The 10 Best Pocket Guitars

Let’s assume you want a pocket guitar but know next to nothing about them – is that statement even remotely accurate? If so, you’re in the right place. This article will equip you with the knowledge needed to understand what pocket guitars are, what makes the best pocket guitars so good, and how to pick the best pocket guitar for the buck.

Let’s start off with easy steps before we jump off to the buying guide – the first things on the menu will be defining what pocket guitars are, their main benefits, who they’re good for, and how are pocket guitars used.

What is a Pocket Guitar

A pocket guitar is a miniature, down-scaled version of an acoustic–electric guitar which was specifically made for people on the road who want to stay in guitar playing shape. Even though they’re very compact in nature, pocket guitars are not to be confused for travel guitars – the latter is smaller, more compact versions of acoustic guitars, but they still bear much semblance to the real deal (unlike pocket guitars, which are substantially smaller in shape and size).

The design of pocket guitars is what makes them so unique – most models feature a retractable fingerboard, so it’s quite easy to mistake them for some other (completely unrelated) items while they’re folded. Some models come with a full set of six strings, and they offer the most realistic practicing experience, but there are models which feature only two or three strings – getting your chord play game up was never as easy as with these ones.

The 10 Best Pocket Guitars:

Below we list and review the ten best pocket guitars you can currently purchase online.

1. WoGod Portable Pocket Guitar

Basically, WoGod’s portable pocket guitar is a plain tool which isn’t exactly unordinary in nature, but there are a couple of things that make it special.

First of all, there are two complementary features included within the bundle. There’s a black easy carry case, and a special finger practice tool. The case is rather small and thick, but wide enough to accommodate the pocket guitar.

As for the finger exerciser, it serves a similar function as the portable guitar, but it’s much smaller. That makes it an ideal substitute – it can be used to practice and perfect your finger coordination and speed.

One of the most notable characteristics of this portable guitar is that it’s lightweight and rather small. The fretboard is comprised of only four frets, but that should be enough for you to practice scales and chords.

The real-like strings aren’t loud at all, as you’ll see once you start playing. They resemble the real strings which come on electric guitars, but they’re very, very thin, thus producing a small, barely noticeable sound. Note that this is a helping tool, so it can’t be tuned.

This portable guitar is made of durable plastic materials that should be sturdy enough to withstand a couple of years of usage.

As for the price, WoGod’s Portable guitar practice tool comes quite cheap. Even though it features gratis goodies and accessories, it’s as affordable as any other pocket guitar. There are a couple of things that are not to be neglected, though.

First of all, most people state that there aren’t any instructions – not being able to use your pocket guitar straight out of the box is certainly a bummer, and the situation only gets worse if you have to search up how to use it via external sources.

On the other hand, the brand clearly stated that “this guitar produces a thin, small noise once used”. Apparently, some people didn’t get the picture, which is why you’ll often encounter comments such as “this guitar is noiseless/useless”, and such.

Overall, WoGod’s Portable guitar practice tool is a cheap practice tool that’s certainly worth every buck. There are a plethora of things you could like about it, and but a few cons that aren’t really that big of a deal.

Pros:

• Comes with bonus accessories – WoGod’s Pocket compact guitar comes with a special finger practice tool, a neat black carry case, and a tuning wrench
• High-quality build materials – this remarkable portable guitar was made of high-quality plastic materials which are decently durable and sturdy
• Thin noise – you can rest assured that you won’t bother your household members or neighbors, as WoGod’s pocket compact guitar produces a very thin, nearly soundless noise once used
• Lightweight and miniature size – these qualities allow you to use your WoGod’s pocket guitar virtually anywhere
• Superb value for the cash – even though it’s cheap, WoGod’s pocket guitar holds a massive value for the buck

Cons:

• No instructions – you’ll have to look up the instructions elsewhere

2. Ohuhu Wooden Pocket Guitar

The second portable guitar in this review comes from Ohuhu – this is, in fact, one of the best-selling pocket guitars on the market, as it boasts a substantial value for the cash, being cheap yet still providing a good feature outfit.

The strings Ohuhu’s Pocket guitar comes outfitted with resemble the ones used on actual, real guitars, only they aren’t as dense. They are substantially thinner when compared to the real deal, hence they provide a small, barely noticeable sound once strung. Even though this might appear as a bad thing at first, it actually comes in handy in certain situations.

First of all, you’ll be able to play this pocket guitar whenever, wherever. The silent method of operation allows you to practice your technique without bothering anyone – be it a bus, train, your workplace, car. The list of places where you could practice your Ohuhu’s Pocket guitar is virtually endless.

Furthermore, this pocket guitar features a nearly weightless construction. Namely, it weighs only 0.34 pounds, and it’s safe to assume that you won’t even feel it once you start using it.

One of the best things about Ohuhu’s Pocket guitar is that it comes with a gratis set of features – you’ll get a complementary chord chart and a convenient carry case.

The chord chart lists the most basic, common chords – it’s neatly illustrated, featuring precise and accurate finger positions, and it’s safe to say that even the immediate beginners will be able to figure out how these are supposed to be used.

The carry case is pretty plain and simple – it’s a blue tube-like bag that can accommodate your pocket guitar.

Ohuhu’s Pocket guitar is very durable. It’s made of high-strength plastic materials and features a rosewood fingerboard – both materials are considered as fairly sturdy. Best of all, the ergonomic design literally falls into the hand, boosting the overall playability in a substantial way.

There’s one thing you might not like so much, though. Namely, the spacing between the strings doesn’t feel quite right. You might need some time to get accustomed to it, but don’t break your head about it – it’s perfectly normal since pocket guitars aren’t real guitars.

Overall, Ohuhu’s Pocket guitar boasts a superb value for the cash. It’s cheap, sturdy, and one of the best selling pocket guitar models on the market, so it’s safe to say that you won’t be disappointed with it.

Pros:

• High-quality strings – The strings Ohuhu’s Pocket guitar comes equipped with resemble the strings most real guitars have (electric guitars)
• Silent method of operation – This portable guitar is all but loud, so it’s safe to say that you’ll be able to practice your playing technique anywhere
• Very durable – Ohuhu’s Pocket guitar is made of high-quality plastic and rosewood materials
• Ergonomic design – intentionally introduced to help the immediate beginners feel more comfortable while they learn the basic principles of guitar play

Cons:

• The spacing between strings is quite odd – again, this is but a subjective flaw. Most beginners won’t even notice it, and once you get accustomed to it, it won’t bother you, guaranteed.

3. SUNYIN Finger Thumb Picks

Next up is a set of finger thumb picks by SunYin – even though we’re mainly talking about pocket, portable guitars, it wouldn’t hurt to spice the menu up a bit with a package of versatile guitar accessories made for beginners.

Basically, this is a bundle that contains four finger & thumb picks, ten-finger protectors, five regular guitar picks, and a pick holder – most of these guitar accessories are used by immediate beginners and kids, as they significantly help minimize the pain from skin abrasion.

Let’s discuss each piece in more detail, starting with the finger & thumb pick. Basically, the finger & thumb pick is a ring-like wearable item that features a pick-like extension. It should be worn on your thumb, where it will allow you to pluck the E-string more easily, again, without any abrasion whatsoever.

The finger protectors are basically nylon (or plastic) wearable parts that simply protect the fingers while slightly reducing the mobility and playability. They’re very useful for beginners, but it’s safe to say that they won’t be of much importance once you get the hang of your guitar.

Since there’s no need to explain what regular guitar picks are, let’s skip them and talk about the pick holder.

Basically, this convenient contraption holds the picks for you. It comes in handy in situations where you own multiple different pick types (bass pick, wider picks, different material), since they will be all in the same place. That’s precisely the case here, as this bundle includes picks that come in three different sizes.

Lastly, all of the aforementioned items come neatly stored in a gift-box package. Overall, the price is more than fair, the accessories are practically ideal for beginners, and it’s safe to assume that this little bundle holds quite a value for the money.

Pros:

• Ideal for beginners – the accessories contained within this bundle will help beginners learn the ropes of guitar playing
• Versatile bundle – the bundle contains four finger & thumb picks, ten-finger protectors, five regular guitar picks, and one pick holder
• Comes in a beautiful gift box – all of the items contained in this bundle are neatly tucked in a ravishing gift box
• Superb finger protection – these items can be used standalone or in combinations. Regardless, they provide maximum protection to the wearer’s fingers

Cons:

• Made for small-handed people, kids, and teens – it’s only obvious that advanced guitar players won’t find much use of this guitar accessory bundle. It’s practically reserved for kids and teens. Alternatively, people with small hands who desire to take up a guitar playing hobby could use them.

4. Calla Lily Flower Pocket Guitar

Calla Lily Flower’s pocket guitar is somewhat different from an average pocket guitar – it’s somewhat larger, yet still small enough to be labeled as “compact” in size, but that’s not all.

Namely, this portable guitar features a profoundly durable shell that is impervious to short-term wear and tear, which combined with the ergonomically designed fretboard allows for a complete, unique beginner experience.

Let’s start with its length. Basically, there are six frets on the fretboard – this isn’t so common, as most pocket guitars come with four frets tops. The reason for that is quite simple – most portable guitars are used to help players practice chord play, and four frets are usually enough.

The addition of two extra frets can help you practice more versatile scales, although you should know that you won’t be able to hear the notes. This portable guitar features ultra-thin strings which produce a very thin sound, so finger positioning is virtually everything you could hope of practicing.

As for its weight, the Calla Lily Flower Pocket portable guitar weighs approximately half an ounce, which is considered as practically weightless.

Just like every portable guitar we’ve reviewed so far, the Calla Lily Flower Pocket portable guitar features the ergonomic design – basically, it makes you feel more comfortable while you play and practice, as the “neck” gently slides straight into the hand.

You’ll also get a convenient black bag for easy carry – the brand made a clear point that this portable guitar is best for traveling guitarists and people who are frequently on the move. The only “average” thing about Calla Lily Flower Pocket portable guitar is that it’s neither cheap or expensive.

All things considered, the Calla Lily Flower Pocket portable guitar is a remarkable portable guitar. It boasts a considerable value for the money as it provides you with everything you need to start practicing straight away.

Pros:

• More frets – Calla Lily Flower Pocket portable guitar comes with 6 instead of regular 4 frets, allowing you to practice more versatile scales and note combinations
• Very durable exterior – This amazing portable pocket guitar features a remarkably durable plastic shell which fits perfectly with the rosewood fingerboard
• Ergonomic design – Calla Lily Flower Pocket portable guitar was designed to help immediate beginners and newbie guitarists feel more comfortable while they practice their guitar skills
• Ultra-quiet strings – plucking the strings while you practice your guitar technique won’t bother your neighbors as this guitar produces a thin sound

Cons:

• Slightly bigger than most standard pocket guitars – Calla Lily Flower Pocket portable guitar is just a bit larger and heavier when compared to regular portable guitars, but not in such a way that we should label it as “bulky”

5. Nanagogo ZH-02 Pocket Guitar

Nanagogo’s ZH-02 pocket guitar is very similar to Calla Lily Flower Pocket portable guitar which we reviewed in the section above. It features a set of six strings and six frets, and it was designed with ergonomic qualities in mind.

The dimensions of Nanagogo’s ZH-02 pocket guitar are pretty convenient. While closed, this guitar is 25 centimeters long, 5 centimeters wide and 5 centimeters thick. When opened, however, the length reaches approximately 44 centimeters – that’s a bit too long for most beginners, but it’s still small enough to pass as a compact guitar practicing tool.

As we already mentioned, there are six strings which are fairly normal, but there are also six frets, which is, suffice to say, too much for most beginners. However, the additional two frets could be used to practice more difficult, complex scales, note combos, and finger positioning.

The strings on Nanagogo’s ZH-02 pocket guitar are made of high-quality steel – they’re durable and won’t pop so easy, but that also means that they produce a somewhat louder noise when compared to average pocket guitars. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – you’ll be able to coordinate your fingers more easily as you’ll hear the sounds more accurately.

Just like any pocket-size guitar, the Nanagogo’s ZH-02 pocket guitar aims to help beginners learn and improve the two most basic guitar techniques – finger coordination and dexterity. Alternatively (if you already think your skills are adequate enough), you can improve the speed of your fretting hand.

The only thing which is not so remarkable about Nanagogo’s ZH-02 pocket guitar is that it doesn’t come with a carry case. This feature is present in nearly all pocket guitar bundles, but it doesn’t make the carrying job much harder on you – with 25cm of length (when closed), it’s safe to say that Nanagogo’s ZH-02 pocket guitar won’t take up much of your carry space.

Nevertheless, this pocket-sized guitar boasts a considerable value for the buck. It can be used by both experienced guitar players who are out on a voyage and beginners who are yet to venture into the world of guitar play, it doesn’t cost much, and it’s pretty durable altogether.

Pros:

• Great dimensions – this pocket-size guitar is fairly small, even when retracted. It’s 25 centimeters long when closed and approximately 44 centimeters long when opened
• Six-string and six frets – the strings on Nanagogo’s ZH-02 pocket guitar are made of premium-quality steel and are pretty durable. There are six frets in total on which you can practice various chords, scales, and improve your finger positioning
• Ergonomic design – it’s safe to say that you’ll feel very comfortable while practicing on Nanagogo’s ZH-02 pocket guitar

Cons:

• Costs just a bit above the average – even though Nanagogo’s ZH-02 pocket guitar costs just a few dollars above average, it can still pass as a “cheap” pocket-size guitar

6. Ammoon Pocket Acoustic Guitar

Ammoon’s Pocket guitar is up next, and if you’re looking for the best compact guitar, you’re in for a real treat. This is, by far, the most durable pocket guitar in this review, it features all the necessary accessories (including the carry bag and hexagonal wrench), and it’s pretty sturdy altogether. The only bad thing about it, however, is that it costs a bit more than average.

Namely, this is among the most expensive models of this type in this review, and even though the difference in price is measured in several bucks, it’s still more expensive when compared to regular models.

The base material of Ammoon’s Pocket guitar is plastic, but not just of any sort – the plastic cover of this pocket guitar is pretty sturdy, as well as stylish. The fretboard is made of robust Rosewood materials, which is fairly common.

Furthermore, its miniature size comes in handy during trips and voyages, making Ammoon’s Pocket guitar one of the best solutions for traveling guitarists and people who are frequently on the move.

Now, even though you’ll get a hexagonal wrench (which can be used to make additional adjustments), you won’t be able to tune your pocket guitar. The strings are “as is”, so you should expect a sound that is almost certain to be out of tune at all times. This is not necessarily a flaw, as guitar practice tools aim to help you improve your technique, not your hearing.

Further on that topic, Ammoon’s Pocket guitar features a set of high-quality strings which emit a mellow, thin sound. Your neighbors, as well as your parents,  won’t even notice that you are playing your pocket guitar.

Overall, even though the price of Ammoon’s Pocket guitar is slightly above average, it still holds quite a value for the money.

Pros:

• Standard-issue pocket guitar – Ammoon’s Pocket guitar looks like an average pocket guitar and features four frets which will help you figure out finger positioning, scales, and chords in the easiest way possible
• High-quality materials – The fretboard of Ammoon’s Pocket guitar features Rosewood materials, the cover is made of high-grain plastic
• Gratis features included in the bundle – you’ll get a hexagonal wrench and a blue carry case when you make the purchase

Cons:

• Moderately affordable – Ammoon’s Pocket guitar Costs just a bit more than an average pocket guitar

7. OIBTECH Pocket Guitar

Oibtech’s pocket guitar is a 6-fret type that boasts a massive value for the buck. This is one of the most affordable pocket guitars available on the market, and it’s safe to assume that every kid could purchase it from lunch money alone.

First of all, this is a small, portable guitar with incredibly small dimensions that is virtually weightless by nature. It is quite petite, even though it features the extension of two frets – once you put it back together (retract it into its original form), it can be carried in any large-sized pocket or smaller bags without taking too much of your space.

Oibtech’s pocket guitar features an ergonomic design – that means that it gently slips into the hand, all the while being very comfortable to use.

The gentle, yet durable strings were purposefully thinned so as not to bother anyone in your near vicinity. You can practice your guitar skills on your Oibtech’s pocket guitar for as long as you like, anywhere, anytime.

One of the best things about this pocket guitar is the 2-year warranty. Even though it’s quite durable, this guitar can get damaged or destroyed, so you shouldn’t worry too much, as these guys will give you a replacement should you happen to need it (within the 2-year gap, that is).

There’s just a small flaw of which you should be warned about. Namely, there’s a gap between the fretboard and strings which can cramp up your playstyle if you’re already accustomed to real-like guitars. Beginners, on the other hand, might even find it as convenient.

Regardless, the sheer fact that Oibtech’s pocket guitar is among the cheapest pocket-size guitars on the market means a lot, so this little flaw shouldn’t fall too hard on you.

Pros:

• Ergonomically designed – Oibtech’s pocket guitar gently slips into the players’ hands, making the experience more comfortable and easy
• Miniature size – you’ll be able to store your Oibtech’s pocket guitar virtually anywhere without fear of compromising the space you need (ideal for travelers)
• Six strings and six frets – this is a 6-fret pocket guitar type, and it allows for a more versatile approach to guitar practice

Cons:

• Very high action – there’s a gap between fretboard and strings which can’t be bypassed or adjusted
• No gratis features – you won’t be able to benefit from complementary features, as this pocket-size guitar comes with none

8. ElecGuru Portable Wooden Pocket Guitar

Next up on the menu is Elecguru’s Portable Wooden pocket guitar. Basically, this is a 6-fret type pocket guitar that features high-quality materials and ergonomic design. It’s made of highly durable wood and boasts a lightweight, yet sufficiently sturdy shell.

While closed, Elecguru’s Portable Wooden pocket guitar is approximately 25 centimeters long, while opened it should reach some 45 centimeters. This might appear as slightly more when compared to an average pocket guitar, but it’s still small enough to be characterized as “petite” and “pocket”.

The ergonomic qualities of Elecguru’s Portable Wooden pocket guitar can be seen in its playability. Essentially, the players using this pocket guitar should feel more comfortable while doing so, as the neck smoothly falls down in the palm of the hand, feeling comfortable all the while.

Now, the only bad thing is that there are no gratis features – most pocket guitars come with at least a carry case, and certain models come with a hexagonal wrench, picks, and such. However, this is not such a case.

Nevertheless, Elecguru’s Portable Wooden pocket guitar isn’t expensive, and even though it costs a dollar or two more than your average pocket guitar, it still holds a massive value for the buck.

Pros:

• Small design – Elecguru’s Portable Wooden pocket guitar is 25 centimeters long when closed, 44-45 centimeters long when opened
• Portable and practical – this pocket guitar is absolutely perfect for guitarists and people who travel from time to time
• A must-have for beginners – immediate beginners could shape up their techniques with this practice tool in no time
• Premium-quality build material – robust plastic and premium rosewood were used in the construction process of Elecguru’s Portable Wooden pocket guitar

Cons:

• No complementary features – there’s no carry case, picks, or wrenches

9. Jinli Pocket Guitar

Here we have Jinli’s Pocket guitar. This is, basically, a retractable guitar helping tool that features six strings and six frets which allow for hours and hours of fun.

This pocket guitar is exceptionally small, and it’s safe to say that it could fit in nearly any convenient luggage, leaving plenty of space for other items. Even though it is petite in nature, don’t think it’s flimsy – it’s quite the contrary. Namely, the materials used in the manufacturing process of Jinli’s Pocket guitar included durable plastic and premium-class Rosewood.

We all know that pocket guitars come cheap, but this particular model is affordable even by “cheap” standards. It is a couple of bucks below average, which is more than enough for kids and teens who search for budget guitar helping tools.

The strings on this pocket guitar are incredibly sturdy, emitting faint noise – you can rest assured that your neighbors won’t complain.

Lastly, Jinli’s Pocket guitar features an ergonomic design – this is one of the vital characteristics of every high-quality pocket guitar, as it substantially improves the playability and reduces the hand fatigue buildup.

Now, most people don’t like one thing about this pocket guitar – the strings are quite thin, and the sound emissions are faint at best, but don’t be surprised if you don’t hear anything at all. Apart from that, everything seems to be in perfect order.

Pros:

• Ergonomic design – Jinli’s Pocket guitar boasts superb playability due to its outstanding design
• An exemplary level of portability – This pocket guitar is exquisitely small, and it’s safe to say that it could easily fit anywhere without compromising your much-needed luggage space
• Works like a charm for beginners – there’s no better tool than Jinli’s Pocket guitar a beginner could possibly want
• Superb value for the money – Jinli’s Pocket guitar is affordable, even by “cheap” standards

Cons:

• Soundless – there’s a strong possibility that you won’t hear anything at all while you play this pocket guitar

10. ELENKER Portable Pocket Guitar

The last pocket guitar in our review comes from Elenker – a semi-famous brand that boasts a broad, versatile catalog of various goods, ranging from infant safety helmets to 10-hole blues harmonicas.

These guys have done a wonderful job with this pocket guitar – it’s very compact, durable, and addicting once you start using it.

The design of Elenker’s portable pocket guitar is quite basic – it’s an ergonomically designed guitar helping tool that feels very comfortable to play. It has a total of four frets which can help you learn the ropes in a plain and straightforward fashion, and it boasts quite a level of playability and versatility.

One of the greatest things about Elenker’s portable pocket guitar is that it features durable plastic materials. The shell is quite strong and resilient, and it’s safe to assume that Elenker wanted it to last for years to come.

Even though the strings are so thin that they won’t bother your neighbors, they appear a bit too lose – you won’t have any options to tighten them, so you could only hope of practicing your guitar fingering technique.

What’s more, this particular model is substantially more expensive when compared to regular pocket guitars. Nevertheless, it holds a massive value for the buck, as it’s among the most durable and best pocket guitar models ever made.

Pros:

• Exceptionally durable – Elenker’s portable pocket guitar is among the most durable pocket guitars on the market
• Superb value for the cash – even though it costs a bit extra, this pocket guitar is very compact and addicting
• Versatile function – you can improve your finger’s dexterity, speed, positioning, and accuracy, all with one pocket guitar
• Genuine strings – they might appear a bit lose to you, but these strings resemble the real deal, unlike most strings that come with other pocket guitars
• Great gift idea – children would be thrilled to play with this toy-like pocket guitar as it looks quite amazing

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive when compared to regular pocket guitars – Elenker’s portable pocket guitar costs a couple of bucks above the average
• The strings are loose – you’ll have a hard time practicing chords, as the strings on Elenker’s portable pocket guitar are loose. There’s no way to tighten them

Who is Pocket Guitars Ideal for?

Dedicated, committed musicians seldom leave their homes without their side guitar (at the very least), so it’s safe to say that pocket guitars aren’t really meant for experienced veterans. Although that’s not a rule (as even experienced musicians could use a little practice if they’re off to a long trip), pocket guitars are ideal for immediate beginners not able to carry full beginner guitars with them. Why is that so?

Simply put, beginners often struggle to keep tabs on which finger is supposed to go where, what’s the name of the string they’re holding, in what key are they supposed to play, and so on. Basically, beginners are thrown into a complex, enormous world of music theory, so it’s quite normal that the “practice” part feels just as hard.

Beginners

It’s safe to assume that beginners are the ideal group of people who should use pocket guitars. You may be wondering “why is that so”, and the answer is rather simple – playing a real guitar is very hard. The process of learning the very basics of theory could take months, even years, and what about the actual “playing”?

A pocket guitar usually doesn’t emit any sound – alternatively, it’s very faint and hard to hear. What bugs most beginners is the sound of a failed strum, wrong notes, scales, and such. Furthermore, the fretboard is reduced to four-six frets. Rather than playing on an entire neck, you could simply use the smaller, downscaled pocket guitar to learn the basics.

Kids & Teens

Kids and teens who wish to learn how to play guitar usually have to do several things before they get to that part. First, they need a guitar, which is expensive. Secondly, they need to hire a tutor or professor, which is even more expensive.

That means that kids depend on their allowance or the goodwill of their parents, but what if that was taken out of the picture? It’s safe to assume that kids and teens need at least several months to save up enough cash for a guitar alone – most of them give up after finding out that they need a professor to teach them how to even hold the instrument, let alone play it.

Not only are pocket guitars cheaper, but they’re also much easier to play. These are just some of the main reasons why kids and teens are ideal pocket guitar owners.

Guitarist on the Move

Most professional and veteran guitarists have several guitars in their arsenal, and more often than not, there’s that one acoustic guitar they usually bring on trips and voyages. However, some guitarists have only one, and they often feel reluctant when it comes to bringing it on long trips.

This situation involves two issues. First of all, guitars are considered as “valuables”. Losing it, or even worse damaging (or destroying) it is the last you want to see. Secondly, guitars often take up quite a lot of storage space, regardless of the means of travel you are using.

Owning a pocket guitar solves both of them. They’re cheap, so it’s not a big deal even if you lose it, and they’re so compact that they won’t take up up any of your much-needed space. If you are a musician who travels a lot, consider owning a pocket guitar.

How to use a Pocket Guitar

Using a pocket guitar is much simpler when compared to using a regular guitar. Basically, you don’t even need to know how to play a regular guitar (regardless of type – acoustic, electric) in order to play on pocket guitar, as it is considered as a guitar helping tool. There are some similarities, though.

First of all, you’ll need a guitar pick (unless you want to perfect your fingering technique than you just need the guitar).

The strumming technique can be implemented in the same way as if you played a real guitar, only this time you won’t hear virtually anything. Simply use the pick to familiarize yourself with how the strings feel when plucked.

The neck of a pocket guitar, as well as the fretboard, are both smaller when compared to real guitars. This makes it easier to play chords and practice finger positioning. This means that you won’t have to trouble yourself with holding the entire neck – beginners with smaller hands often find this as the hardest part.

Last, and the best part is – you can’t make a mistake. Playing on a regular guitar produces loud sounds, which are often indicators that you’ve failed to do something right. Simply relax and use your pocket guitar in whichever way you think is best. It will help you learn the basics eventually.

Buying Guide – Things to Consider

Price – How The Price of a Pocket Guitar Should Affect Your Buying Decision

As it’s only normal, most people who want to buy a guitar seldom consider alternatives ­– there are a plethora of budget models which most people can afford. Kids and teens, however, have to rely on their allowance (pocket) money, which is hardly enough for them to buy even the cheapest of guitars.

That’s why pocket guitars are great – most models are approximately ten times cheaper when compared to usual budget guitars (electric or acoustic, regardless).

That being said, we actually imply that you don’t have to consider the price if you deem your financial situation as average. There are no high-end models or boutique pocket guitars as nearly all models are made as helpful tools rather than branded guitars. That leads us to the next factor of importance.

Brand – Trustworthy Brands Aren’t Exactly a Thing Here

Simply put, don’t expect to see names such as “Ibanez”, “ESP”, or “BC Rich” next to the price tag of a pocket guitar. As mentioned earlier, these are tools rather than actual guitars, so popular and famous brands don’t produce them. Exceptions are possible, but fairly hard to find (if they exist, that is).

So, it appears you are stuck with underdog brands, but that doesn’t have to mean that your pocket guitar will perform badly. In fact, there are certain benefits you could reap – brands that aren’t as famous as leading names in the industry often keep their prices very low. That’s why this and the previous section are so tightly correlated. The important question is – what can you expect?

In the best-case scenario, you’ll have a decent helping tool in the form of a portable guitar which will help you learn the ropes in the easiest way possible. This guitar will last you for a couple of years – just the time you need to step up your skills before buying an actual guitar. What’s best about it? You don’t have to pay a fortune.

Worst-case scenario? You’ll have a cheap, flimsy portable guitar which you’ll rarely use out of fear of breaking it. Even if such a thing is to happen, there’s no reason to cry above a glass of spilled milk – portable guitars are shamefully cheap, so your initial “investment” wouldn’t hurt you even if it failed horribly.

Design – Pocket Guitars are Intentionally Simple in Design

If you are totally unfamiliar with the design of pocket guitars, learning more about it should help you pick the one which will suit your needs. Namely, there are only two factors that deserve attention when it comes to pocket guitar’s design – its durability and the number of frets.

The durability of a pocket guitar is determined by the type of materials used in the construction process – most common materials are plastic (shell material) and rosewood (fretboard material). There are no distinctive differences between the types of materials (e.g. types of plastic or sub-types of rosewood), so for as long as these are present, you should be fine.

The number of frets is somewhat important. Namely, there are only two variants of pocket guitars in this segment – 4-fret pocket guitars and 6-fret pocket guitars.

Four-fretted pocket guitars are considered as basic pocket guitars and they’re the most widely used (and produced) type. These guitars are the smallest, hence the most compact models you could find.

Six-fretted pocket guitars are not so rare, but they’re certainly less popular than their four-fretted counterparts due to the increase in size. They’re less compact, but they allow for a more versatile approach (which means that you could practice playing scales rather than chords alone).

Conclusion

Pocket guitars are relatively new to the market, which is one of the reasons why it’s imperative that you are well informed. The buying guide may appear a bit over-extensive, but there’s no such thing as “too much information”.

Finding the best pocket guitar is extremely difficult, even though you might not think so. Most models are very similar to one another, and it’s the little details that make them different. Follow the buying guide through and through and your chances of finding the model perfect for you will rise dramatically.