If you’re left-handed and looking to pick up the guitar, you may wonder if it’s even possible to play an acoustic guitar strung for lefties. The short answer is yes; it’s possible! But before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to string a left-handed acoustic guitar, let’s first examine why guitar stringing matters for lefties.
Guitar stringing is a crucial aspect of playing the instrument. If the strings are strung the wrong way, it can make playing extremely difficult and even cause pain in your hands and fingers. For left-handed individuals, this can be incredibly frustrating.
The standard guitar is strung for right-handed players, which means the strings are arranged in a way that makes it easy for righties to play but difficult for lefties. This is why it’s so crucial for left-handed individuals to have the option of left-handed guitar stringing.
Understanding Guitar Stringing
Now, let’s take a look at the standard guitar stringing process. The strings on a guitar are typically arranged in the following order: E, A, D, G, B, E. This is known as the “EADGBE” tuning, the most common tuning used on guitars. The strings are tuned to specific notes and arranged in a particular order to make it easy for right-handed players to play chords and melodies.
However, for left-handed players, the standard guitar stringing process can be a pain (literally). This is because the strings are arranged in a way that makes it difficult for lefties to play and can cause pain in the hands and fingers. This is why left-handed guitar stringing is so essential.
Left-Handed Acoustic Guitars Recommendations
So, what are the options for left-handed individuals looking to play an acoustic guitar? Well, a few different left-handed acoustic guitar models are available on the market.
Some popular options include the Taylor 110e Lefthand, the Martin D-28L, and the Gibson J-200 Lefty. These guitars are designed specifically for left-handed players and feature left-handed guitar stringing.
Each of these left-handed acoustic guitar models has its own unique set of features and benefits. For example, the Taylor 110e Lefthand is known for its incredible playability and sound quality.
The Martin D-28L is a classical guitar that’s been around for decades, and it’s known for its rich, warm tone. And the Gibson J-200 Lefty is a top-of-the-line guitar perfect for professional musicians.
Stringing a Left-Handed Acoustic Guitar
Now, let’s look at stringing a left-handed acoustic guitar. The first step is to remove the old strings from the guitar. This can be done using a guitar string winder and cutting the strings at the bridge. Once the old strings have been removed, you can start stringing the new ones.
The next step is to thread the new strings through the holes in the bridge. Make sure to thread the strings through the correct spots, ensuring the guitar is strung correctly. Once the strings are in place, it’s time to tune the guitar.
When tuning a left-handed acoustic guitar, it’s essential to use an electronic tuner. This will make getting the strings in tune easier and ensure the guitar is tuned to the correct notes. Once the guitar is tuned, you’re ready to start playing!
Finally, here are a few tips and tricks for successfully stringing a left-handed acoustic guitar:
- Make sure to use high-quality strings. Cheap strings will not only sound bad, but they will also break more easily.
- Take your time when stringing the guitar. Rushing through the process can lead to mistakes and frustration.
- Practice regularly. The more you play, the better you’ll become at playing the guitar.
- If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to contact a guitar teacher or a professional guitar technician for help.
Conclusion
It is possible to string an acoustic guitar left-handed. With various left-handed acoustic guitar models available on the market and the proper stringing techniques, left-handed individuals can enjoy playing the guitar just as much as their right-handed counterparts.
So, don’t let the standard guitar stringing hold you back from picking up the guitar and making beautiful music. Happy strumming!
Frequently Ask Questions
1) Can I Use a Right-Handed Guitar and Flip It Over to Play Left-Handed?
While it is possible to play a right-handed guitar flipped over to play left-handed, it is not ideal. The strings will be upside down and backward, making it difficult to play and can cause pain in your hands and fingers.
It’s also worth noting that the sound hole on most right-handed guitars is on the top of the guitar, which means it will be on the bottom when flipped over for left-handed play, making it harder to hear the sound you produce.
2) Are Left-Handed Guitars More Expensive than Right-Handed Ones?
Left-handed guitars can be more expensive than right-handed ones because they are less common and may require more specialized manufacturing. However, there are also left-handed guitar models priced similarly to their right-handed counterparts.
3) Can I Convert a Right-Handed Guitar to A Left-Handed One?
It is possible to convert a right-handed guitar to a left-handed one, but it is a complex process and is best done by a professional guitar technician. The process involves:
- Flipping the nut and saddle.
- Drilling new holes for the strings.
- Potentially making other modifications to the guitar.
4) Are Left-Handed Guitars Less Common than Right-Handed Ones?
Yes, left-handed guitars are less common than right-handed ones because most people are right-handed.
5) Are the Chords and Techniques the Same for Left-Handed and Right-Handed Guitars?
The chords and techniques for playing left-handed and right-handed guitars are the same; the only difference is how the strings are arranged. Left-handed guitar players must learn the chords and techniques from the opposite perspective of right-handed players.
