Guitar Sizes Explained
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Guitar sizes are named as fractions of a full-size guitar: 4/4 is full size, and 3/4, 1/2 and 1/4 are smaller. A 7/8 size sits between 3/4 and full size, and a travel size is a smaller body made for carrying. The size name covers the body and the scale length, so check both before you buy.
What the size names mean
A 4/4 guitar is full size. A 3/4 guitar is three quarters of that size, a 1/2 is half, and a 1/4 is a quarter, with the body and the scale length both smaller. A 7/8 size, like the Washburn G-Mini 55 Koa, sits between 3/4 and full size. Travel size is a name for a smaller body built for carrying, not a fixed fraction, so check the scale length and the body size in the specs.
Scale length and body size
Scale length is the length of the string from the nut to the saddle, and a shorter scale length goes with a smaller body. The Washburn G-Mini 55 Koa has a 23-1/4 inch scale length, and the Enya NEXG 2 has a 23.7 inch scale length. Read both numbers in the specs: the body size tells you how much guitar sits against you, and the scale length tells you how far the frets sit apart.
Body shapes change the size
Body shape is separate from size. The Guild Traveler Mini Dreadnought Mahogany is a mini Dreadnought, and the Washburn G-Mini 55 Koa is a 7/8-size Grand Auditorium. The Enya NEXG 2 is a carbon fiber body with a fixed bridge. Two guitars with the same size name can still differ in body depth and width, so read the body shape and the dimensions in the specs.
How to pick a size
Start from the size name, then check the scale length and the body shape in the specs. Hold the guitar in playing position and check that the fretting hand reaches the first frets and the picking arm rests over the body without stretching. If you carry the guitar often, check whether a gig bag is included: the Washburn G-Mini 55 Koa, the Guild Traveler Mini Dreadnought Mahogany and the Enya NEXG 2 each include a gig bag.
What you need
Washburn Comfort G-Mini 55 Koa Travel
A 7/8-size Grand Auditorium with a 23-1/4 inch scale length, a comfort carve-away and a gig bag included.
- Solid top
- Case or gig bag included
- Body shape: Travel
- Top wood: Koa
- Lifetime warranty stated
Guild Traveler Mini Dreadnought Mahogany w/Gigbag
A mini Dreadnought with a mahogany top, back and sides, a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and a deluxe gig bag.
- Case or gig bag included
- Body shape: Dreadnought
- Top wood: Mahogany Wood
- Lifetime warranty stated
Enya NEXG 2 Deluxe Carbon Fiber Smart
A carbon fiber acoustic-electric with a 50W wireless speaker, 20 presets, an onboard looper and drum machine, and a custom-made gig bag.
- Built-in pickup / EQ
- Case or gig bag included
- Top wood: Carbon Fiber
- 2-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Travel Acoustic Guitar, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What size guitar is a travel guitar?
Travel size is a name for a smaller body built for carrying, not a fixed fraction like 3/4 or 1/2. The Washburn G-Mini 55 Koa is a 7/8-size travel body, and the Guild Traveler is a mini Dreadnought. Check the scale length in the specs to see how small it is.
Is a 3/4 guitar a full-size guitar?
No. A 3/4 guitar is three quarters of full size, with a smaller body and a shorter scale length than a 4/4 guitar. A 7/8 size sits between 3/4 and 4/4.
Does body shape matter as much as size?
Body shape is separate from size and changes how the guitar sits against you. A mini Dreadnought and a 7/8-size Grand Auditorium can share a size name and still differ in body depth and width. Read the body shape and the dimensions in the specs.
What should I check before buying a smaller guitar?
Check the size name, the scale length and the body shape in the specs, and hold the guitar in playing position. Check whether a gig bag is included if you carry it often, and read the warranty the maker states.
Ranked acoustic guitars lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.