Why a Left Handed Person Might Choose to Learn Guitar Right Handed

One of the most common questions new guitar students ask is whether being left handed means they should learn on a left handed guitar.

While it can seem like the obvious choice, many left handed players successfully learn using the standard right handed guitar method, and there are several good reasons for doing so.

More Guitars to Choose From

Perhaps the biggest advantage of learning right handed is the sheer number of instruments available.

Most guitars are designed for right handed players, which means you will have access to a much wider range of models, styles, and price points.

Whether you are buying your first guitar, upgrading to something better, or browsing the second hand market, you will usually find far more options than someone looking specifically for a left handed instrument.

Easier to Borrow and Test Guitars

Learning right handed means you can pick up almost any guitar and play it straight away. This can be incredibly useful when visiting friends, attending jam sessions, trying instruments in music shops, or taking lessons.

Rather than searching for the rare left handed model, you can simply grab the nearest guitar and start playing.

Your Dominant Hand Handles the Fretboard

Many people assume that your dominant hand should always be the strumming hand, but there is another way of looking at it.

When playing a right handed guitar, your left hand performs all the fretting work. This includes forming chords, playing scales, executing bends, and developing finger independence. These tasks require a great deal of dexterity and precision.

For some left handed players, having their stronger hand on the fretboard can actually feel like a natural advantage.

Most Learning Resources Are Designed for Right Handed Players

The majority of guitar teachers, tutorial videos, books, and chord diagrams are presented from a right handed perspective.

While left handed resources certainly exist, learning right handed can make it easier to follow demonstrations and group lessons without constantly needing to reverse everything mentally.

Playing with Other Musicians Becomes Simpler

Music is often a social activity. If you enjoy playing with friends, attending open mic nights, or joining bands, there is a practical benefit to learning right handed.

You can easily swap instruments, borrow a guitar if yours is unavailable, or try out different guitars without needing special equipment.

Plenty of Successful Left Handed Players Have Done It

Being left handed does not automatically mean you need a left handed guitar. Many highly successful musicians are naturally left handed but play right handed guitars.

This demonstrates that handedness alone does not determine how successful you will become as a guitarist.

Guitar Requires Both Hands

Unlike many activities that are heavily dominated by one hand, guitar playing demands coordination from both hands. The fretting hand and strumming hand each develop specialised skills over time.

Because of this, many left handed players discover that learning right handed feels perfectly comfortable after an initial adjustment period.

Should You Learn Left Handed Instead?

Of course, this does not mean every left handed person should learn right handed. Some players instinctively feel more comfortable strumming with their left hand. If every natural movement, such as air guitar, tapping rhythms, or pretending to play an instrument, puts the guitar neck in your right hand, a left handed setup may feel more intuitive.

Comfort and confidence should always be important considerations.

A Simple Test

If you are unsure which way to learn, try pretending to play an imaginary guitar without overthinking it. Notice which hand naturally wants to strum and which hand feels comfortable holding the neck.

While this is not a perfect test, it can provide a useful insight into your natural preference.

Final Thoughts

There is no universal rule that says a left handed person must learn on a left handed guitar. In fact, many left handed players choose the standard right handed method because it offers greater flexibility, more instrument options, and easier access to learning resources.

Ultimately, the best choice is the one that feels comfortable and encourages you to keep playing. Whichever way round you hold the guitar, regular practice and enjoyment of the instrument will matter far more than whether you are left handed or right handed.