Best Left-Handed Guitars for Beginners
Getting the right guitar can feel like an uphill battle if you're a left-handed beginner. Fortunately, some excellent models offer comfort, solid construction, and great tone right out of the box.
What to look for in a left-handed guitar
Choosing the best left-handed guitar for beginners involves more consideration than picking a right-handed model. While the fundamentals remain the same, playability, sound, and comfort, left-handed players face extra challenges such as limited stock, fewer budget options, and less availability in shops.
Start by ensuring the guitar is a true left-handed model. Some brands offer reversible designs, but these can lead to awkward control placements and intonation issues.
Comfort is key: look for a neck profile that fits your hand size and a body shape that feels balanced when sitting or standing. Build quality is essential too. A well-constructed instrument will stay in tune, offer better tone, and last longer as your skills grow.
Finally, consider what style of music you want to play to determine whether you need an acoustic, electric, classical, or even a bass guitar.
Best guitars for left-handed beginners
Best left-handed electric guitar: Yamaha Pacifica 112J II Left Handed
Yamaha Pacifica 112J II Left Handed (front)
Yamaha Pacifica 112J II Left Handed (back)
The Yamaha Pacifica 112J II is one of the most respected beginner electric guitars around—and fortunately, it comes in a left-handed version. With a solid alder body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard, it offers excellent build quality and tone for the price.
The HSS pickup configuration gives sonic flexibility, allowing bright cleans and gritty distortion. The slim neck profile is beginner-friendly, and the contoured body makes it comfortable to play for long sessions.
Ideal for players interested in rock, blues, or indie, the Pacifica 112J II is a top pick for those after a good left-handed electric guitar with plenty of room to grow.
Best left-handed acoustic guitar: Dreadnought Cutaway Left-Handed Electro-Acoustic Guitar
Dreadnought Cutaway Left-Handed Electro-Acoustic Guitar (front)
Dreadnought Cutaway Left-Handed Electro-Acoustic Guitar (back)
This Dreadnought Cutaway by Gear4Music is a standout budget option for new players after a good left-handed acoustic guitar. It combines traditional dreadnought power with modern accessibility, thanks to its built-in preamp and cutaway design. That means beginners can easily plug in and perform or explore higher frets.
The full-bodied tone suits it for singer-songwriters or anyone learning chords and strumming patterns. While it won’t match the sound of high-end acoustics, its playability and onboard electronics are impressive at this price point — an ideal starter for those who want versatility without spending a fortune.
Best left-handed classical guitar: Ortega R121L Left-Handed Classical Guitar
The Ortega R121L is perfect for beginners who prefer nylon strings. It offers soft playability, especially for younger players or those with sensitive fingers. Built with a spruce top, mahogany back, and sides, the tone is warm and clear, ideal for classical, flamenco, or folk styles.
Its full-size design makes it a suitable long-term learning instrument. The neck is smooth and well-finished, encouraging good technique from the outset, and it is a solid choice for any new player seeking the best left-handed classical guitar without breaking the bank.
Best left-handed bass guitar: Vintage V40 Coaster Series Bass
Vintage V40 Coaster Series Bass (front)
Vintage V40 Coaster Series Bass (side)
Beginners looking for a left-handed bass will find the Vintage V40 Coaster Series ticks all the right boxes. It has a lightweight basswood body, a comfortable maple neck, and a split-coil pickup that delivers punchy low-end tone.
The V40 plays smoothly straight out of the box. It offers a solid build for the price and has just enough tonal control to cover different genres, from funk and rock to blues and beyond. Whether you’re jamming at home or preparing for your first band practice, this bass has the goods.
Left-handed guitar FAQs
What are the best left-handed guitar brands?
Reputable brands like Yamaha, Fender, Epiphone, and Ibanez regularly offer left-handed models with the same quality as their right-handed counterparts. Ortega is a top contender for classical guitars. Gear4Music also makes affordable and well-reviewed entry-level instruments.
Are there famous left-handed guitarists?
Yes, some of the most iconic guitarists were or are left-handed. Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Paul McCartney, and Tony Iommi all played left-handed, showing that lefties can excel with the right gear.
Is it harder to play guitar left-handed?
Not inherently. The mechanics of playing are the same, but finding the right guitar can take more effort. Stick with left-handed models rather than flipping a right-handed one. It’ll help your progress and keep your technique consistent.
Can I get left-handed guitar lessons?
Many guitar teachers offer lessons tailored to left-handed players. A good teacher will adapt chord shapes and fingerings to suit your orientation from the very start.
Get in touch with Bryan for guitar advice
Whether you’re still choosing your first guitar or ready to book a lesson, I am here to help. Drop me a line for expert advice on left-handed guitars, personalised recommendations, or booking your first session.
