One of the most important aspects of growing as a musician is feeling at ease with the instrument you’re playing. During your buying trip, you’ll note that one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is between a 3/4 size guitar vs full-size guitar.
Many guitar learners had to choose between 3/4-string guitars and full-size guitars since both are beneficial at different phases.
Before deciding on the best size for you, there are several factors to consider. This 3/4 size guitar vs full-size guitar comparison examines the differences between the two guitar models to help you decide which is the better bet for you.
3/4 Size Guitar Vs. Full-Size Guitar: Differences
Below is what distinguishes a 3/4 size guitar from a full-size guitar.
1. Size
Full-size guitars measure 39 x 15 inches on average, while 3/4-size guitars measure 36 x 13 inches. A full-size guitar’s scale length is around 25 inches, while a 3/4 guitar’s scale length falls between 20 and 24 inches.
2. Sound
The size of a guitar, especially an acoustic guitar, significantly influences how it sounds.
The bottom end of 3/4-size acoustic guitars is less pronounced, the middle is punchier, and the high-end glitter is spectacular. They’re also a tad quieter than their larger counterparts, making them ideal for cutting through a mix in a live band or a studio.
Full-size acoustic guitars feature a deeper bass, higher volume, and a vast dynamic range. Thanks to its wide frequency range, it will be a go-to instrument if you’re a solo artist.
Moreover, a full-size guitar generates a rich, distinctive tone, but 3/4 guitars cannot sometimes match that sound due to the loose strings. Unskilled players could unintentionally bend strings hence altering the sound of a power chord.
Even though 3/4 guitars are not taxing on the fingertips, you may need to tune them once every hour.
Additionally, the size of a solid body electric guitar has little bearing on the sound. Even though you’ll frown at a loss in low-end resonance, electric guitars are significantly less extreme in terms of tone than acoustic ones.
3. Feel
3/4 size guitars sport a shorter scale length (the distance between the bridge and the nut) than full-size ones. The scale length determines the length of the guitar and offers a workable range of the strings.
4. The Appropriate User
Taking a player’s age into account is a quick way to figure out what guitar size is appropriate for them. Youngsters aged 8 to 12 should choose the 3/4 guitars, while full-size guitars will suit adults.
Moreover, a 3/4 guitar is appropriate for guitarists standing between 4’6″, and 4’11”, whereas the full-sized guitar is suitable for those above 5′ height.
If you’re short but with long arms, a full-size guitar would be the best fit for you, but if you’re tall with short arms, a 3/4 guitar will suffice.
5. Level Of Expertise
You’ve probably heard some people recommend 3/4 guitars to new guitarists. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are easier to play than their full-size counterparts.
Beginners are usually adolescents or younger. Therefore, it’s sensible for them to begin with a smaller, easier-to-manage instrument.
If the guitar looks to be a decent fit for you and you feel at ease playing it, it is most likely the correct size for you.
6. Portability
Carrying a guitar from one location to another can be an arduous task, especially when boarding a flight. That explains why in a choice between 3/4 size guitar vs. full-size Guitar, many traveling and touring artists choose the 3/4 guitars.
They take up far less room, making them simple to store when not in use.
These instruments are frequently a little lighter. As a result, these guitars are simpler to hold, whether walking or playing.
Is It Easier to Play ¾ Guitars?
Guitars with shorter scale lengths have reduced string tension, facilitating string bending and making it easy to push down the strings.
Additionally, 3/4 size guitars have smaller frets and reduced nut width, resulting in closer string spacing. It makes gripping chords a bit simpler for people with tiny hands.
These features make 3/4 guitars a joy to play, especially for people with tiny hands or learning to play.
Is A ¾ Guitar Good For Beginners?
I strongly advise newbies aspiring to master playing the guitar to start with a 3/4 size one. They’re perfect for beginners, thanks to their size and string tension, and they’re also great for grownups who want to learn to play the guitar.
Furthermore, 3/4 guitars are less costly than their full-size counterparts, thus making them a more secure investment for beginners. They’re also small and portable, so you can carry them everywhere to perform or practice.
Should I Get A Full Size Or 3/4 Guitar?
It all boils down to your money, your degree of skill, and the type of music you want to play.
If you’re a beginner searching for a low-cost, comfortable, and enjoyable guitar to train on, I recommend a 34 guitar. However, I believe that if you are a pro who owns full-sized acoustics, you stand to gain from the tones that a smaller-bodied acoustic may provide.
If you are a solo performer or a songwriter, a full-sized guitar will meet your musical needs thanks to its deeper and more resonant sound. Furthermore, full-size guitars don’t disappoint when it comes to the arena of electric guitars.
FAQs
1. Are 3/4 Guitars For Adults?
Although 3/4-sized guitars target children between 8 to 12 years, they are also appropriate for adults. Adult guitarists and experienced ones are increasingly choosing to play 3/4 size guitars due to their punchy sound and smaller size.
2. How Many Frets Does A 3/4 Acoustic Guitar Have?
It largely depends on the model and the manufacturer.
Some 3/4 guitars, such as the BT2 Taylor Guitar (View on Amazon), feature 19 frets, while the Taylor Guitar comes with 20 frets and has a larger body.
3. Do 3/4 Guitars Need Different Strings?
Both 3/4 and full-size guitars feature similar strings. Sadly, these inexpensive child instruments aren’t the best, meaning you may have to force your child to cope with them until he’s old enough to play yours.
In the meantime, normal acoustic strings should suffice.
4. What’s a 3/4 Size Guitar?
3/4 size guitars, aka 36-inch guitars, are designed for students aged 8 to 11. The most popular student guitars for youngsters and youth are the 3/4 and 1/2 size guitars.
5. Can You Put Full-Size Strings On A 3/4 Guitar?
Yes, you can employ full-size strings on a 3/4 sized guitar. However, expect the string tension to be lower than a conventional scale length guitar.
There are benefits and drawbacks to doing so.
6. How Much Smaller Is A 3/4 Guitar?
3/4 guitars have a scale length of approximately 23′′ (58.4 cm) and an average length of around 36′′ (91.4 cm).
7. Is A 3/4 Guitar Standard Tuning?
If 3/4 size guitars employ the right strings, they will work nicely in standard tunes.
8. Are 3/4 Guitars Easier?
Children frequently use 3/4-sized guitars since they are significantly easier to play with than full-size ones. The compact design allows kids to reach the fretboard safely by reaching over the body.
3/4 Size Guitar Vs. Full-Size Guitar: Final Thoughts
There isn’t a simple answer to which size guitar is preferable. It’s more about figuring out whatever instrument is ideal for you.
Consider your stature and size, how you want to play, and other comparable factors while picking your model. It will help you narrow down your options and make the best decision between a 3/4 and a full-sized guitar.
