Wondering about your first guitar? How big is a full size guitar matters. Uncover the essentials for a comfortable playing experience. From travel guitars to dreadnoughts, we explore the right size for you. Whether it’s a hobby or for kids, a properly sized 40-inch dreadnought ensures easier playability. Delve into the inches defining a full-size guitar, crucial knowledge for both acoustic and electric enthusiasts
Table of Contents
How Big Is a Full Size Guitar?
Before we dive into the different sizes of guitars, let’s first discuss how to measure a guitar. Measuring your guitar is important to determine the correct size and scale length. To measure the total length of the guitar, lay it down on a flat surface with the strings facing up. Measure from the end of the body to the end of the headstock. This will give you the total length of the guitar.
To measure the scale length, which is the distance between the nut and the bridge, measure from the nut to the 12th fret and double that measurement. This will give you the scale length of the guitar.
The Different Guitar Sizes
Guitars come in many different shapes and sizes, ranging from small travel guitars to large concert guitars. The most common types of guitars are acoustic and electric guitars, with each having different size options. The size of the instrument is very important, especially if it is your first guitar. The small guitar is ideal for shorter people, while the longer guitar is usually preferred by taller people. Learning guitar might be uncomfortable if you choose the wrong size, because it impacts how a guitar feels in your hands.
Acoustic guitars come in several different sizes, including parlor guitar, concert guitar, dreadnought, and jumbo. Classical guitars also have their own size classification, with the most common being the full size classical guitar. Each guitar has a scale length unique to it.
Electric guitars come in various shapes and sizes, with popular options being the Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Les Paul. However, the most common electric guitar size is the full-size instrument. There might be another type of guitar on this list, but these are the basic ones. Sizes of electric guitar are also different, with the largest guitar usually being the Telecaster.
What is the Size of a Full Size Guitar?
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A full-size guitar is typically around 38 inches in length, with a scale length of around 25.5 inches. This is the standard guitar size and is suitable for most adults and teenagers. It’s important to note that even if the total length of the guitar is shorter than 38 inches, if it has a scale length of 25 inches or higher, it can still be considered a full-size guitar.
There are also different ways to measure a guitar, if you want to know the size of your guitar, for example if you are looking to buy a guitar for a child, and you want the guitar to be half of what yours is. You can look at how to measure the guitars of many different sizes on our website.
Is 24 Inch Guitar Full Size?
No, a 24 inch guitar is not considered a full-size guitar. It’s actually a half-size guitar and is a perfect guitar for children between the ages of 5 and 8. This guitar has different measurements, not only the guitar length, which is roughly around 25 inches, but other numbers too called the scale length of 19 inches.
Is a 30 Inch Guitar Full Size?
No, a 30 inch guitar is not a full-size guitar either. It’s actually a three-quarter size guitar, which is suitable for children between the ages of 8 and 11. Measuring the guitar like that is important so that the child is satisfied with the new guitar. A second guitar should be a little bigger, for them to play another guitar, when they grow up.
What Scale is a Full Size Guitar?
As mentioned earlier, a full-size guitar of standard size typically has a scale length of around 25.5 inches. However, some full-size guitars may have a slightly shorter or longer scale length and larger size, depending on the manufacturer.
Is It Harder to Play Guitar with Big Hands?
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Not necessarily. The size of your hands does impact how a guitar feels when you play it, but it doesn’t necessarily make it harder to play. It’s more important to choose the right guitar size based on your body size and the type of music you want to play. Classical acoustic guitars come in many different sizes too. You won’t need to worry about a guitar not fitting your hands, just choose the right guitar’s size.
Tips
When choosing a guitar, it’s important to consider the following tips:
– Determine the right guitar size based on your body size and the type of music you want to play.
– If you’re a beginner, start with a full-size guitar.
– Consider the scale length of the guitar and make sure it’s comfortable for you to play.
– If you have small hands, look for guitars with a narrower neck.
– Try out different guitars before making a purchase to find the right fit for you.
Warnings
Be aware of the following warnings when choosing a guitar:
– Don’t buy a guitar solely based on its appearance or price.
– Avoid buying a guitar that is too big or too small for your body size.
– Don’t buy a guitar that’s difficult for you to play, as it may discourage you from learning and progressing.
Choosing the right guitar size is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience. A full-size guitar is the most common and suitable option for most adults and teenagers. It’s important to measure the guitar from top to bottom and from nut to bridge to ensure you’re getting the right size and scale length. Remember to consider your body size and the type of music you want to play when choosing the right guitar. With the right size and fit, you’ll be well on your way to learning and mastering the guitar!
