Guitar learning technique for left-handed players
How to play the guitar when you are left-handed?
Some instruments, such as the piano, require both hands to be almost equally active. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the guitar. How do you adapt as a left-handed player when most 6-stringers are designed for right-handed players? Is it better to acquire the same position as the majority of musicians to learn to play? In a world where standards (guitar models, books, videos, chord charts, etc.) are designed for right-handed players, it is quite normal to ask the question!
First time in hand:
I'm just starting out. Which way should I position my guitar?
In theory, a right-handed player naturally uses his right hand to strum the strings of his guitar and his left hand to play chords and melodies on the neck. A left-handed player tends to do the opposite. However, every beginning guitarist can feel a natural ease in either direction that is not influenced by their dominant hand. Moreover, starting to play this instrument presents the same constraints and technical difficulties for everyone. If you don't feel comfortable with the positioning of your guitar as a left-handed player, get used to playing as a right-handed player to avoid some of the handicaps you may encounter on your way to learning!
Investing in a left-handed guitar?
There are indeed left-handed guitars! Unfortunately, their number remains relatively limited. The ratio is about 10% against 90% for right-handed players. In addition to their rarity and the limited choice of models, left-handed guitars are also slightly more expensive.
Practicality and spontaneity:
Learning to play a left-handed guitar prevents you from being able to play any guitar at parties or other improvised jam sessions.
Right-handed guitar rehabilitation
There is a simple way to adapt a right-handed guitar to a left-handed player. By rotating the neck of the guitar 180 degrees, you end up with the strings mounted the wrong way. The low E string will be at the bottom of the guitar. To do this, simply reverse the order of the strings so that the standard tuning is respected. This technique saves you from having to limit yourself to the limited choice of left-handed guitars available on the market. However, it is highly recommended to call a luthier to perfectly calibrate your instrument. For the record, this technique has been widely used by the greatest, like Jimi Hendrix for example!
Apolline offers singing lessons in Lausanne as well as guitar lessons, drum lessons and piano lessons to help you improve your musical skills.
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