If you are younger and/or a novice guitar player, you’ll definitely want to consider buying a short scale model. In this article we will take a close look at some of the best short scale electric guitar options available.
Our top choice is the Fender Squier, which features a 24-inch scale length and a C-profile neck for easier playing. It is made of extremely durable poplar and maple wood materials. This ensures long-lasting durability that you can count on. This guitar will provide you with a warm and balanced overall tone that sounds great.
Before you decide on a certain guitar, we encourage you to learn about each of the following products.
How We Picked The Best Short Scale Electric Guitar
As we put together our best short scale electric guitar list, there were a few key things we focused on. We first look at the construction of these instruments. You’ll find that each of the guitars in this article are unbelievably tough and specifically made to last.
We also looked for guitars that are designed for comfortable and intuitive playing. The design of the neck and fretboard are very important when it comes to overall playability. We selected models that are well-suited to younger players as well as beginners. This makes learning how to play much easier as a whole.
A Spotlight On Some of The Best Short Scale Electric Guitar 2022:
[wptb id=141]
Fender Squier Short Scale 24” Stratocaster
The Fender Squier Short Scale 24” scale Stratocaster is slightly shorter than traditional Strat guitars by 1.5 inches. It has a total length of 36 inches compared to a normal length of 39.5 inches.
We really like the sturdy maple neck of this guitar, which has a C-shaped design. This makes it long-lasting and reliable, as well as easy for most people to play.
The poplar back of this instrument is also extremely tough and will definitely stand the test of time. This guitar’s fingerboard features 20 frets and is made of solid rosewood material.
Another reason that this Stratocaster made our best short scale electric guitar list is its full and vibrant sound. This is largely due to the three single coil pickups. These are the same pickups that you would find in a regular full-length model.
When you purchase this guitar, you will also receive a 10G amplifier, which features aux and headphone inputs. This allows you to play along to your favorite music, or without disturbing anyone else in your home.
There is no question that this Fender Stratocaster is designed for comfortable and intuitive playing. It is a perfect choice if you are just starting out and have little to no experience. It even comes with an instructional DVD to help you get started with step-by-step lessons.
We were very impressed with the durable construction and sleek overall look of this guitar. It has a lot to offer from end to end. You can count on it to provide you with perfect harmonious performance for years to come. Despite its slightly smaller scale, you will get the same amazing trademark Stratocaster sound.
Pros:
- C-shaped neck makes it easy for almost anyone to play
- Extraordinarily durable rosewood and maple construction
- Comes with high quality amp with aux and headphone inputs
- Specifically designed for comfortable playing
- Excellent choice for beginners (comes with instructional dvd)
- Sounds just like a regular size Strat
Cons:
- Not the best choice if you have particularly large hands
Ibanez GSRM20 MiKro Short-Scale Bass Guitar
The Ibanex GSRM20 MiKro Short-Scale Bass Guitar boasts a Dynamix P neck pickup and Dynamix J bridge pickup. This design will give you incredibly an incredibly full and vibrant tone that is very similar to a full size guitar.
This guitar is perfect for younger players, as well as beginners with smaller hands. It features a shorter-than-normal neck that is easy to go back and forth on. This also makes it easy to take with you while travelling.
We really like the durable maple and poplar top of this instrument, which is remarkably tough. The back is made of basswood, which is also quite strong as a whole. This impressive construction is just one reason that we put it on our best short scale electric guitar list.
You will quickly find that the Jatoba fretboard on this guitar offers a full mid range sound. You can also expect very crisp and clean high end performance. This gives you an ideal tonal balance that will help you create an amazing sound that is all yours.
When you buy this bass guitar, you will also receive a Blackstar FLY 3 Combo amplifier, along with 10-feet guitar cable. This amp has a solid overall sound that is great for beginners who are still learning how to play. It has a compact design that makes it easy to take with you on the go.
Pros:
- Comes with compact amp with sub control
- Sturdy construction is made up of poplar, maple, and basswood
- Shorter-than-normal neck is perfect for younger players
- Superb neck and bridge pickups give you excellent overall performance
- Jatoba fretboard offers amazing mid-range and high end sound
- Sleek and simple overall design
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with any instructional materials
Ibanez GRGM21MORB 6-String Electric Guitar
The Ibanez GRGM21 six-string guitar features a Jatoba fretboard that measures 1.61 inches. It has a total of 24 frets and is exceptionally easy to play on, especially for beginners. The maple neck is both sturdy and very appropriate for players with smaller hands.
You’ll instantly notice that the cutaway design of the body really helps with reaching the higher frets. This is something that you will definitely appreciate on a regular basis. It is particularly beneficial if you are still learning the basics of playing this instrument.
We were very impressed with this guitar’s Infinity dual humbucker pickups, which deliver a great mid-range sound and solid low-end performance. You can definitely expect a higher overall output for optimal overall performance.
As far as controls go, you will have a 3-way selector switch, which is always nice. There are also dials that allow you to adjust the tone and volume without any hassle. This offers a high level of convenience that should not be underestimated. We also like the trapezoid tuners, which lets you tune it up quickly and easily.
If you are a younger person or like playing very fast, the GRGM21 is worth considering as best short scale electric guitar. It will give you consistently impressive performance for many years to come. You can rely on this instrument to hold up very well over the long term due to its solid construction.
Pros:
- Cutaway body design helps you access upper frets with ease
- Maple neck is extremely tough and not prone to cracking
- Great choice for young and/or fast players
- Incredibly easy to tune before playing
- Delivers fairly solid mid-range performance overall
- Can be played immediately right out of the box
Cons:
- Pickups are somewhat prone to floating
Squier by Fender Bullet Mustang HH Short Scale Electric Guitar
The Fender Bullet Mustand features a 24-inch scale length and offers reduced string tension. This makes it easier for young players to rock out on. It is also a great choice for beginners who have little to no experience.
We were blown away by this guitar’s six saddle hardtail bridge, which results in a superb tone that is full and balanced. The die-cast tuners are specifically designed for novices. You should have no trouble with keeping this instrument in tune on a consistent basis.
The poplar body and basswood back of this guitar makes it a dependably sturdy option that is well worth considering. This is just one reason that we had to put it on our best short scale electric guitar list.
With a total weight of just 8.8 pounds, this Fender guitar has a thin body that is very light and compact. You will therefore have an easy time handling and playing it in a sitting or standing position.
We also have to mention the humbucker pickups, which keep external noise to an absolute minimum. This design will provide you with a big and warm overall sound, which is a huge plus.
When you are looking for a short scale guitar that offers an excellent sound and tough build, this one is an amazing choice. You can rely on it for many years of great performance.
Pros:
- Humbucker pickups give you a big sound with warm tones
- Thin and lightweight body makes it great for young players
- Six saddle bridge delivers balanced overall tone
- Three-way switching for maximum versatility
- Very stylish design gives you a sleek and polished look
Cons:
- Might require a bit of minor tweaking at first
Jackson Dinky Minion JS1X
The Jackson Dinky Minion JS1X has a 2/3 scale design that is extremely well-suited for fast players. It is perfect for shredding and those who are still learning.
This guitar’s poplar body is remarkably tough and features a maple top layer for extra durability and wear resistance. It will last through years of regular playing without getting damaged or marked up.
You’ll find that the Amaranth fingerboard features a total of 24 large size frets. This is just one of the reasons that it made our best short scale electric guitar. The neck is an ideal size for young players as well as those who have smaller hands.
It also has a contoured neck heel that will allow you to reach the higher frets with no trouble. We really like how easy it is to tune as well. The Jackson humbucker pickups generate warm tones that are ideal for playing rock and heavy metal.
You will have two knobs on this guitar that control the volume and tone. There is also a three-way pickup selector that allows for some nice flexibility.
Everything about this guitar screams convenience and quality. It is one of the toughest and short scale models available on the internet right now. You can play it for years to come with complete confidence.
Pros:
- Sturdy maple neck and poplar body are very resilient
- Contoured neck design lets you reach higher frets quite easily
- Humbucker pickups offer high-output design for perfect rock tones
- Numerous adjustable options on control panel for optimal versatility
- Intuitive and comfortable feel is especially great for young players
- Vibrant and stylish overall design looks amazing
Cons:
- It is a bit heavier than some other short scale guitars
Best Short Scale Electric Guitar Buying Guide
When seeking out the best short scale electric guitar, it is important to closely review your options. The criteria listed below will help you in selecting one that meets all of your needs.
Construction
Before you can choose the best short scale electric guitar, you’ll need to look at each one’s overall construction. We recommend models that have a maple neck and poplar top and back. This ensures long-lasting durability for years of reliable use with little to no damage or wear.
Basswood is another great material for guitars, as it is very lightweight but still quite durable. Some of the toughest guitars available feature a rosewood fingerboard.
Size
Keep in mind that you will have multiple size options when trying to choose the best short scale electric guitar. These guitars are typically available in 24.75”, 24.9”, and 25” scale lengths. This particular measurement will have a major effect on the instrument’s playability, so it is important to consider.
Neck Design
You will also need to take a close look at the design of the neck when trying to find the best short scale electric guitar. You’ll find that guitars that have a C-shape neck are easier to play. This type of design is particularly beneficial if you are a younger player or have smaller hands.
The size of the fingerboard is yet another factor that you should pay attention to when examining your options. It should have a radius of around 9.5 inches. This will allow for smooth and easy movement across the board while playing. Guitars that have a contoured neck heel are also great because they make it easy to reach the higher frets.
Pickups
Make sure that you pay attention to the type of pickups that these guitars are equipped with. This will have a significant impact on their overall performance.
The very best short scale electric guitar models online feature humbucker pickups. These pickups are vastly superior to single-coil ones in a number of ways. First off, they are excellent at reducing external noise. They will also give you a nice warm sound without having to sacrifice loudness at all.
Body Shape
It is crucial that you consider the shape of each guitar’s body as well. Some of the best short scale electric guitar options on the market feature a cutaway design. This really helps when it comes to reaching the upper frets without any difficulty.
Bridge
The bridge on your new guitar is something else that will definitely affect its overall sound. We recommend that you opt for a model that features a fixed bridge. A six-string hardtail bridge will give you a fantastic tone and excellent tuning stability. You’ll also find that this type of guitar is easier to make upgrades to if you so choose.
Controls
There is no question that the best short scale electric guitar will offer numerous adjustable controls. The one you decide to purchase should at least have knobs for volume and tone.
We recommend guitars that feature three-way switching as well. This only applies to models with humberbucker pickups, but it is very useful.
Tone/Sound
You will definitely want to look for a guitar that is designed to produce a warm tone with versatile performance. It needs to offer a solid mid-range with a crisp high end. This will ultimately ensure that you get your money’s worth.
Accessories
Last but not least, you’ll want to look at the various accessories that are included with each guitar. You should try to choose one that comes with a decent amplifier.
The amp should have an aux input, which will allow you to play along to your favorite songs. Make sure it also has a headphone input so you can play without disturbing others nearby. You will need to get a power cord that has a decent length as well.
If you are just starting out with this instrument, you’ll want to buy one that comes with instructional materials. This can be incredibly helpful with getting you started. Many guitars also come with some extra strings, which can be extremely useful.
Conclusion
As you try to choose the best short scale electric guitar, you’ll need to look at the details of each one’s design. We recommend buying one that has a sturdy solid wood construction. It should also be made for easy and comfortable playing with a nice warm tone. Feel free to comment below so we know what you think about our list.
