In trying to choose a guitar, it’s possible to get lost in sizes and measurements. There are different sizes of guitars for different sizes of persons. As a rule, the smaller the frame and arm length of a person, the smaller the guitar size to get.
What then is the ¾ guitar?
The ¾ guitar is an average-sized guitar that’s built for younger people. It is also known as the 36 inches long guitar. This size is usually suitable for kids aged 8-12 years old.
The ¾ guitar is one of a few guitar sizes suitable for kids. But then, it’s not only kids that it’s designed for. Read on to get a complete overview of the ¾ guitar.
How Big Is a ¾ Guitar?
The ¾ guitar is accurately known as the 36 inches guitar since its total length is 36 inches. It is a medium-sized guitar designed for persons with smaller frames and hands.
Basically, it’s designed for kids.
Due to its medium size, the ¾ guitar is mostly sold to kids between 8 to 12 years. So, if you’re keen on getting your child a guitar, this is your best bet.
The ¾ guitar is a little larger than the ½ guitar, and both are sold for kids. However, the ½ guitar is more fitting for kids ages 5 to 8 years.
Thanks to its medium size, the ¾ guitar is perfect for most kids around 8 to 12. You won’t need to ruin your surprise by bringing your kid to the store for a quick measurement.
Can an Adult Play the ¾ Guitar?
Although the ¾ guitar is designed for children between 8 to 12 years, it’s not a good fit for adults. Adults who have smaller frames and fingers can also play the ¾ guitar.
Apart from adults with smaller frames and fingers, adults can play the ¾ guitar.
There’s a current trend where adults buy and play the ¾ guitar for its punchy tone.
So, if you’re only interested in having fun and playing something punchy as an adult, you can try the ¾ guitar. It’s pretty much like playing the ukulele.
Differences Between a ¾ Guitar and a Full-Size Guitar
Generally, the ¾ and full-size guitars have similar characteristics. The differences between a ¾ guitar and a full-size guitar reside in weight and measurement.
Measurement
A ¾ guitar, also known as the 36 inches guitar, has a total measurement of 36 by 13 inches. The full-size guitar takes things up a notch with a measurement of 40 by 15 inches.
Scale Length
The ¾ guitar has a total scale length of 20 to 23 inches. The scale length for the full-size guitar starts from 24 inches.
The scale length is calculated from the guitar’s nut to the bridge.
String Tension
Usually, the bigger the guitar size, the stronger the string tension. A full-size guitar naturally has a higher string tension than a ¾ guitar.
The strings on a full-size guitar easily stay in tune compared to the ¾ guitar.
Guitar Tone
Thanks to the string tension on a full-size guitar, it produces a more balanced tone than a ¾ guitar.
Basically, you can produce the tone of a ¾ guitar on a full-size guitar. But you can’t play the tone of a full-size guitar on a ¾ guitar.
Guitar Cost
You can buy a ¾ guitar for $100 or less. But full-size guitars have varying prices, which can easily reach over $1000.
String Set
Generally, both the ¾ and full-size guitars use similar string sets. However, manufacturers tend to provide specialized string sets for the ¾ guitar.
Conclusion
Are you planning to gift your child a guitar? A ¾ guitar is a perfect fit for children under 12 years. It’s a comfortable guitar that can help your child start playing the guitar.
But if you’re an adult looking for a punchy challenge, you can settle for a ¾ guitar. Let’s see how well your fingers can play across a small guitar neck.
