Best Short Scale Electric Guitars

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Short scale electric guitars are perfect for players who value comfort, speed, and warm tone. Whether you’ve got smaller hands, want easier fretting, or just love the punchy sound of shorter strings, a short scale electric delivers. These guitars typically feature a scale length of 24 inches or less, offering looser string tension, easier bends, and a more relaxed feel under your fingers.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best short scale electric guitars—from beginner-friendly options to pro-level rock machines—so you can find the right fit for your style and budget.

What Is a Short Scale Electric Guitar?

Scale length is the distance from the nut to the bridge. Most standard guitars (like Strats or Les Pauls) are around 25.5″ to 24.75″, while short scale guitars usually fall in the 22.5″ to 24″ range.

Benefits of short scale guitars:

  • Easier fretting and less stretch between notes

  • Reduced string tension = smoother bends

  • Warmer, more mid-focused tone

  • Lighter weight and compact feel

  • Great for beginners, smaller players, or anyone who wants a relaxed experience

Best Short Scale Electric Guitars (2024 Picks)

1. Fender Mustang 90

Best All-Around Short Scale Electric

The Mustang 90 brings 24″ scale comfort and pairs it with two MP-90 pickups for a tone that’s bright, bold, and a bit gritty. It’s a modern take on a classic short scale design.

Key Features:

  • 24″ scale length

  • Dual MP-90 pickups (P-90 style)

  • String-through hardtail bridge

  • Modern C-shape neck with 9.5″ radius

Why It’s Great:

  • Bright and aggressive tone perfect for alt-rock, punk, and blues

  • Classic Fender styling with more bite than traditional single-coils

  • Comfortable and responsive for all hand sizes

Best For: Players who want punchy tone and vintage style with modern upgrades

Price: ~$650

2. Squier Classic Vibe ‘60s Mustang

Best Vintage-Style Short Scale for the Money

Squier’s Classic Vibe Mustang gives you vintage Fender Mustang feel and tone at a fraction of the price. It’s a go-to for grunge, indie, and surf rock.

Key Features:

  • 24″ scale

  • Two single-coil pickups

  • Vintage-style floating tremolo

  • Gloss finish and aged hardware for retro looks

Why It’s Great:

  • True to original Mustang feel

  • Super comfortable neck and light body

  • Ideal for jangly chords, fuzzy riffs, and surf leads

Best For: Vintage lovers, indie players, and budget-conscious tone seekers

Price: ~$430

3. Gibson Les Paul Junior (or Tribute)

Best Short Scale with Classic Humbucker Punch

Gibson’s iconic Les Paul models feature a 24.75″ scale—technically not “short” by Mustang standards, but shorter than a Strat and perfect for easy playability and tone.

Key Features:

  • 24.75″ scale

  • Solid mahogany body

  • P-90 (Junior) or dual humbuckers (Tribute)

  • Set-neck construction for sustain

Why It’s Great:

  • Full, rich tone with legendary sustain

  • Comfortable for players who want a slightly shorter feel

  • Pure rock, blues, and punk machine

Best For: Players who want pro-level tone with comfortable playability

Price: ~$1,000–$1,300

4. Danelectro ’59M NOS+

Best Short Scale for Retro Vibes and Unique Tone

This quirky short scale axe has a 25″ scale and a tone all its own thanks to its lipstick pickups and semi-hollow masonite body. It’s incredibly lightweight and fun to play.

Key Features:

  • 25″ scale (slightly short)

  • Dual NOS+ lipstick pickups

  • Semi-hollow body for resonance

  • Distinctive double-cut look

Why It’s Great:

  • Lightweight and easy to handle

  • Bright, jangly tone perfect for funk, indie, and garage rock

  • Something different from the usual

Best For: Players seeking something retro, fun, and tonally unique

Price: ~$550

5. Ibanez GRGM21 Mikro

Best Budget Short Scale Electric for Beginners

The GRGM21 Mikro is a 3/4 size guitar with a 22.2” scale, making it ideal for kids, smaller players, or anyone needing a travel-size rock machine.

Key Features:

  • 22.2″ scale

  • Dual humbuckers

  • Lightweight, compact body

  • Fast-playing neck

Why It’s Great:

  • Excellent playability for small hands

  • Great for learning and light gigging

  • Compact size with a full-scale tone

Best For: Beginners, kids, travelers, and players with smaller hands

Price: ~$170

Quick Comparison Table

Guitar Model Scale Length Pickups Best For Price
Fender Mustang 90 24″ Dual MP-90s Alt rock, blues, vintage-modern fusion ~$650
Squier CV Mustang 24″ Dual single-coils Vintage tones, surf, indie ~$430
Gibson LP Junior/Tribute 24.75″ P-90 or Humbuckers Rock, blues, classic LP tone ~$1,000+
Danelectro ’59M NOS+ 25″ Lipstick pickups Retro tone, garage rock, funk ~$550
Ibanez GRGM21 Mikro 22.2″ Dual humbuckers Beginners, kids, travel rigs ~$170

Who Should Buy a Short Scale Electric Guitar?

  • Beginners – Easier fretting and string bending

  • Players with small hands – Comfortable neck and less stretch

  • Vintage lovers – Many iconic short scale models have a retro vibe

  • Tone chasers – Short scale = warmer tone and looser feel

  • Traveling musicians – Compact size is ideal for portability

Final Thoughts

A short scale electric guitar isn’t just for kids or beginners—it’s a serious instrument for anyone who wants comfort, smooth playability, and punchy tone. From the garage to the stage, these guitars are light, fun, and incredibly expressive.

Here’s the takeaway:

  • Grab the Fender Mustang 90 for punchy, modern playability

  • Choose the Squier Classic Vibe Mustang for affordable vintage tone

  • Want legendary rock power? Go with a Gibson LP Junior

  • Pick the Danelectro if you want quirky style and tone

  • Need something small and budget-friendly? The Ibanez Mikro is unbeatable

Ready to downsize and level up your tone? Grab a short scale guitar that fits your hands—and your sound—and enjoy playing more comfortably than ever before.

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