3/4 Guitar: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
You’re new to guitar and considering a 3/4-sized electric guitar, but you’re not sure where to start. Don’t worry—we’ve all been there. These smaller guitars can be a great choice for beginners or players with smaller hands, but picking the right one can still feel overwhelming. Check out this guide, explore the linked articles, and by the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of what 3/4 guitars are all about.
Chris Horton – ELECTRIKJAM Founder
What You’ll Learn Today
Learn How 3/4 Guitars Work
Learn About The Different Types of 3/4 Guitars
Learn How To Choose Your First 3/4 Guitar
What is A 3/4 Guitar?
A 3/4 electric guitar is essentially a scaled-down version of a standard electric guitar, roughly 75% of the size.
Don’t mistake the smaller size for a compromise in quality, though – these guitars can pack a serious punch.
Eddie Van Halen played one, so yeah… if they’re good enough for EVH, they’re good enough for mere mortals like you and I…
Despite their reduced dimensions, 3/4 guitars are designed to deliver sound and tonal qualities comparable to full-sized models.
They’re not just for young players or those with smaller hands either. The smaller scale creates a unique playing experience without sacrificing the richness or depth of your music.
3/4 electric guitars play a crucial role in the guitar world. They offer a practical solution for players who find full-sized guitars bulky and difficult to manage.
These guitars are not just starter instruments; even seasoned musicians appreciate them for their comfort and portability.
Many pros turn to 3/4 models because they offer ease of play without compromising sound quality.
Whether you’re looking for a travel companion, a guitar that fits your frame better, or just something different to add to your collection, 3/4 electric guitars deserve serious consideration.
Here’s everything you need to know about 3/4 guitars…
The Appeal of the Size: Compact Design, Big Impact
Size does matter when it comes to 3/4 electric guitars, but not in the way you might think. These smaller instruments bring a host of advantages that larger guitars can’t match.
Ergonomic Comfort
The smaller body and lighter weight of a 3/4 electric guitar make a noticeable difference during long playing sessions.
For instance, if you’ve ever spent hours jamming with a full-sized guitar, you know that the strain can start to creep in—especially on your shoulders, back, and arms.
With a 3/4 guitar, that fatigue is drastically reduced. The lighter weight means you’re not constantly adjusting your posture to manage the heft of the instrument.
You can stay relaxed and focus entirely on your playing, whether you’re standing up or sitting down.
This is particularly handy during extended practice sessions, gigs, or rehearsals. If you’ve got a smaller frame or you’re just tired of dealing with the bulk of a standard guitar, you’ll appreciate how much easier it is to hold and maneuver a 3/4 model.
You can move more freely, get into different playing positions without strain, and keep going for longer without feeling the burn in your shoulders and arms.
Easier Fret Access
The shorter neck and closer frets on a 3/4 electric guitar can be a game-changer, especially if you have smaller hands.
Full-sized guitars often require you to stretch your fingers across the fretboard, which can make complex chords and fast solos feel awkward or even frustrating.
With a 3/4 guitar, the shorter neck means less distance between frets, so you don’t have to reach as far to hit those tricky notes.
This makes it much easier to form complex chord shapes or navigate fast licks.
For instance, barre chords, which can be a struggle on a standard guitar, become more manageable because you can cover the frets with less effort.
Solos also become more accessible. You can glide across the fretboard with less hand movement, making it easier to maintain speed and precision.
Whether you’re working on intricate fingerpicking patterns, fast lead runs, or just trying to nail those tricky chord changes, the compact neck design gives you more control and comfort.
Enhanced Playability
For beginners, a 3/4 electric guitar’s smaller size can make all the difference in those crucial early stages of learning.
The compact body feels less daunting than a full-sized guitar, making it easier to pick up and get started.
When you’re just beginning, having a guitar that fits more comfortably in your hands and against your body can help you focus on learning the basics without struggling to manage the instrument itself.
The smaller neck and closer frets make forming chords simpler, which is often one of the biggest challenges for beginners.
You don’t have to stretch as far, and you can get a solid grip on the strings with less effort.
This can make the learning process smoother and more enjoyable, which can be a big boost to your confidence and motivation.
Because it’s easier to handle, you’ll likely find yourself practicing more frequently.
The less intimidating feel of a 3/4 guitar encourages you to keep playing, helping you progress faster. Instead of fighting with the guitar’s size, you can focus on mastering your technique and building your skills.
Great for Young Musicians
Kids and young players often struggle with the bulk and weight of full-sized guitars, which can make learning feel like a chore rather than fun.
A 3/4 electric guitar, with its smaller and lighter design, fits better in their hands and against their bodies, making the entire experience far more enjoyable and less frustrating.
The reduced size allows young players to hold the guitar comfortably, reach all the frets easily, and play longer without getting tired or discouraged.
This comfort level is crucial for keeping them engaged and excited about learning. Instead of battling with a guitar that’s too big, they can focus on the fun parts—like mastering new chords, experimenting with sounds, and feeling that sense of accomplishment as they improve.
By removing the physical barriers of a full-sized instrument, a 3/4 guitar creates a more positive learning environment, helping kids stay motivated and eager to keep playing.
Benefits of 3/4 Electric Guitars
The sound is where any guitar proves its worth, and 3/4 electric guitars deliver. These instruments hold their own when compared to full-sized guitars, offering rich tones and strong performance across various genres.
Tone Quality
Despite their size, 3/4 electric guitars can produce a full, rich tone.
Many models feature the same high-quality pickups and electronics as their larger counterparts, ensuring that you’re not losing anything in terms of sound.
Volume and Projection
Thanks to advancements in guitar design, these smaller guitars can still achieve impressive volume and sound projection, especially when plugged into an amp.
Versatility in Sound
With versatile pickup configurations, 3/4 guitars handle everything from clean tones to heavy distortion, making them suitable for rock, blues, jazz, and more.
3/4 Guitar Buying Guide: Things To Keep In Mind
When choosing a 3/4 electric guitar, knowing the styles and brands available can make a big difference. Here’s what the market has to offer:
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Popular 3/4 Guitar Brands
Fender Squier Mini Strat: A great option for beginners, offering that classic Stratocaster feel in a smaller package.
Ibanez GRGM21 Mikro: Known for its sleek design and tonal versatility, it’s perfect for a range of styles from rock to jazz.
Yamaha APXT2EW: This model brings acoustic-electric versatility into the 3/4 world, ideal for practice or performance.
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Making an Informed Decision
When you’re looking at 3/4 electric guitars, two key factors often come up: price and their suitability for beginners.
Here’s what you need to know:
Price Considerations: Generally, 3/4 electric guitars are more budget-friendly than full-sized models. You can find everything from entry-level options for beginners to higher-end models for more experienced players. This makes them an attractive choice if you’re watching your budget or just starting out.
Suitability for Beginners: The smaller size of 3/4 guitars is ideal for beginners. They’re less intimidating, easier to handle, and help build confidence, which can be crucial for sticking with the instrument.
Learning Curve: Beginners often find the learning curve with these guitars more manageable. Their ergonomic design allows for easier playability, keeping new players engaged and motivated.
The Traveling Musician’s Companion
The portability of 3/4 electric guitars makes them a great option for guitarists that travel a lot, whether with work or because you’re a retired millionaire
Easy to Carry
The compact size makes it a breeze to carry, whether you’re hopping between gigs or just heading to practice.
Less Space, More Music
These guitars take up less space, which is a huge bonus for musicians with limited room or those constantly on the go.
Fits Almost Anywhere Tutorials
They easily fit in smaller cases and are more likely to meet airline carry-on size requirements, making travel hassle-free.
You can check out The ELECTRIKJAM YouTube channel for playing tips and lots more
Essential Accessories
Accessories Every Beginner Needs
You’ve got your guitar, but that’s just the beginning. Here’s some essential gear to get you started
Amplifier
You need something to make your electric guitar, well, electric! Start with a small practice amp.
Tuner
Trust me, you want one of these. Clip-on tuners are cheap and super handy.
Picks
Get a variety pack to find what thickness you prefer.
Strap
Unless you plan on always playing sitting down, you’ll need one of these.
Cable
You need this to connect your guitar to your amp. Get a decent one; it makes a difference.
Gig Bag or Case
Protect your investment from bumps and scratches (and changes in the weather)
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Helpful Podcast Episodes
We cover A LOT of stuff on The ELECTRIKJAM Podcast. But the curated episodes below are ones all beginner players should check out – and make sure you subscribe too!
Episode 4
·
Jan 19th
·56 Min
Are Amazon Guitars Good? No – Here’s Why…
We take a look at these super-affordable guitars found on Amazon, and give you a different perspective than the influencers. We have had hands-on experience, and you might be surprised with our findings. We can save you some $$$…and potential headaches.
Episode 11
·
March 8th
·
42 Min
We Now Live In The Golden Age of Guitar
Today we take a look at how guitar products, and even guitars themselves, have never been more affordable. The same can be said for recording equipment, and all of the DAW plugins on the market. Everything is much easier now, right?
Episode 18
·
May 4th
·
44 Min
The Fruitless Pursuit For The Perfect Guitar
There is no perfect guitar that will change your playing or your style. A nice guitar may make you want to practice more, but will it change your guitar style? Tools do not make you a better artist.