Left-handed people who are new to guitar might assume that they must learn on a left-handed guitar but the truth is many (if not most) left handed guitar players learn to play right handed instead. Here are a few reasons you should consider learning to play right handed if you are just starting out.
There are tons of right handed guitars available
If you search for left-handed guitars you will find that your options are severely limited. While there are more left handed options than ever, still only a fraction of what’s available for right handed players.
When starting out guitar will feel awkward right, or left handed
The initial learning curve of getting used to the ergonomics of a guitar, fretting notes, and picking the strings will feel awkward and foreign no matter what. When you first pick up a guitar is the best time to learn right handed. Once you become more proficient with guitar, switching handedness will be like learning the guitar all over again.
Stringing a right handed guitar “upside down” isn’t comfortable
One option for lefties is to turn a right handed guitar upside down, and string the guitar “backwards”. The problem with this is that the guitar will need to be setup in this configuration for the proper intonnation, nut slot width, and action. Also, the volume and tone controls will be at the top of the guitar which is uncomfortable to play.
The ability to pick up almost any guitar and play it
If you jam with others it’s great to be able to pickup any guitar and play it, and it is statistically likely others that play guitar are playing right handed.
Do lefties have any advantage playing right handed?
One last argument for lefties playing guitar right handed is that a left-handed person’s dominant hand is their fretting hand. This gives lefties an advantage with legato and more articulate fretting of notes.
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