Jimi Hendrix famously restrung his right-handed guitar for a left-handed play style. However, just because someone else did it, does that mean that you can restring a guitar to make it left-handed as well? There are two things to consider here. First, anyone can learn to string a guitar, and the order you place the strings in is up to you. Secondly, it’s not exactly a left-handed guitar unless you alter other aspects as well. I’ll explain what it means to have a truly left-handed guitar and share other vital facts about playing left-handed. That way, you can decide whether to do a simple restring or convert your axe completely for a left-hand only playing style. Merely changing the strings to an upside-down position is alright for beginners, but it’s better to invest in converting your guitar or get one that’s set up correctly. If you want the playing experience to be the same quality as it is for a right-handed person, you need a left-handed guitar.
Can you restring a guitar to make it left-handed? You can restring a guitar to make it left-handed. However, if you don’t change the bridge, nut, and other parts as well, it will never be perfect. Fortunately, you can start with simple restringing and change the rest later. By doing this, you will be able to start playing right away.
Are Left-Handed Guitars Strung Differently
You can restring and convert a right-handed guitar to make it left-handed. Naturally, this means that left-handed guitars are strung differently. The basic idea is that it’s strung ‘upsidedown’ from a right-handed playstyle because you swap the neck to the other side. However, there’s more to a left-handed guitar than strings.
Acoustic guitars often have fixed angles of compensation. Resultantly, switching the strings around isn’t enough. It would be best if you had a different neck to make the guitar truly left-handed. Anything less will always feel off, and you’ll end up compensating by playing differently.
As PlayableGuitar points out, “By simply turning a guitar “upside-down” and re-stringing it “lefty,” you are creating a compound error in the string length compensation. The guitar will never be in tune in both the lower registers and the upper registers.”
Just as a left-handed person can use right-handed scissors, a right-handed guitar will work. When you’re first starting, and all you have is a right-facing guitar, by all means, switch those strings. All practice is practice, after all.
It’s better to get started with a semi-left-handed guitar than to wait and not start. The sooner you begin playing, the sooner you will get better. However, playing that rightie isn’t going to feel as right as a guitar made for you. It’s worth the wait, but build your skills as you save up.
Use a set of high-quality D’Addario EXL110-10P Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings for great sound. Whichever hand you strum with, these bestselling strings are made right here in the USA. Best of all, these D’Addario strings help reduce fret wear, and they are made to last longer. Have Amazon deliver to your door when you click here.
How is a Left-Handed Guitar Strung
If you’re wondering whether your guitar is left or right, you probably have a right-handed guitar. However, you can often tell simply by looking at the strings. You need to set your guitar, so it faces you to check.
When you are looking at the face of your guitar, check the width of the strings. When the wider strings are on your left, it’s a right-handed guitar. If you cannot see the difference, then pluck the furthest string to the right, then the left. The sound should be much deeper on the left.
Similarly, a left-handed guitar, when facing you, should have the lowest string on your right. Unfortunately, because many people idolize Jimi Hendrix, and others don’t know the difference, a right-handed guitar may be strung backward. How can you tell?
The nut, guitar strap button, pickguards, and saddle angle will also show you the truth. The easiest to spot is the pickguard, which should be on the same side as the highest or thinnest string and opposite from your guitar strap button.
Alternately the guitar strap button should be on the same side as the thickest or lowest string. The placement allows you to wear your guitar as you play it. Likewise, the saddle angle should be lower on the side with the thickest string and guitar strap button.
I recommend Elixir Strings Phosphor Bronze from Amazon when you change up those strings. The ultra-thin nanoweb coating makes these strings feel like traditionally textured uncoated strings while giving you longer string life and corrosion resistance. To learn more, click here.
Does a Left-Handed Person Need a Left-Handed Guitar
You don’t necessarily need a left-handed guitar as a left-handed person, but it helps. As you’ve seen, many left players choose to go the Jimi Hendrix route and restring a guitar to make it left-handed. His distrust of the left-handed guitars aside, the way you play is a highly personal choice.
There are four general ways to play the guitar, and all of them are valid. You can use a traditionally strung right-hand guitar, a traditional strung left-hand guitar, or you can restring either one backward.
While I don’t personally recommend backward stringing, it’s because the instrument is literally designed to be played the other way. Playing backward works against the mechanics of your body and the guitar itself. Yet, for many, this is what feels correct.
Before you set your sights on any particular playing style, I do suggest trying out different options. A basic right-handed guitar is always easier to get your hands-on, and there’s nothing particularly wrong with learning that style as a left-handed person.
Don’t try it because you ‘have to,’ but instead as an option to explore. Then restring and see how it feels to play with your dominant hand. If you like it better, you should learn left-handed guitar or both. The only real downside to not learning right-handed is that you can’t pick up any guitar you see and play.
Change your strings with GHS Strings GBL-5 Guitar Boomers from Amazon. With six complete sets of strings, you’ll always have a spare. These outstanding strings come in a resealable air-tight fresh pack to prevent accidental damage from oxygen exposure and moisture in the outside air. Read the fantastic Amazon reviews by clicking here.
Cost to Convert Right-Handed Guitar to Left
Restringing a guitar to make it left-handed is only the beginning of converting your guitar. What does it cost if a pro does the job for you? Can you do it yourself? Is it cheaper to buy a whole left-handed guitar?
First, we need to look at the parts you would have to change. It would help if you had a new nut, guitar strap button, pickguards, and saddle. Nuts aren’t horribly expensive at five to thirty-five dollars.
Similarly, the strap button is around four to thirteen dollars. Meanwhile, a saddle is four to seventy dollars depending on the style of guitar you play. It will be another nine to seventy dollars for a left-handed pickguard.
Unfortunately, those are the costs for parts. If you have never built a guitar, then drilling that simple strap button into place might be a big mistake. Fortunately, you can hire a pro to switch it all for you for around two hundred dollars.
Removing your own guitar parts isn’t quite as simple as restringing. Although many musicians prefer to learn every aspect of their instrument, including how it’s made, you’re probably better off beginning with a professional job. Learn the skills, but not on your only practice guitar. Better still, consider apprenticing or taking a class if you want to learn to convert guitars for left-handed players. There’s always a need, and not a lot of people have the skill.
When you’re ready to restring it all yourself, get an LBingbrother Guitar Accessories Kit from Amazon. You get the strings you need, plus an understring radius gauge, nut, bridge saddle, action ruler, cattle bone bridge pins, rolling capo, and a 3-in-1 restring tool. With everything you need to do the job right, you can replace and adjust your strings on the go or at home. Get yours by clicking here.
Final Thoughts
Converting Guitars left to right and right to left pros and cons – YouTube
One of the most famous guitar players in history, Jimi Hendrix, had a simple restrung right-handed guitar. It certainly didn’t stop him from playing left-handed, nor did it prevent him from becoming one of the all-time greats. You could do the same.
However, players who can afford to alter their guitar or invest in a properly formatted left-hand guitar would be better off doing so. A restrung right-hander will get the job done, but it won’t feel the same as a proper guitar. You deserve to have the same quality of equipment as someone with a different dominant hand.
Ultimately, left-handed players are at a disadvantage with a right-handed guitar. You can accept the challenge, restring, or replace your guitar to suit your needs, but I always suggest starting by restringing what you have so you can practice.