5 Best Short Scale Electric Guitars that Pack a Strong Punch
There are plenty of reasons to buy a short scale electric guitar. They are easier to carry around, they’re perfect for players with smaller hands, and they make it much easier to grip those strange, finger-twisting jazz chords that require a lot of stretching.
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Although they do come in a small package, short scale electric guitars don’t sacrifice performance. Just like regular guitars, they too come in all kinds of shapes and pickup variations, so you can go for different types of sounds that suit your playing style.
To help you make your choice, I’ve selected some of the best models on the market right now, all of which can provide you with their own specific tone.
7 Capable Short Scale Electric Guitars
They may look petite and weak, but some of these guitars can go toe-to-toe with some of the famous regular-sized guitars. Check out my selection of the best short scale electric guitars below.
Though its name might be long and complicated, the Ibanez GRGM21BKN is only 22 inches long, which makes it the shortest guitar on this list.
But don’t be fooled by its size – this little axe sports two powerful humbuckers which produce beefy, loud sound. Paired with a good amp, this guitar can give you the bite and roar of a full-sized Ibanez.
It’s perfect for metal lovers, as the combination of extended 24 frets and a great humbucker duo allows you to shred those melodic solos with ease. It delivers punchy mids and bright and clear highs, providing you with a sharp sound that will cut through any mix.
Its design doesn’t lack elegance, as you can tell by just one look that it’s a classic Ibanez – the pointy head and signature body construction are dead giveaways.
It is, however, an entry-level guitar, so don’t expect a performance that will blow your mind.
If you’re looking for an entry-level product, you can always count on Squier to provide you with an affordable product that still delivers decent performance.
Known for producing some solid budget-friendly versions of Fender products, Squier products range from beginner to professional, while some of their high-end instruments can give some Fenders a run for their money.
The Mini Strat falls into the beginner category, with a light ¾ body that is perfect for all players with smaller hands and easy to carry around. If you’re shopping for a young one just starting to practice electric guitar, the size and weight alone should make this one a no-brainer.
When it comes to the sound, it’s nothing to get super excited about, although it does come close to the Fender Stratocaster with its three single coils, maple neck, and 6-saddle hardtail bridge that gives you solid intonation. It may not be as colorful and sharp as an original Fender, but it still packs a similar attack.
A whole three inches shorter than most electric guitars, the Fender Mustang 90 allows for extra playability and makes it very easy to grip difficult chords, bend strings, and run up and down scales.
It features the original Mustang MP-90 pickups that give it the signature punchy lows and snarly midrange we’ve come to expect from a Mustang.
The maple neck and fingerboard add to its overall playability, making it very comfortable and easy to move up and down the neck. The great thing about this guitar is that, even though it’s shorter than a regular-sized guitar, its fretboard radius is still a standard 9.5, so you won’t have any trouble with your fretting hand.
If you’re a fan of the fuzzy grunge sound or the funky, crunchy tone of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante, this guitar could be a great choice for you.
So, now that we have seen what Fender has to offer, it’s only right to include its Gibson counterpart. Though an inch longer than the Jaguar, the Gibson SG Special T still falls under the category of shorter guitars but packs a whole lot of power for its size.
It sports two passive chrome-plated 490 humbuckers that look as awesome as they sound. Just like you would expect from a pair of Gibson humbuckers, they give you the punch, warmth and midrange complexity while producing a fair amount of power, especially on overdrive.
When it comes to its playability, the SlimTaper neck with perfect width-to-thickness ratio provides you with a comfortable feel. This neck has a strong reputation among professional guitar players, as many consider it one of the best necks Gibson makes right now.
A great guitar with an important history, the Gibson SG is a great choice for all fans of the classic rock sound. However, with a price tag this high, it can hardly be called a beginner guitar.
If all of the previous guitars are still too big for you, the last entry on my list is a tiny guitar with a bright sonic attack that will surely fit your hand perfectly. The Kona Guitars KE55N sports a maple body combined with rosewood neck and fretboard to make the most out of its small size.
What we get is a surprisingly fine sounding guitar with a pair of humbuckers and a tune-o-matic style bridge fitted in a 39-inch frame. The humbuckers give you bright highs and very warm midrange while the lows aren’t as muddy as a typical humbucker we’re all used to.
That being said, the low end is also a bit underwhelming, as regular humbuckers are known for their fatty low end that can push an amp to its very edge. Still, if you’re looking for an extremely small guitar with an impressive sound for its size, this would be it.
Things that Affect a Guitar’s Playability
Short scale guitars are easier to carry around and require much less effort to play, especially for players with limited range.
But, apart from scale length, there are some other factors you should pay attention to when choosing a guitar for its playability.
- 1Action – the distance between the fingerboard and strings. Lower action means the strings are closer to the fretboard, which makes a guitar more playable. You can always adjust your action to get the best playing experience.
- 2Neck Width – narrow and slim necks are easier to grip, which is perfect for players with smaller hands. Slim necks are also great for shredding, as they allow you to move up and down with ease.
- 3String Gauge – lighter strings require much less pressure to produce a sound. Try to go for thinner strings but don’t overdo it – strings that are too light can produce an underwhelming sound, especially on a smaller guitar.
Final Word
Choosing a short scale guitar is really no different than choosing a regular guitar. Look for quality tone wood, reliable pickups, and a shape and size that fit your playing style.
Have in mind however, that very small guitars have their shortcomings when it comes to sound quality.
So if you’re looking at a short scale guitar as a permanent solution, either go for a quality one or complement your sound with some good pedals.
