Guitars designed for people who are left-handed are sold at some music stores and through many online musical instrument dealers. The price, style and design varies from guitar to guitar. Knowing what to look for when buying a left-handed guitar that is for sale is key in getting a guitar that will be well-used and loved.

It is possible for a left-handed person to play a standard guitar. Some musicians, such as Albert King, chose to simply flip the standard guitar upside-down, with the bass E string on top and learned to play in reverse. Musician Jimi Hendrix was left-handed, but chose to re-string his guitar so that it could be played on the left hand. Re-stringing it is possible, but the bridge, nut and action are all affected by this, and this needs to be taken into account when doing so. Other left-handed musicians over the years have simply learned to play the guitar with their right hands.

Unfortunately, many people find it extremely difficult to play a standard, right-handed guitar with the left hand. A person’s strongest hand should be the hand that is picking the guitar, because this is the hand that requires the most strength and movement.

A true left-handed guitar is a mirror image of a standard guitar. Guitar chords that are normally played by the right hand will be also be mirrored. While many people can pick up a standard guitar book and mirror the images in their minds, there are guitar books available that are designed for left-handed players that have the proper chords and scales written for the left-handed player.

Before purchasing a guitar, either online or in a store, it is recommended to visit a store and try different guitars. Because each is made a little different, finding one that fits comfortably is important. Even if the seller only carries right-handed guitars, the potential buyer should try them on to decide if it is a comfortable fit. A left-handed guitar of the same model may be able to be ordered and purchased.

Because they are more rare than standard guitars, left-handed guitars normally cost more. Asking for a discount from a retail store may help lower the cost. Online auction sites may also be a way to save some money, because less people typically bid and buy left-handed guitars.

Serious guitar players will want to purchase a left-handed guitar for the best value and ease of playing. They can be ordered and found in many retail and online stores, and will provide music for years to come.