Learn How To Play Guitar & Guitar Accessories

Question: Right or left handed guitar?

(Posted by: Spud on 2009-07-11 06:07:17)

I'm left handed *yay* but I play right handed guitar... I really want to play left handed guitar, and I'm looking for a new guitar anyway... Can you just put the strings in reverse order (I know you have to do something to the bridge, what exactly do you have to do?) Anyway, or should I just buy another one? Thanks. Oh yeah, can you say if your right/ left handed and what handness of guitar you play (If you are left handed HELLO BROTHER/ SISTER!)

Posted by: Lester G on 2009-07-11, 07:51:31

If you already play right handed guitar, stay that way. If anything, you have an advantage since you're using your dominant hand for fretting which is more challenging than strumming and picking. > >Can you just put the strings in reverse order... < < No. On an electric, the cutaway, output jack, knobs, and tremolo arm will all be in the wrong place. You have to switch the nut and re-intonate the saddle. On an acoustic it's a disaster - acoustics are braced asymmetrically since the bass strings exert more tension than the treble strings. Switch the strings and eventually you'll warp the guitar. Additionally, the saddle is rarely exactly perpendicular to the strings to allow for intonation. Even if you switch the saddle it's still going to be at the wrong angle. Either stick to playing right handed (which I strongly recommend) or buy a lefty gitar.

Posted by: Jasmine on 2009-07-11, 06:13:55

Right, i play with a right. uhm well how are you playing your right handed guitar? are you just playing like a right handed person? i knew this guy who played a right handed guitar, he turned it around and then learnt to play upside down/ sideways (whichever way it would be) because he said that that way he didnt always have to have his own guitar, he could play anyones, and its looks pretty sweet seeing them playing it like that, cool party trick? lol