Does your guitar fit your hands?

Just a little chat about finding the kind of guitar geometry that suits your hands and your playing style best.
Ah, and that website is : www.sixstringacoustic.com. (although I don't agree with everything he says !)

[@JetEdz]

Well said and beautiful guitars! I suffered from hand fatigue until I found the right nut width, profile and string spacing for my hands. All 3 make a significant difference on the feel of the guitar.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Jet, thanks for this. After suffering with guitars that "my hands didn't fit" I was shown a Martin D35-S which fit my hands. It -took a long time, but now I try to pass on the notion of finding guitars that fit our hands rather than the other way around. Thanks for watching.

[@Oklatucky_Guitarman]

I feel like I’m sitting in the living room talking to an old friend. Thank you.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Adam, thanks for that. I know my videos aren't "professional" but its nice to know that like my funny old style of presentation. I guess its the way I do Zoom lessons too and most of my clients seem to become rinds, which is great.

[@iancandler5446]

The older we get the more comfort becomes an issue . Im finding myself gravitating more towards small size 0 guitars with a 12 fret wider neck as the 43mm neck I’m currently playing feels to cramped for my old sausage fingers. Of course things are harder as I’m severely disabled and can’t get out to try guitars but thanks to good people like yourself i can find out with some degree of accuracy how a guitar is going to sound before i buy it.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, all my flat tops bar one have 46 m/m nutwidths, that is really the reason I use 12 fretters.

[@stevemcmillan-johnstone71]

Yes I agree andy I always preferred broad necks because I learnt on a classical guitar originally but I too have small hands and fingers but now have arthritic thumbs (ouch) so slowly adjusting to thinner necks. Incidentally the most comfortable necks i ever owned were an old eko texan bought 1965 and a thinline telecaster about 1973 thanks for the chat videos always interesting, cheers

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Steve, thanks for your kind comments. All the best,

[@stephenteller]

Thanks for this. I just bought a nice Taylor but my fingers are not cooperating. I’ve been using a decent Takamine since the 90s and didn’t have any of these issues. Granted my fingers and hands aren’t what they were 30 years ago. I kept thinking I might just need to get used to the thinner neck but I think I need to exchange it for another guitar. Being mainly a drummer , keyboard player and singer I never even thought about nut width when buying a guitar.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hope that you find what your'e looking for. 12 fretters tend to have wider fretboards.

[@jasper_north]

6:18 three points to consider…

[@SillyMoustache]

Yeah Idid go on about nut width quite a lot didn't I.

[@ianmcfarland512]

I'm new to your videos. I enjoy them! Have you ever done one on fingerboard radii and edges! Being primarily an electric player, I'm most comfortable playing a 7.25" radius with a 43.5mm nut width, neck profile - Medium D, 0.86 to 0.96. Can you direct me to something this subject: Why are acoustic guitar fretboard so flat and square at the shoulders? Thanks!

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, I have to say that I'm not that sure about fretboard radii, but all but classicals are radiused. The rounding of the edges is pretty variable. and most of my guitars have a 46 m/m nut width. My most common action is .100" / 90". It is a very different instrument to electric guitar and with a very different playing style.

[@ianmcfarland512]

I have an 814ce LTD and it has a 15" radius. It appears that most acoustics have what seems to me to be a pretty flat fingerboard radius. What is the reason for this? As you said, comfort is key above all and a board 12" and under is more natural to the hand.

[@runnershigh7573]

Hi Andy! I really like your British accent. 😃 Sounds so stylish 😊What do you think of Guitars with laminated parts? Could they sound also good? I am thinking about buying a 12 string guitar (Guild) with laminated parts. Cheers Roger 🇨🇭

[@SillyMoustache]

thankyou. I'm afraid that I have no recent experience of laminated guitars, so I cannot really say , but I would say that you tend to get what you pay for. Thanks for watching.

[@phoenbiescookingkitchen5614]

What amazes me is that promoting artists and signature models haven’t moved the needle. There’s a great video on KZbin where Martin Simpson recounts about how he repeatedly sent the PRS prototype back, telling them the neck needed to be wider. Eventually they got it right and now there’s a Martin Simpson PRS signature model and a Martin Simpson neck profile. The rub is this model costs a gazillion dollars. This then begs the question, why have a MS signature model when all the affordable models have skinny electric guitar necks?

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, I take and agree with your point, although I see almost as many comments on fora saying that they want the skinny necks as we who prefer the wider necks. Fact is not all people who buy expensive instruments can actually play them properly. PRS - like the rest will sell what they know they can sell.

[@danieldenson9437]

Thank you! As a luthier, I am very often approached by musicians who want to commission a build, but have no concrete idea of what they want. Often, the best I can do is find out what music they play, whom they play for, and what is their favorite guitar to play. Thank you for getting musicians to think about things like scale length, nut width, and neck profiles. This makes my job a lot easier.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Daniel, I can say these things only because I've made every mistake possible in the past. Thank you for watching.

[@JT-gd7he]

Your Colliings 12 fret is BEAUTIFUL.

[@SillyMoustache]

yes, they are aren't they? (he wrote smugly!) Yes they really are. Thanks for watching.

[@joelgevirtz6181]

Well done summary. You really have to play them in the shop to really know how they will feel at home. It is as you point out, very important. Often your playing style will evolve from how your guitar feels in your hands. Really good presentation!

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Joel, thanks for this, I kinda put it together as I thought of it and felt it was a bit rambling. Thanks for your encouragement.

[@haroldclark1787]

This is wonderfully executed and exceedingly informative. Brilliant job, as always!

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you kindly! Gosh, thank you!

[@PB200559]

Wise words (as ever). I suspect we all go on a bit of a journey. From buying our first guitar . . ."ooh that looks nice" to something more akin to what you've just talked us through once we've been wrestled into submission by a few. Knowing this stuff earlier would save us a lot of pain and probably cash. The other variables I'd mention are string type (steel - nylon) and of course there are those things called electric guitars too I've heard.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi PB, thanks for you kind comments, You are right, I didn't mention nylon strung or electrics as I don't play either. Thanks for watching.

[@FURDOG1961]

6:27 7:48 8:21 9:35 11:35 12:15

[@SillyMoustache]

???

[@tomj24768]

Excellent information. Thank you so much. Please keep the video's coming.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Tom, thanks for this - I always welcome ideas for future videos.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

My hands MUST have a 1 11/16 or 1 3/4, or 1.78 like on Gibsons, C shape or performing artist Maritns or mod-low oval shape. Anything with a bigger nut width or v shape is painful and unplayable for me. So...yeah, it's important to get the right shape for your hands. Everything else is secondary...

[@SillyMoustache]

Yes , we are not all built the same, or play in the same way. The thinner necks were designed for what was called "plectrum" rhythm players and suit many who play in that way. Thanks for watching.

[@kevinlawton9074]

I think you make some excelent points there Andy. Over the past two or three years I have found myself moving away from dreadnoughts and towards smaller bodied guitars. In fact, the only bigger guitar I have touched in the past couple of years is my jumbo 12-string. Lovely though it is, I am looking to replace it with a OOO 12-string when I can find one I like. As it happens, it was your video from about 3 years ago, in which you mentioned you shoulder problem, which first made me investigate the smaller-bodied guitars. I have to agree with nyou on the string spacing issue too. Wider certainly seems to be better for finger-picking or flat-picking. Keep up the good work.

[@SillyMoustache]

With so many of us with no gigs and just sitting at home - whilst also ageing of course, the smaller guitars have seen a rise in popularity. Sad that Martin has now abandoned their 12 fret models. Dreads (and jumbos) were never really intended to play when seated -they are combo rhythm boxes. Also as we age our middles tend to expand and our muscle mass weakens hence te oft voiced shoulder issues. I had the difficulty after losing over 40lbs due to the cancer treatment, and being unable to eat for a few months. I had just enough time to go to the gym to regain my strength before Covid! Have a look at some of my videos about my two Eastmans. Great little guitars.

[@JuanCarlos-me8pt]

First of all, thank you very much for answering me about putting 40 mm of space between E and e in the nut (46 mm - 1 13/16 inches). I would like your advice on setting a scale of 644 mm (25.354 inches). I always use a string gauge of 11-52 and I would like to continue using it in this 644 mm scale. I previously used this gauge of strings in 650 mm but I wanted to choose a shorter scale (644 mm) so that the strings were not so hard. The luthier who is going to make my guitar told me that 648 mm (25.5 inches) would not change the tension of the strings and it was better to lower it by 6 mm (0.236 inches), that is, to 644 mm. Do you think that 645 mm (25.4 inches) would be better, 646 mm, ...that is to say, that it would not go down so much? Well, I'm afraid that maybe the 11-52 strings are too loose. I remember that with a 650 mm scale with a low tension of 1.6 mm in high E at the twelfth fret and 2 mm in low E, the tension of the strings became much softer. I play fingerstyle. I don't want the guitar to lose tone by lowering the scale and lose sustain. I just want the strings to be a little more flexible because at 650 they were hard. I would greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you for the help you give us in your videos.

[@SillyMoustache]

Juan-Carlos, if I remember correctly you asked me to measure the string spacing on my Collings guitars, which I did. I am not a luthier, just a player who prefers guitars with 1 & 13/16" nut widths. Further, I use 12-53 light gauge strings on my 000, 00 and 0 style guitars. Collings and Eastman make guitars as per pre 1934 12 fret Martin designs. My dreads and my 000 are 25.5" scales and my 00 and 0 size are 24.875" scale. I'm afraid that I am unable to answer your questions. Regards.

[@django4940]

I like your videos. I am an older guy with hand and shoulder injuries and an oversized mustache as well. For me, I actually like the Martin Performance Artist neck profile. I play fingerstyle, but unless I am reaching over the top for the sixth string, I keep the pad of my thumb behind the neck, (toward the bass side, but short of the binding). I also have a 1917 Eugene Howard parlor guitar with a “V” neck profile, but with the pad of my thumb just above the point of the “V”, it is quite comfortable. It is just what works for me. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi George, thanks for making contact. I'm not familiar with Eugene Howard, but some googling has taught me more. Thanks, and happy new year.

[@leewaite789]

I couldn’t agree more but also scale length and body size play a big part including 14 and 12 fret joins to the body. I’ve learnt by trial and error starting to learn guitar over the last year what fits me. I now own four guitars but it took this journey to find the right fit. Now when I pick up my Fender PM-2, my last purchase, I find that it just fits 😊 The nut is 1-3/4” the scale is prefect for me with a 12th fret joint and the neck profile feels great, the parlour body size fits nicely under my arm too 😊

[@SillyMoustache]

Well done Lee, it took me ages to figure out whether I was just a poor guitarist or my guitars didn't fit me. Maybe I can help with a zoom lesson or two -my contact details are on my "about" page.

[@thomasgaida7174]

This video is really recommendable. You are giving a lot of useful information that they don't give you in the shops. I also have a few guitars with different nut sizes and neck profiles. You need some time to find out what really suits you. I have the feeling that with growing experience I get along better also with smaller nut sizes. May I suggest another 2 attributes to look at: scale length and body size. I like the lower string tension on shorter scale necks. And a smaller body can be more convenient when playing at home. So, my current favourite in my small collection is a Guild M20, everything just fits for me: small body, short scale length, decent 1 3/4" nut size but with slender neck.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi and thank you Thomas, I'll thik carefully on your words and speak about body sizes and scale lengths in a future video.

[@richardharding9975]

Terrific video. Grand information. I am an old, new guitar player. Dexterity is an issue. Old hands that worked with cattle and horses a long time. Bumped , bruised and broken more than once. Started playing guitar about three years ago. Basically a strummer but love every minute of playing. Thanks for the insights. Take care.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Richard, well to steal from an old Frankie Laine song - "movin' movin' movin'" keep your hands moving as much as possible. This might help ; kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXaYdH2nZdCbr9k If I can be of help via one-to-one zoom meetings, let me know.

[@noodlesiis]

You’ve got a squeak built guitar there somewhere haven’t you built from bamboo..

[@SillyMoustache]

Not understood.

[@yak9147]

I also think nut width and bridge spacing is an important thing to consider, however it is often hard to find in specs and sometimes even ommited

[@SillyMoustache]

Which is exactly the point of this video : 6:29 - Nut Width, 7:50 - Neck Profile, 9:40 - string spacing. Please watch it again,if you missed these points. Best, A

[@timelwell7002]

I prefer 45 mm or 46 mm nut width. HOWEVER, until you get to the boutique guitar market, almost ALL guitars of ALL types ALL have either a 43 mm or even a 42 mm nut width. This is INCREDIBLY frustrating, because almost ALL guitar makers have a 'ONE SIZE FITS ALL' strategy. Just imagine if you went into a shoeshop, only to be told: *'Sorry, sir, but we ONLY sell size 8 shoes. If you HAVE to have another size, then you'll have to get a shoemaker to make you a CUSTOM MADE PAIR OF SHOES. And then - and ONLY then - will you be able to buy shoes in your size.'* And yet our hands - just like our feet - come in different sizes. So much for the 'market' ensuring competition and diversity...

[@SillyMoustache]

All true of course. great comparison. Fortunately I do take a size 8 -but then not all size 8s are the same!

[@joshuaspencer1346]

Looking muscular in that rugby shirt! I have a Martin D-18 with "vintage" styling. I love the neck profile (a rounded V) but the width does seem a little thin for my playing style.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you for the compliment. I lost nearly 50lbs in 2017 due to cancer treatment and whilst relearning to drink and eat still haven't put it back on. I think most of it was muscle (and hair) so I developed a regular gym routine which had to stop in March but I now have a little home routine I do three/four times a week. Getting old means you have to work twice as hard to keep half as fit. If you aren't happy with that D-18, then maybe you need a wider neck?

[@petergoddard1960]

Hi Andy, absolutely sage advice. There is no right or wrong in general terms, but like yourself, I know what I like (and I like what I know, sorry ...couldn't resist) and after years of playing 1 11/16 nut width electric and acoustic guitars I now realise I find them cramped and difficult to get on with. So I'll be exercising some caution when buying my next instrument. What I do know is that I prefer either a 12 fret to the body join or at the very least a shorter scale length. As to neck profile, well a full 'C' seems to suit my 'smallish' hands just fine. I cannot understand why your views might be considered controversial, it all seems like common sense to me. In many respects this expands on your thoughts on smaller guitars recently. Now, what is the appropriate response to the statement 'there's a nut loose on my guitar'. Answers on a postcard.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Peter, sounds like I'm preaching to the converted with you! I'm getting a lot of positive comments so not feeling to controversial.

[@SamJeffersonMusic]

Thank you for such a well delivered video! As someone who also deals with hand issues and various neurological bollocks, I've found nut width and neck thickness quite a minefield. I'm still really unsure as to whether a thicker and wider neck would help or hinder me more. I wish one could trial a guitar for 30 days to feel the long term effects of the hand position!

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, It took me from some time in the mid=-late '60s until 1999 to realise that few 1 & 11/16" nut wrists worked for me, and partly because my style changed from basic strumming to more flatpicked hammer ons and pull offs. I have a couple of 1 & 3/4" nuts on archtops that suits that "sock"- style guitar. and only one flattop, my Waterloo which has quite a chubby neck profile and a short scale with a 2 & 3/8" string spacing. All aspects complicate or contribute to a comfortable neck.

[@johna1160]

Off topic but... That's hardly a silly mustache, you're rocking the Buffalo Bill Cody look. All you need is a ten gallon Stetson.

[@SillyMoustache]

NoStetson, but a "real Texan hat from the Limpia Hat co in Fort Davis TX. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH3dd6Gso8qZgZI

[@drj.r.cooper2493]

Well done! So many "experts" say, "Small/large hands aren't a factor... Just practice." Such comments prove their ignorance is as large as their ego.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, dunno about that, but I have very flat, wide fingertips sp many "rhythm" necks are just too narrow for me. Thanks for watching!

[@jacobbrown503]

Thank you for the video I often wondered what's the most common size

[@SillyMoustache]

Regarding nut widths, prior to the OM business, most nuts were 1 & 3/4 to 1 7 7/8. Wit the OM - guitars were changed from largely finger style to rhythm instruments for tenor banjo players, and neck widths went to 1 & 11/16" and even 1 & 5/8" in some cases. After decades, Martin has now, changed back t 1 & 3/4" as standard.

[@pankajjoshi2032]

I'm thinking of buying Yamaha LS56 ARE or martin 012-28 md but martin is little wider at nut-width. So, will it be difficulty to play it (I'm into finger style but beginner, only 5 years into practicing); coming from 1 3/4". Thank you.

[@SillyMoustache]

Yamaha make fine guitars but I'm unfamiliar with the one you mention. I have not seen a Martin 012-28, which is a replicate of the original Martin 0028 but its about time they re-introduced it. I suggest that you try a wider fretboard as they were designed specifically for fingerstyle, and it is my preference far both finger and flat picking. You might also try the Eastman E20-00 (also 1 & 13/16" nut) which is somewhat cheaper but not lacking in tone, nor presentation. Thanks for watching.

[@Therapyxx]

But what do beginners have to do if we don't have that much experience. I think to understand if one guitar is better than another - we need a time like when pain starts, where are the weakpoints etc. its alsmot impossible to get for a few minutes in the store. So far I played only Yamaha FG800 and went to the store and tried some guitars like Taylor. And... I understood only that 44.5mm is too much for me at this moment. But... also 42.8mm is to less. But it doesnt give me understandness what exactly I should aim... Just followed my exp in the store and took the nut in between 42.8 and 44.5 - its seagull artist ch bourbon burst with 43.7mm nut. Exactly in the middle :D Hope it will fit my fingers, coz it was a blind order based price/performance and on all info, which I found on Reddit/KZbin P.S. I also didnt find info about string spacing anywhere... :(

[@SillyMoustache]

I suggest taking a friend who knows about guitars when buying a guitar. Choosing the best fretboard/neck geometry takes time and practice. We all make mistakes initially.

[@toddcagle4245]

I know what size I want (dread) but I have recently discovered 12 fret guitars. My only question is that the one I am looking at is an Alverez MDR70ESB 12 fret. Is there a difference in feel from the 12 fret to 14 fret in length? It is a 25.5 inch scale and there is nothing remotely close to me to physically put my hands on.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Todd, I confess that I am not familiar with this brand or that guitar, which appears to be a 14 fret body shape but with a 12 fret to body meeting. My preference for 12 fretters was about the wider fretboards, (I prefer a 1 & 13/16" or 1 & 7/82 nut width. I see that the guitar you mention has a 1 & 3/4" which is pretty much standard now. Your left arm might be fractionally less extended but minimally. I'm afraid that I cannot really comment on the quality or suitability for you.

[@mogenlogen]

Hi, regarding the Collings 12 frets. Have you ever tried the traditional series with 1 3/4 nut and 2 5/16 spacing but I guess with a little chunkier neck.

[@SillyMoustache]

No, I haven't seen one. However, I have three 12fret dreads and a 0002h, all of which have 1 & 13/16" nut widths, and so a "T" version would not be ideal for me.

[@fred4664]

My wide fingertips require a 1 7/8 steel string 12 fret guitar or a 1 3/4 nut with a capo on the second fret. It doesn’t take much time playing for my finger tips to spread out and cause a dead string.

[@SillyMoustache]

Well it was that issue that, finally led me to 12 fretters. 1 & 13/16" is my ideal.

[@malcolmbenn1051]

Excellent topic and presentation. It took me many years to accumulate the knowledge of what worked for me and what didn't and why, I wish someone had told me all this 50 years ago .. I'd have saved time money and trouble and probably would be a better player today. That said I have Martin building me a 0000 12 fret, 1 13/16 nut, long scale length with 2 5/16 spacing at the bridge ... can't wait.

[@SillyMoustache]

Haha - it took me years too, and a lot of the wrong guitars! Thanks for watching. I'd like to see that guitar when you get it!

[@malcolmbenn1051]

I'll send you a photo when I receive it in early 2021.

[@SillyMoustache]

@@malcolmbenn1051 Looking forward to it!

[@spspsp45]

Thank you very useful

[@SillyMoustache]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eltonhester2821]

Look at big lou Gutiars The Aspen is a 2inch nut the rest are electric gutiars he also has 2 18 inch bolt on necks❤

[@SillyMoustache]

I looked. Not my style of guitars, but nice to know. Thanks.

[@kotla671]

Do finger and hand coordination slow as we age?

[@SillyMoustache]

Sometimes I don't play guitar for tree or four days. I dig my allotments, and I go to the gym three times a week. I'm 75 and have had two operations on my left hand. I can sit down with a guitar and after a coupleiof minutes it all fits into place. Obviously the more you play the better but I have developed my style and it just "happens"

[@brandonburke6615]

Hi, Thanks for your great videos. I'm ordering a new guitar with a custom neck/nut width. I've been playing one with 1 3/4" nut without too much trouble, but always felt that wider would be nice. Having to choose now between 25/32 or 13/16th. The guy at the company thinks 25/32 will be the way to go, but seems like such a small amount! Thanks for any help!!

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, I think the only way for you to know what best suits you is by practical experience. FWIW - my nut widths of choice are 1 &n13/16" to a string spacing of 2&3/8" (25.5" scale) or 2& 5/16" (24 & 7/8" scale).

[@brandonburke6615]

@@SillyMoustache Thanks so much for your reply!

[@arctichare8185]

As usual, Merci!

[@SillyMoustache]

Merci, aussi.

[@vicmorrison8128]

Very good!

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@darrenkerton9837]

Hi Andy, totally agree with you - the guitar has to feel right first if you are going to want to pick it up year's after the lust has gone

[@SillyMoustache]

Absolutely! In 1983 I developed an illness that stopped me playing for most of ten years. I had to start again from scratch .. or pick(!) Would a one to one zoom lesson or two help? (My contact details are on my About Page).

[@darrenkerton9837]

@@SillyMoustache thanks for the reply and yes my guitars now fit my hands. They didn't before and I developed trigger thumb in my left hand as the neck on a particular guitar was too wide and thin - wide is ok if the neck has some meat, even for smallish hands. As for the lessons - I will be in touch in the new year 🎶

[@SillyMoustache]

@@darrenkerton9837 Hi Darren, I look forward to linking up in 2021

[@JenniferShipleyArt]

Great video. Very helpful. I am looking for a smaller more comfortable and easier to play guitar because of nerve damage from stenosis in my neck, plus arthritis all over and autoimmune. Looking at travel and parlor guitars. I like a wider nut and wider um saddle? For fingerpicking. But i have small hands so a thinner neck front to back. Because i have lost strength, a shorter ummm string length and low setup. Also having frets closer together will help. Looking at zager parlor but wish it had more than 12 frets. Also whatever i get will have to be refretted with nickel free. I am basically comparing everything with the zager travel and parlor. Just watched video of martin jr guitars. Liked the one with the cutaway. They sounded great actually. Wish i could find a video of someone playing the heck out of the smaller zager guitars to compare sound with the others. Lots of videos of simple strumming but nobody playing songs. I want small also so i can play comfortably from bed with legs elevated. So exactly what you are saying. I am shopping for comfort, playing style, and sound, not looks though I definitely have preferences. Very rural area and severe nickel allergy so finding and playing different models in person is not easy, so thank you for your great contribution to my online research.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Jennifer, sorry to hear about the medical issues. I have a lot of trouble with neck and upper back mainly due to Radio therapy to treat throat/tongue cancer in '17. I suggest that you are wary of "Zager" products. Eastman make a size "0" guitar which is excellent : See : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bojEgWaapdqfjqs Hope that helps.

[@JenniferShipleyArt]

@@SillyMoustache hey thank u so much for that suggestion. I will check it out. Can I ask why I should be wary? Btw so sorry about ur hand issues. Hope things improve for u.

[@SillyMoustache]

@@JenniferShipleyArt Hi Jennifer, the brand that you mention have a very poor reputation in the acoustic guitar fraternity. Hope you find the ideal guitar, maybe Recording King, or Sigma if not Eastman.

[@bb1111116]

Enjoyed the video. I’m an older guy and my main steel string acoustic guitar is; a 1983 Guild D-25 with a ~ 1 9/16 inch / 41 mm nut width. About 5 years ago I had the money to buy a 2000s Martin D-28 with a 1 11/16 inch / 43 mm nut width. While I prefer the sound of the Martin, I almost always play the Guild for steel string acoustic. My hands are small and fingers are slender. When I was younger, I played a lot of electric guitar on a Gibson SG which has a narrow neck. The Guild has about the same nut width as the SG. At my older age, a narrow neck feels better with less pain when I play lots of bar chords.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, your experience is different to mine but it illustrates how no one design suits all. Thanks for watching.

[@JWNOSNHOJ]

I don't wish to be pedantic but the long (thin) neck banjo you mention is called a Plectrum banjo (scale 26 1/4"- 27.5") The Tenor that you mention is actually a shorter scale typically 22"- 23". Both were used in jazz bands of that period (and still are) They are both 4 string banjos and normally played with plectrums, however they usually utilize different tunings.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Ian, being a real nerd about such things, I like pedantic! thank you for the correction. Appreciated!

[@jimbertrand2499]

Thanks for sharing Andy. I'm still developing skills however I do find that my guitars with slightly wider nuts (1-3/4" vs 1-11/16") do feel easier to play. And a 12-string with a narrow nut results in my fingers getting in my own way... For me the 12 feet guitars feel comfortable but it also feels like I am cramped if I use the capo at all... Personal preference and adjusting to different guitars...

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Jim, I think that many feel like that. I'm just wondering if I could help with a zoom meeting or two? I could look at your playing style and maybe help? If interested, my email address is on my "about" page underneath my "description". Regards,

[@alestev24]

Spot on. "Does it fit your hands?" is the most important question. When I started playing again after a 20 year hiatus, I bought and quickly sold 3 acoustic guitars, because the neck simply did not fit my hands. Two of them had too thin of a neck width, the other one had a V-neck shape. I had played all of them in the shop, and in the hour or so I tried them, I didn't really feel the issues. It was only at home, when playing them every day for hours, that I felt how my hands got cramps. I count myself lucky that the neck width and shape of the "reimagined" Martin standard line is almost perfect for me (the "performing artist" neck shape you don't like). I could do with a little wider width than 1 3/4", but I absolutley love the flat back of the neck. I can get along with the c-shaped neck in my Gibson, because it is not too deep, but it is impossible for me to play any sort of v-neck, even if it is "modified". In general I prefer more of a d-shape. That's because I originally learned classical guitar and I have medium sized hands, but short fingers. Because of my classical roots I never wrap my thumb around to play the E-string. I think this is why I like relatively wide necks with a flat back. This point might be one element of one's personal playing style, which is a pretty good indication for which necks one likes.

[@SillyMoustache]

Well done. it took me years to realise that neck profiles and widths made such a difference.

[@smadajoe]

Thank you, Sir, for your thoughts. I thought I might the only one. I've been thinking about these things for months. I have bought many guitars over the years and had the mindset that I would one day buy my last PERFECT guitar. But as an aging guitar player (57 now), I have come to the same conclusions. Nut width and neck shape have become more important to me as I get older, and my fingers struggle with joint degeneration and so forth. When I was younger, I could adapt to many sizes and shapes and therefore the bling, brand, and popularity had its influence. But these days, I care more for playability with attention to tone. I've played everything from classical guitars to parlor guitars in differing price ranges and quality over the years. I have recently found that currently my hands work best with a Fender style Acoustasonic Tele neck with its C neck shape and nut width which I don't off hand know the spec. Another consideration is string gauge and set up. But of course, these things change like everything else in life.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, Might I suggest that you take the measurements of the instrument that you currently find closest o you ideal so ,with the aid of a small ruler, you might know what might suit you in the future. However, thank you for watching my humble videos. Regards, Andy

[@utkarshgupta7067]

Great video , Thanks for the specifics and your recommendations for different styles , really appreciate it

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Utkarsh , thank for your kind comments,

[@angiesiddall9563]

I bought my Takemine back in June 2013. I knew nothing about buying a guitar, other than I wanted comfort while I played it as well as a nice sounding tone. I tried several brands and styles in the hour and a half - 2 hours I was trying each guitar in the music store. I did have the knowledge about the string action and how close they should be to the fret board. I tried about 25 -30 different guitars and walked out very pleased with my Takemine. It's very comfortable in my hands and it's weight to stand and play it for a couple of hours is also comfortable. The tone of it is great and no string buzz in the action. I am still thrilled with my purchase of my Takemine guitar and play it a few hours a week. Other than my pinky finger locking up when I play a song in "C", when I get to the "F" in the song, I end up having to literally unfold my left pinky off the string. So, I usually will play songs in "C" with the capo on the 5th fret and play in "G". It's playing the "F" when my pinky locks up. I do my best to avoid the F chord, by using my capo. Great knowledge you've passed on for first time guitar purchasers, Andy. You've certainly played enough style and brands of guitars to know what's important when purchasing one. Thank you for sharing your helpful wisdom.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Angie, horses for courses of course. Thanks as always.

[@ericecklund676]

Hi Andy, As a fellow UMGF member, I hear all of the time about guitarists who can't get used to a particular neck and so they sell it on to someone else. I urge everyone to close your eyes and feel the neck first. If you don't like how it feels, put it back on the wall, chances are you won't like it in the long run. I have three Martin's, two have the new MLO/PT (Medium Length Oval/Performing Artist Taper) neck and one has the Modified V neck. Both styles are very comfortable to me, but not everyone feels that way. For some folks it takes years to discover what style of neck, body size, and wood preference that you absolutely love to play. Great video!

[@SillyMoustache]

Absolutely, good point well made.

[@ftlaud911]

Great video. Very wise words. Curently using 1 3/4 and wish for just a bit more space. Started with 14 fret and now have a 12 fret. Find the shorter scale length easier for me. Neck profile is hard to know especially with some boutique brands. Yet to figure that out.

[@SillyMoustache]

I'm sure you will find your comfortable guitar, and I bet it will be a 12 fretter!

[@els1f]

This was super interesting! Ive often wondered why guitar necks have to be so tiny lol, and I've been looking around trying to find an electric with string spacing like a classical. My big, dumb 6'3" hands would appreciate it🙃

[@SillyMoustache]

Look for 12 fretters as most will have a wider fretboard.

[@timwhistler5882]

thanks mr s.moustache .I wholeheartedly agree with you.I think the tendency/growth of the online 'experience' V the old way of going to your local shop and finding the best guitar in there, has caused alot of problems for many, including myself.you only have to sit down with a guitar for a considered second to know if it 'fits'.My favourite necks are the lovely soft v which smooths out to a nice C further up.i.e on the yairi handmade guitars {my personal favourites} i have recently bought an OM Auden .Which i'm beginning to question.initially i found it a fabulous instrument.The sound of the rosewood b+s and cedar top was glorious but the neck is a little shallow.we shall see!! all the very best.Please keep making your videos,it's great to have such a knowledgable fellow albion dweller who is firmly acoustic based !! Tim Whistler.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thanks Tim, shou8ld you have any other subjects that you would like me to discuss, then please let me know.

[@patmurphy7266]

I’m an older musician, but new to guitar. It’s been an epic year. I’ve become a Schecter fan boy as I’ve grown to love their necks. It’s been crazy in the local guitar superchain how much they don’t seem to care or notice? Not sure. But as an electric jazz guitarist, if you know electrics, Schecter is NOT on the front of the list. Now, I’m hoping to change that maybe Because it’s the one that fits me. Thank you for explaining where to measure and how to measure the different parts, it was an excellent and thoughtful demonstration and it felt like we were just sitting over coffee having fun talking guitars. Yours are beautiful. I’m still too timid to try acoustic, but with jazz, it’s only a matter of time

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Pat, guitarists don't come much older than me (76) but I'm only aware of Schechter as electrics, and I've never been an electric player. Thanks for making contact.

[@franksamberg1054]

Hi Silly M, I enjoyed your video and share your interest in the value of selecting the proper neck fit for ones hands. I also have trigger finger, currently of my pinky, ring and middle fingers of my right hand. Did you have operations to try and fix yours , if so were they successful ? Thanks so much Frank

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Yes, I had an op on my right hand - probably 2018 (?) it healed pretty quickly but took a long time after to stop clicking- but it did. I was supposed to see the (nice lady) surgeon this March, but everything was cancelled and they haven't been too bad until recently. Hope there comes a time when we can both get our hands sorted out.

[@MultiCugel]

Very interesting thanks. I have a few acoustic guitars but find myself drawn to my Gibson L00. So comfortable. Did have a dreadnought but they are way too big and the boom boom is not something i want. Sorry about your hands, take care.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Bill, thanks for your input and for watching.

[@Spidervr170]

Thankyou so much this is exactly what i was looking for !!!! I was so used to my guitar until i bought a new one and i struggled especially on my 4 finger g chord. Now i know why thankyou so much kind sir for you knowledge have a lovely day thankyou x

[@SillyMoustache]

You're very welcome! Glad you found it useful.

[@deblane401]

I normally watch Mandolin Cafe and these same questions come up daily. George in Montana

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi again George. Yes the same thing applies to mandolins and I'm sure to banjo. My mandolin has a slightly wider nut width and a deep v profile which suits me perfectly.

[@johncostelloe743]

Thank you I really enjoy your videos very informative best regards from ireland

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi John, glad you found this video useful, thanks for watching.

[@PatrickBatty]

Great video, Andy, and really helpful. I have recently purchased online a parlour guitar that isn't sold retail in stores. So I couldn't try it out. I love the tone of it as it is a solid mahogany top. But the nut width is a about 3-4 mm more than I am used to, and that is making it a bit trickier to play.

[@SillyMoustache]

The normal nut width of a 00,or 000 is usually about 46- 47.6 m/m . these designs are not for strummers and more for more intricate left hand work. I'm sure you'll find it helpful in time.

[@ajlmirrormist]

Thanks for this a two more recent videos of yours I have watched today... regards

[@SillyMoustache]

You are most welcome. Thanks for watching, Andy

[@Oklatucky_Guitarman]

I could care less about the bling. I love the points you made.

[@SillyMoustache]

Generally, I'd agree with you, but I must admit in this crazy nasty year I found myself looking to cheer myself up a little and so fell for this "pretty pretty" piece, which really does fit my hands. It'll be my lounge "precious". Happy new year!

[@guitardude4700]

No that’s an excellent question I’ve never heard before

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, I see so many people struggling with guitar necks that cramp their hands, and playing large bodied guitars that are uncomfortable for them. I guess its a journey that we all have to travel. Thanks for watching.

[@keithskelton5596]

Good advice Andy Helpful for any player

[@SillyMoustache]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching Keith.

[@stevemcmillan-johnstone71]

Hi what would you advise for those of us who have small hands ? Cheers

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Steve, y'know I don't think it is necessarily about the size of your hands, so much as the way the neck and your hands go together. I like wider necks as I've said but my hands aren't big and my fingers are quite short. The one thing I don't believe I could, or should do is to advise you what guitar to buy - as only you can tell what feels tight for you and your style. Happy to arrange a zoom chat if you feel that would help.

[@Andrew-vj7gw]

Hi Andy: Good chat and nice summary.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hey, thanks for watching - hope you found it useful.

[@DecentHeathenmusic]

I’m curious if you’d have a recommendation for me. I am in need of an inexpensive acoustic guitar with a wider neck than 43 mm. Id like to try something around 44 or perhaps 45, id like to keep my price range under $300. I play a lot of older country (johnny cash) and blues (lightning hopkins) if you have any ideas please let me know

[@SillyMoustache]

Hello RK, I fully sympathise with your preference. for a wider fretboard, as I have the same requirement. Please note tat I am in the UK and so unaware of the budget guitar market in the US. The one possibility that I can think of is to seek out a USED Blueridge BR341 or BR361 . They are small bodied guitars -about a size "0" but I have acquired two of these for two of my Zoom clients and they are both very happy with them. Whether there is anything available for $300 -I honestly cannot say. I hope you find what you need. Thanks for watching.

[@DecentHeathenmusic]

Hello @sillymoustache just want to give ya an update. I got an ibanez aw340-opn. It has the wider nut and string space,here in the states it was $329,i feel like it refreshed my playing beautifully. For a budget guitar it’s definitely worth the look. Today i plan to put a gretsch deltoluxe pickup in it as it had no electronics thank you sir for your recommendations as well

[@mojo6778]

Very good advice, I couldnt agree more with your advice, once they find fit and style of guitar then they can listen to different tone woods. Just a sidetrack question, I saw an old post on a forum that goes back to 2012 discussing Pawless guitars. You made a comment about knowing him and I was curious how you knew him. I have a couple of his guitars, one walnut back and sides, the other being mesquite back and sides, and was curious if you ever tried one of his guitars.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Mojo, thanks for your kind words. My w9fe and I travelled to Texas in 2004 and again, via San Francisco to Dallas via Santa Fe in 2005. We had friends from a yahoo group, in the Dallas area who introduced us to Vince, and he and his family kindly invited us to their place for dinner, and to show me around his workshop. We also met Vince Bell and his partner who helped us so much in arranging our adventure. I'm afraid I've rather lost touch with them all since the seeming end of the Yahoo groups.

[@mojo6778]

@@SillyMoustache I was talking to him the other day to see how he and his dad was doing plus to find out how Vince Bell wedding went.Vince had gone up to Santa Fe to be best man at in house wedding with Vince. I told Vince that I had seen a post stating that you knew him and I watched your channel on KZbin and told him he needed to check it out. He had asked me your name and I told him I only knew you as Silly Moustache. Thanks for the explanation and I will tell Vince you said hi! I just relayed the information to Vince and he remembers the time and said hello!

[@stevehall663]

Hi. Wondering about joining your email group but can’t see your email address in the ‘about’ section at all. Would love to have the ‘all about the bass’ one as an ex bass chaser. Thanks for your knowledge and videos.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Steve, I don't have an email group as such, but on the about page there is the "description" and then below there is "Details" and the option to view my email address.

[@stevehall663]

@@SillyMoustache Thanks, will have another look. It may be my phone not displaying everything.

[@dennmillsch]

Good points. I'm also suffering with some finger issues, mostly my left index finger can't close all the way which makes it hard to fret the basic F chord or even the C chord. I can try other fingerings but sometimes they just don't sound the same. I also noticed that I seemed to find it easier to play with a capo. I never thought about why until you articulated it in this video -- that area of the neck fits my hands best. When I buy another guitar I will look for one with a nut width similar to the width where the capo setup feels right. Thanks for thinking to share on this topic.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Denn, Thank you for leaving me this comment. It is so rewarding for m e, to hear that my videos help people, as that., of course, is their purpose. The result of my doing everything wrong before I got it wrong I suppose! Maybe I could help you with fingerings? Especially the "thumb over" F chord? Regards, Ol' Andy

[@dennmillsch]

@@SillyMoustache -- I've been playing for years and have grown adept at using my left thumb as needed. I'm finding with my index finger not bending as well that barre chords are preferable. However I'm mostly a fingerstyle player so that my index finger doesn't often get a chance to lay flat. I was intending on buying a guitar of two in the near future and at least now I understand how important are the neck width and cross section. I will be considering those factors above all others.

[@nikolaosmixahl9808]

Hello Iwant to order a guitar 12 fret 48mm uper nut what is the apropiet size from for the bridge? And a c shape neck about the neck what is the common c sape wide? It is a good measurement foa gitar to be nice and easy play? Thank you Dear friend!

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Nickolaos, I cannot recommend, and most guitars are measured in Imperial (Inches) The widest nutwidth is usually 1 & 7/8" (47.6m/m) but I prefer 1 & 13/16" (46m/m) String spacing at the nut tends to depend upon the scale length 25.4" (standard =645 m/m) tends to go to a 2 & 3/8" (60.3 m/m) string spacing and short scale 24.9" (short = 632.5 m/m) string spacing seems to be 2 &5/16" (58.74 m/m) Neck profiles are very personal, and I cannot advise. Hope that helps.

[@nikolaosmixahl9808]

@@SillyMoustache yes you help my a lot thank you,

[@dennisscanlin1458]

What about scale length?

[@SillyMoustache]

Maybe - I find that scale length is more about the power/projection than fitting my hands - but maybe that's just me.

[@matthewharris2972]

Thank you Sir!

[@SillyMoustache]

You are welcome!

[@brittain522]

Spot on my friend! Thank you so much for this, I totally agree!

[@brittain522]

And you have some fabulous guitars!

[@SillyMoustache]

Thanks for watching!

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, thanks.do you think they make up for my lack of talent?

[@guitardude4700]

Excellent topic

[@SillyMoustache]

thanks, I try to help!

[@texhaines9957]

Performing artist, why I like it NOW: small hands. Take a standard scale length (25.4 inch), I can put my pinkie side hand against the nut and clear the 2nd fret with the forefinger side. I played for years and never thought about hand problems till I bought a great sounding guitar with an old style baseball bat for a neck. And took online lessons. I have those same trigger finger & contracture/s and finger webbing. Heredity is not my friend. Guitar playing is. So neck profile, nut width & scale length are big factors including Tone & sound. A Martin 12 fret 000 with modified low oval & performing artist taper are great. Taylor also makes a good neck. Thanks from another old guy with hand issues. And NOW (12/25/20) Taylor has come out with the GT & 811e (Grand Theater) shape And size. It works well with my hand.

[@SillyMoustache]

Well, Tex, I can certainly empathise! Do you have any hand exercises that you do to keep your hands moving?

[@texhaines9957]

@@SillyMoustache yes in addition to guitar playing. Things to avoid include snow shoveling (officially 29.5 inches this season more at my house), snow thrower & lawn mowing and typing. My dog is my health coach and wireless doorbell. COVID shut down my 6 day a week volunteer singing & playing schedule. Hand stretches also. I can't see to drive so I walk most places.

[@SillyMoustache]

@@texhaines9957 But! - you keep on keeping on! Take it easy, but take it!

[@texhaines9957]

@@SillyMoustache My parents and teachers never told me I was blind. They told me I had to work harder. So I did. As time went on, I learned to work smarter as well.

[@vicmorrison8128]

Very good!

[@SillyMoustache]

Glad you think so!

[@scouser2230]

I have arthritic fingers and even find it challenging to form clean chords without buzzing some strings with a 1.75” nut width. I like to play finger style which is particularly challenging to pluck the individual strings cleanly. What do you suggest i get.

[@SillyMoustache]

I'm not sure what you are asking me - Do you mean a guitar, hand exercises, tuition? I also have arthritis, CTS, and trigger fingers, but it seems that it is best to keep them warm, and exercised as much as possible. If you would like tuition via Zoom, I might be able to help and encourage. Mail me.

[@scouser2230]

No, I am asking what nut width, string spacing and neck shape will allow me the best opportunity to play clean chords. Even though I use good form in placing my fingers on the strings when forming chords I still find some strings buzz. Do I need a 17/8” nut width, or whatever string spacing at both the nut and bridge position? If there is a specific acoustic guitar make and model that you find will likely fit me best then I would appreciate your recommendation. I am 73 and have played guitar for forty years and I only find this challenge since developing osteoarthritis a few years ago. For many years I played a Martin D35 with no problems; however, I recently purchased a Martin Dreadnaught Junior. It has a 1.75” nut width and a shorter scale length, which I thought would solve my problem. It did not and so I am wondering what might?

[@scouser2230]

The osteoarthritis does not allow my finger joints to bend enough to easily clear the abutting strings.

[@SillyMoustache]

@@scouser2230 Hi, I can only speak for MY hands. I find that 1 & 13/16" nut widths work best for me, hence my 12 fret choices. This applies to standard (25.5") and under 25" scales. Mt bridge string spacing preference 1 2 & 5/16" or 2 &3/8". However other factors need consideration : Neck profile, fretboard camber, fret height etc. I suggest that you search out 12 fret guitars which tended gto have wider fretboards.

[@scouser2230]

Thanks Silly Moustache, I appreciate your suggestions and will check some out at our musical instrument stores. Although I am called Scouser I emigrated from Liverpool England at 17 and live in Ontario, Canada,near Toronto. I enjoy your videos and will continue to follow them. Best regards.

[@BluegumCounterpoint]

Great video on an under-discussed topic. I have massive hands and now only play 52mm nuts. Makes the world of difference in mymability to play accurately.

[@SillyMoustache]

Good stuff! Thanks.

[@richkaplan6302]

In addition to nut width, etc., I find the scale equally important. I have a short scale parlor at 24” and while it is easier to stretch my fingers to reach some chords, I am really cramped when playing a simple A chord. My Martin with its 25.5 scale is less cramped but harder to reach some chords. I would like to try a guitar with about a 25” scale to see if that would be a happy medium for my size hands...

[@SillyMoustache]

Martin style short scales tend to be 24.9" scales -000 14 fretters for example.