Abstract: An improved stringed musical instrument of the type comprising a body, a neck extending from one end of the body and terminating in a headstock. The neck is divided along its length into a plurality of frets. A plurality of strings extend over the body along the neck to the headstock. There is a hand slot in the body, extending inwardly from the periphery of the body to a point closely adjacent the neck, and sized to provide access to the frets at the base of the neck. The slot curves along its length. Preferably, the slot underlies a portion of at least some of the strings.