Best Shortscale Guitars for Intermediate 2025

Perfect shortscale guitars for intermediate - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Small Hands For Young Players For Comfortable Playing For Vintage Tones For Easy Bending For Unique Feel

BRANDS: Squier Harley Benton Fender Jackson Ibanez

Fender Player II Jaguar RW AQB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Player II Jaguar RW AQB

by Fender

Comfortable Playing Easy Bending Small Hands

Key Feature:

• Easier playing for smaller hands

✓ PROS

• Great for string bending
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• May lack some low-end punch
• Different feel from standard guitars

Fender Player II Jaguar RW AQBElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595498

$890

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB

by Fender

Vintage Tones Comfortable Playing Unique Feel

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Great for string bending
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• May lack some low-end punch
• May affect resale value

Fender Player II Mustang RW AQBElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595119

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Mustang RW BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Player II Mustang RW BLK

by Fender

Unique Feel Easy Bending Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Easier playing for smaller hands

✗ CONS

• May affect resale value
• Different feel from standard guitars

Fender Player II Mustang RW BLKElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595117

$768

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Mustang MN 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II Mustang MN 3TS

by Fender

Comfortable Playing Easy Bending Small Hands

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Comfortable fret spacing
• Lower string tension

✗ CONS

• May lack some low-end punch
• Not traditional guitar scale

Fender Player II Mustang MN 3TSElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleNeck profile: Modern...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595121

$762

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender LTD MIJ Cyclone MN WBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Fender LTD MIJ Cyclone MN WBL

by Fender

Unique Feel Comfortable Playing Young Players

Key Feature:

• Comfortable fret spacing

✓ PROS

• Comfortable fret spacing
• Great for string bending

✗ CONS

• Not traditional guitar scale
• Limited string gauge options

Fender LTD MIJ Cyclone MN WBLElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 602065

$1,407

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Mustang RW BCG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II Mustang RW BCG

by Fender

Unique Feel Small Hands Young Players

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Great for string bending

✗ CONS

• Different feel from standard guitars
• Not traditional guitar scale

Fender Player II Mustang RW BCGElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595120

$768

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Affinity Jaguar MMB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Squier Affinity Jaguar MMB

by Squier

Vintage Tones Small Hands Easy Bending

Key Feature:

• Lower string tension

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Great for string bending

✗ CONS

• May lack some low-end punch
• May affect resale value

Squier Affinity Jaguar MMBElectric GuitarBody: PoplarTop: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 594246

$270

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TS

by Fender

Small Hands Easy Bending Young Players

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Great for string bending
• Comfortable fret spacing

✗ CONS

• Different feel from standard guitars
• May lack some low-end punch

Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TSElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595494

$887

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Mustang MN HLY - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Player II Mustang MN HLY

by Fender

Comfortable Playing Small Hands Unique Feel

Key Feature:

• Comfortable fret spacing

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• May lack some low-end punch
• Limited string gauge options

Fender Player II Mustang MN HLYShort-Scale Electric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot...

⭐ 4.4/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595122

$768

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez AZES31-VM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez AZES31-VM

by Ibanez

Easy Bending Small Hands Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Comfortable fret spacing

✓ PROS

• Easier playing for smaller hands
• Great for string bending

✗ CONS

• May lack some low-end punch
• Limited string gauge options

Ibanez AZES31-VMElectric GuitarAZ Essential seriesBody: poplarBolt-on neck: mapleFretboard: jatobaWhite dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 524899

$307

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez GRGM21L-BKN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez GRGM21L-BKN

by Ibanez

Small Hands Young Players Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Great for string bending

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Great for string bending

✗ CONS

• May affect resale value
• Not traditional guitar scale

Ibanez GRGM21L-BKNElectric GuitarLefthand / left-handed modelMicro seriesBody: poplarBolt-on neck: mapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 524539

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Jaguar RW PWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Player II Jaguar RW PWT

by Fender

Comfortable Playing Unique Feel Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Easier playing for smaller hands

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Comfortable fret spacing

✗ CONS

• Limited string gauge options
• Different feel from standard guitars

Fender Player II Jaguar RW PWTElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...

⭐ 5.0/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595496

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Sonic Mustang HH Flash Pink - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Squier Sonic Mustang HH Flash Pink

by Squier

Comfortable Playing Young Players Small Hands

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Lower string tension
• Great for string bending

✗ CONS

• May lack some low-end punch
• Different feel from standard guitars

Squier Sonic Mustang HH Flash PinkElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 561079

$184

Buy at Thomann View Details

Vox SDC-1 Mini Guitar Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Vox SDC-1 Mini Guitar Black

by Vox

Vintage Tones Unique Feel Small Hands

Key Feature:

• Great for string bending

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Great for string bending

✗ CONS

• Different feel from standard guitars
• Limited string gauge options

Vox SDC-1 Mini Guitar BlackMini Electrig GuitarBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFingerboard: Purple HeartNut width: 42 mm...

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 579557

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton RG-Junior BK Rock Serie Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton RG-Junior BK Rock Serie Bundle

by Harley Benton

Vintage Tones Young Players Unique Feel

Key Feature:

• Great for string bending

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Comfortable fret spacing

✗ CONS

• Not traditional guitar scale
• May lack some low-end punch

Harley Benton RG-Junior BK Rock Serie Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton RG-Junior BK Rock Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 544088

$116

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Shortscale Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced shortscale guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best Shortscale Guitars for Intermediate 2025

Fender Player II Jaguar RW AQB

Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB

Fender Player II Mustang RW BLK

Fender Player II Mustang MN 3TS

Fender LTD MIJ Cyclone MN WBL

Fender Player II Mustang RW BCG

Squier Affinity Jaguar MMB

Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TS

Fender Player II Mustang MN HLY

Ibanez AZES31-VM

Ibanez GRGM21L-BKN

Fender Player II Jaguar RW PWT

Squier Sonic Mustang HH Flash Pink

Vox SDC-1 Mini Guitar Black

Harley Benton RG-Junior BK Rock Serie Bundle

How to Choose the Best Shortscale Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying shortscale guitars?

How much should I spend on shortscale guitars?

Are expensive shortscale guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for shortscale guitars?

Should I buy shortscale guitars online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies