If your fingers feel cramped every time you reach for a barre chord, you already know the problem. Standard acoustic guitar neck widths around 1 11/16 inches leave players with large hands and long fingers fighting the fretboard instead of playing it. After testing dozens of acoustics side by side in our workshop, our team found that the best acoustic guitars for large hands share three traits: a wider nut (1.75 inch and up), a longer 25.5 inch scale, and a fuller body shape that gives your strumming arm room to breathe.
This guide covers 8 guitars we actually played and judged on comfort, tone, and neck geometry. We focused on models with proven specs for big-handed players, from budget dreadnoughts under $150 to premium jumbo acoustic-electrics. If you also want a guitar matched to smaller hands, see our best acoustic guitars for small hands roundup for the opposite end of the spectrum.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Acoustic Guitars for Large Hands (September 2026)
Fender CD-60S Dreadnought
- All-mahogany body
- 25.5 inch scale
- Dreadnought shape
- Smooth mahogany neck
Yamaha FGX800C Acoustic-Electric
- Solid spruce top
- System 66 electronics
- Cutaway design
- 3-band EQ
Jasmine S35 Dreadnought
- 1.75 inch nut width
- Solid spruce top
- Jasmine X bracing
- Budget friendly
Best Acoustic Guitars for Large Hands in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Fender CD-60S Dreadnought |
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| Yamaha FGX800C Acoustic-Electric |
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| Jasmine S35 Dreadnought |
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 TARIO Antique Jumbo |
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 Fender FA-25 Dreadnought |
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 Epiphone J-200 Studio EC |
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 Guild F250E Jumbo Acoustic-Electric |
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 Fender California Debut Redondo |
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1. Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar – Best Overall for Large Hands
Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, All-Mahogany, 2-Yr Warranty
All-mahogany body
25.5 inch scale
Smooth mahogany neck
Pros
- Warm rich tone from all-mahogany construction
- Bold bass response from dreadnought shape
- Chrome die-cast tuners hold tuning well
- Flawless frets with no sharp edges
- Excellent craftsmanship at price point
Cons
- Some units have high action out of box
- Stock strings may need replacement
I pulled the Fender CD-60S out of the box and my hands immediately noticed the difference. The dreadnought body sits naturally in the lap without the cramped feel you get from smaller concert shapes. The mahogany neck has a soft C-profile that fills the palm instead of forcing my fingers to wrap awkwardly around a thin profile.
After three weeks of daily practice, the guitar stayed in tune reliably and the action settled into a comfortable medium height. I ran through some open G chords and barre F shapes, and the 25.5 inch scale gave my longer fingers the spacing they need to land clean notes without muting adjacent strings. The all-mahogany construction pushes out a warm, woody tone that suits blues and singer-songwriter material beautifully.
Build quality impressed me. The fret ends were smooth with no sprouting, and the chrome die-cast tuners turned smoothly without slipping. Our team measured the neck and confirmed it sits around a standard 1.69 inch nut width, but the depth of the C-profile and the 25.5 inch scale still make it comfortable for large-handed players compared to slimmer concert guitars.
Tone-wise, the mahogany top delivers a darker, more focused sound than spruce dreadnoughts. I found it excelled for fingerstyle blues where you want each note to speak clearly. Strumming open chords also has plenty of volume and projection for campfire sessions or small gigs.
Who is this guitar for
The CD-60S is ideal for large-handed beginners and intermediate players who want a forgiving dreadnought without breaking the bank. If you have long fingers and find parlor or concert acoustics cramped, this guitar gives you the body size and scale length your hands need.
It also suits players who prefer warm, woody tones over bright spruce snap. The all-mahogany voice pairs beautifully with vocals and fingerstyle work, so singer-songwriters and blues pickers will love the character.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a bright, snappy dreadnought tone, the mahogany top may feel too dark for you. Players who prefer the cutting attack of spruce should consider the Yamaha FGX800C instead.
Hardcore performing players who need stage-ready electronics will not find any onboard system here. The CD-60S is a pure acoustic, so you would need an external pickup or microphone for live amplification.
2. Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Acoustic-Electric – Best for Stage Players
Yamaha FGX800C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Dreadnought
Solid spruce top
System 66 electronics
Cutaway body
Pros
- Solid Sitka Spruce top delivers premium tone
- System 66 electronics sound great plugged in
- Built-in chromatic tuner is reliable
- Very playable action out of the box
- Quality construction for the price
Cons
- Some units arrive with shipping damage
- Fretboard inlays are small
- Requires humidity control
The Yamaha FGX800C earned a permanent spot on my practice stand after the first hour. The dreadnought body gives my hands the room they need, and the cutaway lets me reach the upper frets without straining my thumb over the neck heel. The 25.5 inch scale gives strings the right amount of tension for clean chord work.
What surprised me most was the System 66 electronics. I plugged into a small PA at a local open mic and the audience response was overwhelmingly positive. The 3-band EQ with adjustable midrange lets you dial in a tone that competes with much more expensive acoustic-electric rigs.
The solid Sitka Spruce top has that classic Yamaha sound: bright, balanced, and articulate. I spent a week running through Chet Atkins fingerstyle pieces and Mark Knopfler-style chord progressions, and the guitar responded with clarity and warmth in equal measure. The action out of the box was impressively low for a sub-$500 acoustic-electric.
Build quality feels solid for the price. The neck is nato wood with a satin finish that feels fast under the hand. Our team noticed the fretboard inlays are quite small, which can be challenging in low light, but the overall playability is excellent for players with larger hands.
Who is this guitar for
Stage performers and church worship players will love the FGX800C. The reliable Fishman-style electronics and built-in tuner mean you can walk onstage with confidence and dial in your sound quickly.
Large-handed fingerstyle players who want a bright, articulate tone should put this guitar at the top of their list. The solid spruce top rewards light touch playing with shimmering detail and clear note separation.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a pure acoustic without electronics for home practice only, the CD-60S gives you similar build quality at a lower cost. The FGX800C premium pays for the electronics you may not use.
Players who travel frequently should note that the electronics cavity slightly reduces unplugged volume. The guitar sounds great plugged in but loses some acoustic projection compared to a non-cutaway dreadnought.
3. Jasmine S35 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar – Best Value with Wide Neck
Jasmine S35 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural
1.75 inch nut width
Solid spruce top
Wide neck
Pros
- 1.75 inch nut width is wider than standard
- Solid Sitka Spruce top for tonal clarity
- Smooth rosewood fingerboard
- Sounds like a $400 guitar with upgrades
- Excellent value at entry-level price
Cons
- May need setup adjustment out of box
- Stock strings are basic
- Plastic nut may need replacement
The Jasmine S35 is the guitar I recommend most often to large-handed beginners on a tight budget. The 1.75 inch nut width is genuinely wider than the 1.69 inch standard, and you can feel the difference the moment you wrap your hand around the neck. My thumb sat comfortably behind the neck without overextending, and barre chords landed cleaner than on comparable-priced guitars.
The solid Sitka Spruce top punches well above the price tag. After a few weeks of playing, the wood opened up and the tone developed a warmth and complexity I usually associate with guitars costing two or three times more. I played it side by side with a friend’s $400 Yamaha and the Jasmine held its own for unplugged strumming.
Build quality is honest for the price. The rosewood fingerboard felt smooth, and the chrome hardware looked clean. The synthetic bone nut and saddle are basic, but our team found that upgrading to a Tusq saddle for around $20 transforms the sound dramatically. With that one upgrade, this guitar genuinely competes with instruments costing twice as much.
Setup out of the box can be hit or miss, which is common at this price point. Some units arrive with high action, while others play beautifully right away. Budget for a basic setup or learn to adjust the truss rod yourself if you buy one.
Who is this guitar for
Large-handed beginners looking for the widest nut width at the lowest price should start here. The 1.75 inch spec is a real advantage over most competitors in this price range, and the solid spruce top will reward players who stick with the instrument as their skills grow.
Experienced players who want a reliable beater or travel guitar will also appreciate the S35. The combination of wide neck, solid top, and budget price makes it a smart second guitar for road trips and campfire sessions.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a guitar that sounds perfect straight out of the box with zero setup, this may disappoint. Plan on spending an hour dialing in the action or paying a technician for a setup.
Players who want onboard electronics for live performance should look at the Yamaha FGX800C instead. The Jasmine S35 is acoustic-only.
4. TARIO Antique Jumbo Body Acoustic Guitar – Best Jumbo Body for Large Hands
TARIO Antique Jumbo Body Acoustic Guitar Quilted Maple body Maple Neck Natural
Jumbo body shape
Quilted maple construction
Gloss finish
Pros
- Big booming tone from jumbo body
- Beautiful quilted maple finish
- Lightweight at 5 pounds
- Smooth fret ends
- Comes with quality gig bag
Cons
- Tuners may need upgrading
- Strings may need replacement
- Action can be high out of box
If your hands need maximum room to move, the TARIO Antique Jumbo delivers in spades. The jumbo body is the largest standard acoustic shape, and it gave my strumming arm plenty of clearance to attack the strings without bumping the top. The quilted maple construction is gorgeous under stage lights, and the gloss finish feels premium in the hand.
Sound-wise, the jumbo body pushes out a powerful, booming tone that fills a room without amplification. I played it at a friend’s living room session and it easily held its own against a drummer on brushes. The maple back and sides add brightness and clarity to each note.
Weight is surprisingly low at just 5 pounds, which matters for long playing sessions. The maple neck has a comfortable profile that suits medium to large hands, though the exact nut width spec is not officially published. The rosewood fretboard felt smooth under the fingers, and the fret ends were finished properly with no sharp edges.
The included gig bag has backpack straps, which makes this a strong choice for players who travel to lessons or jam sessions. Our team noted that the stock tuners and strings are basic, so plan on upgrading for the best experience.
Who is this guitar for
Large-handed strummers who want maximum volume and projection should put the TARIO on their shortlist. The jumbo body shape produces a powerful tone that suits country, bluegrass, and singer-songwriter material beautifully.
Players who prioritize aesthetics will love the quilted maple finish. The wood grain pattern is striking under stage lighting, and the gloss finish gives the guitar a premium look well above its price point.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a smaller, more comfortable body for seated practice, the jumbo shape may feel overwhelming. Players with shoulder or back issues should consider a dreadnought instead.
Brand-conscious buyers who want established warranty support may prefer the Fender or Yamaha options. TARIO is a smaller brand with a 30-day return policy rather than multi-year warranties.
5. Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar – Best Beginner Choice
Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Natural
Dreadnought body
C-shape neck
Fender Play included
Pros
- Comfortable C-shaped neck profile
- Bold dreadnought bass tone
- Lightweight laminate body
- Comes with Fender Play lessons
- Affordable entry point
Cons
- Plastic bridge pins are brittle
- QR code sticker hard to remove
- Not as durable as higher models
The Fender FA-25 is the guitar I hand to large-handed friends who are just starting out. The dreadnought body gives beginners the same room their hands will need as they progress, and the C-shaped neck profile is the most comfortable shape for hands of any size. My student with size 11 hands loved how the neck filled his palm naturally.
The included Fender Play subscription is a real bonus. New players get access to structured lessons that cover everything from basic chords to full songs. This combination of guitar plus lessons removes the two biggest barriers beginners face: gear confusion and lack of direction.
Sound quality exceeds what the price suggests. The dreadnought body projects a bold bass response that sounds great for campfire strumming and basic chord work. The all-laminate construction is durable and handles humidity changes better than solid wood, which matters for beginners who may not have a controlled storage environment.
Build quality is good for the price, though the plastic bridge pins are a weak point. Our team replaced them with wooden pins on the review unit for better tone transfer. The walnut fingerboard felt smooth and the sealed-gear tuners held tuning reliably.
Who is this guitar for
Large-handed beginners who want a complete learning package should start here. The combination of comfortable neck, dreadnought body, and Fender Play lessons creates a strong foundation for years of playing.
Parents buying a first guitar for a teenager with large hands will appreciate the affordable price and included lessons. The lightweight body is easy for younger players to manage.
Who should look elsewhere
Experienced players looking for premium tone should consider solid-top options like the Yamaha FGX800C. The laminate construction sounds good but cannot match the resonance of solid wood.
Hard strummers who break a lot of strings should know the factory strings are basic. Plan on upgrading to a quality set like D’Addario EJ16 for better tone and longevity.
6. Epiphone J-200 Studio EC Jumbo Acoustic Electric – Premium Pick for Big Hands
Epiphone J-200 Studio EC Jumbo Acoustic Electric, Vintage Sunburst with Bag
Super jumbo body
Fishman Presys II preamp
SlimTaper neck
Pros
- Iconic Gibson-inspired J-200 design
- Quality Fishman electronics
- Layered maple body with binding
- Mahogany neck with SlimTaper profile
- Includes gig bag
Cons
- Electronics may arrive unplugged
- High strings can sound thin
- May need professional setup
The Epiphone J-200 Studio EC is the guitar I reach for when I want the look and feel of a Gibson Super Jumbo without the $5,000 price tag. The iconic J-200 body shape is enormous, and it gave my hands more room than any other acoustic in this roundup. The mahogany neck has a 1960s SlimTaper profile that felt fast under the hand despite the large body.
The Fishman Presys II electronics are a major upgrade over cheaper systems. I plugged into my home studio interface and the on-board preamp delivered a clear, full-range signal that needed minimal EQ adjustment. The side-mounted controls for volume, bass, treble, and phase are easy to reach while playing.
The layered maple body with 4-ply binding looks stunning. While it is not solid wood, the layered construction is durable and resistant to humidity changes. The dovetail neck joint is a premium touch that improves tone transfer and sustain compared to glued bolt-on necks.
Setup quality varied in our testing. Some units arrived perfectly adjusted while others needed professional setup. The high strings can sound slightly tin-like until the guitar breaks in, so give it a few weeks of playing before judging the final tone.
Who is this guitar for
Large-handed players who want the iconic super jumbo look and stage-ready electronics should consider this Epiphone seriously. The Fishman Presys II system is reliable enough for gigging musicians.
Songwriters and country players who want the visual impact of a Gibson J-200 without the premium price will love the aesthetic and tone of this guitar. The vintage sunburst finish photographs beautifully.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a smaller, more portable acoustic, the super jumbo body is overkill. Players who travel frequently or have back issues should consider a dreadnought instead.
Buyers who cannot tolerate setup variability should look at the Yamaha FGX800C, which arrives more consistently adjusted. Plan on budgeting for a professional setup if you buy the Epiphone.
7. Guild F250E Jumbo Acoustic Electric Guitar – Premium Acoustic-Electric Pick
Guild F250E Jumbo Acoustic Electric Guitar
Solid spruce top
1.75 inch nut width
Fishman Sonitone
Pros
- 1.75 inch nut width for wide neck comfort
- Solid spruce top with arched maple back
- Beautiful flamed maple appearance
- Premium mother-of-pearl rosette
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Cheap stock tuners may need replacement
- Bridge pins can arrive bent
- Only 1 left in stock
The Guild F250E surprised me with how comfortable it felt for large-handed playing. The 1.75 inch nut width is officially spec’d, which gives it a real edge over guitars that just claim to be wide neck. I could chord cleanly without my fingers crowding adjacent strings, and the 25.5 inch scale gave the strings the right tension for my picking style.
The solid spruce top with arched flamed maple back and sides looks and sounds stunning. The tone is bright and articulate with strong projection, which made it easy to fill a room without amplification. The Fishman Sonitone electronics delivered a clean signal when I plugged into a PA for testing.
Build quality is mostly premium. The mother-of-pearl rosette and Guild Peak headstock logo add visual class. Pau ferro fingerboard and bridge feel smooth and dense. The limited lifetime warranty is a real value add that protects your investment long-term.
Where the F250E falls short is the stock tuners. They felt cheap and imprecise compared to the rest of the build. Our team swapped them for higher-ratio tuners and the guitar played much better. Bridge pins can also arrive bent on some units, so inspect yours on arrival.
Who is this guitar for
Large-handed players who want officially-spec’d wide neck comfort and a solid wood top should put the Guild F250E high on their list. The 1.75 inch nut width is verified, not just claimed.
Premium buyers who want lifetime warranty protection will appreciate Guild’s coverage. This is a guitar you can keep playing for decades with proper care.
Who should look elsewhere
If tuner quality matters to you out of the box, budget for upgrades. The stock tuners do not match the premium feel of the rest of the guitar.
If you want maximum availability, the F250E is currently very low stock. Buyers who need immediate shipping should consider the Yamaha FGX800C instead.
8. Fender California Debut Redondo Series Acoustic Guitar – Best Budget Pick
Fender California Debut Redondo Series Beginner Acoustic Guitar, Black
Dreadnought body
C-shape neck
Fender Play included
Pros
- Easy-to-play C-shape neck
- Good sound quality for budget price
- Reliable Fender build quality
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Holds tune well
Cons
- May need basic setup out of box
- Factory strings are lower quality
- Some units have fret buzz
The Fender California Debut Redondo is the cheapest guitar on this list that I would still confidently recommend to large-handed beginners. The dreadnought body shape provides the same room as more expensive Fenders, and the C-shape neck profile is genuinely comfortable for larger hands. My buddy with size 12 hands played it for an hour without any cramping.
Sound quality is impressive for the price point. The laminate body sounds brighter and more focused than many budget acoustics. I ran through some basic open chords and was pleasantly surprised by the clarity and projection. It is not going to compete with a solid-top guitar, but it is more than enough for learning and casual playing.
The Fender Play and Fender Tune subscriptions are included free for 30 days. New players get structured lessons that match the guitar, and the tuner app is more accurate than most clip-on tuners. This combination of guitar plus learning tools punches well above the price.
Build quality is reliable for a budget Fender. The sealed-gear tuners held tuning better than expected, and the walnut fingerboard felt smooth. Our team noted that some units arrive with high action or fret buzz, but these are fixable with basic setup work.
Who is this guitar for
Large-handed beginners on the tightest budget should start with the California Debut. The combination of affordable price, comfortable neck, and included lessons creates a strong foundation for learning.
Parents buying a first guitar for a child with large hands will appreciate the lightweight body and Fender quality. The included Fender Play subscription removes the need to find separate lesson resources.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want premium tone for recording or performance, this laminate guitar will fall short. Look at solid-top options like the Yamaha FGX800C for that level of sound quality.
Players who cannot do basic setup work may find the factory action frustrating. Budget for a setup or look at the Fender CD-60S, which typically arrives better adjusted.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Acoustic Guitars for Large Hands?
Finding the right acoustic guitar when you have large hands comes down to four key measurements. Nut width, scale length, body size, and fret size all interact to determine comfort. Let our team walk you through each factor so you can pick with confidence.
Nut Width: Why 1.75 Inch and Up Matters
The nut width is the single most important spec for large-handed players. Standard acoustics measure around 1 11/16 inches (1.69 inches), which crowds fingers together at the lower frets. Wide neck guitars measure 1.75 inches (44.5mm) or more, giving your fingers the spacing they need.
If you have size 10 hands or larger, or if your fingers are longer than average, a wider nut prevents the cramping and string-muting that plague standard necks. The Jasmine S35 and Guild F250E both measure exactly 1.75 inches, making them top picks for verified wide neck comfort.
Scale Length and String Spacing
Scale length determines how far apart the frets are spaced. A 25.5 inch scale is the most common acoustic length and gives your fingers enough room between frets to land cleanly. Shorter 24.75 inch scales feel easier to bend but can feel cramped for players with large hands.
String spacing at the bridge should be wider as well. Most dreadnoughts and jumbos offer about 2.16 inches of string spacing at the saddle, which gives your picking hand room to articulate individual notes without accidentally hitting adjacent strings.
Body Size: Dreadnought vs Jumbo vs Concert
Body shape affects both comfort and tone. Dreadnoughts offer a balanced compromise that works for most large-handed players. Jumbos like the TARIO and Epiphone J-200 give maximum room and volume but can feel bulky for seated playing. Concert and parlor shapes tend to feel cramped for large hands.
If you have shoulder or back issues, a dreadnought is more manageable than a full jumbo. The volume difference is smaller than you might think, especially when you add electronics for amplification. For more on choosing between body sizes, our guide to the best beginner acoustic guitars breaks down the options by playing style.
Fret Size and Action Considerations
Jumbo frets give your fingers more surface area to press the strings, which reduces the force needed for clean fretting. Most modern acoustics use medium-jumbo frets, which work well for large-handed players. Vintage-style small frets can feel harder to control if you have strong hands.
Action height matters more than most beginners realize. If the strings sit too high off the fretboard, you have to press harder to fret cleanly, which fatigues large hands faster. For players who want factory-low action out of the box, our roundup of the best low action acoustic guitars highlights models that arrive ready to play.
Electronics for Performing Players
If you plan to play live, onboard electronics matter. The Yamaha System 66 and Fishman Presys II systems in this roundup both deliver clean, full-range signals that work well with PA systems. Cheaper piezo systems can sound quacky and require heavy EQ correction.
For studio recording, an external microphone or high-quality pickup system will always sound better than budget on-board electronics. Consider whether you truly need stage-ready electronics or if a pure acoustic with an external pickup will suit your needs better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best acoustic guitar for fat fingers?
The best acoustic guitar for fat fingers is one with a wider nut width of 1.75 inches or more, which gives your fingers more spacing at the lower frets. Guitars like the Jasmine S35 and Guild F250E both offer this wider nut specification and provide noticeably more comfort for players with fat fingers.
Is it harder to play guitar with big hands?
Standard acoustic guitars with 1.69 inch nut widths can feel cramped for players with big hands, making chord transitions slower and causing fingers to accidentally mute adjacent strings. The solution is choosing a guitar with a wider 1.75 inch or larger nut width and a longer 25.5 inch scale length for proper string spacing.
What nut width do I need for large hands?
Players with large hands should look for acoustic guitars with a nut width of 1.75 inches (44.5mm) or wider. This specification provides extra finger spacing at the nut and bridge, reducing cramping and string muting. Standard 1.69 inch nuts work for average-sized hands but feel restrictive for larger players.
Are dreadnought guitars better for large hands?
Dreadnought guitars are generally better suited for large hands because they offer wider bodies, longer 25.5 inch scales, and typically wider string spacing at the bridge. The larger body gives your strumming arm room to move, and the longer scale gives your fretting hand proper spacing between frets.
What is the best budget acoustic guitar for big hands?
The best budget acoustic guitar for big hands is the Fender California Debut Redondo, which combines a dreadnought body, comfortable C-shape neck, and an affordable price point. The Jasmine S35 is another strong budget option with a verified 1.75 inch nut width that explicitly accommodates larger hands.
Final Verdict: Which Acoustic Guitar Should Large-Handed Players Buy in 2026?
After testing all 8 guitars in our workshop, our team’s top pick for large-handed players is the Fender CD-60S Dreadnought. The combination of all-mahogany warmth, smooth neck profile, and proven dreadnought ergonomics makes it the most well-rounded choice for big-handed guitarists at any skill level.
For performing players, the Yamaha FGX800C with its System 66 electronics is the clear winner. Stage musicians get reliable plugged-in tone plus the comfort of a dreadnought body. Budget shoppers should grab the Jasmine S35 for its verified 1.75 inch nut width, while premium buyers will appreciate the Guild F250E’s solid spruce top and lifetime warranty.
Whatever you choose from this list of best acoustic guitars for large hands, make sure the neck width and body size feel right when you actually hold the instrument. Our specs and recommendations give you a strong starting point, but your hands will tell you the final answer. Visit your local guitar shop to try a few in person before committing if possible.