What is a small guitar called?

A small guitar is often referred to as a parlor guitar. This type of guitar is traditionally characterized by its smaller body size, which generally ranges from 18 to 20 inches in length. It typically has 12 strings and produces a softer sound compared to the larger guitars such as dreadnoughts and jumbos. Parlor guitars are ideal for fingerstyle playing, due to their smaller body size and mellower sound.

History and Evolution of Small Guitars

Small guitars have been around for centuries. Their origin can be traced back to the early 19th century when a luthier in Paris started producing small, four-string instruments for ladies and children. These were originally referred to as ‘guitarres de voyage’ or travel guitars. Throughout the years, small guitars have gone through many changes in size and shape but still remain recognizable from their larger counterparts.

The modern version of small guitar is called ‘parlour guitar’ – so named because it was often used by musicians playing in parlours. This instrument has a smaller body than an acoustic guitar with a scale length typically between 23-25 inches – which makes it easier to hold and play while sitting down. Parlour guitars are commonly used by folk musicians due to their portability and light weight, making them ideal for busking or travelling performances. They also sound great plugged into an amp or PA system, providing plenty of volume and clarity without the need for amplification.

Many popular artists have embraced small guitar throughout history including Elvis Presley who played an electric model on his famous hit song “Heartbreak Hotel” and Jimi Hendrix who was known to use both acoustic parlour models as well as larger electric versions during some of his most iconic performances. Small guitars continue to be popular today thanks to their versatility and affordability; they are great instruments for beginners looking for something more manageable than a full-size instrument without compromising sound quality or tone options.

Types of Small Guitars: Acoustic vs Electric

Guitars come in many shapes and sizes, but one of the most recognizable is the small guitar. Commonly known as a “travel” or “mini” guitar, these instruments are designed to be incredibly portable and easy to take on trips or bring with you while camping. As such, they have become increasingly popular among beginners who don’t want to lug around a large instrument. But what types of small guitars are available?

When it comes to mini-sized guitars there are two main categories: acoustic and electric. Acoustic travel guitars typically feature a hollow body and strings made from steel or nylon – perfect for strumming chords at campfires or jam sessions with friends. Electric travel guitars tend to be solid-bodied and use magnetic pickups instead of traditional strings; making them great for practicing licks in your bedroom without disturbing the neighbors. Each type has its own unique sound that can add flavor to any style of playing, so it’s important to choose which fits your needs best before purchasing one.

Miniature guitars can vary greatly in terms of design, materials used, and playability depending on what type you go with; so make sure you do your research before deciding which is right for you. Both acoustics and electrics offer plenty of value when it comes portability, affordability, and quality tones – no matter where life takes you next!

Ukuleles: The Most Popular Type of Small Guitar

Ukuleles are the most popular type of small guitar and a perfect choice for those just starting out in their musical journey. From beginner to advanced, ukuleles can provide an accessible way to make music and have fun at the same time. With its rich tones and unique sound, it’s no wonder why they are so beloved by both amateur and professional musicians alike.

Available in various sizes, designs, and colors, there is a ukulele that fits any style or preference. Plus they come with all kinds of features such as built-in tuners or pickups that allow you to play electric ukuleles right away without having to purchase extra equipment. Plus many have been designed with lightweight materials making them ideal for travel or taking along on vacation trips.

The cost of purchasing one can be relatively inexpensive compared to other types of guitars – even if you opt for higher quality models like those from Kala or Fender. For younger players wanting something smaller than full-sized guitars, ukuleles make a great option as well since their size makes them easy to learn on before transitioning up when ready.

Parlor Guitars: A Classic Style for Fingerpicking

Parlor guitars are a classic style of acoustic guitar, favored by early blues musicians and those who enjoy fingerpicking styles. These instruments have a smaller body size than traditional dreadnought models and can range in scale length from 22″ to 24″, producing a brighter and more articulate sound. Parlor guitars have thin necks which make them easier to play for those with smaller hands or shorter fingers, but they also provide an intimate feel that larger acoustics cannot reproduce. This type of guitar is often preferred for its warm tones and woody resonance that responds well when picked or strummed lightly. Its slim profile allows it to be comfortably played on one’s lap during practice sessions or performances in small venues, making the parlor guitar an ideal choice for folk music lovers seeking a distinct tonal quality. The smaller size makes it easy to transport as well, so you can take your favorite fingerpicking sound wherever you go.

Travel Guitars: Compact Designs for On-The-Go Musicians

Traveling musicians need an instrument that’s as reliable as it is portable. Small guitars are the perfect solution, providing all the same features of a standard acoustic guitar in a much more convenient size and shape.

Travel guitars come in a variety of designs, with different sizes and shapes to fit individual needs. There are full-sized models that have been modified to be more compact, or even ultra-portable mini guitars designed specifically for transportability. Many travel guitars also feature built-in pickups and preamps so you can plug directly into an amplifier or PA system without having to lug around extra equipment.

Some travel guitars even offer additional benefits such as removable necks for easy storage, locking tuners for quick changes on the go, and unique body styles like double cutaways which allow access to higher frets. Whatever your style or budget is, there’s likely a travel guitar available that will suit your needs–and keep your musical journey going wherever you go.

Half-Size and Three-Quarter-Size Guitars for Young Learners

When it comes to introducing younger students to the world of guitar playing, small guitars are a great option. Half-size and three-quarter-size instruments can be an excellent choice for learners under 12 years old. They are more suited to smaller hands and offer comfort as well as convenience when learning chords and progressions.

Not only do these mini models provide an ideal way for young players to get started on their musical journey, but they also offer a cost effective solution that won’t break your budget. Many brands provide quality mini guitars at much lower prices than full-sized versions, making them a smart purchase for those seeking an entry point into the instrument.

While they may not have quite the same sound or projection as larger models, these little instruments can still produce plenty of volume and tone – perfect for jamming with friends or family. With careful research, you can find great sounding half-size or three-quarter size guitars that will help kickstart your youngster’s journey into music.

Differences in Sound and Playability between Small and Full-Sized Guitars

Small guitars, also known as “travel” or “parlor” guitars, have gained increased popularity over the past few years due to their portability and unique sound. With a shorter scale length than a regular full-sized guitar, these smaller instruments produce an entirely different sound that is softer and mellower compared to larger models. They are usually lighter in weight and offer an easier playing experience for both strumming and fingerpicking styles of play.

When it comes to tone production on small guitars, the overall effect is generally less powerful than what one might expect from a full-sized instrument. This may be partially attributed to their shallower bodies which don’t allow for as much resonance. However this loss in power can actually work to their advantage if you are looking for a more gentle timbre when playing light accompaniment parts or simply want to add texture to your recordings without overpowering everything else going on around it.

The other major difference between small and large-bodied guitars lies in their playability. As mentioned earlier, travel instruments tend to be considerably lighter than standard sized models which can make them ideal for those with limited strength or those who find themselves getting tired easily while holding up a larger instrument during long rehearsals or performances. Similarly, the shorter scale length of these instruments can make them easier on your fingers when attempting difficult chords or intricate lead licks that require accurate fingering techniques and precise timing at higher tempos.