How Big is an Electric Guitar?

Electric guitar sizes are made for specific age brackets. If the person is 13 years or older, the full sized electric instrument will do. For individuals under 13, you can use the following as a guide. This size guide can be used for electric or classical guitars.

Guitar Dimensions Guide

For kids 4-6 years old 3’3″ to 3’9″ tall, 1/4 size will be sufficient. For those 5 to 8 years old 3’10” to 4’5″, the recommended size is 1/2. For those 8-11 years old, 4’6” to 4’11”, 3/4 size is ideal.

Keep in mind that there are junior electric guitars specially designed for 6 to 10 year old kids. The typical short scale bass guitar is more suited for 9 to 12 year old kids. Adults generally utilize the same guitar dimensions.

Scale Length

The electric guitar sizes are not enough to indicate if the instrument is fit for the person. The best way to determine this is by examining the scale length.

The scale is gauged from the guitar bridge to the nut. The scale measures the string parts vibrate when the string is plucked. Scale lengths vary, but the following can serve as a guide.

For the 4/4 full size, it is usually 24.75″ or 25.5″; for the 3/4 size it is 22.75″ and for 1/2 size, it is 20.5″. For the 1/4 size it is 19”.

Neck Width

The neck width can be found at the guitar nut. Awareness of the neck width makes it easy to assess the varying fretboard widths around. A wide fretboard makes fingering notes easy. But small hands may find it hard to get on the neck.

Those with small hands may opt for a C shaped neck. Other shapes include the V and U. The neck width however, only becomes a factor for the seasoned guitar players.

Other Information

If you are gong to buy a guitar, make sure to compare the different types in the market. The price is just about the same when compared to classical guitars. The only reason why the costs go up is you need to buy an amp. The costs will depend on the type of amp you get. Entry level devices will set you back about 30 USD.

Electric guitar sizes can be incredibly diverse. But it is easier to choose now because they are designed for age brackets. But size is just one factor to consider; the most important is the sound.