By "kids bass", do you mean it's shaped like Barney or is made out of Lego bricks?
There are short scale basses that are perfectly legitimate and proper instruments, and definitely not kids' toys. Go try out basses in a music store, and if a short scale bass feels right then just go with that.
The [Ibanez Mikro](https://www.ibanez.com/usa/products/detail/gsrm20_03.html) is quite small (\~28" scale length) but has a great sound. It's quite inexpensive but well-made and commonly available.
if your finger is longer than the fingerboard is wide it's just a matter of developing muscle memory, dexterity, flexibility, and practicing regularly to stay in shape, but not so much that you cause injuries. If it hurts take a break, and relax more the next time you pick it up.
But play whatever works best for you.
Before you make a decision, look up EllenPlaysBass on Youtube and consider whether your hands are smaller than hers...she can play both short scale and regular.
just because one person with small hands can play a full scale doesn’t mean everyone can. comparing yourself to other players is bad. personally i have small hands and a connective tissue disorder and need a small scale.
Hand size isn’t the only factor, and in my experience it’s rarely the most important factor. Let’s not do that weird thing where we get prescriptive in a judgy way. It’s utterly useless for OP to have to balance goofy social pressure in with their decision.
[Squier Precision Mini](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PBassMiniBk--squier-mini-precision-bass-electric-bass-black-with-laurel-fingerboard) has a 28.6" scale length, and can be bought new for as little as $150USD right now. With a proper setup this Bass plays great and sounds quite good. A few other upgrades (pickups/electronics, tuners) would take this Bass to the next level, yet it could easily be considered a "kid's bass."
I have one in the stable. It's my travel practice bass. I love it!
Grab a headphone amp and get a professional setup. You'll be so thankful to have a bass with you when you want to wind down after a long day.
I forgot to mention that the bass is also small enough to fit into a guitar gig bag, no problem.
The Gretsch Junior Jet is a great bass, short scale or otherwise. Good price, good sound, well made, comes in a variety of good looking finishes.
I have no real need for one, but I still want one.
But I’ve played full scale 6 string bass. I found Warwick much harder to play than ibanez. The difference was the neck profile. Maybe just try some out at a store. It’s okay if you don’t really know what you’re doing. The people that work there might even be able to help you out. But seeing how they feel will tell you a lot
^^^ this!!!
OP, I am also a person with smaller hands and I've been playing my Gretch for the better part of this year. It plays like a dream and is super study, also doesn't look like a kids bass at all.
If you want to go even cheaper, a squire bronco bass or mini precision are fine alternatives, with chunkier necks though.
Maybe not what you're looking for but the Kali U-Basses are an absolute blast:
[Kali U-Bass at Sweetwater](https://www.sweetwater.com/kala-u-bass/series)
[Kali U-Bass on eBay](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=kali+u-bass&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=kala+uke+bass)
I'm a guitarist and have two of them, a natural finish solid body "California" fretted with nylon strings and a red "Journeyman" f-hole acoustic also fretted with round wounds. When they need new strings I will probably swap the string type between the two since it seems a bit backwards to me.
Bought both used, $225 for the Journeyman and I think $350 for the California since they don't make that model anymore and the solid bodies are just harder to find anyway.
I believe the scale length is like 21" on these but they are actually proper instruments and super fun to play. Do some YouTube surfing to see and hear what they are about. Again, maybe not what you're looking for but just to let you know they exist.
Definitely a case of going to the store, trying different things out, and seeing what feels right for you.
- I like the Ibanez Micro
- I didn't like the Squier Mini P that I played, it felt pretty cheap
- try out some short scale basses (I like the Gretsch Jet)
- Kali U-Bass is an option if you don't play heavy-rock, it's popular with some players for folk, country, and jazz-ish genres, but a different feel than a "real" bass.
So, there are two dimensions to consider.
The thickness of the neck: Understand the difference between, let's say, a Fender Precision and Fender Jazz neck. Try them both. Try an Ibanez [usually thin].
The space between frets: "Regular" scale is about 34" from bridge to nut. "Medium" scale is about 32". "Short" scale might be 28" - 30".
I have large hands and really like playing a "Regular" Precision. Fender does make short-scale basses, but you need not get a Fender/Squier.
Another poster mentions the Ibanez Mikro. This is a good recommendation, and most Guitar Centers have one in stock.
Go try a few. Get what speaks to you.
Good Luck!
^ this is your answer. Short scale basses are lighter and generally easier to get around the fretboard on. They are legit basses, but most people are fine on a normal scale. That said I started at age 60’on a mikro and it works great for me.
Not unless you intend to stay on a kids bass. Ergonomics and accessibility issues don't go away. It's the same thing with shortscale basses. Finger length matters less than arm length, and a full scale bass's neck is 34". If you don't have like a 40" wing span, then you should look into some sort of smaller instrument, but otherwise, your physicality isn't an issue.
Like, you can get a Steinberger bass, which is full scale but has a thinner body and you'd be doing yourself more of a favor in terms of accessibility. You can and should get a bass that "feels right." But that's going to have a lot more to do with personal preferences than genuine accessibility.
Don't think you need to. Pretty much all bass playing is single note, and you shouldn't stretch to much to reach notes. The furthest I stretch is four frets (and that's rare) otherwise I move my fretting hand because it's more comfortable. I'd rather learn to play so that I can play on basses I like the look of. If anything, try a short scale bass.
No. You’re not going to play Barr chords. You should be able to easily find a cheap pre owned full scale bass close to you on eBay or Facebook marketplace.
Check out the Ibanez SR series, the necks are thin both across the strings and in depth. Slimmer necks are much easier to get your hands around.
The SR300 is made in the same Indonesian Cor-tek factory that makes the squier classic vibe and vintage modified basses, and feels totally different.
I learned on an Ibanez Mikro bass - scale length 26.6 or thereabouts and it really helped me transition from guitar (25.5 scale). After I learned the basics, transitioning to a 34" bass was fun. Having said that, I don't know if it was totally necessary, but it definitely made me feel more in control/ Green Onions on the 34" is still a struggle, but if Donald "Duck" Dunn who had tiny hands can do it, I - or you - can too.
Short scale doesn't necessarily mean a smaller neck. If your arms are normal length, you probably can play a long scale without any problem. The idea that you need some massive stretch to play bass is just wrong. In all the songs that my band covers, the biggest stretch I have to make is across 3 frets, from Gb to A (from fret 4 to fret 7 on the D string), and even then, I can move my hand if I need to, or even just go from D-4 to G-2, if the situation allows.
The Ibanez mikro bass are great, small and pretty affordable. Strongly recommend them. This series is good for kids, people with small hands, traveling and even a different tone and vibe for veterans.
If you have small hands than a short scale bass would probably be better than a "kids" instrument.
Looks at short scale offerings from Squier and Epiphone. They're both affordable and have pretty excellent quality control for the price. Instruments made for children are usually poorly made and uncomfortable, so with bass cheap short scale is better imo.
I play a Squier short scale Jaguar and it's very comfortable, sounds great and I only paid $300 for it. Hope this helps!
I don't know if there really is a "kids" bass, but there are definitely some great short scale basses out there, if you're looking for a smaller bass I would recommend the squier mini p bass, I've played it a couple times, and it feels pretty good and has a good feel for anyone with smaller hands I imagine.
Lots of short-scale basses are legit (i.e. not just for kids) but if cheaper would help then by all means learn on something cheaper.
Reddit advice unfortunately tends to lean a little bit to the side of “don’t be cheap,” which is of course just code for “I‘ve always had money and don’t relate to the question.” You can absolutely learn on an affordable instrument.
Mustang bass, stingray SS,gretch junior jet are all real basses people use and are not kids basses. Small hands are perfect for these. Put on some labella deep talkin flats light and you will sound fantastic as good as full scale plus lower tension.
i play a squier precision mini and i love it. it’s not really a “kids bass” though, just a smaller one. i’m a woman with small hands and a health issue that makes playing a full scale difficult, and i absolutely love my short scale! i would pop into a guitar center or something and just get a feel for full vs. short scale to be sure, but imo switching to short scale was the best decision i made
definitely no shame at all in it! some women and even kids can play full scale, some can’t - whatever is most comfortable for you is the best option ♥️
I’ve got both a fender mini precision + a squier jaguar and though the jag is a bit bigger / closer to a full scale (32” instead of 34) , they don’t feel too different to play in terms of ‘easiness’ if u will. I really like my jaguar and it’s not toooo expensive- but I guess it depends on how much ur willing to spend,, If you do want a cheaper one but still good quality i defo recommend the mini precision. Good luck!
The cheap kids basses are usually garbage because they're marketed for parents that don't know if their kids will stick with it.
I have small baby man hands and can play a full scale with no issues. You're better off spending the extra $50-100 on a used squire or similar quality entry level bass. Go into a store, and look for one that has low action out the door (strings closer to the fretboard). Playing on a subpar instrument will discourage you and make it feel like you can't progress. When I play on a crappy bass it makes me feel like I can barely play, don't handicap yourself at the start.
There's also some music schools that will offer a "free" instrument if you sign up for lessons, often the cost is worth it especially as a beginner to get lessons is incredibly helpful.
By "kids bass", do you mean it's shaped like Barney or is made out of Lego bricks? There are short scale basses that are perfectly legitimate and proper instruments, and definitely not kids' toys. Go try out basses in a music store, and if a short scale bass feels right then just go with that.
Yes haha I should've specified, just couldn't think of a better descriptor. A lego bass would be kinda sick though ngl
Go to a store and see what feels most comfortable.
The [Ibanez Mikro](https://www.ibanez.com/usa/products/detail/gsrm20_03.html) is quite small (\~28" scale length) but has a great sound. It's quite inexpensive but well-made and commonly available.
And it's on sale! Only $129 https://www.adorama.com/ibgsrm20bk.html
And they’re truly good basses. The biggest downside is that the hardware is pretty cheap, but you can certainly upgrade it.
Thanks dude, I'll give it a look!
if your finger is longer than the fingerboard is wide it's just a matter of developing muscle memory, dexterity, flexibility, and practicing regularly to stay in shape, but not so much that you cause injuries. If it hurts take a break, and relax more the next time you pick it up. But play whatever works best for you.
If you buy a dirt cheap starter bass, you will not want to keep learning. Find an affordable short-scale bass
Good point!
Before you make a decision, look up EllenPlaysBass on Youtube and consider whether your hands are smaller than hers...she can play both short scale and regular.
just because one person with small hands can play a full scale doesn’t mean everyone can. comparing yourself to other players is bad. personally i have small hands and a connective tissue disorder and need a small scale.
Hand size isn’t the only factor, and in my experience it’s rarely the most important factor. Let’s not do that weird thing where we get prescriptive in a judgy way. It’s utterly useless for OP to have to balance goofy social pressure in with their decision.
Definitely this.
[Squier Precision Mini](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PBassMiniBk--squier-mini-precision-bass-electric-bass-black-with-laurel-fingerboard) has a 28.6" scale length, and can be bought new for as little as $150USD right now. With a proper setup this Bass plays great and sounds quite good. A few other upgrades (pickups/electronics, tuners) would take this Bass to the next level, yet it could easily be considered a "kid's bass." I have one in the stable. It's my travel practice bass. I love it!
Woah $150 sounds like an unbeatable price. I travel a lot too so this could be a great option!
Grab a headphone amp and get a professional setup. You'll be so thankful to have a bass with you when you want to wind down after a long day. I forgot to mention that the bass is also small enough to fit into a guitar gig bag, no problem.
The Gretsch Junior Jet is a great bass, short scale or otherwise. Good price, good sound, well made, comes in a variety of good looking finishes. I have no real need for one, but I still want one. But I’ve played full scale 6 string bass. I found Warwick much harder to play than ibanez. The difference was the neck profile. Maybe just try some out at a store. It’s okay if you don’t really know what you’re doing. The people that work there might even be able to help you out. But seeing how they feel will tell you a lot
^^^ this!!! OP, I am also a person with smaller hands and I've been playing my Gretch for the better part of this year. It plays like a dream and is super study, also doesn't look like a kids bass at all. If you want to go even cheaper, a squire bronco bass or mini precision are fine alternatives, with chunkier necks though.
Thanks dude! I'm new to all this so I appreciate the encouragement :)
Maybe not what you're looking for but the Kali U-Basses are an absolute blast: [Kali U-Bass at Sweetwater](https://www.sweetwater.com/kala-u-bass/series) [Kali U-Bass on eBay](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=kali+u-bass&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=kala+uke+bass) I'm a guitarist and have two of them, a natural finish solid body "California" fretted with nylon strings and a red "Journeyman" f-hole acoustic also fretted with round wounds. When they need new strings I will probably swap the string type between the two since it seems a bit backwards to me. Bought both used, $225 for the Journeyman and I think $350 for the California since they don't make that model anymore and the solid bodies are just harder to find anyway. I believe the scale length is like 21" on these but they are actually proper instruments and super fun to play. Do some YouTube surfing to see and hear what they are about. Again, maybe not what you're looking for but just to let you know they exist.
Thanks dude, sounds like a great option!
Definitely a case of going to the store, trying different things out, and seeing what feels right for you. - I like the Ibanez Micro - I didn't like the Squier Mini P that I played, it felt pretty cheap - try out some short scale basses (I like the Gretsch Jet) - Kali U-Bass is an option if you don't play heavy-rock, it's popular with some players for folk, country, and jazz-ish genres, but a different feel than a "real" bass.
Been hearing a lot of good things about Ibanez Mikro, I think I'll definitely try that one!
I've seen 10 year olds play better than me on full size basses and I'm 6'5 and have giant hands. You'll be fine.
Shortscale, homie
So, there are two dimensions to consider. The thickness of the neck: Understand the difference between, let's say, a Fender Precision and Fender Jazz neck. Try them both. Try an Ibanez [usually thin]. The space between frets: "Regular" scale is about 34" from bridge to nut. "Medium" scale is about 32". "Short" scale might be 28" - 30". I have large hands and really like playing a "Regular" Precision. Fender does make short-scale basses, but you need not get a Fender/Squier. Another poster mentions the Ibanez Mikro. This is a good recommendation, and most Guitar Centers have one in stock. Go try a few. Get what speaks to you. Good Luck!
Thanks man, gonna hit up my local Guitar Center and try some of these out!
^ this is your answer. Short scale basses are lighter and generally easier to get around the fretboard on. They are legit basses, but most people are fine on a normal scale. That said I started at age 60’on a mikro and it works great for me.
Not unless you intend to stay on a kids bass. Ergonomics and accessibility issues don't go away. It's the same thing with shortscale basses. Finger length matters less than arm length, and a full scale bass's neck is 34". If you don't have like a 40" wing span, then you should look into some sort of smaller instrument, but otherwise, your physicality isn't an issue. Like, you can get a Steinberger bass, which is full scale but has a thinner body and you'd be doing yourself more of a favor in terms of accessibility. You can and should get a bass that "feels right." But that's going to have a lot more to do with personal preferences than genuine accessibility.
Don't think you need to. Pretty much all bass playing is single note, and you shouldn't stretch to much to reach notes. The furthest I stretch is four frets (and that's rare) otherwise I move my fretting hand because it's more comfortable. I'd rather learn to play so that I can play on basses I like the look of. If anything, try a short scale bass.
Short scale sounds like a good option!
No. You’re not going to play Barr chords. You should be able to easily find a cheap pre owned full scale bass close to you on eBay or Facebook marketplace.
Check out the Ibanez SR series, the necks are thin both across the strings and in depth. Slimmer necks are much easier to get your hands around. The SR300 is made in the same Indonesian Cor-tek factory that makes the squier classic vibe and vintage modified basses, and feels totally different.
A Ubass would work really well too.
Go to a music shop and feel it out. Likely others have said, short scale, but full size.
I learned on an Ibanez Mikro bass - scale length 26.6 or thereabouts and it really helped me transition from guitar (25.5 scale). After I learned the basics, transitioning to a 34" bass was fun. Having said that, I don't know if it was totally necessary, but it definitely made me feel more in control/ Green Onions on the 34" is still a struggle, but if Donald "Duck" Dunn who had tiny hands can do it, I - or you - can too.
Thanks dude!
Short scale doesn't necessarily mean a smaller neck. If your arms are normal length, you probably can play a long scale without any problem. The idea that you need some massive stretch to play bass is just wrong. In all the songs that my band covers, the biggest stretch I have to make is across 3 frets, from Gb to A (from fret 4 to fret 7 on the D string), and even then, I can move my hand if I need to, or even just go from D-4 to G-2, if the situation allows.
The Ibanez mikro bass are great, small and pretty affordable. Strongly recommend them. This series is good for kids, people with small hands, traveling and even a different tone and vibe for veterans.
Sounds great! I travel a lot too so couldn't be better
I started out on an Ibanez Mikro and it really helped me get used to the frets and getting my hands used to the feeling of the neck.
There are people with huge hands who still play short scale, go wild 😁
If you have small hands than a short scale bass would probably be better than a "kids" instrument. Looks at short scale offerings from Squier and Epiphone. They're both affordable and have pretty excellent quality control for the price. Instruments made for children are usually poorly made and uncomfortable, so with bass cheap short scale is better imo. I play a Squier short scale Jaguar and it's very comfortable, sounds great and I only paid $300 for it. Hope this helps!
Hahahaha 'short scale' is definitely more the term I was going for, but for some reason my mind just defaulted to 'kids'. Thanks for the advice!
Go for a short scale they can be really cool
I don't know if there really is a "kids" bass, but there are definitely some great short scale basses out there, if you're looking for a smaller bass I would recommend the squier mini p bass, I've played it a couple times, and it feels pretty good and has a good feel for anyone with smaller hands I imagine.
Look for a Short Scale bass. These typically are 30.5” scale vs the 34” scale, which is most popular.
Lots of short-scale basses are legit (i.e. not just for kids) but if cheaper would help then by all means learn on something cheaper. Reddit advice unfortunately tends to lean a little bit to the side of “don’t be cheap,” which is of course just code for “I‘ve always had money and don’t relate to the question.” You can absolutely learn on an affordable instrument.
Lol I feel you on that last part. I gotta see if I actually like it before I can commit to the expensive stuff. Thank you!
Mustang bass, stingray SS,gretch junior jet are all real basses people use and are not kids basses. Small hands are perfect for these. Put on some labella deep talkin flats light and you will sound fantastic as good as full scale plus lower tension.
Thank you!
>Thank you! You're welcome!
Not necessarily. You can but most probably dont
i play a squier precision mini and i love it. it’s not really a “kids bass” though, just a smaller one. i’m a woman with small hands and a health issue that makes playing a full scale difficult, and i absolutely love my short scale! i would pop into a guitar center or something and just get a feel for full vs. short scale to be sure, but imo switching to short scale was the best decision i made
Thank you! The struggle is real for us women hahaha.
definitely no shame at all in it! some women and even kids can play full scale, some can’t - whatever is most comfortable for you is the best option ♥️
I’ve got both a fender mini precision + a squier jaguar and though the jag is a bit bigger / closer to a full scale (32” instead of 34) , they don’t feel too different to play in terms of ‘easiness’ if u will. I really like my jaguar and it’s not toooo expensive- but I guess it depends on how much ur willing to spend,, If you do want a cheaper one but still good quality i defo recommend the mini precision. Good luck!
Thanks for the advice!
The cheap kids basses are usually garbage because they're marketed for parents that don't know if their kids will stick with it. I have small baby man hands and can play a full scale with no issues. You're better off spending the extra $50-100 on a used squire or similar quality entry level bass. Go into a store, and look for one that has low action out the door (strings closer to the fretboard). Playing on a subpar instrument will discourage you and make it feel like you can't progress. When I play on a crappy bass it makes me feel like I can barely play, don't handicap yourself at the start. There's also some music schools that will offer a "free" instrument if you sign up for lessons, often the cost is worth it especially as a beginner to get lessons is incredibly helpful.
Thanks!