning process, it will give them the skill and the confidence required to play a full-scale guitar.
What are the Best Short Scale Guitars to Buy?
2) Gibson USA Flying V HP 2017 Electric Guitar
- Premium quality
- Comfortable shape
- Extremely fast neck
- Simple upper-fret access
1) Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Electric Guitar
- Basswood Body
- Maple C Shape Neck with 21-Medium Jumbo Frets and rosewood fingerboard
- Duncan Designed single-coil pickups
3) Epiphone G-400 Pro Electric Guitar
- Produces versatile sound
- Adjustable sound
- Nice feel and convenience
- Lightweight and thin
In the past, short scale guitars were seen as a novelty or a toy. But, its usefulness and practicality became known over time. Now, it is widespread to see a lot of artists and musicians playing with short scale electric guitars. If you are just about to start learning the guitar as new, this is where to start from.
Short Scale Electric Guitars: What are they?
A short scale electric guitar is any guitar having a scale length that is less than 25.4 inches. Now, what is scale length? A scale length of a guitar can be defined as the distance between the nut and the saddle. The benefit of short scale guitar is that you don’t need to extend your arm much. Also, it is advantageous for people with small hands because it makes fretting easier for them. Short scale guitars are more elastic and minimize the tension of the lower string.
What to consider when buying a Short Scale Electric Guitar
There are some factors to consider when buying a short scale electric guitar. Here are some of them:
- Neck Design
The Neck Design of a guitar has a remarkable effect on the playability and how comfortable you will be while playing. Nearly all the electric guitars have a C or U Based neck. Short scale guitars come with necks that are narrower and shallower, making it convenient for those with smaller hands. The popular types of necks are neck-through, bolt-on and set neck.
- Body Type
The body type is an important consideration when buying a short scale guitar. The various body types available are as follow:
Solid Body: the solid body is the body type that is commonly used. They are typically made of wood and their model range from single to multi-pickup.
Hollow Body: they have fantastic resonance, and the majority of jazz musician prefers them because of their deep bass and full tone.
Semi-Hollow Body: the semi-hollow body type comes with a solid hollow in the middle for enhanced stability, sustain and feedback. They are ideal for jazz, blues, and punk rock.
- Electronics and pickup
These have a significant influence on the sound of the guitar. Types of pickups to consider are as follows:
Single Coil pickups: these are the simplest type of pickup as they consist of wire coiled around a magnet. They are characterized with bright, crisp sound.
Humbucker pickups: they are designed to minimize hum that affects single coil pickups. They comprise two magnets placed opposite each other, intertwined by two single coils.
Piezo pickups: they are the least favorite type, but some players used them to produce synthesizer, acoustic, and digital tones
To help you achieve your goal of buying the best short scale guitar, we have come up with the reviews of top short scale guitars. We advise that you take note of their features and choose the best one for you.
12 Best Short Scale Electric Guitar Reviews and the Best Short Scale Electric Guitar Brands
1) Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Electric Guitar
Featuring full, clear Duncan designed Pickups and excellent fingerboard radius, the Squier Vintage electric guitar comes with all features needed to give you a quality performance. It is a high-value guitar that plays excellently. This small scale guitar comes with many intriguing features. Apart from the sturdy basswood body, it comes with vintage-style chrome Tuning Keys.
Also, it features a Maple C shape Neck with excellent rosewood fingerboard and 32-Medium Jumbo fret. The Vintage-style has a floating vibrato. The Squier Vintage Modified Electric Guitar is a solid guitar that is ideal for beginners as well as intermediate players.
Are you looking for a musical instrument to buy for your music-loving daughter? The Squier Vintage electric guitar is an excellent instrument to consider. While it serves as a great gift to your kids, it also wakes up their musical passion by giving them the opportunity to learn their favorite musical instrument with ease. Apart from that, those with short hands and those that are willing to learn the guitar can do so effectively with the Squier Vintage Modified Electric guitar.
Also, it is an excellent small scale guitar with a perfect finish, great pickups, and a fantastic sound. You will be pleased to learn that the stock bridge is easy to replace in case it’s terrible. If you have been disappointed by some kinds of small scale guitars in the past, this one is an excellent musical instrument that you would have wished to buy earlier.
2) Gibson USA Flying V HP 2017 Electric Guitar
The Gibson Flying V Electric guitar features super premium quality, and an aggressive tone is one of the best guitars to consider when it comes to metal genre and heavy rocks. This small scale guitar is not limited to metal genre and heavy rock; it caters to a wide range of other styles. The Musical instrument is ideal for jazz, blues, grunge rocks, as well as progressive rocks, thanks to its excellent features.
The versatility of guitar in terms of styles of music is due to feature like comfortable shape, extremely fast neck, simple upper-fret access, and natural sustain. So, if you need a small scale guitar capable of playing a wide range of musical styles, the Gibson Flying V is an excellent musical instrument to consider. In fact, this device is unique in this regard as there are very few guitars that are versatile when it comes to playing different styles of music.
It is worth noting that this musical instrument picks every nuance of the original styling, delivering a perfect sound that matches the perfect looks of the musical instrument. This is made achievable through the pair of dirty fingers and the humbuckers. The neck comes with a chrome inlay and original mother of pearl inlay that enables it to support fast players that need unrestricted access to high notes. The musical instrument is purposely designed to help rapid players perform at their best.
Therefore, if you play with high notes, this is the best guitar to buy. In addition to that, the Gibson Flying v comes in a hard-shell case with high-quality leather for protection. Apart from that, it comes with a polishing cloth and a multi-tool.
3) Epiphone G-400 Pro Electric Guitar
Described as a beautiful guitar that produces a versatile sound, the Epiphone electric guitar will give you a great value for your money. It has excellent control features that enable you to adjust the sound. You will be pleased to learn that each pick-up comes with individual tone control and volume.
A lot of people choose this small scale guitar because it is effortless to play and it has a nice feel. Apart from the nice feel and convenience, the neck length and fret spacing make it perfect for beginners and professional players as well. Also, the fact that it is super comfortable makes it a popular choice among those who are keen on effortlessly learning guitar.
The musical instrument features a Wilkinson Vintage Classic headstock, stopbar tailpiece, and Locktone tune-o-matic. With these features, the Epiphone G-400 Electric Guitar is ready for any situation. Another important feature that is worthy of mention is the fast Slim Taper “D” Profile neck.
The neck comes with a rosewood fingerboard having trapezoid inlays. This combination of these fantastic features gives the musical instrument a fantastic look and at the same time, makes it very easy to play. Another excellent feature is the attractive look.
Apart from that, the coil tap offers a great additional option, plus the individual tone and volume controls. The facts that it is lightweight and thin make the guitar very convenient for lengthy play time. You can comfortably place it on your laps and shoulders for several hours while playing your musical instrument.
4) Ibanez 6 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar
Are you in search of a nice gift for your son who plays guitar in school? An excellent gift to consider is the Ibanez electric guitar. You will be impressed with the quality of this guitar as it produces a unique, clear tone.
Apart from the high-quality sound production, it is constructed with a solid material, giving the body a strong and solid structure. The Ibanez 6 String electric guitar is ideal for songwriting, tour buses, and running scales while you are downloading. This musical instrument is ideal for your daughter to enhance her learning of the musical instrument.
The Ibanez 6 string electric guitar comes with a lot of eye-catching features. A critical feature of this guitar is the active infinity R pickups. The Musical instrument features a fast, slim maple neck and a compact 22.2-inch scale. The Ibanez 6 string electric guitar comes with the right size for little ones who love to play guitar. You will be pleased to hear that this guitar is affordable, and this does not affect its performance in any way. It is a cheap musical instrument that performs even beyond your expectation.
5) Ibanez GRGM21BKN ¾ Size Mikro Electric Guitar
You will be impressed with the quality of this small scale guitar. The musical instrument is designed to help beginners learn fast. The Ibanez Mikro Electric guitar is a perfect musical instrument to buy for your daughter who is learning how to play the guitar. One of the enticing features of this guitar is the solid, attractive body.
Also, the neck has a maple fretboard, and you should be aware that this feature is not something you see on an ordinary guitar. Also, it has smooth fret edges and a perfect fit and finishes. If you need a small scale guitar that is perfect for you last minute rehearsal, the Ibanez Electric Guitar is one of the small scale guitars to consider.
Anyone who wants to guitar with a smaller body and neck can opt for this guitar, it is designed to help young ones, and those with little hands play the musical instrument without any hassle. You should also note this guitar is not a toy, the musical instrument is meant for serious-minded guitarist and those willing to learn the musical instrument.
A good reason why this small scale guitar is no toy is that it features the meticulous set-up, high-quality and the same construction as the full-scale GRX and GRG model. Other essential features of this musical instrument are the 22-inch maple neck, compact, and it perfect for beginners. If you are left-handed, you can order for the left-handed model of this small scale guitar.
6) SX RST ¾ CAR Short Scale Red Electric Guitar
Are you looking for a guitar that will fit your daughter perfectly? The SX RST electric guitar is your best bet as it enables your young ones to learn and play the musical instrument without stress. The guitar ranks high among other quality guitars due to its outstanding features. The SX RST is a musical instrument that combines good looks with excellent sound.
If you are thinking of what to buy for your son for his birthday, this musical instrument is one of the best gifts you can decide to buy for him. Apart from the perfect size and good looks, the price is affordable.
The SX RST Electric guitar comes with everything you need to start playing. When you order for the product, it comes with straps, Guitar Amp, online lessons, guitar bags, and cable. It is worth noting that this guitar is excellent for those small people as well as those who need a small-sized travel guitar.
With this small scale guitar, you will have access to highest frets, thanks to its solid basswood body. The contoured body enables players to play the musical instrument for several hours conveniently. The SX RST small scale guitar features three single coil pickups, two tone controls, and single volume control.
In addition, it comes with five-way pickup selector switches for production of modern sounds. The musical instrument is equipped with six vintage fulcrum bridge with an adjustable neck made of the truss rod and six saddles that can be easily adjusted.
Its stability is enhanced by the jumbo neck. Other noteworthy features of this musical instrument are headphone jack for silent practice; two band EQ having both treble and bass control, an instructional DVD, and an EB400 Guitar Bag.
7) Squier by Fender Mini Strat – Rosewood Fingerboard
Described as a guitar that is amazingly playable, the musical instrument is your best choice if you are looking for an excellent small scale guitar. When it comes to intonation and truss, this small scale guitar is unbeatable.
There have been lots of great reviews from past users of this little musical instrument. Some described it as a perfect guitar for any kid who wants to learn guitar. Apart from the impressive tone, it comes with a five-position toggle that works like the pro model.
You will be pleased to know that the volume and tone pots of this small scale guitar quiet. This guitar is ideal for all categories of player, whether you are a learner or professional guitarist.
The Squier small scale guitar is not only ideal for all players; it can also serve as a travel guitar. That is, you can take the guitar anywhere you are going. The guitar is perfect for those with smaller hands. The features of this guitar are worthy of mention. The product features a five-way switching and three single-coil pickups.
Also, the maple neck has a C shape profile, and the rosewood fingerboard has 20 frets. Another unique feature of this musical instrument is the hardtail Stratocaster Bridge that is of vintage style. To enjoy the numerous features of this small scale guitar, you should consider getting one when next you visit the market.
8) Fender Mustang 90-Olympic
Are you looking for a guitar that is great for small hands and beginners? The Fender Mustang is designed to assist learners and those with small hands in mastering the techniques of playing the guitar without stress.
The guitar functions perfectly, giving you a unique, clear tune. The advantage of this guitar is that it is ideal for players that march to a wide range of beats. The device comes with upgraded features, excellent sound, and great aesthetics. The Fender Mustang is a classic model that outshines other small scale guitars.
The Fender Mustang small scale guitar comes with lots of eye-catching features. Some of the functionalities will be mentioned here. Apart from its Olympic white color, it has 2MP-90 single-coil pickups.
The small scale guitar has a rosewood fretboard, and its body is made of Alder to give the musical instrument a solid structure. If you are looking for a small scale guitar that combines a perfect look with outstanding performance, the Fender Mustang is the right musical instrument to consider.
9) Peavey Iron Man ¾ Rockmaster Electric Guitar
Are you looking for a musical instrument that your son will love to play every time? The Peavey Iron Man is a small scale musical instrument with a difference. It is worth buying for your kids to boost the passion for music. This musical instrument is highly recommended for those who are keen on learning guitar without difficulty.
It is a musical instrument that your son and daughter will love and cherish. One great advantage of this small scale device is that it is not easy to hold, enhancing its playability. The Peavey Iron Man is perfect for all kids that have an interest in music.
The Peavey Iron Man comes with notable features that distinguish it from other musical instruments in the same category. The body is made of Basswood while the neck is made of maple. It features a rosewood fingerboard.
The musical instrument has a volume and tone control. It is worth noting that the musical instrument comes with a string-through-body design for effective sustain. The tuner is made of diecast Chrome while the hardware is made of chrome.
Other vital functionalities are dual action torsion, two peavey tailor-made humbucking pickups, and push/pull tone control. The Peavey Iron man is an excellent small-scale guitar that will not only develop your kid’s interest in music, it will also enhance their learning.
10) Ibanez Paul Gilbert Signature miKro Electric Guitar
This small scale guitar is unbeatable when it comes to portability and convenience. It is a small scale guitar that is well built. Apart from that, it is lightweight and designed to perform beyond your expectation. You will also be pleased with the fact that it stays right in tune.
If you have a small hand, this is a perfect guitar for you. Also, the Ibanez Paul electric guitar is one of the best small scale guitars that your son or daughter can practice with or take along to school for music lessons. The Neck is designed to enhance playability.
Another important point to note about this product is the price; it comes at a budget-friendly price. You don’t have to get your pocket drained in order to buy this product. The Ibanez Paul Electric guitar white is perfect for practice in a more comfortable setting.
You should consider the Ibanez Paul miKro Electric guitar if you need a musical instrument that is of high-quality. It comes with many notable features. Some of the features are poplar body that gives the guitar rigidity, two humbucking Pickups and a Maple Fretboard.
There are lots of other features to enjoy when you order this product. So, if you need a small scale guitar with a difference in terms of sound product, playability and appearance, you should consider the Ibanez Paul miKro Electric guitar.
11) Oscar Schmidt 6 String Double Cutaway ¾ Size Electric Guitar
Do you want a musical instrument that is easy to learn? You should consider getting the Oscar Schmidt Electric Guitar. The small scale guitar comes with numerous functionalities that make it stand out among similar musical instrument. It comes with a distinctive headstock, bridge and pickguard design that gives the instrument a fantastic appearance and identity.
In addition, the Oscar Schmidt electric is very affordable. Some of the notable features of this unique musical instrument are worthy of mention. The premium woods coupled with the quality hardware function to give the instrument an exceptional value.
One great advantage of this musical instrument is that it is ideal for players with smaller hands and little ones who are keen on learning the guitar. Apart from that, it is also perfect for beginners. Other notable features of this product are white pickguard, adjustable truss rod, 5-way pickup selector, and standard Tremolo Bridge.
If you are looking for a high-performing small scale guitar that will enable you to achieve your dream of becoming a professional guitar player, you should consider getting the Oscar Schmidt Small scale electric guitar.
12) Stagg S300 Electric Guitar
If you need a well built, nice-looking small-scale guitar, then you should consider the Stagg S300. The product is an excellent musical instrument designed to make you master guitar techniques with ease and achieve your goal of becoming a great guitar player. You will also like its packaging and the fact that it is always in good shape at the point of purchase.
The short scale guitar gives good tone with a nice action on the fretboard. Apart from its low cost, the instrument is straightforward to use, requiring no set up at all. So, if you are looking for a perfect small scale guitar for your son or daughter, the Stagg S300 is a great choice to make. This well-built guitar is not only ideal for kids, but it is also recommended for all level of players.
This guitar is perfect for guitarists at every level. Whether you are a learner or a professional guitarist, you are sure of outstanding performance with this small scale guitar. The body of the guitar is made with solid adder while it features a Bolton Maple neck.
Others notable features are rosewood fingerboard having twenty frets and a modern S style Tremolo Bridge. You don’t need to search further if you are searching for a ¾ guitar for your son or daughter to practice with. The Stagg S300 is a perfect small scale guitar for players with small hands as well as younger ones who want to learn the guitar without any hassle.
Choosing the Best Short Scale Electric Guitars
Choosing the best short scale guitar should no longer be confusing at this point, all you need to look for shape and size that matches your style of play.
Not only that, other features to look for are quality tonewood and excellent pickups.
2) Gibson USA Flying V HP 2017 Electric Guitar
- Premium quality
- Comfortable shape
- Extremely fast neck
- Simple upper-fret access
1) Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Electric Guitar
- Basswood Body
- Maple C Shape Neck with 21-Medium Jumbo Frets and rosewood fingerboard
- Duncan Designed single-coil pickups
3) Epiphone G-400 Pro Electric Guitar
- Produces versatile sound
- Adjustable sound
- Nice feel and convenience
- Lightweight and thin