Learning guitar and sticking with it is all about finding the perfect fit for your skill level and personal needs. While the full-size guitar is what most people purchase as their first guitar, it’s often not the best, especially for kids and players with smaller frames.
The 3/4 electric guitar provides several benefits over its full-sized counterparts, making it an attractive choice for musicians searching for a more accessible and travel-friendly instrument.
These guitars are perfect for younger players, individuals with smaller hands, or those looking for a great travel guitar. Despite their smaller dimensions, 3/4 electric guitars can still deliver impressive sound quality and performance.
To help you navigate the world of 3/4 electric guitars and make the right choice for your needs, I’ve invested the time in researching and evaluating a wide array of these instruments and bringing 25+ of playing experience.
By identifying the top contenders in the market, I aim to give you the confidence and knowledge necessary to select the perfect 3/4 electric guitar for your playing style and requirements.
TL;DR
- A classic guitar style and tone that is great for all kinds of genres
- It comes as a bundle, so you can get everything you need to start playing
- It's reliable
- Has the classic offset body shape that looks great and is comfortable to play
- Reliable and enjoyable instrument
- Versatile in tones it can produce
- Perfect for beginners and experienced players
- Well built and easy to play
- It comes in both right and left-handed versions
Table of Contents
Top 3/4 Electric Guitars
I’ve researched and compiled a list of the best 3/4 electric guitars for you. Explore our selections and find the perfect guitar to suit your needs.
Top Pick: Squier Mini Stratocaster
Summary: The Squier Mini Stratocaster is a fantastic choice for beginners, travelers, and those with smaller hands due to its comfortable design and classic Fender tone.
- Ideal size for kids aged 6 to 12
- Lightweight and easy-to-play "C"-shaped neck
- Versatile sound with three single-coil pickups and five-way switching
- Comes with a left-handed version for you southpaws
- It may require a professional setup for optimal performance
- It might not be suitable for advanced players
- Amp and accessories are basic in quality
I recently played the Squier Mini Stratocaster and found it an excellent choice for those seeking a 3/4-sized electric guitar. The 22.75″ scale length and thin body made it easy to handle, especially as a beginner guitar and those with smaller hands. Its “C”-shaped maple neck and 20-fret fingerboard provide an effortless playing experience that encourages practice.
The Squier Mini Strat boasts a trio of single-coil pickups backed by a five-way selector switch, offering a variety of classic Fender tones. Whether you want to play clean or add a bit of grit, this guitar can handle it. The vintage-style hardtail bridge helps maintain tuning stability, giving you one less thing to worry about while playing.
This Strat Bundle w/ Amplifier includes essential extras like a cable, digital clip-on tuner, guitar picks, a guitar strap, and a small amp suitable for beginners (if you purchase through Amazon). However, as expected, the accessories and amp are of entry-level quality. Additionally, the guitar may need a professional setup for optimal playability, but this is common among beginner and entry-level instruments.
In summary, the Squier Mini Stratocaster is a great starter guitar for children aged 6 to 12 or those with smaller hands. It’s designed to be comfortable and easy to play while offering versatile tonal options. If you’re looking for a more advanced instrument or better-quality accessories, you may need to explore other options.
Runner Up: Fender Squier Mini Jazzmaster
Summary: The Fender Squier Mini Jazzmaster is an excellent choice for those seeking a reduced-size electric guitar with a classic offset body style and Fender quality.
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Versatile dual humbucking pickups
- Reliable hardtail bridge for tuning stability
- It may require a professional setup upon purchase
- Some issues with fretwork quality
- Not ideal for larger hands
The Fender Squier Mini Jazzmaster recently caught my attention as an excellent option for a comfortable, easy-to-play 3/4 size electric guitar. This mini electric guitar is visually appealing with its attractive Surf Green finish and classic Fender styling. It delivers a genuine Fender tone that you would expect from the brand.
The lightweight body and “C”-shaped neck profile makes this guitar incredibly comfortable to play, even for extended periods. The dual Squier humbucking pickups and 3-way switching system provide a nice variety of sounds, from warm and mellow, to edgier rock, catering to different musical tastes.
One downside to note is the guitar’s questionable quality control at times. Suppose you’re purchasing a beginner guitar as a beginner or for a child. In that case, you should take it to a professional for proper setup and possible fretwork adjustments to ensure optimal playability. However, once these issues are addressed, the Mini Jazzmaster becomes a reliable and enjoyable instrument.
In conclusion, the Fender Squier Mini Jazzmaster is a fantastic option for those seeking a 3/4 size electric guitar with classic styling and that familiar Fender tone. While some initial setup might be required, this versatile guitar delivers comfort, playability, and sonic versatility, making it well worth the purchase.
Best for Shredding: Ibanez GRGM21 3/4 Size Mikro Electric Guitar
Summary: The Ibanez GRGM21 3/4 Size Mikro Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for beginners or pros looking for a compact, easy-to-play guitar with high-quality construction.
- 22" scale Maple neck has a thin feel and is excellent for learning scales
- High-quality construction and setup similar to full-size Ibanez models
- Available in both right-handed and left-handed models
- Not as versatile in sound as some full-sized guitars
- It will feel cramped for players with larger hands
- Some users may prefer a traditional 24 3/4" to 25 1/2" scale length
After checking out the Ibanez GRGM21 3/4 Size Mikro Electric Guitar, I was impressed with the performance of this mini guitar. The compact size and low tension of the 22″ scale Maple neck make it perfect for beginners just starting out or more experienced players looking for a reliable practice instrument.
The build quality is as good as its larger Ibanez counterparts, ensuring long-lasting durability and outstanding playability. The compact body is comfortable to hold and play with, especially for those with smaller hands or young beginners learning guitar. Plus, the availability of right-handed and left-handed models ensures that every aspiring rock guitarist is included.
While the Ibanez Mikro may not offer the same versatility as the Squier guitars, it still delivers a solid performance with a decent range of tones. The guitar features a hardtail bridge system and HH pickup configuration and 5-way switch to go back and forth between single-coil jangle and humbucking punch. The Mikro has reliable tuning stability and minimizes the need for constant adjustments.
The Ibanez GRGM21 3/4 Size Mikro Electric guitar is an excellent investment for beginners or experienced players looking for a reliable, compact, easy-to-play rock music instrument. The superb build quality and comfortable design make it a solid choice for those who want a smaller guitar without compromising performance.
Best Bass Guitar: Fender Squier Mini Precision Bass
Summary: This bass is an excellent choice for players seeking a reduced-size instrument with classic styling, clean tones, and a familiar Fender look.
- Lightweight and comfortable body
- Short-scale neck for easy playability
- Versatile Squier split single-coil pickup
- Basic hardware and electronics
- It may require set up upon arrival
- Slightly smaller than expected
The Fender Squier Mini Precision Bass is a fantastic instrument that would suit beginners and intermediate players looking for a smaller, lightweight bass guitar. The thin body and short-scale bass neck with a C-shaped profile make it incredibly comfortable to play, whether sitting or standing.
The Squier split single-coil pickup offers a great range of tones, from deep, warm lows to bright, punchy highs. The volume and tone controls provide plenty of tonal variety, allowing you to easily dial in your desired sound. The hardtail bridge ensures solid tuning stability, so you can focus on playing without worrying about constant retuning.
Despite being affordable, the Indonesian-made Mini Precision Bass has top-notch build quality. However, the hardware and electronics are where this instrument falls short, making it more suitable for beginners or as a backup instrument. After receiving the bass, you might need to make some adjustments, such as filing frets or setting up the instrument. Additionally, some users found the body to be smaller than they anticipated.
The Fender Squier Mini Precision Bass is a fantastic, budget-friendly option for those seeking a reduced-size instrument that still delivers classic Fender style and tone. Just be prepared to give it some TLC upon arrival to get it set up just right!
Best for Travel: Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric Guitar
Summary: This compact electric guitar is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a lightweight, full-scale guitar-playing experience.
- Full 24 3/4" scale electric travel guitar
- Ultra-lightweight fits in airline overhead bins
- Quality one-piece Eastern American hard Maple neck-through-body design
- Limited sound versatility due to single dual-rail humbucker pickup
- No volume or tone control
- It can be kind of awkward to play if you're used to a regular shaped guitar
While trying out the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light electric guitar, I was impressed with its compact design and full-scale playing experience. The 24 3/4″ scale length allows for comfortable playing, and the guitar’s lightweight construction makes it perfect for travel.
The one-piece Eastern American hard Maple neck-through-body design provides excellent stability and durability. The ingenious tuners in the body, headless design, and square body give this guitar a sleek and unique appearance. The sound quality is also quite good despite being mainly designed for travel convenience.
However, there are some limitations to this guitar. The single dual-rail humbucker pickup provides limited sound versatility and no volume or tone controls. Additionally, because of the unique design, the guitar may feel slightly awkward when you first try it out.
Overall, the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light electric guitar is a fantastic option for musicians who need a full-scale playing experience without sacrificing portability. Although it has some limitations, the portability and convenience outweigh these drawbacks for traveling players seeking a compact, lightweight electric guitar.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best 3/4 electric guitar, it’s essential to consider several factors. Quality, playability, and affordability are all important aspects to remember. I’ll guide selecting a suitable guitar while staying aware of the various options.
Budget
Firstly, consider your budget. There are 3/4 electric guitars available at different price points, so it’s essential to determine how much you’re willing to spend. Typically, more expensive guitars have better build quality. However, there are many affordable options out there that still offer excellent value.
Size and Weight
As the name suggests, a 3/4 electric guitar is smaller than a full-size guitar. This makes it popular for children, beginners, and individuals with smaller hands. Ensure the size and weight of the guitar are comfortable for the player it’s intended for. Consider how much room you have for storage and how the portability factor might affect your choice.
Sound
Sound is crucial but also subjective. The sound you’re going after may differ from the type of guitar you’re looking at. While it isn’t always possible to test the guitar personally, looking up reviews and videos or asking fellow musicians for their experiences with particular models is worth it.
Hardware and Materials
Pay attention to the hardware and materials used. Quality materials and solid construction can significantly impact the lifespan and playability of the guitar. Look for common materials such as mahogany, maple, and rosewood, commonly used in high-quality instruments. Additionally, check that the tuners, bridge, pickups, and other hardware components are built with quality materials.
Aesthetics
Lastly, consider the visual appeal of the guitar. This might seem superficial, but remember that you’ll likely spend much time with your instrument (you’ll also want to be inspired to pick it up). Choose one with a design that reflects your personal style and preferences.
Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting your 3/4 electric guitar. It’s essential to strike a balance between quality, playability, and affordability while keeping in mind the unique requirements of the player.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 3/4 electric guitars for beginners?
consider quality, affordability, and ease of use. Our top recommendations include the following:
1. Squier by Fender Mini Stratocaster
2. Squier by Fender Mini Jazzmaster
3. Ibanez GRGM21 Mikro
These guitars are famous for their solid construction, playability, and accessible price points, making them great guitar options for novices.
Are 3/4 electric guitars suitable for adults?
Yes, 3/4 electric guitars are suitable for adults, especially those with smaller hands or who prefer a lighter, more compact “couch” instrument.
Many experienced guitarists find 3/4 guitars comfortable to play and appreciate their portability. Ultimately, it depends on the individual’s preferences and needs.
Do playing difficulties arise with a 3/4 electric guitar?
Some players might have a slight learning curve when transitioning from a full-sized guitar to a 3/4 electric guitar due to the smaller size and shorter scale length. However, with practice and adaptation, many players find it uncomplicated to adjust to the instrument.
What are the benefits of choosing a 3/4 electric guitar?
There are several benefits to choosing a 3/4 electric guitar, including the following:
1. Portability: Their lighter and compact design makes transporting them easier.
2. Playability: The shorter scale length and smaller body size can be more comfortable for some players.
3. Cost: Typically, 3/4 guitars are more affordable than their full-sized counterparts.
4. Unique tone: 3/4 electric guitars often produce a distinct sound that appeals to some musicians due to their smaller size.
How does the sound quality differ between a full-sized and a 3/4 electric guitar?
The primary difference in sound quality between full-sized and 3/4 electric guitars is their scale length and body size.
Typically, a full-sized guitar will produce a fuller, more resonant tone due to its larger body and scale length. In contrast, a 3/4 size guitar may have a slightly thinner, brighter sound.
However, advances in manufacturing and materials have improved the sound quality of 3/4 guitars, and many models offer sound quality comparable to full-sized instruments.
The difference in tonal characteristics is more drastic when shopping for a 3/4 acoustic guitar.
To Wrap Up
Playing guitar is an enriching and fun hobby but it takes consistent practice and inspiration. By choosing the right instrument, you’ll stay motivated and make progress. 3/4 electric guitars are fantastic options for beginners, female guitar players, and those with smaller hands, and as a travel guitars.
The Squier Mini Strat is the best overall construction option, including accessories and genre-versatility. While the Ibanez Mikro is a high-quality budget guitar that caters to hard rockers.
No matter what guitar you choose, remember to have fun and enjoy the journey of learning and writing music.
