I too am a petite female. I did my research and bought a Yamaha Parlor Guitar. I still had trouble reaching notes and chords in the beginning, but with practice I was able. The sound may not be as rich as a larger guitar, but I'm so glad I bought the parlor size. In another year or so I plan on looking to a larger guitar to see if I can play it and will decide where to go from there, but for now, I love the parlor. Good luck.