How To Play The Guitar Left Handed

Alright, gather 'round, you left-handed misfits! You've been shunned by the right-handed majority, forced to use scissors designed for their freakish hands, and made to feel like a square peg in a round hole when it comes to guitars. But fear not, dear southpaws, for today we're going to turn that frown upside down and learn how to play the guitar left-handed!

First Things First: The Left-Handed Dilemma

You might be thinking, "Why can't I just use a regular guitar and be done with it?" Well, my friend, you could. But it'd be like trying to write your name with your left hand tied behind your back. Sure, you could do it, but it'd be awkward, uncomfortable, and probably look like a toddler's scribble. That's where left-handed guitars come in, like a comfy old shoe for your left hand.

Now, you might be wondering, "How many left-handed people are there, anyway?" Well, according to some studies, about 10-12% of the population is left-handed. That's roughly the same number of people who believe the moon landing was faked. Coincidence? I think not!

Finding Your Left-Handed Guitar

So, you've decided to embrace your left-handedness and get a guitar designed just for you. Great! But where do you start? Well, first off, don't go running to your local music store and asking for a "left-handed guitar." They'll look at you like you've got two heads. Instead, ask for a "left-handed oriented" or "southpaw" guitar. Trust me, it's the same thing.

Now, you've got a few options. You can buy a guitar that's been flipped to accommodate your left hand, or you can buy one that's been specifically designed for lefties. The flipped guitars are usually cheaper, but they can have some quirks. For instance, the nut (that's the bit at the top where the strings sit) might not be perfectly cut, which can cause tuning issues. But hey, at least you won't have to worry about right-handed players stealing your guitar at parties!

Holding the Guitar: A Dance with the Devil

Alright, so you've got your left-handed guitar. Now it's time to pick it up. First, place your left foot on the low E string, just behind the body of the guitar. This will give you some stability and help you maintain good posture. Then, place your left elbow against your ribcage and let your left arm hang naturally. Your left hand should be relaxed, with your thumb behind the neck and your fingers curved over the fretboard.

Now, here's where things get a little... interesting. You're going to want to place your right foot on the bridge, just behind the strings. This might feel a bit unnatural, like you're trying to hula hoop while sitting down. But don't worry, you'll get used to it. Just remember, you're not trying to play the guitar with your feet. That's a whole other level of crazy.

playing guitar left-handed?! - YouTube

Chords: The Building Blocks of Music

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty: chords. You know, those things that make your guitar sound like something other than a cat being strangled. The good news is, left-handed chords are essentially the same as right-handed ones, just mirrored. The bad news is, that means you'll have to learn them all over again.

But fear not! There are plenty of resources out there for left-handed guitarists. Websites like Ultimate-Guitar.com and GuitarLessons.com have chord charts specifically for lefties. And if you're feeling really adventurous, you can even try learning from left-handed guitarists on YouTube. Just be prepared for some serious hand cramps as you try to mimic their movements.

Strumming: The Rhythm of Life

Now that you've got your chords down, it's time to add some rhythm to your life. Strumming, that is. And guess what? You're in luck! Left-handed strumming patterns are exactly the same as right-handed ones. That's right, you don't have to learn anything new. Well, except for the fact that you'll be strumming with your right hand instead of your left. But hey, baby steps, right?

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that left-handed strumming can feel a bit awkward at first. That's because you're used to seeing right-handed guitarists strum with their right hand, and your brain might rebel against the unnaturalness of it all. But don't worry, with a bit of practice, it'll feel as natural as scratching your left elbow with your right hand.

Left Handed Guitar Chords Chart | Etsy

Practice: The Name of the Game

Alright, so you've got your guitar, you've learned some chords, and you've got the basics of strumming down. Now it's time to put it all together and start making some music. And by "music," I mean "noise that sounds vaguely like music."

Remember, practice makes perfect. And if you're anything like me, you'll need a lot of practice. But don't get discouraged if you're not shredding like Jimi Hendrix after a week. It takes time, and that's okay. Just keep at it, and before you know it, you'll be playing your favorite songs and impressing your friends (and maybe even a few strangers).

Left-Handed Guitarists: The Coolest of the Cool

So there you have it, folks. You're now well on your way to becoming a left-handed guitar-playing rockstar. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the feeling of playing a guitar designed just for you. It's like putting on a comfy old sweater on a cold day, or eating your favorite meal after a long day at work.

And who knows? Maybe one day you'll join the ranks of other famous left-handed guitarists like Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, and Kurt Cobain. Okay, okay, so maybe you won't be quite as famous as them. But hey, at least you'll have something in common with them. And isn't that what life's all about? Finding your tribe, no matter how small or left-handed it may be?

So go forth, left-handed guitarists, and rock on! The world is your oyster, and the guitar is your left-handed shell. Now get out there and make some music!