What if Your Hands are Small and Your Shoulders Hurt? Choosing the Right Acoustic Guitar Body Size by Body Type
Comparison of actual models of smaller bodies like Concert, Parlor, OM, and NEX versus Dreadnought
If your right shoulder lifts and your wrist bends when holding an acoustic guitar, it might be due to an unsuitable body size rather than a lack of practice. While Dreadnought guitars are attractive for their rich bass and volume, their larger waist and depth can be burdensome for smaller body types or those who practice sitting for long periods. Even with the same guitar, switching to different shapes like Concert, OM, or Parlor can significantly change the position of your arms and the balance of sound.
This list includes 8 actual models with varying body shapes, excluding the commonly recommended small guitars like GS Mini, Little Martin, and JR series. Instead of simply ranking them by size, I've structured it to showcase scale, nut width, body depth, volume, and intended use together.
Just because a guitar has a small body doesn't mean it's comfortable for your hands. The burden on your left hand is affected by the nut width, neck shape, and scale length, while the comfort of your right arm is more influenced by the body width, depth, and waist curve. Think about your usual playing posture and desired volume before making a choice.
Yamaha FS800
The Yamaha FS800 features a solid spruce top and is a smaller concert body compared to the FG800.
This model is perfect for those who find the depth of a Dreadnought burdensome but still want the balanced sound of a typical 25-inch scale.
Before purchasing, check the body dimension differences between FS and FG, and see if the 43mm nut width feels comfortable for your left hand. Note that the wood specifications or included components may vary by manufacturing date and sales region, so also check the actual sales page.
Fender CP-60S Parlor
The Fender CP-60S Parlor features a solid spruce top and a 24.75-inch scale in a parlor body design.
It's suitable for those who prefer clear mids for folk and blues genres while playing comfortably on a sofa or in a small space.
Before purchasing, ensure that the volume of this smaller body is sufficient for your needs compared to a Dreadnought, and check if the case is sold separately. The wood specifications or included components may vary by manufacturing date and sales region, so also check the actual sales page.
PRS SE P20
The PRS SE P20 is a small model featuring a Tonare parlor body, solid mahogany top, and a 24.72-inch scale.
This model is great for those who want warm mids and a compact feel while maintaining the sensation of an adult neck.
Before purchasing, confirm whether it's the non-electric P20 instead of the P20E with pickups, and check if the wide neck shape fits your hand. The wood specifications or included components may vary by manufacturing date and sales region, so also check the actual sales page.
Guild M-20
The Guild M-20 features a small M concert body with a solid mahogany top, back, and sides, and is produced in the USA.
This model is well-suited for players who prefer a deep, rich sound over portable beginner models and seek a long-term investment.
Before purchasing, keep in mind that it is on the pricier side; make sure to check the neck angle and finish quality, and confirm whether a dedicated case is included. The wood specifications or included components may vary by manufacturing date and sales region, so also check the actual sales page.
Taylor Academy 12
The Taylor Academy 12 uses a Grand Concert body and armrest design to minimize contact fatigue while sitting.
This model is perfect for those wanting the comfort of a small body while still having a typical range of playability for long practice sessions.
Before purchasing, differentiate it from the pickup-equipped Academy 12e, and check the 24⅞-inch scale and 42.8mm nut width. The wood specifications or included components may vary by manufacturing date and sales region, so also check the actual sales page.
Martin 000-15M
The Martin 000-15M is a traditional model with a 000 body and all-solid mahogany construction and a 25.4-inch scale.
This is ideal for those seeking a well-balanced medium body sound with mahogany tone, rather than just a small travel guitar.
Before purchasing, note that while it's more comfortable than a Dreadnought, it’s on the higher price point, so be sure to experience the actual body depth and 43mm nut width. The wood specifications or included components may vary by manufacturing date and sales region, so also check the actual sales page.
Guild OM-120
The Guild OM-120 is a model from the Westerly Collection with an OM body and solid mahogany top, back, and sides.
This is suitable for those who want a slim waist and balanced tone for both strumming and fingerpicking, as opposed to a Dreadnought.
Before purchasing, check if the tension of the longer 25.5-inch scale fits your hand, and ensure it's a larger body than the M-20. The wood specifications or included components may vary by manufacturing date and sales region, so also check the actual sales page.
Takamine GN20
The Takamine GN20 features a solid cedar top with mahogany back and sides, using the Takamine NEX body design.
This model is ideal for those who want to enjoy a mix of song accompaniment and light fingerstyle without the bulk of a Dreadnought.
Before purchasing, confirm whether it’s the non-electric model and check if the lower width and depth of the NEX body suit your posture. The wood specifications or included components may vary by manufacturing date and sales region, so also check the actual sales page.
Once you've chosen a body shape, compare actual dimensions rather than just names. Each brand may have different standards for Concert and Auditorium, meaning even with the same name, their depth and lower width might vary. A quick way to check is to sit down, place the guitar's waist on your thigh, and see if your shoulder relaxes naturally and your right arm is not cramped by the edge.
A shorter scale might feel a bit softer in string tension, but also changes the perception of volume and bass. Conversely, a medium-sized body like OM or NEX is a choice aiming for balance in tone and ensemble compatibility rather than portability. If you're into fingerstyle, be sure to check the nut width and string spacing as well.
If you're buying online, don't just look at the overall length; compare the body depth, lower width, scale, and nut width in a table. Choosing a children's model just because you need a small guitar may result in an excessively short neck and fret spacing, so make sure it's a reduced body designed for adults. If possible, try holding it in the same posture before payment, and check if you can easily grasp chords at the first fret and middle fret.
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