For many aspiring guitarists, the first big decision they face when they first learn to play the guitar is whether to choose a left handed or right handed guitar. This choice can be a bit confusing, especially for those who are just beginning to learn.
In the vibrant universe of music, the guitar reigns as a versatile and beloved instrument, offering a canvas for both beginners and maestros to paint their melodies. As one embarks on this musical journey, a pivotal decision awaits: choosing between left-handed and right-handed guitars. This choice is not merely about picking one of the acoustic guitars off the shelf; it’s a nuanced decision that can significantly influence one’s progression as a musician.
For those who naturally play left-handed, the journey might seem a bit daunting initially, given the prevalence of right-handed models in the market. However, embracing a left-handed orientation can carve out a distinctive path, fostering a unique connection with the instrument. Conversely, opting to play a right-handed model, even as a left-handed guitar player, can offer its own set of advantages, potentially unlocking unforeseen avenues of creativity and dexterity.
As we navigate the distinctive worlds of guitar playing, this article aims to be your compass, guiding you through the intricacies of choosing the right guitar to complement your musical voyage. Let’s delve deeper to understand the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between left and right-handed guitars, and how to make a choice that resonates with your innate rhythm.
The Orientation of the Strings
The most obvious difference between left handed and right handed guitars is the orientation of the strings. On a right handed guitar, the thickest string (low E) is on the top right side, while on a left handed guitar, the thickest string is on the top left side.
This means that when you’re holding a left handed guitar, you’ll be strumming with your left hand and fretting with your right hand, while the opposite is true for a right handed guitar.
Construction and Setup Differences
Aside from the string orientation, there are a few differences in the construction and setup of left handed and right handed guitars. Some of these differences include the placement of the bridge, the nut, and the way the guitar is designed to be held.
The bridge of a guitar is where the strings are anchored to the body. In a left handed guitar, the bridge is set up to accommodate the left handed string arrangement. Similarly, the nut, which is the small piece of material at the head of the guitar that guides the strings to the tuning pegs, is also designed to fit the left handed string arrangement.
Availability and Cost of Left Handed Guitars
While the components and build quality of left handed and right handed guitars are essentially the same, there are some practical differences that can affect a guitarist’s decision. One major factor is the availability of left handed guitars. Since the majority of people are right handed, right handed guitars are much more widely available, and there is a broader selection of models and styles to choose from.
This limited availability of a left handed acoustic guitar can also affect the cost. In some cases, left handed guitars cost more than their right handed counterparts, simply because they are less common and are produced in smaller quantities.
Famous Left Handed Guitarists and Their Approaches
Despite the challenges that left handed guitarists may face, there are numerous successful and influential left handed guitarists who have made their mark on the music world. Let’s take a look at some examples and how they approached playing guitar:
- Jimi Hendrix: Perhaps the most famous left handed guitarist of all time, Hendrix actually played a right handed guitar upside down and restrung it for left handed playing. This unique approach gave him a distinct sound and style that set him apart from other guitarists of his time.
- Paul McCartney: As a left handed guitarist and bassist, McCartney opted for a left handed guitar, playing instruments specifically designed for left hand use. This choice allowed him to play comfortably and naturally, contributing to his legendary career with The Beatles and as a solo artist.
- Kurt Cobain: The Nirvana frontman also played a left handed guitar, preferring instruments built for left handed players. Cobain’s powerful and emotive guitar playing helped define the grunge movement of the early 1990s.
Anatomical Considerations in Left-Handed vs Right-Handed Guitar Playing
In the fascinating world of guitar playing, the choice between a left hand guitar and a right hand guitar can significantly influence a musician’s playing style, comfort, and technique. This choice is often dictated by the player’s dominant hand, which naturally guides the strumming hand in creating melodious tunes. Let’s delve deep into the anatomical considerations that govern the choice between left-handed and right-handed guitar playing.
Hand Dominance and Guitar Orientation
Most guitars are designed keeping in mind the comfort of right-handed players. This traditional approach sees the majority of chord charts and instructional materials catering to the right-handed player. However, this doesn’t mean that a left-handed player is at a disadvantage. In fact, playing a left-handed model can offer a unique perspective, allowing the musician to approach the guitar vertically, with a fresh lens, potentially fostering a distinctive playing style.
Finger Dexterity and Fret Positions
The fret positions on a guitar require a certain level of finger dexterity, which can be influenced by whether one opts to play guitar right-handed or as a left-handed guitarist. The left-handed player, using a left-handed model, might find that their dominant hand allows for more nuanced control over the bass strings, which are typically positioned at the top when the guitar is held in a standard position.
On the other hand, right-handed guitar players might find a natural ease in navigating the treble strings, which are closer to the ground, facilitating a smoother transition between chords. This natural alignment between hand dominance and string position can potentially influence the ease with which a player masters complex fret positions.
The Guitar Nut and Saddle Angle
The guitar nut and saddle angle are crucial components that can influence the comfort and playability of the instrument. In most acoustic guitars, these components are designed to complement the anatomy of right-handed players. However, many guitars now offer the option to adjust the saddle angle and guitar nut to suit the left-handed guitarist, ensuring that the strings lined upside are in harmony with the player’s natural hand movements.
Strumming Hand and Sound Hole Dynamics
The strumming hand plays a pivotal role in determining the resonance and tonal quality produced through the sound hole. A left-handed person playing a regular right-handed guitar might find a different resonance compared to playing a lefty guitar, as the dynamics of the sound hole interaction change. This subtle difference can influence the playing style, encouraging left-handed guitar players to explore unique strumming patterns and techniques.
Adapting to Different Guitar Models
Not all guitars are created equal, and adapting to different models, be it electric guitars or a right-handed guitar restrung for left-handed use, can offer a rich learning experience. A mirror image of two guitars, one left and one right, can reveal the intricate differences in string alignment, guitar strap positioning, and overall ergonomics.
Choosing the Right Guitar for You
Ultimately, the choice between a left handed guitar and a right handed guitar comes down to personal preference and comfort. If you
are a left handed person, you may find it more natural to play a left handed guitar. However, some left handed guitarists choose to play right handed guitars, either restrung for left handed playing like Jimi Hendrix or simply as they are. Similarly, some right handed guitarists may prefer playing a left handed guitar for various reasons.
When deciding between a left handed guitar and a right handed guitar, consider the following factors:
- Comfort: The most important factor is how comfortable you feel holding and playing the guitar. Try holding both left and right handed guitars to see which one feels more natural to you. If possible, try playing some basic chords or notes on each type of guitar.
- Availability: As mentioned earlier, left handed guitars can be harder to find and may have a more limited selection. If you have a specific guitar model in mind, check if it’s available in a left handed version. You can also visit guitar stores or browse online shops or get reviews on sites like www.allaxess.com to see what options are available for left handed guitars.
- Cost: While not always the case, left handed guitars can sometimes be more expensive than right handed guitars. If budget is a concern, consider this when making your decision. However, remember that investing in a guitar that feels comfortable and natural to play is essential for your long-term enjoyment and progress as a musician.
- Learning resources: As the majority of guitarists are right handed, most instructional materials and online lessons are designed for right handed guitar playing. This is not necessarily a problem for left handed guitarists, as many techniques can be easily mirrored or adapted, but it’s worth considering when choosing between left and right handed guitars.
- Versatility: If you plan on playing with others or sharing your guitar with friends or family, a right handed guitar might be more practical, as most people are familiar with right handed guitars. However, this should not be the primary factor in your decision, as your comfort and personal preferences should take precedence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can left-handed individuals play right-handed guitars?
Absolutely. Many left-handed individuals opt to learn on a right-handed guitar, either out of convenience or personal preference. It might even offer some advantages, as the dominant hand will manage the fretboard, potentially allowing for more dexterity and control.
2. Are left-handed guitars more expensive?
Not necessarily. While the options might be slightly limited compared to right-handed guitars, many brands offer left-handed guitars at comparable prices. However, custom-made left-handed guitars can be more expensive due to the specialized craftsmanship involved.
3. Can I restring a right-handed guitar to make it left-handed?
Yes, but it involves more than just restringing. The nut slots will need to be adjusted to accommodate the reversed string order, and the bridge might also need modifications. Moreover, the guitar’s playability might be affected, as the body and the neck are designed for right-handed playing. It’s always best to consult with a professional before attempting such modifications.
4. Are there any famous left-handed guitarists?
Indeed, there are several renowned left-handed guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, and Kurt Cobain. Their success stands as a testament to the fact that left-handedness can indeed carve a unique path in the world of music.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the differences between left handed and right handed guitars primarily involve string orientation and instrument construction. While there are some practical considerations to take into account, such as availability and cost, the most important factor is your personal comfort and preference. Spend some time trying out both types of guitars, and make the decision that feels right for you. As you embark on your guitar playing journey, remember that there are many successful left handed guitarists who have overcome any challenges and made a lasting impact on the world of music. Happy playing!