Why Does Ed Sheeran Use a Small Guitar?

Ed Sheeran is known for his unique choice of using small guitars in his performances and recordings. But, is there a specific reason behind this?

The Reason Behind the Choice

The answer may lie in personal preference and practicality. Ed Sheeran, much like the author, is a "shortie," which means he might find full-sized guitars less convenient to handle. While the author mentions that their grandchild and they themselves can play with smaller-scale guitars without issues, it's important to understand that the specific reasoning for Ed Sheeran's choice might be different.

From Traveling to Recording

Early in his career, Ed Sheeran engaged in a lot of busking and traveling. A smaller guitar would be lighter and more portable, making it easier to carry around. Additionally, some travel guitars have a shorter scale length, which can reduce string tension, making them more comfortable to play and easier to hold for musicians with smaller hands. Despite maintaining the same standard tuning, this shorter scale length can lead to a more adaptable and comfortable playing experience for the guitarist.

Portability and Tone: A Trade-Off

It’s common for gigging musicians to prioritize the portability and playability of their instruments over sheer size. A large acoustic guitar may offer great aesthetics and a rich, warm tone, but it can be cumbersome and may not always cater to the acoustics of a venue. When using a microphone or a pickup, the acoustic qualities of the guitar often become secondary to the amplified output.

Ed Sheeran's choice of small guitars, particularly parlour guitars, is likely influenced by the tone they produce. Parlour guitars, though smaller in body, can offer a unique chimey and crisp tone. This is different from the deep, rich tones produced by larger guitars like the Martin D35. Ed Sheeran's preference for this tone can contribute to the distinctive sound of his music, especially on recordings and live performances.

Different guitar bodies can feel more or less comfortable depending on the individual player. Shorter scale length guitars can be more comfortable to play, and for Ed Sheeran, who is reportedly 5'8", smaller guitars might be more ergonomic. This comfort is evident in his choice of various small body guitars, from a Martin Backpacker to other Parlour models, which all offer a similar scale length to standard guitars but with a more compact body.

Ultimately, Ed Sheeran's choice to use small guitars is a complex interplay of personal preference, practicality, and the unique tone they offer. Whether it's for portability, comfort, or simply a preference for a certain sound, the decision to play a smaller guitar is not without its reasons. So, the next time you see Ed Sheeran performing with a small guitar, you'll now have a better understanding of the reasoning behind his choice.