When I first started playing guitar, my parents gave me a left-handed model as a gift. Since I’m a lefty, it seemed logical. Why wouldn’t I play guitar left handed? Now, over 30 years later, I can tell you—I wouldn’t recommend it for most beginners.

Yes, I’m still playing left handed, and at this point there’s no switching. But if I could go back, I’d probably do it differently.

Guitar Is a Two-Handed Instrument

One of the biggest realizations I had early on is that guitar truly is a two-handed instrument. Both your fretting and strumming hands have to learn completely new movements. In the beginning, neither of my hands felt coordinated. I believe I could have learned just as well playing right handed.

There’s also the practical side to consider. Even today, left handed guitars make up likely less than 1% of the market. Sure, you can find them, and yes, you can even flip a right handed guitar and play it upside down (some lefty legends have). But it’s not that simple—stringing, setup, and parts are all affected. And you’ll likely miss out on the spontaneous thrill of picking up a guitar at a shop, party, or lesson studio unless it’s custom-fit for lefties.

Is There a Real Advantage?

I’m not a doctor, so I won’t speak to any deep physiological reasons that might make left handed playing more natural. But from what I’ve seen—and experienced—hand dominance doesn’t need to dictate how you play. Writing or throwing left handed doesn’t mean you can’t learn to play a right handed guitar. It just takes practice either way.

The Hidden Benefit of Being Lefty

On the bright side, I’ve probably saved a small fortune over the years. Being left handed has definitely stopped me from making impulse guitar purchases—most of the tempting ones are built for righties!

So if you’re just starting out, think carefully before committing to playing guitar left handed. You might thank yourself later.

by Henry Bahrou – Guitarist, Music Theorist, and Music Academy Director

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