How to Play Guitar Left-Handed

Playing guitar left-handed might seem like you’re living in an upside-down world where everything is just a bit more challenging. But fear not! With the right approach, you can rock just as hard as any right-handed guitarist. Let’s break down how to tackle this the lefty way, whether you're jamming to some heavy metal or exploring other subgenres.

Choosing the Right Guitar

First things first, let’s talk about gear. Unlike right-handed guitars, left-handed models aren’t always readily available. But don’t let that discourage you. Several brands offer fantastic left-handed options, and if you’re lucky, you might find a gem in a local shop.

When selecting a guitar, consider the neck profile, body weight, and overall feel. Some lefties opt to simply flip a right-handed guitar, but this can lead to setup issues and make playing more difficult in the long run. If you choose this path, be prepared to restring the guitar and adjust the nut and bridge for optimal playability.

Alternatively, purchasing a specifically designed left-handed guitar can save you a ton of hassle and provide a much better experience. Brands like Fender, Gibson, and Ibanez offer left-handed models that cater to various genres, including metal. The best guitar is the one that feels comfortable in your hands and inspires you to play more.

Setting Up Your Guitar

Once you’ve got your guitar, setting it up correctly is the next crucial step. A poorly set-up guitar can hinder your progress and make playing a frustrating experience. For left-handed players, a proper setup is even more vital.

Here’s what you’ll need to focus on:

• Action: This refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Too high, and you’ll struggle with speed and accuracy. Too low, and you’ll encounter fret buzz.
• Intonation: Ensuring your guitar is in tune across the fretboard is crucial, especially if you’re playing in different tunings common in metal genres.
• String Gauge: Thicker strings are common in metal for their beefier tone, but they require more strength to play. Experiment to find what works for you.

For those who are new to guitar setups, visiting a professional luthier is a wise investment. They can adjust the truss rod, action, and intonation to suit your needs, providing a smoother playing experience.

Developing Left-Handed Techniques

Now that your guitar is ready, it’s time to focus on technique. Playing left-handed means your fretting hand is your dominant hand, which can offer some advantages in terms of dexterity and strength. However, your picking hand will need some extra attention.

Start with basic exercises to build coordination and strength. Simple chromatic exercises can do wonders:

e|----------------------------------1-2-3-4-|
B|----------------------------1-2-3-4-------|
G|----------------------1-2-3-4-------------|
D|----------------1-2-3-4-------------------|
A|----------1-2-3-4-------------------------|
E|----1-2-3-4-------------------------------|

Repeat these up and down the neck, focusing on clean, even notes. As you become more comfortable, increase the speed. Remember, accuracy trumps speed. Use a metronome to keep your timing in check.

For inspiration and guidance, consider checking out Riffhard. We offer lessons from some of the top metal guitarists, and many of these lessons focus on rhythm guitar techniques, which are crucial for both righties and lefties.

Building Picking Speed and Accuracy

In metal, picking speed and accuracy are your best friends. Whether you’re downpicking like James Hetfield or shredding through complex solos, your picking hand needs to keep up.

Alternate picking is a fundamental technique you’ll want to nail down. Practice with simple exercises:

e|----------------------------------------|
B|----------------------------------------|
G|----------------------------------------|
D|----------------------------------------|
A|----------2-3-4-3-2---------------------|
E|----1-2-3---------3-2-1-----------------|

Use alternate picking (down-up-down-up) for each note. Start slow, ensuring each note is clear, then gradually increase your speed.

Palm muting is another essential technique, especially in metal. It gives your riffs that heavy, percussive sound. Rest the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge and practice palm-muted chugs to get a feel for it.

Remember, patience is key. Speed will come with time and consistent practice. And if you’re looking for more structured guidance, Riffhard offers a plethora of lessons on techniques like these, taught by world-class metal guitarists.

Understanding Metal Scales and Modes

To add some spice to your playing, dive into scales and modes common in metal music. The minor pentatonic and natural minor scales are great starting points, but don’t stop there.

Explore the harmonic minor scale, which is used frequently in metal for its exotic sound:

e|-----------------------------------------4-5-|
B|-----------------------------------5-6-------|
G|----------------------------4-5-7------------|
D|-------------------4-5-7---------------------|
A|---------4-5-7-------------------------------|
E|---5-7---------------------------------------|

Modes like Phrygian and Locrian also offer unique tonal colors that are perfect for dark and heavy riffs. As you practice these scales, incorporate them into your riffs and solos to see how they transform your sound.

At Riffhard, we have in-depth lessons on scales and modes specifically tailored for metal guitarists, providing you with the tools to expand your musical vocabulary.

Learning to Improvise

Improvisation might seem daunting at first, but it’s an incredible skill that can elevate your playing. Start by jamming over backing tracks in the key you’re comfortable with. Use the scales and modes you've learned to create melodies and riffs on the spot.

Here are some tips for effective improvisation:

• Listen: Pay attention to the backing track and let it guide your note choices.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things. The more you experiment, the more confident you’ll become.
• Feel: Play with emotion. Your improvisation should convey a story or feeling.

Improvisation is a skill that grows with experience. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become at expressing yourself through your instrument.

Nailing Metal Rhythm Guitar

Rhythm guitar in metal is all about precision and groove. You’re the backbone of the band, driving the song forward. It’s an art form in itself and deserves as much attention as lead playing.

Start with simple power chord progressions and focus on tight, clean transitions. Use a metronome or backing track to ensure you’re in time. As you get comfortable, experiment with different rhythms and syncopations to add interest to your playing.

For left-handed players, it might take a bit longer to develop the coordination needed for complex rhythms, but with persistence, it’ll become second nature. And remember, Riffhard offers lessons that emphasize rhythm guitar techniques, providing you with expert guidance from top metal guitarists.

Exploring Different Metal Subgenres

Metal is a diverse genre with countless subgenres to explore. Each offers unique styles and techniques that can broaden your musical horizons.

• Thrash Metal: Known for its fast tempos and aggressive guitar riffs. Think Metallica or Slayer.
• Death Metal: Features complex song structures and growled vocals. Bands like Death and Cannibal Corpse are great examples.
• Djent: Characterized by its rhythmic complexity and heavily syncopated riffs. Bands like Meshuggah paved the way for this subgenre.
• Metalcore: Blends elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. Bands like Killswitch Engage and As I Lay Dying are pioneers.

Experimenting with these subgenres can help you find your unique voice as a guitarist. Listen to a variety of bands, learn their songs, and incorporate elements you enjoy into your playing.

Joining a Band or Finding Other Musicians

One of the most rewarding aspects of playing guitar is collaborating with other musicians. Joining a band can push your skills to new heights and provide a sense of community and purpose.

Start by networking with local musicians. Attend local shows, visit music stores, or join online forums and groups. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, whether it’s posting an ad or auditioning for bands.

Playing with others will not only improve your musicianship but also inspire you to create and grow as a guitarist. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

Final Thoughts

Playing guitar left-handed offers its own set of challenges and rewards. With the right mindset and tools, you can achieve anything a right-handed guitarist can and more. Remember, practice and patience are your best friends on this musical journey. If you're looking to further hone your skills, Riffhard provides lessons from the best in the metal world to help you along the way. Happy shredding!