Our Simple Guide to Buying Your First Left-Handed Guitar

If you’re a left-handed person looking to start your guitar journey, you’re not alone. Around 10% of the population is left-handed, and many of them have a deep passion for music and playing the guitar. However, when it comes to buying a left-handed guitar, the process can be slightly more complicated than for right-handed players. Left-handed guitars are less common, and many music stores may not have them in stock, which can lead to confusion about your options.

We will help you understand the key differences between left- and right-handed guitars and learn what factors to consider when choosing your first instrument.

Why Choose a Left-Handed Guitar?

As a guitar left handed player, it’s natural to wonder if you should just start learning on a right-handed guitar. After all, many famous guitarists, such as Jimi Hendrix and Paul McCartney, were left-handed but played right-handed guitars. However, for many left-handed players, using a left-handed guitar offers several advantages, such as:

• Comfort: Playing a left-handed guitar allows you to use your dominant hand for strumming or picking, while your non-dominant hand handles the fretboard.
• Better Technique: Learning to play on a left-handed guitar will help you develop the proper technique for your natural hand position.
• Avoiding Strain: Using your dominant hand for picking or strumming can reduce strain on your wrist and improve your overall playing posture.

While it’s true that some left-handed players adapt to right-handed guitars, starting with a guitar left handed model can make the learning process smoother and more comfortable.

Left-Handed vs. Right-Handed Guitars: What’s the Difference?

Before diving into purchasing a left-handed guitar, it’s important to understand the differences between left- and right-handed guitars. While the concept may seem simple, there are a few key features that set them apart.

Body and Neck Orientation

The most obvious difference between left- and right-handed guitars is the orientation of the body and neck. On a right-handed guitar, the body is designed for the player to hold the neck with their left hand, while the right hand picks or strums the strings. In contrast, a left-handed guitar is essentially a mirror image of a right-handed guitar, with the strings flipped so that the lower-pitched strings (E, A, D) are on the top and the higher-pitched strings (B, G, E) are on the bottom.

Pickups and Control Placement

On many guitars, especially electric guitars, the pickups, volume, and tone controls may also be placed in different positions for left-handed models. This is to ensure that the player can easily access and adjust them while playing. While this may not seem like a huge difference, it’s something to keep in mind when comparing models.

String Setup and Bridge

A left-handed guitar will have the strings set up in reverse order, with the bass strings (E, A, D) closer to the player’s body and the treble strings (B, G, E) farther away. The bridge and nut will also be adjusted for this reversed string configuration.

The main takeaway is that you’ll need to make sure the guitar is specifically designed for left-handed players to avoid unnecessary complications, like switching the string setup yourself, which can be both costly and complicated.

How to Choose the Right Model for You

When purchasing your first left-handed guitar, there are a few factors to keep in mind to ensure that the guitar is a good fit for you. Here are the key considerations:

Guitar Type: Acoustic vs. Electric

The first decision you’ll need to make is whether to go for an acoustic or electric guitar. Both have their pros and cons, and your choice largely depends on the style of music you want to play.

• Acoustic Guitars: Acoustic guitars are great for beginners because they are simple to use and don’t require any additional equipment, such as an amplifier. They’re perfect for folk, country, pop, and many other genres. If you’re interested in playing music where the natural sound of the guitar shines, an acoustic guitar might be a good option for you.
• Electric Guitars: Electric guitars offer a wider range of sounds and effects, but they require an amplifier to be heard. They are often preferred by rock, metal, and jazz players due to their versatility. Electric guitars tend to have thinner necks, which can be easier to play for some people, especially for beginners. However, keep in mind that electric guitars are usually more expensive than acoustics, and you’ll need to invest in an amp and other accessories.

Size and Comfort

Another key factor in choosing your first left-handed guitar is size. If you’re a smaller person or have smaller hands, you might want to consider a guitar that is easy to handle, such as a 3/4-sized or parlour guitar for acoustics or a smaller-body electric guitar. For larger players, a full-sized guitar with a standard body may be more comfortable.

The neck of the guitar is also something to consider. Some guitars have thinner necks, which can be easier to play for beginners, while others have wider necks suited for more advanced players.

Budget and Brand Considerations

While it can be tempting to splurge on a high-end guitar, it’s important to stick to your budget as a beginner. Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable left-handed guitars that still provide great sound and playability.

Top left-handed guitar brands to look out for include:

• Fender: Known for their Stratocaster and Telecaster models, Fender produces high-quality left-handed guitars for players of all skill levels.
• Gibson: Famous for their Les Paul and SG models, Gibson also offers excellent options for left-handed players.
• Yamaha: Yamaha offers budget-friendly guitars without compromising on quality, making it a great choice for beginners.
• Ibanez: Known for their fast necks and versatile designs, Ibanez offers excellent left-handed electric guitars.
• Epiphone: A more affordable version of Gibson guitars, Epiphone offers great left-handed models for beginners.

These brands offer great options for left-handed players and provide guitars in a range of prices to fit most budgets.

How to Test a Left-Handed Guitar Before Buying

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to test the guitar. Here are some tips on how to evaluate a left-handed guitar before you commit:

Check the Playability

Make sure the guitar feels comfortable to hold and play. The neck should feel smooth, and the action (the height of the strings from the fretboard) should be just right—not too high, not too low. If the action is too high, it can make pressing down the strings harder, while low action can cause buzzing.

Evaluate the Sound Quality

Strum a few chords and play some scales to assess the sound of the guitar. For acoustic guitars, make sure the tone is clear and balanced, with no buzzing or muddiness. For electric guitars, test the pickups and ensure they deliver the sound you want.

Look for Defects

Inspect the guitar for any cosmetic defects or signs of damage. Check the body, neck, and headstock for cracks, chips, or dents. Also, look over the tuning machines to make sure they’re in good working order.