How to Measure Guitars for Women

Choosing the right-sized guitar can make a tremendous difference for women.

Learning to play guitar is much easier if the instrument is the right size for the player. Guitars that are too large are a challenge to hold correctly, which makes the entire playing process difficult. Woman, being generally smaller than men, should try several different sizes of guitars before choosing one. Though there are woman who play full-sized dreadnought guitars, many find that being measured for proper fit enhances their ability as well as their enjoyment.

Things You'll Need

• Guitar picks
• Guitar strap

Instructions

1. Go to a guitar store with a large inventory and try several models and sizes.

2. Play each guitar while sitting down. Make sure that the guitar feels comfortable and, for right-handed players, that your left hand can reach the very end of the guitar's neck without having to stretch. Your right arm should be able to reach over the guitar and grip the bottom beneath the sound hole. If your arm must be straight to reach the bottom of the front, the guitar is too large.

3. Play the guitar while strumming with a pick to make sure that your right arm has enough room to strum and can easily reach all the strings.

4. Attach a strap and play the guitar while standing up. Make sure that your left arm can reach the very end of the guitar's neck and that your right arm can reach the bottom of the face of the guitar. If you need to stretch, try a smaller-sized guitar. Guitars come in full, 3/4, half and children's sizes. In addition, many manufacturers have their own designs that give their guitars a unique shape.

References

• Play Guitar Magazine: Too Big, Too Small, Just Right?
• Cape Cod Acoustics: Guitar Sizes