Neck Profile Changes

• Neck Replacement on your existing guitar: If your guitar design permits, you can swap the neck for a wider model with a more comfortable profile (like a  thin “C” or “D” shape).
• Neck Re-fret: If the neck is particularly thin, a re-fret might not only improve action but also make it feel more comfortable.

4. New Neck with a flatter Fret board 

• Radius Adjustment: A flatter fret board radius (12″-16″) can help reduce string crowding when playing chords.
• Lower action: Lower action will make it easier to press the strings down without excess pressure.

5. Action and Relief Adjustments

• Adjust Action: Higher action can reduce fret buzz, especially if you’re pressing harder with bigger fingers. Lower action will provide better “in-tune” playing.
• Neck Relief: Ensure the neck has appropriate relief to avoid fret buzz while still being comfortable to play. A straighter neck with less “bow” in the middle will go a long way in achieving lower action and thus easier play.

6. Install a Wider Bridge Plate

• If your guitar allows it, a wider bridge plate can increase string spacing at the bridge for greater comfort but will not help action or comfort in the first position.

7. Use Thinner Guitar Strings

• Thinner strings can afford easier play and comfort, especially when playing finger style.
• Experiment with lighter gauge or custom string sets that may have wider widths, which can reduce tension and improve play-ability.

8. Professional Setup

• Full Setup: Consider taking your guitar to a professional for a full setup, focusing on nut width, action height, and intonation to suit your preferences.

9. Tuning Adjustments

• Alternate Tuning: Try different tuning techniques that might require less stretching of fingers, reducing discomfort.
  

  Best Wide Neck Electric Guitars for Short & Fat Fingers

  For those with short and fat fingers, a wider nut width offers more space between strings, which can improve play-ability and reduce accidental muting. Haywire Custom Guitars is an excellent choice for a completely custom build.

  Wide Neck Electric guitars at the Haywire Custom Shop

  Haywire specializes in creating custom wide-neck guitars for players with large hands and fingers. They offer a selection of necks with nut widths ranging from 1 7/8″ up to 2 1/8″, which are significantly wider than standard guitars. Since every guitar is built to order, they are the best option for those who need a truly extra-wide instrument. 

  We can add a wider guitar neck for larger hands to any guitar however if you have large hands we have some special necks just for you! You have a choice at Haywire Custom Shop of: 1-7/8″, 2″ or 2-1/8″ widths with 22 frets. You’ll find the Best Wide Neck Electric Guitars for Short & Fat Fingers!

  Our wider guitar necks for larger hands are for BIG guys. You know who you are and so do we.

  If your fingers are big, small neck guitars leave much to be desired with no room for movement. If you’re a big guy with a standard guitar neck,  it’s not going to feel right. The standard width guitar neck will be too small for you. If you have a size 15 foot you need a size 15 shoe. Let us get you the right neck for your hand size. We are musicians working for musicians-let us work for you and get you the right equipment to be your best!

  Start with the right equipment. Please don’t let your guitar neck be a roadblock to your success. Bigger guys, with bigger fingers, need bigger wider guitar necks. Classical guitar players who are accustomed to wide necks will benefit from a wide neck electric guitar.

  “We are musicians working for musicians“. Thanks for letting us work for you.

  A wider guitar neck can feel better to some guitar players for several reasons:

  1. Finger Spacing: Wider necks offer more space between the strings, allowing players with larger hands or longer fingers to play comfortably without accidental string muting.
  2. Note Clarity: The wider spacing can help achieve clearer notes, especially when playing chords or complex fingerings, as there’s less chance of fingers unintentionally touching adjacent strings.
  3. Playing Style: Certain styles of playing, particularly finger-style or jazz, benefit from a wider neck. It allows for more complex finger placements and can make it easier to execute intricate pieces.
  4. Hand Positioning: A wider neck may allow for more natural positioning of the hand, reducing strain and enabling better technique, which can enhance comfort during long playing sessions.
  5. Personal Preference: The feel of the neck is important. Many players develop a preference for a particular width based on their playing experience and comfort level.

  Each player’s preference varies, but many find that a wider fret-board enhances their playing experience.

Summary

Experimenting with these modifications to your guitar can greatly enhance play-ability for wider, short or fat  fingers. Always consult with a professional Luthier or guitar technician if you’re uncertain about any modifications to ensure quality results and maintain the integrity of your instrument.

Get extra wide guitar necks at Haywire Custom Guitars custom shop