Travel and Small Body Guitars Which One to Take Along

A guitar that fits in the back seat, on the couch and in an overhead bin gets played far more than the big one in the closet. Small guitars used to sound small. Many of them no longer do. Here is what is on the shelf and who each one is for.

Scaled down full guitars

These are built like a full size guitar at a smaller scale, with a solid top and real tone. The Taylor GS Mini is the best known of the kind. It is small enough to travel with and full enough to record with.

Three quarter size acoustics

A three quarter guitar is the practical travel and student choice. Lighter, cheaper and easy for younger players. The Yamaha JR1 is a classic first guitar and a fine beach and campfire guitar for adults too.

Thinline acoustic electrics

A thin body is comfortable to hold and, because it has a pickup, it plugs into an amp or a PA when you need volume. Unplugged it is quieter than a full body, which some players like for late night practice.

Small electrics

A short scale electric is the travel guitar for rock players. It is light, and with a small amp or headphones it practices quietly anywhere.

The guitalele

The Yamaha GL1 is a six string the size of a ukulele, tuned like a guitar with a capo on the fifth fret. Every chord shape you know works on it. It fits in a backpack.

How to choose

• Sound first, size second: a scaled down solid top guitar.
• Budget and kids: a three quarter acoustic.
• Need to plug in: a thinline acoustic electric.
• Smallest possible: the guitalele or a ukulele.

Pack it right

A small guitar still needs a bag. Many of these come with one. For the rest, see case vs gig bag. Avoid leaving any guitar in a hot car.

Every instrument we ship is set up by hand on our bench in Athens, Tennessee first. Read what a guitar setup is to see what that covers. Browse acoustic guitars and ukuleles. Questions? Call the shop at (423) 462-1894 and a real person will help you choose.