Are you eager to start playing the guitar but feel overwhelmed by the size options? Choosing your first guitar, especially as a beginner, can be a big decision. One of the primary choices you’ll face is whether to go for a 3/4 guitar or a full-size guitar. You might have noticed guitars come in various sizes, and understanding the differences is key to a comfortable and successful learning experience.
In this guide, we’ll thoroughly explore the distinctions between 3/4 guitars and full-size guitars. Our goal is to help you determine which type will best fit your playing style, physical needs, and musical aspirations.
Whether you’re a complete novice or have some musical background, finding a guitar that feels right is crucial for your development as a guitarist. So, let’s get ready to delve into the world of 3/4 guitars versus full-size guitars and find the perfect match for you!
Understanding the Difference: 3/4 vs. Full-Size Guitars
The differences between a 3/4 guitar and a full-size guitar are significant and cater to different players and needs. Size is the most obvious distinction. A typical 3/4 guitar measures around 36 inches in length and 13 inches in width, while a full-size guitar is approximately 40 inches long and 15 inches wide. Beyond overall dimensions, scale length is another critical factor. Full-size guitars generally have a scale length exceeding 24 inches, whereas 3/4 guitars have a shorter scale length, typically ranging from 20 to 24 inches.
One key consequence of these size differences is string tension. Full-size guitars have higher string tension, which contributes to tuning stability and a louder sound. In contrast, a 3/4 guitar, with its shorter scale length, has less string tension. This can make it easier to fret notes, especially for beginners, but it might also mean the guitar requires more frequent tuning adjustments.
Price is another factor to consider. Full-size guitars can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on brand, materials, and craftsmanship. 3/4 guitars are generally more affordable, with some available for under a hundred dollars. However, it’s important to remember that price doesn’t always dictate quality, and there are excellent 3/4 guitars available at various price points.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is the sound. Full-size guitars are known for producing a richer, fuller, and louder tone due to their larger body and longer scale length. A 3/4 guitar, while still capable of producing pleasing sounds, may not have the same depth and resonance as its full-size counterpart. However, for many playing situations, especially for beginners and practice, the sound of a 3/4 guitar is more than adequate.
To summarize, what exactly differentiates a full-size guitar from the best 3/4 acoustic guitars and electric guitars? Let’s explore some of the top 3/4 acoustic guitars that offer excellent value and performance.
Top 3/4 Acoustic Guitars on the Market
Zager 3/4 Acoustic Travel Guitar
Zager Guitar
Are you seeking a smaller guitar that’s ideal for travel or players with smaller frames? The Zager 3/4 Travel Series is an excellent option. Despite their smaller size, these guitars are designed to deliver impressive sound. Crafted with the same high-quality woods and professional-grade hardware as Zager’s full-sized guitars, these instruments are built to improve in tone and resonance over time.
Master luthier Denny Zager, with over 60 years of experience in playing, performing, and teaching guitar, brings unique expertise to crafting guitars that meet the demands of serious musicians. The Zager 3/4 Travel Series incorporates essential elements for a great guitar, including solid wood construction, a comfortable custom neck profile, and optimized string spacing for faster and more accurate playing.
Furthermore, a unique bracing system combined with a hand-carved bone nut and saddle contributes to a richer, deeper sound than you might expect from a smaller guitar.
Don’t just take our word for it; magazine reviews and customer testimonials consistently praise the Zager 3/4 Travel Series for its exceptional value, often outperforming guitars from leading brands at twice the price. And with a 100% money-back guarantee, including all shipping costs, you can try one risk-free. Why settle for a generic, mass-produced guitar when you can own a custom, handmade Zager for under $700?
US $795
Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany 3/4 Acoustic Guitar
Taylor Guitars GS Mini With Mahogany Top | Long & McQuade
Alt text: Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany 3/4 acoustic guitar with a natural finish, showcasing its compact size and mahogany top.
Prepare to be captivated by the Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany, a guitar that successfully packs the renowned Taylor tone into a smaller, more manageable size. It’s an outstanding choice for beginners embarking on their musical journey or experienced players seeking a high-quality, portable instrument.
Despite its smaller dimensions, this acoustic guitar maintains the same string spacing as full-sized Taylors, ensuring that even seasoned Taylor players will feel instantly comfortable. The ebony fretboard is exceptionally smooth and features a unique wood grain, adding to the guitar’s premium feel.
What truly distinguishes this guitar is its rich, warm tone. The mahogany top delivers surprising depth and resonance for such a compact instrument. And when you’re ready to amplify your sound, the built-in electronics allow you to shape your tone with treble and bass controls.
Looking closer, it features Sapele laminate back and sides, a Sapele neck, a 23½” (622mm) scale length, and 20 frets. It’s also equipped with die-cast chrome tuners that are as reliable as they are visually appealing. Notably, the Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany is also available in a left-handed version.
Ready to add the Taylor GS Mini-e Mahogany to your collection? Its natural finish is sure to impress and inspire envy among fellow guitarists.
US $799
Yamaha JR1 FG 3/4 Acoustic Guitar
Are you excited to begin your guitar journey but need a budget-friendly option? The Yamaha JR1 FG is an excellent solution! This model is perfect for beginners or anyone seeking an affordable guitar without compromising on quality and playability.
Featuring a slim neck and short scale, the JR1 FG is remarkably easy to play, even for younger musicians. The rosewood fretboard provides a smooth surface, facilitating effortless chord changes.
While it might lack some of the deep bass response of larger guitars, this 3/4 guitar still delivers a strong performance in the mid and upper ranges. It projects sound effectively, making it suitable for practice and casual playing. Plus, it often comes with essential accessories to get you started immediately.
This 3/4 size guitar boasts a solid Sitka spruce top and high-pressure laminate back and sides, offering both durability and a quality sound. The chrome-enclosed gear tuners ensure your strings stay in tune. For left-handed players, the JR1 FG is also available in a left-handed configuration.
Ready to start playing with the Yamaha JR1 FG? Don’t let budget constraints hold you back from pursuing your musical passions!
US $200
Gretsch G9520E ‘Gin Rickey’ 3/4 Acoustic Guitar
Gretsch Guitars G9520E Gin Rickey Acoustic/Electric With Soundhole Pickup, Walnut Fingerboard – Smokestack Black | Long & McQuade
Alt text: Smokestack Black Gretsch G9520E Gin Rickey 3/4 size acoustic-electric guitar, highlighting its vintage style and soundhole pickup.
If you’re looking for a guitar that’s as stylish as it is functional, the Gretsch G9520E Gin Rickey deserves your attention. With its distinctive vintage aesthetic and unique Gretsch Deltoluxe soundhole pickup, it has developed a dedicated following among guitarists of all skill levels.
Its unplugged tone is surprisingly impressive for its price range. The Gin Rickey offers a robust low-end response and clear note definition across the walnut fretboard, making open chords sound particularly rich and resonant.
When plugged in, this guitar truly shines. The Gretsch Deltoluxe pickup delivers a tone reminiscent of an electric guitar, making it perfect for blues and slide guitar styles. Despite its affordable price, the Gin Rickey is a serious instrument with character and versatility.
If you desire a guitar that is as unique as your musical personality and delivers exceptional tone and playability, the Gretsch G9520E Gin Rickey is an excellent choice.
US $389
Cordoba Cadete 3/4 Classical Acoustic Guitar
Cadete (3/4) – Cordoba Guitars
Alt text: Cordoba Cadete 3/4 classical guitar with nylon strings and a cedar top, showcasing its traditional design and smaller body size.
Next on our list is the Cordoba Cadete 3/4 Classical guitar, an outstanding option for those interested in exploring classical guitar. Equipped with soft nylon strings, it allows beginners to play for extended periods without finger fatigue, while more experienced players will appreciate its refined features.
The mahogany neck is designed for comfort, encouraging hours of practice. It’s particularly well-suited for fingerstyle playing, and the flat-radius rosewood fretboard invites exploration of classical guitar techniques. However, this guitar is versatile enough to handle various musical genres.
The solid cedar top is a notable feature at this price point, providing exceptional sound quality that rivals full-size classical guitars. It resonates beautifully, offering a natural and pleasing tone for any playing style. Get ready to impress with the Cordoba Cadete and its rich classical sound!
US $389
But how do these 3/4 guitars compare to full-size guitars? Let’s delve into full-sized acoustic guitars to understand the differences.
Full-Sized Acoustic Guitars: A Brief Overview
It’s an exciting time to be in the market for an acoustic guitar. The current market offers a vast array of instruments, with manufacturers constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of guitar design and sound.
However, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, leading to what’s often called “option paralysis.” But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the choices and find the right guitar for you.
Zager 900CE Acoustic Guitar
Zager Guitars
Are you ready for a top-tier acoustic guitar experience? The Zager Pro Series 900CE acoustic guitar is a premium instrument designed for discerning players. When you’re considering investing a significant amount in an acoustic guitar, you expect exceptional quality, sound, and playability. The 900CE delivers on all fronts.
This guitar features a unique bracing system that allows the soundboard to move more freely, resulting in enhanced projection and power. Playing a string, you can feel the resonance throughout the guitar’s body. This level of responsiveness is rare, especially in new guitars. The 900CE provides this powerful resonance at a price point significantly lower than many comparable high-end guitars.
Furthermore, Zager Pro Series guitars undergo an extended aging process and are finished with a thinner coating to enhance sound depth and clarity. Each piece of abalone and pearl inlay is meticulously applied by hand, making each guitar a work of art.
Equipped with Fishman’s Aura Digital Sound Imaging System, you can access thousands of sound images from their online library, allowing you to dial in the perfect amplified tone for your guitar. It’s like having a professional recording studio at your fingertips.
The 900CE consistently ranks in the top 5% of acoustic guitars worldwide and receives high praise from touring artists and experienced musicians. Backed by a lifetime warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee (including shipping fees), you can be confident in your investment.
Consider the Zager Pro Series 900CE acoustic guitar if you are seeking a professional-grade instrument that combines exceptional sound, playability, and craftsmanship.
US $2395
Yamaha FG800 Acoustic Guitar
Yamaha FG800 review | Guitar World
Alt text: Yamaha FG800 full-size acoustic guitar in natural finish, known for its solid Sitka spruce top and value for beginners.
Get ready to play with the Yamaha FG800, a top-rated beginner acoustic guitar that offers incredible value. With its solid Sitka spruce top, it delivers sound quality that surpasses many guitars in its price range.
Beyond its sound, the FG800 features a maple fretboard and a sleek, appealing design. It’s both affordable and visually attractive, making it an excellent choice for new players.
Sitka spruce is renowned for its excellent tonal properties, providing clear highs, strong lows, and emphasis on lower chords, making it versatile for various musical styles. The Yamaha FG800 is built to last and grow with you as your skills develop, making it a smart investment for beginners.
US $229
Seagull S6 Original Acoustic
Seagull S6 Original Concert Hall Acoustic Guitar – Bandland
Alt text: Seagull S6 Original full-size acoustic guitar, highlighting its unique headstock and combination of cedar top and cherry back and sides.
Looking for a quality full-size acoustic guitar without a hefty price tag? The Seagull S6 Original is an excellent option. While it doesn’t include a preamp like the QI version, this model is a fantastic value for those who prefer playing acoustically.
The S6 Original stands out due to its unique tonewood combination: a solid cedar top with cherry back and sides. This pairing produces a bright, crisp tone that is especially well-suited for fingerpicking. However, it’s versatile enough to handle a wide range of playing styles and musical genres.
As a highly recommended intermediate acoustic guitar, the Seagull S6 has been a favorite for many years.
US $799
Martin LXK2 Little Martin 3/4 Acoustic Guitars
The LXK2 Little Martin is designed as a travel-friendly 3/4 acoustic guitar, well-suited for players with smaller hands, beginners, and musicians on the go. Despite not featuring any solid wood, the spruce bracing and Martin’s patented neck mortise construction provide surprising robustness and sound quality.
The guitar’s top is made from a high-pressure laminate (HPL) material, which may not be ideal for purists, but it still produces a commendable tone. Martin guitars are known for their functional design and excellent sound, and the LXK2 Little Martin is no exception.
While a different top material might be preferred by some, the LXK2 is worth considering if you need a durable travel guitar or a starter acoustic for a younger player. It includes a padded gig bag, enhancing its portability.
$399
Takamine GN93CE Acoustic Guitar
Takamine GN93CE Acoustic Guitar Review | by Guitar Chalk Magazine | Medium
Alt text: Takamine GN93CE acoustic-electric guitar with a cutaway body, showcasing its solid spruce top and quilted maple back.
If you need an acoustic guitar that’s ready for the stage, the Takamine GN93CE is an excellent acoustic-electric option. Featuring a solid spruce top, rosewood sides, and a distinctive three-piece quilted maple back, this guitar has a unique tonal profile with strong mids and clear trebles. It’s equipped with a TK-40D preamp that includes a tuner, three-band EQ, and a gain knob for versatile sound shaping.
The hybrid dreadnought/concert body style offers versatility in playing styles. Whether you perform live or simply want a guitar with built-in electronics, the GN93CE is a strong contender. It particularly excels in melodic playing and live performance settings due to its preamp capabilities.
Hopefully, this clarifies the differences between full-size and 3/4 guitars and provides helpful options in both categories.
US $799
Choosing Between 3/4 Classical Nylon, Acoustic Steel String, or Electric Guitar
With numerous 3/4 size guitars available, deciding on the right type can be challenging. The first key decision is whether to choose a classical guitar with nylon strings, an acoustic guitar with steel strings, or an electric guitar in a 3/4 size.
For young beginners, a classical guitar with nylon strings is often recommended. Nylon strings are softer on the fingertips, making it easier to press down and play comfortably, especially for beginners still developing calluses.
However, for older children or teenagers who are motivated by playing popular music genres, a steel-string acoustic or electric guitar may be more appealing. With stronger hand muscles, they can typically handle the higher string tension of steel strings and appreciate the louder, brighter sound of a steel-string acoustic guitar, commonly used in pop and rock music. Electric guitars in 3/4 sizes also offer a smaller body and thinner strings than steel-string acoustics, which can be a good intermediate step.
About Zager Guitars
Zager Guitars is a family-owned, third-generation guitar company based in Lincoln, Nebraska, with a history dating back to 1902. Zager Guitars is recognized within the top 5% of all guitar brands and has been featured in prominent publications such as Time Magazine, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, and major news networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and FOX. Zager also contributes significantly to music education, donating over $1 million in guitars to children and public schools nationwide, more than any other acoustic guitar manufacturer.
The exceptional playability of Zager guitars is achieved through a “precision build” process that utilizes computer-controlled milling, laser-guided cutting, and robotic sanding and finishing. Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars employs similar automated techniques for their most expensive models, emphasizing that computer-precision manufacturing can surpass hand-built accuracy.
Zager differentiates itself by locating its advanced manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, where the cost of wood and materials for guitar construction is significantly lower. This strategic decision allows Zager to offer high-quality guitars built with cutting-edge technology at prices comparable to guitars costing two to three times as much from other brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a 3/4 Guitar For?
A 3/4 guitar is often ideal for children between the ages of six and ten. Its smaller size, approximately three-quarters the size of a standard guitar, makes it physically easier for younger players to hold and play. This size also enhances playability for those with smaller hands, allowing for a more comfortable grip and easier string access. Choosing the correct guitar size is crucial for a positive learning experience.
Is a 3/4 Size Guitar For Adults?
Yes, 3/4 size guitars are not exclusively for children. Adults, particularly those with smaller frames or hands, may find 3/4 guitars more ergonomically comfortable. The reduced size and scale length can make playing less physically demanding, especially for extended periods.
Do Any Professionals Play 3/4 Guitar?
Yes, many professional guitarists use 3/4 guitars. A well-known example is Ed Sheeran, who frequently plays 3/4 guitars. The size can be advantageous for certain playing styles and can sometimes produce a tone that is preferred for specific songs or musical arrangements.
Is It Okay to Use a 3/4 Guitar?
Absolutely! While 3/4 guitars are often recommended for children aged 8-12, they are suitable for anyone. Adults, including experienced players, may choose to play 3/4 guitars for their portability, comfort, and unique tonal characteristics. They are a legitimate and versatile instrument choice.
