How to Play a Guitar That’s Too Big

Playing a guitar that’s too big for you can feel like trying to run in shoes that are a size too large—awkward and a bit clumsy. But with a few adjustments and some perseverance, you can still create music that’s as powerful as a thunderstorm. This article is all about helping you find your groove on a guitar that might seem overwhelming at first glance. We’ll walk through practical tips and tricks to make that oversized axe feel like an extension of yourself.

Understanding the Challenges

First, let’s talk about why playing a large guitar can be tricky. A bigger guitar often means a longer neck, wider fretboard, and a bulkier body. This can make reaching certain notes or chords a bit of a stretch—literally. If you’ve ever tried to wrap your hand around a hefty neck or struggled to press down on strings without buzzing, you know what I mean.

Then there’s the weight. A heavier guitar can tire you out quickly, especially if you’re used to something lighter. It might also affect your posture, leading to discomfort or even pain if not addressed. The key is to adapt your playing style to accommodate these physical differences.

Picking the Right Strap

One of the first things you can do to manage a large guitar is to invest in a good strap. A wider strap distributes the weight more evenly across your shoulder, reducing strain. Look for one with padding for added comfort. Adjust the strap so the guitar sits at a height that feels natural when standing. Ideally, your wrist should be relatively straight when you’re playing chords or riffs. If the guitar is too low, you’ll have to bend your wrist more, which can lead to tension and fatigue.

Strap length can be a personal preference, but starting with the guitar body roughly at waist height is a good baseline. From there, fine-tune it until it feels just right for you.

Adjusting Your Playing Position

When sitting down, try different seating positions to see what feels best. You might find that using a footrest helps balance the guitar better on your leg. This can give you more control over the instrument and make it easier to reach the higher frets.

Experiment with the angle of the guitar. Tilting the neck upward slightly can bring the fretboard closer to you, making it easier to navigate. It’s similar to how classical guitarists hold their instruments, which can be a comfortable position for players dealing with larger guitars.

Fretting Hand Techniques

Reaching across a wide neck can be daunting. Try repositioning your thumb on the back of the neck. Keeping it closer to the center rather than the edge can give your fingers more freedom to stretch across the fretboard.

Practice scales and exercises that focus on stretching your fingers. Over time, this will increase your reach and make playing those wide stretches feel more natural. Remember to take it slow—forcing your hand into uncomfortable positions can lead to strain or injury.

Right Hand Adjustments

Your picking hand might need some adjustments too. If the body of the guitar is large, you may have to alter your arm’s position. Try resting your forearm on the top edge of the guitar body to stabilize your hand. This can help you maintain precision while picking or strumming.

Work on developing a relaxed picking technique. Tension can build up quickly if you’re not used to the extra effort required to play a larger instrument. Focus on keeping your shoulder, arm, and wrist loose to prevent fatigue.

Using a Capo

A capo can be your best friend when dealing with a guitar that feels too big. By placing it on different frets, you effectively shorten the neck, making it easier to reach notes and chords. This can be particularly helpful for beginners or players with smaller hands.

Experiment with different capo positions to see how they affect the tone and playability. You’ll find that some songs sound surprisingly fresh and new when transposed this way.

Customizing the Guitar

If you’re serious about making the guitar fit you better, consider having it customized. A professional setup can make a world of difference. This might include adjusting the action (the height of the strings above the fretboard), which can make it easier to press down on the strings.

Consider changing to lighter gauge strings if the current set feels too tight. Lighter strings require less force to press down, making them easier to play. Just keep in mind that this might alter the tone slightly.

Building Strength and Endurance

Playing a larger guitar might require more physical effort initially, but with practice, you’ll build the necessary strength and endurance. Regular playing and exercises targeting your hand and arm muscles will help.

Warm up before practice sessions with stretches and finger exercises. This not only prepares your muscles but also reduces the risk of injury. As your strength builds, the guitar will start to feel more manageable.

Learning from the Pros

Watching how professional guitarists handle their instruments can be inspiring. Each has their own unique approach to overcoming physical challenges. At Riffhard, we’ve got lessons from top metal guitarists who share their techniques and tips. Seeing how they maneuver their guitars can spark ideas for your own playing.

Whether it’s adjusting your posture or trying out new techniques, learning from the pros can give you the insight you need to make playing a large guitar not just feasible, but fun.

Final Thoughts

Playing a guitar that’s too big might seem challenging at first, but with the right techniques and a bit of practice, it can become second nature. Remember, every guitarist faces unique challenges, and overcoming them is part of the journey. At Riffhard, we’re here to support you with lessons and tips from world-class metal guitarists, helping you turn those challenges into strengths.