Is a full sized guitar right for me?

Question

I'm a 5'4" slender female, and I inherited a full sized dreadnought guitar today from my sister, but its a bit uncomfortable to play. Its hard for my right hand since the strings are very far from where my hand rests on the top of the guitar, and I have to basically force it. So the inside of my elbow hurts after I play.

the left hand is fine though, reaching the frets are no problem. Is it just a matter of getting used to it or do I really need a buy a 3/4?

Answer 1

You are totally right. You need a 3/4 size gitar. If you decide to buy one, get a Takamine for $90 . The guitar has an awesome sound, good fingerboard, easy to play and it will not break up on you.

That is why girls love the nylon string on account that they don't want to break their nails, and also, the guitar is much smaller and much easier to play.

Answer 2

Rachel is right.  You don't need a 3/4 size guitar, you need a smaller body guitar.  These body sizes are called 00, 000, OM, concert, grand concert, or auditorium, depending on the size and manufacturer.

Lots of people - even people substantially bigger than you - find dreads too large.  I happen to dislike them as they have too much bass.

Answer 3

go to a music store and play a few. Find out what yours is worth as they may make you a trade deal

Answer 4

Get one that fits.

Answer 5

you shouldnt be resting your hand anyway,its a poor habit to get into. it limits your strumming abilities.

keep practicing,it gets easier.

Answer 6

I'm a 5'2" female and I've played the same full size Guild D35 dreadnaught guitar for 31 years.  

Your HAND shouldn't really be resting on the top of the guitar; instead, you should wrap your arm over the side so that your upper arm rests on the top edge and your lower arm, wrist and right hand hang down to reach the strings.  If you're <ahem> well endowed in the chest area (as I am) you'll find it more comfortable to sort of rest your right boob on the side of the guitar.  

If you can't get comfortable with the dreadnaught size body, there are plenty of fullsize guitars with smaller bodies but fullsize necks.  A 3/4 size guitar will have a smaller body but will also have a shorter scale, narrower neck, which you don't need.

I have to admit that as much as I love my Guild D-35, if I were to buy another guitar, I'd buy a smaller bodied full size instrument -- either a 000, 00 or OM model.