What is alto guitars?

Alto guitars are somewhat rare in the world of stringed instruments, as they are not commonly used in popular music. These guitars are smaller than traditional classical guitars, but larger than a ukulele, and they are tuned to a higher pitch than a standard guitar. They typically have around 20 frets and a scale length of approximately 22 inches.

Alto guitars were developed to be used as a solo instrument. They have a bright, clear sound that is well-suited to playing melodies, and they are often used for playing classical and baroque music. Because of their small size, they are also easier to play for people with smaller hands or shorter arms.

One of the challenges of playing an alto guitar is finding music specifically written for the instrument. Many players will adapt music written for other instruments, such as the mandolin or violin, to be played on the alto guitar.

Some notable manufacturers of alto guitars include Martin, Gallato, and John Suhr.