Learn How To Play A Left Handed Guitar

Guitar Mania: Playing it Left Handed

Consider that almost ninety percent of the world’s population is born right handed. Meaning, they use their right hands more often than the left one. Their right hand is responsible for important everyday activities like writing. And where does this leave the lefties? Basically, vice versa.

In the music industry, a small minority of musicians are left-handed. Though some notable and famous performers are born lefties. Personalities like Jimi Hendrix and Dan Seals played left-handed. Is this much of a surprise? Other artists who are left-handed switch the guitar’s string for their own benefit.

How do lefties go about playing a guitar custom made for the right handed?

If you have overcame the idea of quitting, and you are among the left-handed who try so hard learning to play it your way, might as well read attentively. This can help you figure out what to do. You can actually do two things: first, you can switch the strings or you can choose to play the guitar upside down. Sounds funny? It’s a fact and pretty much effective.

Some write-ups stated it is way difficult and outrageous to create notes with a guitar positioned upside down. While others believe nothing is impossible if you try really hard and put your heart into it. The idea of rotating the guitar and operating it backwards can be accepted and used.

Using the basic chords, a left-handed player can place his fingers on the same set of strings only that it has to be put the other way around but with the same basic strings. Regardless of how accustomed people are when it comes to playing a guitar right handed, some left handed guitarists have introduced newer methods.

To start with, you should equip yourself with a guitar guide or manual. Playing with an upside down guitar doesn’t necessarily mean changing the mode of how fingering should be. The placement of your fingers would still be the same although the only difference would rely on the finger you use on the fret of the guitar. Normally, if you would play a right handed guitar right handed, the C would represent that your fourth finger must be positioned at the third fret dipping on the fifth string. Then your third finger must lie on the second fret pressing on the fourth string. Last, your index finger must be on the first fret down on the second string.

With an inverted guitar for lefties, it should be done in an inverted way too. Noting that your last string would be on top and the fret would remain the same. Things are difficult if you have no guitar to practice with. Make it a point that you follow what the diagram shows and not making the mistake of strumming the forbidden strings in each chord.

This type of technique is difficult, indeed. So start with those chords that only require three or three fingers at the moment. Basic chords like CAGED or some minor details. When you get the hang on it, try working on the harder ones. Do not saturate yourself with learning the hard ones first. That would be enough reason for you to give up. Frustrated.

But if you find it really hard to cope with this kind of style, settle with the conventional way of playing. That is, playing a right handed guitar right handed even though you’re left handed.

BONUS : Learn How to Play Bass Guitar

Are you aware that the bass guitar is music’s soul instrument? It gives the song life and if you can learn to play this excellent piece of instrument, you can impress your friends and family members. So don’t waste your time and start to learn how to play bass guitar.

Most people are into electric and acoustic guitar playing because it is pleasing to their ears but if you want to feel some beat inside your chest, choose a bass guitar. Before you can play a certain song, you need to learn all the songs by heart. The song’s foundation is thrown off if the bass guitar is not present. So having a bass guitar playing together with all other guitars is essential.

As compared to traditional guitars, bass guitars have fewer and thicker strings. Advanced guitar players say that bass guitars are easy to play but it would take a lot of talent and hard work to master it. Aside from the difference in the strings, bass guitars have larger bodies. Most bass guitars are made from rose and maple wood and usually have four strings only.

Another thing that you need to keep in mind, bass guitars are not oriented. Other guitars are chord oriented but not the bass. If you play the chords using the bass, it can dominate other guitars. Bass guitars should be played consistently so that you can feel its power. Once you’ve learned to play this instrument, it will be a lot easier to learn electric, acoustic, and Spanish guitars.

Here are some helpful tips that you can make use in learning to play the bass guitar:

1. You must always be aware of the beat of the music that you’re playing. Feel it. You see, bass guitars are like drums, only in guitar form. It gives any song timing and depth. Feel your chest as the sound of the bass guitar pounds it.

2. As with ordinary guitars, bass guitars are tuned the same way. But the tones are deeper because the strings are thicker and fewer. You need to learn how to hit single notes often because this is essential in bass guitar playing. If you want to play the bass decently, you need to familiarize yourself with the notes and tunings of an ordinary guitar.

3. The placing of your fingers is of utmost importance. The note’s wholeness is determined on how your fingers hit the fret board of the bass. For a holistic approach, you need to practice playing the guitar as well.

4. Your fingers on both hands should be strong. You need to strength in order to play a bass guitar because it is a solid and sturdy instrument.

These tips when kept in mind will definitely help you a lot in learning to play the bass. Whether you’re attending a private guitar lesson, using a guide book, or DVD programs, these tips can be used.

Buy your very own bass guitar now and practice playing the instrument. Remember, if you can learn to play this instrument, your guitar’s sound will give any song soul and depth. Besides, just in case you want to learn to play other kinds of guitar, it will be easier.

Start your guitar lessons and discover what bass guitars can do to the many songs that you’re about to play.