How to Play Guitar with Small Hands

Feeling like your hands are too small to play guitar can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to nail those complex metal riffs or lightning-fast solos. But here's the thing: having small hands doesn't mean you can't shred like the best of them. In fact, with a few tweaks to your technique and some handy tips, you can play just as fiercely as anyone else. Let’s take a closer look at how you can make the most of your smaller hands while playing the guitar.

Choosing the Right Guitar

First things first, the right guitar can make a world of difference. If you’re struggling with a standard-sized guitar, it might be worth looking into one with a smaller neck or scale length. Many brands offer models specifically designed for players with smaller hands. These guitars often have narrower necks and shorter scales, making it easier to reach across the fretboard and form chords.

• Short Scale Guitars: These guitars usually have a scale length of around 24 inches or less, compared to the typical 25.5 inches of a standard guitar. This shorter distance between frets can make it significantly easier for smaller hands to navigate.
• Thin Neck Profiles: Opt for guitars with a C or slim neck profile, which are generally easier for smaller hands to grip and play comfortably.
• Consider Electric Over Acoustic: Electric guitars tend to have thinner necks and lighter strings, which can be a boon for players with smaller hands.

Ultimately, the best guitar for you is one that feels comfortable in your hands. Don’t hesitate to try out several models at your local music store to find the perfect fit.

Adjusting Your Playing Technique

Once you’ve got the right guitar, it’s time to refine your technique. Players with smaller hands might need to make some adjustments to their playing style. Here are some techniques that can help:

• Proper Thumb Placement: Keep your thumb positioned at the back of the neck, roughly in the middle, so that your fingers can have a better reach across the fretboard. This classical position allows your fingers to stretch further.
• Use Your Fingers Wisely: Sometimes, the pinky can be a challenge. If it’s hard to reach, try using your ring finger instead. Over time, your pinky will gain strength and flexibility.
• Experiment with Finger Angles: Approach the strings at different angles to see what feels most comfortable. Instead of coming down on the strings at a straight angle, try angling your fingers slightly to improve reach.

Adapting your technique to suit your hand size can take practice, but it’s well worth the effort. You might even find that these adjustments make your playing more precise.

Stretching and Finger Exercises

Just like athletes warm up before a game, guitarists benefit from stretching and exercises to improve finger flexibility and strength. Here are a few exercises tailored for smaller hands:

• Spider Walk: Place your fingers on the fretboard with each finger on a consecutive fret. Move your fingers up and down the fretboard, keeping them as close to the strings as possible.
• Finger Stretches: Gently pull each finger back towards your wrist, holding for a few seconds to increase flexibility.
• Chromatic Scales: Play chromatic scales up and down the fretboard to increase finger independence and dexterity.

Consistent practice of these exercises can significantly improve your reach and strength over time, making it easier to tackle those difficult stretches and positions.

The Power of Positioning

How you position your guitar can greatly impact your playing comfort and ability. For small-handed players, here are some positioning tips that can help:

• Use a Guitar Strap: Whether sitting or standing, a strap can help you position the guitar at the right height, making the fretboard more accessible.
• Higher Neck Angle: Try angling the neck of the guitar upwards, similar to a classical guitar position. This can make reaching around the neck easier.
• Seat Position: When sitting, ensure your posture is straight and that the guitar is positioned comfortably on your lap, not too low or high.

Experimenting with these positioning tips can help you find the most comfortable and effective way to play, especially during longer practice sessions.

Smart Practice Techniques

Practice makes perfect—or at least pretty darn good. But how you practice can be just as important as how often you do it. Here are some practice strategies for small-handed guitarists:

• Focus on Precision: Slow down difficult passages and play them precisely. Speed comes with time and accuracy.
• Break it Down: Divide challenging pieces into smaller sections. Master each section before putting it all together.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you keep time and gradually increase your speed. Our custom metronome at Riffhard is perfect for this, especially for intricate metal rhythms.

By practicing smarter, not just harder, you’ll make more significant progress and feel less frustrated along the way.

Embracing Technology: Riffhard's Role

Playing guitar with small hands can be a challenge, but technology can offer some neat solutions. At Riffhard, we offer over 150 video lessons taught by world-renowned metal guitarists. Our interactive player lets you adjust lesson tempos, which is invaluable for learning at your own pace.

Consider using these resources to learn new techniques and gain insights from some of the best players in the business. The Shredule, our bi-weekly lesson plan, can guide you through a structured practice regimen, helping you grow as a guitarist, no matter the size of your hands.

Adapting to Metal Subgenres

Metal music often demands precision and speed, which can feel daunting if you have smaller hands. However, each subgenre offers different challenges and opportunities for adaptation:

• Thrash and Speed Metal: Focus on alternate picking and fast palm muting. These can be practiced slowly and built up over time to maintain clarity and speed.
• Djent and Progressive Metal: Emphasize rhythm and timing. Our lessons at Riffhard can help, as they focus heavily on rhythm guitar techniques.
• Black and Death Metal: Work on tremolo picking and power chord transitions. These styles require stamina, which can be developed with consistent practice.

By focusing on the specific techniques required for each subgenre, you can tailor your practice to overcome the challenges posed by smaller hands.

Staying Motivated

Let’s face it: playing guitar with small hands can feel like an uphill battle at times. Here’s how to stay motivated:

• Set Achievable Goals: Break down your long-term goals into smaller, more manageable milestones.
• Celebrate Progress: Keep track of your improvements and celebrate even the smallest victories. Remember, every bit of progress is a step forward.
• Join a Community: Engaging with other guitarists can provide support and inspiration. At Riffhard, we offer a community where you can connect with fellow metal enthusiasts and share your journey.

Maintaining motivation is key to success. With determination and the right mindset, you’ll overcome any hurdles and continue to improve.

Final Thoughts

Playing guitar with small hands is entirely possible with the right approach. From choosing the right equipment to refining your technique, there are plenty of ways to adapt and thrive. At Riffhard, we provide resources and support to help you conquer these challenges and unleash your potential. Remember, size isn’t a limitation—it’s just an invitation to get creative with your playing.