Learn How to Play the Guitar Even If You’re Left Handed

Although the majority of the world population is actually right handed, there are many famous musicians that have been left handed. There are many things that a left handed person may not be able to do as well as a right handed person, playing the guitar is definitely not one of those things, especially if you have the determination. Here are a few pointers on how to learn how to play the guitar even if you’re left handed.

I’m not saying it’s going to be a walk in the park for you (although for some musically gifted people, playing the guitar comes very naturally), but it is definitely not impossible. Being a left handed guitarist you will have a few more decisions to make than a right handed guitarist. But don’t get discouraged. Jimi Hendrix, Curt Cobain, Paul McCartney and many more phenomenal players were all left handed!

If you are just starting out learning the guitar then you should be aware of the options available to you as a left handed guitarist. You can buy a guitar that is made for left handed player. You can play a right handed guitar and restring it so you can play left handed, or another option is to leave the guitar strung for a right handed player and play it upside down! If you decide to play an electric guitar, flipping your guitar and playing upside down may not be the best option. The volume knobs on an electric would then be at the top of the body and you may accidentally hit them or turn them while you are playing.

If you decide to restring a right handed guitar just know that there are some complications that might arise from doing so. The right handed guitar is obviously made that way for a reason. The keys at the top of the guitar (depending on the make of guitar) may not fit the thicker strings through the smaller keys. Also the bridge on some guitars is made to slant so may cause your sound to not be quite what it should be.

Make sure that when you go to purchase your guitar you know exactly what you are going to get, whether it be a left handed guitar, or a restrung right handed, or just a regular right handed if you feel you can play it upside down. Ask the employees in the store for help in which will be the best option for you.

Once you have your guitar of choice you must then practice the basic chords and strumming technique. Get yourself some books or go online and find informational sites that will help you to learn your chords. You can search specifically for sites that are for left handed players. This will help you if there are visual aids such as pictures, diagrams and videos. Being able to see how a left handed player places their fingers and changes chords will be a great benefit.

Just remember you are not the first person that wanted to learn guitar that is left handed. Research online the famous people mentioned before and read their stories. Get yourself inspired and motivated to do it too. It’s not easy for anyone, left or right handed, but if you have the determination and motivation to want to learn to play you can do it. Keep practicing and you will go far!