How to Learn Guitar Left-Handed

So, you're left-handed and want to learn guitar. That can feel like you're in a right-handed world, especially when it comes to musical instruments. But fear not, fellow southpaw! There's a way to navigate this journey that suits your natural inclination. Whether you're interested in strumming some classic rock or shredding metal riffs, playing left-handed is completely achievable. Let's explore how you can make the most of being a lefty guitarist.

Choosing the Right Guitar

First things first, you'll need a guitar that fits your left-handed needs. Now, you might be wondering, "Do I really need a special guitar for this?" The short answer is, yes and no. You could flip a right-handed guitar upside down, but that may lead to a few issues, like the tuning pegs being in awkward places or the pickguard being on the wrong side.

Here are a few options to consider:

• Buy a Left-Handed Guitar: This is the most straightforward option. Many manufacturers offer left-handed models, so you can find anything from beginner acoustics to high-end electrics in lefty format.
• Convert a Right-Handed Guitar: Some players choose to restring a right-handed guitar to suit left-handed play. This works best with symmetrical body designs. Keep the bridge and nut in mind, as they might need adjustment.
• Custom Guitars: If you have the budget, custom guitars are a luxurious option. You can tailor every aspect to suit your left-handed playing style.

Choosing the right guitar is like picking the right pair of shoes; it needs to feel comfortable and suit your style. And yes, even if you're shredding metal, there are plenty of left-handed models to choose from.

Setting Up Your Guitar

Once you've got your lefty guitar, setting it up properly is crucial. A well-set-up guitar can make learning much more enjoyable and can prevent frustration down the line.

Here’s how you can set up your guitar:

• Check the Action: The action, or the height of your strings from the fretboard, needs to be comfortable. Too high, and it’ll feel like you’re wrestling a bear every time you press a string. Too low, and you might get unwanted buzzing.
• Intonation: This ensures that your guitar is in tune not just with open strings but all over the fretboard. Adjusting the saddles on the bridge can help with this.
• String Gauge: Choosing the right string gauge for your style is essential, especially for metal players who might prefer heavier strings for lower tunings.

Getting your guitar set up correctly can make a world of difference. If you're unsure how to do this yourself, a professional guitar tech can help make sure everything's in place.

Learning to Read Tabs

Reading tablature is a skill you'll want to master early on. Tabs are a simplified form of musical notation that shows you exactly where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Great news for lefties: tabs are universal, so they don't change whether you're left or right-handed.

Here’s a quick rundown on reading tabs:

• Six Lines: Each line represents a string on the guitar, with the bottom line being the low E string and the top line the high E string.
• Numbers: These indicate which fret to press. For example, a '3' on the second line means you press the third fret on the B string.
• Symbols: Look out for symbols like 'h' for hammer-ons, 'p' for pull-offs, and 'b' for bends. These indicate specific playing techniques.

Tabs are your best friend when it comes to quickly learning new songs and riffs. They’re especially helpful in metal, where complex riffs and solos are the norm.

Developing Left-Handed Technique

Now that you're set up, it's time to focus on technique. This involves getting both your hands to work together seamlessly, which can be a bit of a challenge initially. But with practice, you'll get there.

Here are some tips for developing your left-handed technique:

• Finger Exercises: Start with simple exercises to build strength and dexterity. Chromatic exercises are great for warming up and getting each finger moving independently.
• Scales: Practice scales to improve your finger positioning and hand coordination. The pentatonic and major scales are good starting points.
• Riffs and Chords: Begin with simple riffs and open chords before moving to barre chords and more complex progressions. It's like learning the alphabet before writing a novel.

Consistency is key. Even if you start slow, regular practice will gradually improve your technique and comfort level with the guitar.

Building Right-Hand Technique

While your left hand is doing the fretting, your right hand is responsible for picking. Developing a solid right-hand technique is just as important, especially for metal, where speed and precision are king.

Focus on these areas:

• Alternate Picking: This is the bread and butter of metal guitar playing. Practice moving the pick up and down across the strings to increase speed and accuracy.
• Palm Muting: A crucial technique in metal, palm muting allows you to create that chunky, aggressive sound. Lightly rest the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge.
• Downpicking: Used by legends like James Hetfield, downpicking gives you a tight, aggressive sound. It takes practice, but the payoff is worth it.

Remember, it's all about practice. Break it down into manageable parts, focusing on accuracy before speed. On Riffhard, we have tons of lessons on rhythm techniques from some of the best metal guitarists in the world.

Finding Practice Routines

Practice routines are essential to progress. They give your practice sessions structure and help you focus on specific skills.

Consider these elements when creating your routine:

• Warm-Ups: Start with finger exercises and scales to get your fingers moving and your brain in gear.
• Technique Practice: Spend time on specific techniques like alternate picking, tapping, or sweep picking.
• Song Learning: Apply what you’ve learned by working on songs that challenge you but are within your reach.
• Jamming: Leave some time to just play and have fun. It’s important to enjoy the process!

Consistency and variety keep practice from becoming a chore. If you need some help structuring your practice, Riffhard offers 'The Shredule', a curated lesson plan to keep you on track.

Overcoming Challenges as a Left-Handed Player

Being a left-handed guitarist comes with its own set of challenges, but don’t let them dissuade you. The shortage of left-handed guitars is a common hurdle, as is the lack of resources tailored specifically for lefties.

Here’s how to tackle these challenges:

• Resourcefulness: Use online resources and communities to find left-handed techniques and advice. There’s a wealth of information out there just waiting for you.
• Adaptation: Sometimes you’ll need to adapt right-handed instructions. This can be a mental exercise in itself, improving your understanding of music theory and guitar playing.
• Persistence: Stick with it! Every guitarist faces challenges, and overcoming them is part of the journey.

Remember, many famous guitarists are left-handed, like Jimi Hendrix and Tony Iommi. If they could do it, so can you!

Joining the Community

Connecting with other guitarists can be incredibly rewarding. Whether online or in person, joining a community can offer support, inspiration, and opportunities to learn from others.

Here’s how to get started:

• Online Forums: Join forums or social media groups dedicated to guitar playing. They’re great places to ask questions, share tips, and find inspiration.
• Local Jams: Look for local jam sessions or open mic nights. Playing with others is a fantastic way to improve your skills and gain confidence.
• Lessons and Workshops: Consider taking lessons or attending workshops. They’re excellent for learning new techniques and meeting other musicians.

Building connections with other musicians enriches your musical journey and can lead to collaborations and friendships.

Final Thoughts

Being a left-handed guitarist might seem challenging at first, but with the right tools and mindset, you can play anything you set your mind to. Explore the resources available to you, and don't hesitate to dive into lessons and practice routines that can elevate your playing. We at Riffhard are here to support your journey with expert-led lessons and a community of fellow metal enthusiasts. Happy shredding, lefties!