Finding the best left-handed acoustic bass guitar can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. It truly is a niche within a niche, but fear not: this guide is here to level the playing field. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner exploring the world of acoustic left-handed bass, the right instrument is out there waiting for you.

An acoustic bass offers a natural, resonant tone and the ability to play without amplification. This makes it perfect for unplugged settings, songwriting, or casual jam sessions. It provides a unique, organic sound that complements acoustic instruments and adds depth to intimate musical arrangements.

In this article, I’ve rounded up the best left-handed acoustic bass guitars to suit every style, skill level, and budget. Afterward, I’ll also answer a few key questions that you might have about the instrument.

So, whether you’re playing at home, jamming with friends, or performing on stage, you’ll find something here to inspire your next groove. Let’s dive in and discover the top left-handed acoustic basses!

Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a guitar using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Best Left-Handed Acoustic Bass

1. Harmonia Tario

Budget Left-Handed Acoustic-Electric Bass

Players on an ultra-tight budget may like to check out the sub-$200 Harmonia Tario. This handsome left-handed acoustic-electric bass would be a great choice for those looking to test the waters before dropping more serious cash on a more premium instrument.

The Tario looks classy with its bound black body, and even comes with built-in electronics for amplified play, as well as a handy tuner. As you’d expect from an acoustic instrument at this price point, it is an all-laminate construction. On the plus side, this does mean that the bass should be very durable, however!

Reviews suggest that the supplied strings aren’t the best, so make sure to pick up a fresh set if you decide to give the Tario a go.

2. Sire Marcus Miller GB5

Electro-Acoustic Bass

The left-handed Sire Marcus Miller GB5 is a quality acoustic-electric bass designed for players who demand high performance and versatile tonal options. Built with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, this bass produces a warm, full-bodied sound that’s ideal for a variety of musical styles. Its elegant design features a Venetian cutaway, allowing for easy access to the upper frets. The mahogany neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard with rolled edges ensures smooth playability and a comfortable feel.

A standout feature of the GB5 is its Marcus Miller-designed preamp system, which provides exceptional control over your amplified tone. With precise EQ options, you can tailor your sound to suit any stage or studio setup. Whether you’re playing unplugged or plugged in, the Sire Marcus Miller GB5 offers a combination of excellent craftsmanship, tonal richness, and professional-grade electronics, making it a great choice for serious bassists.

The southpaw Sire Marcus Miller GB5 is available in both natural and black finishes, as well as in a 5-string variant. Check it out at the link above!

3. Takamine GB30CE

Acoustic-Electric Bass

The left-handed Takamine GB30CE is a standout choice for bassists seeking a reliable, high-quality acoustic-electric bass. Built with performance and playability in mind, it features a solid spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides, delivering a rich, warm tone with impressive projection. The slim mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard make it comfortable to play, even during long sessions. In addition, its Venetian cutaway design provides easy access to higher frets, expanding your creative possibilities.

One of the GB30CE’s highlights is its Takamine TK-40B preamp system, which offers a 3-band EQ and built-in tuner, ensuring you’ll sound great in any amplified setting. This versatility makes it perfect for live performances, studio recordings, or unplugged practice.

Its durable construction, balanced tone, and professional-grade electronics make it an excellent choice for players of all levels.

4. Warwick Rockbass Alien Standard 4 NT LH

Electro-Acoustic Bass

The left-handed Warwick Rockbass Alien Standard 4 is a highly regarded acoustic-electric bass that combines exceptional craftsmanship with a unique, modern design. Featuring a solid spruce top and laminated agathis back and sides, it delivers a warm, balanced tone with excellent clarity and projection.

The neck, crafted from mahogany and paired with a wenge fingerboard, offers smooth playability and a comfortable feel, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned players.

What sets the Alien Standard 4 apart is its Fishman Sonicore pickup system and Fishman Sonitone preamp, which provide precise and versatile amplified performance. With onboard controls for bass, treble, and midrange, as well as a built-in tuner, you can easily tailor your sound to any setting.

Its lightweight yet durable build makes it ideal for gigging musicians who want a reliable and portable instrument. Whether you’re playing unplugged or plugged in, the Warwick Rockbass Alien Standard 4 offers a blend of style, tone, and versatility, making it a fantastic choice for any bassist looking to explore the acoustic side of their music.

5. Warwick Rockbass Alien Standard 5

Left-Handed Acoustic 5-String Bass

The Warwick Rockbass Alien Standard 5 offers all the excellent craftsmanship and tonal quality of its 4-string counterpart above, with the added versatility of a low B string. This extended range makes it an ideal choice for bassists who want deeper, fuller tones to explore genres like jazz, gospel, or modern rock.

Whether you’re creating intricate basslines or anchoring the low end in complex arrangements, this 5-string variant provides greater flexibility, making it perfect for players seeking more sonic possibilities.

FAQ

What’s The Difference Between An Acoustic Bass And An Electric Bass?

The primary difference between an acoustic bass and an electric bass lies in their design and sound production. An acoustic bass generates sound naturally through its hollow body, which amplifies the vibrations of the strings, much like an acoustic guitar. This makes it ideal for unplugged settings or casual jam sessions where amplification isn’t necessary.

On the other hand, an electric bass relies on electronic pickups to capture string vibrations and convert them into an electrical signal, which is then amplified through an amplifier or similar. This setup allows for greater control over volume, tone, and effects, making electric basses more versatile for live performances and studio recordings.

Another key distinction is their physical feel. Acoustic basses typically have thicker bodies in order to produce lower frequency notes with sufficient volume to be heard unplugged. Additionally, acoustic basses usually have a warmer, mellower tone, while electric basses offer a broader tonal range, from deep, punchy lows to bright, sharp highs.

Can I Use Effects With An Acoustic Bass?

Yes, you can use effects with an acoustic bass. However, this typically requires the bass to be amplified using a pickup or microphone. Once amplified, you can connect it to effects pedals just like an electric bass, allowing you to experiment with sounds like reverb, delay, or chorus.

Be aware that while effects can enhance your tone, they may slightly alter the natural warmth that many players love about the unplugged acoustic bass. In addition, hollow instruments are far more likely to produce feedback when amplified.

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The post Best Left-Handed Acoustic Bass Guitars appeared first on LeftyFretz.

Looking for the best Christmas gifts for guitar players? In this guide, you’ll find killer guitarist Christmas gifts that your recipient will actually use!

There are so many of these lists on the internet, so why did I feel the need to create another? Well, I’m guessing that by stumbling across this guide you are a non-guitarist trying to figure out the ideal gift for your musician friend or relative, right?

For me, the issue with these other guides is that the majority of them are stuffed full of random products that actually would be a very personal purchase for most guitarists. I mean, how on earth would you know if your recipient needs another overdrive pedal, or what type of new acoustic guitar they might like? To the non-guitarist, most of these lists are just minefields of potential dud gifts.

So, in this guide, I have listed only the best gifts with universal appeal that I would personally be happy to receive myself as a guitar player. For the most part, you should be able to pick any of the gift ideas on this page and be met with a big smile on Christmas morning.

Best Christmas Gifts For Guitar Players

Disclaimer: If you decide to purchase one of my Christmas gifts for guitar players using the links on this page I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

1. Truefire Online Lessons

Give the gift of knowledge with a year’s subscription to the internet’s number-one online guitar lesson site – TrueFire! With courses and tutorials for all tastes that are taught by some of the world’s top guitarists, this is one of those guitarist Christmas gifts that simply cannot go wrong.

Grab a year’s subscription to give your recipient access to all 80,000+ courses and lessons. Simply add the yearly sub to your basket and make sure to hit the ‘Send As Gift’ button before checking out. Keep it a surprise by adding your own email into the recipient box. This way, the code will be emailed to you and you can simply print it out and include it in their card.

Or, if you can’t quite stretch to a subscription, a TrueFire e-gift card will let them choose a few products they’re interested in specifically. With lessons starting from as little as $5, a gift certificate will go a long way!

2. Positive Grid Spark GO

Positive Grid’s new Spark GO is a tiny battery-powered 5-watt guitar amp, Bluetooth speaker, and recording interface all rolled into one neatly packaged product. It’s an ideal guitarist Xmas gift as it can be used whilst playing guitar, and can also become a regular Bluetooth speaker that the whole family can enjoy.

The amp connects your phone via Bluetooth to give access to over 50,000 custom tones, effects and presets, plus millions of songs and backing tracks. The rechargeable battery will keep you going for 8 hours, and you can even practice in silence via headphones.

Check it out on Amazon, or get it direct from Positive Grid where it’s often on sale!

3. Fender Mustang Micro

A simpler alternative to the Spark GO would be the excellent Mustang Micro from Fender. This little guitar gadget is a plug-and-play device, with no need for an additional app. The Mustang Micro plugs directly into your guitar and allows for silent practice through headphones for up to 4 hours via its rechargeable battery.

It features 12 different amp models and effects, EQ adjustment, and a volume dial – nice and simple! Stream music to the device via Bluetooth, or you can even use it as a USB-C recording device.

This year, Fender also introduced the Mustang Micro Plus. For a little extra cash, you get double the amps and effects, a handy built-in tuner, plus an OLED display.

Click here for the best price, or keep browsing for more top Christmas gifts for guitar players.

4. Guitar Store Gift Card

I get it, as a non-musician it can be difficult trying to decide whether or not your recipient will actually get use out of your gift. So, why not take the guesswork out of the equation with the classic gift card from their favorite music store?

Physical cards are available if you’d rather hand over something tangible. Or, if time is running short you can also buy an instant code that can be emailed or included inside a card.

For a safe bet, why not grab a Guitar Center gift card? With over 300 store locations across the USA, there’s sure to be one located near your recipient. If not, the cards can also be redeemed online.

5. Guitar Magazine Subscription

In a similar vein to a gift card, a magazine subscription is a fairly safe bet that pretty much any guitarist will love. A year’s supply is the practical gift for guitar players that keeps on giving, and can be ordered either as a print magazine or as a digital download sent to your recipient’s device.

Often described as being the ‘National Geographic of guitar magazines‘, Fretboard Journal is the pinnacle of musician periodicals. It ships quarterly in order to focus on quality, is printed on premium paper, features very few ads, and has the most in-depth stories and journalism. Any guitarist would be proud to display this gorgeous magazine on their coffee table. Gift a subscription here.

6. Premium Earplugs

Musicians are four times more likely to suffer from hearing loss as a result of exposure to loud music. A set of quality earplugs will filter out any harmful noises to help ensure that your recipient doesn’t become a part of that statistic.

A great choice would be the Music Safe Pro set from Alpine. These hypoallergenic earplugs are relatively inexpensive and can be used up to 100 times before needing to be replaced. Three different filters are provided to offer differing levels of protection depending on the situation.

They also come with a carrying case, wearable cord, plus a cleaning spray to keep the plugs in good condition. Click here for the best price.

7. Guitar Care Kit

Next up in this list of guitarist gift ideas is one that could actually save your recipient a good amount of cash in the long run!

A guitar needs regular adjustments to stay in tip-top playing condition. This process (called a guitar setup) is often carried out by a professional guitar technician. This will generally cost between $60 and $100 each time.

Music Nomad’s excellent Ultimate At Home Guitar Workstation will give them the tools needed to work on and maintain their guitar at home. In addition, the kit is supplied with all of the cleaning compounds needed to keep their instrument conditioned and polished.

For a simpler package, consider Music Nomad’s Complete Cleaning Kit. This little gift bundle includes cleaning and polishing compounds for guitar finishes, fretboard conditioner, plus 2 microfiber cloths. No guitarist would turn their nose up at this!

8. Gig Bag

A hard case is probably not the safest choice as certain guitar shapes tend to require specific hard case designs. A better bet would be a premium gig bag as, for the most part, any acoustic or electric guitar will fit in any acoustic or electric guitar gig bag.

This could be a great choice if your giftee is currently carrying around their axe in one of those cheap and flimsy nylon bags that come bundled with many beginner guitars.

My favorite premium gig bag is the Mono M80. This is an ultra-high-quality design that features waterproofing, impact protection, and even built-in neck support. Check out the M80 for Acoustics or the M80 for Electric Guitars.

9. Exotic Picks

Your guitarist friend or relative will most likely have a specific style of pick that they prefer to use. However, that’s not to say that you cannot gift them a pick-related gift that they will love.

Timber Tones makes premium guitar picks crafted from a variety of exotic materials including wood, bone, horn, metal, and minerals. Gift tins are available which would be ideal Christmas gifts for guitar players.

These products are all winners as they’re all quite unusual compared to the run-of-the-mill picks that most guitarists will own. Each of the various materials will give different tonal qualities, allowing for a lot of experimentation.

10. Guitarist Gift Ideas – Guitar Stand

A guitar needs a safe place to stay when not in use. Upgrade that crummy cheapo stand to a more premium affair to make sure it’s in the best and most sturdy hands possible!

For a popular, but still affordable option, take a look at the Hercules GS414B. This stand features a height-adjustable neck to suit any instrument and uses a special foam rubber to ensure that the delicate finish on more expensive guitars isn’t damaged. The built-in locking system automatically closes when the guitar is placed in the stand, keeping it even more safe and secure.

Hercules also offers variations of this stand that can accommodate 2, or even 3 guitars at the same time. You can also consider a rack that will hold even more. An ideal guitarist Christmas gift for those with large guitar collections.

11. Guitar Humidifer

At this time of year, the relative humidity tends to drop to levels that can be harmful to a guitar. At these lower levels, the woods in an instrument will begin to dry out and shrink. The result is all sorts of nasty playability issues.

While not the most glamorous of Christmas gifts for guitar players, a humidity control system could potentially save a lot of money and heartache in the long term.

An inexpensive option would be something like D’Addario’s Humidipak System. For use with acoustic or electric guitars, this product maintains the perfect relative humidity levels inside a guitar case or gig bag. Refill pouches are inexpensive and last for up to 4 months each.

12. G7th Capo

A capo is a really handy guitar gadget that enables players to easily shift to different keys. Most guitarists will own a cheap spring-operated trigger capo. These are fine but don’t offer much in the way of pressure control and don’t exert even pressure across all strings.

For a more premium experience, gift the guitar player in your life a G7th Performance Capo. This is the capo I use personally, and it truly is a little marvel of engineering.

Simply place it on the neck and squeeze it to the desired pressure. It adapts to any guitar neck, ensuring perfect pressure distribution for an ultra-clear tone. They’ll be the envy of all their musician mates with this precision-engineered beauty.

13. Guitar Player Gifts – Books

Who doesn’t love a good book? For a guitarist, you might look into books about repair and maintenance, how to get the perfect tone, or even how to build your own guitar. There are a ton of different options here!

Check out this list of a few of my favorites for some inspiration.

Or, why not get them the biography of their favorite musician? Check out my guide to the top guitarist biography books for a solid list of excellent choices.

14. Rocksmith+ Game

Why learn to play guitar from a crusty old tutor when you can do it in a video game and make it a ton of fun?

Ubisoft’s Rocksmith+ is a subscription-based interactive guitar tuition service that teaches everything from instrument maintenance to your favorite songs, and music theory. It’s suitable for beginners as well as more experienced players. Being game-based, it really injects a ton of fun into the learning experience.

Rocksmith+ is for electric, acoustic, and bass guitar, and runs on either PC, Android, or iOS. To use the software players can connect via a proprietary cable, or can also use their mobile phone’s microphone.

15. Headstock Guitar Tuner

A clip-on headstock tuner is a handy little gizmo that clips onto the headstock of a guitar for a quick and easy way to get the instrument in tune. Many will tune via a microphone. However, the best models will work via vibration, ensuring that the player can get to perfect pitch no matter how noisy the environment is.

Currently, my favorite is the TC Electronic Polytune Clip. It’s a pricey beast for sure, but it’s definitely a case of, you get what you pay for, here.

This stunningly well-made piece of kit features 3 different tuning modes. In chromatic mode, it will tune each string one at a time. In polytune mode, you can strum all strings at once and tune them all at the same time.

Finally, we have the ultra-precise strobe mode, which claims an accuracy of an unbelievable +/- 0.02 cents. Most other clip-on guitar tuners come nowhere close to this level of accuracy!

More Guitarist Christmas Gifts

If this list of the best Christmas gifts for guitar players didn’t quite strike the right chord with you (badum tish!), fear not! Here are a couple of additional articles you can check out for further inspiration.

45 Crazy Guitar Gadgets You Need To Try. In this guide, I have listed some weird and wonderful gizmos that many guitarists will never have even heard of. A great resource if you’d like a more unusual Christmas gift for guitarist friends.

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Guitar Players. It may not be Valentine’s Day yet, but all of the gift suggestions in this article are still winners for the festive season!

Guitarist Stocking Fillers

If you’re looking for a handful of cheap guitarist Christmas gifts, then why not consider one or two of these quick ideas?

• String Winder
• String Cutter
• Guitar Tab Book
• Guitar Slide
• Cables
• Pick Holder
• Quality Guitar Strap

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The post 15 Perfect Christmas Gifts for Guitar Players appeared first on LeftyFretz.

Find out more about the newly unveiled left-handed Schecter Synyster Gates Custom-7 TR Headless, the latest signature model for the Avenged Sevenfold shredmeister!

The latest addition to the Synyster Gates signature guitar lineup has arrived: the Schecter Synyster Gates Custom-7 TR Headless. As a brand, Schecter is known for their lefty-friendly stance, so it’s great to see that we haven’t been forgotten about with this new release!

Schecter Synyster Gates Custom-7 TR Headless Left-Handed

This bold reimagining of Gates’s iconic Schecter designs propels his signature style into the realm of cutting-edge headless guitars.

The left-handed Custom-7 TR Headless is a tonal powerhouse, built from a combination of premium tonewoods and equipped with fiery Synyster Gates signature pickups crafted by Schecter. Its 3-piece neck, chambered body, and Ultra Access design deliver unmatched playability, inviting you to explore its full sonic potential.

Visually stunning and sonically versatile, this 7-string beast is built to conquer the electrifying riffs, haunting melodies, and searing solos that Gates is known for. 

• Body : Chambered Mahogany Body with Maple Center
• Neck : Maple Headless Set-Neck (Ultra-Thin C Profile)
• Fretboard : Ebony w/ 24 X-Jumbo Gold Frets
• Scale Length : 26.5”
• Bridge : Hipshot 7-String Headless Tremolo System
• Pickups : Schecter USA Synyster Gates Signature Humbucker
• Controls : Master Volume/Master Tone (Coil Split Function), 3-Way Toggle Switch
• Finish : Oak Green Metallic

Available To Purchase Now At:

• Sweetwater
• Amazon

You Might Also Like These Articles!

• Best Left-Handed 7-String Guitars
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• 51 Best Shred Guitarists Of All Time
• The Best Metal Guitar Solos Of All Time

The post Schecter Synyster Gates Custom-7 TR Headless Left-Handed appeared first on LeftyFretz.

In this post, I’ve gathered 45 of the most inspiring guitarist quotes from the greatest players both past and present. Whether you’re strumming your first chord or are a seasoned pro, these pearls of wisdom should help spark inspiration and deepen your connection to the craft.

These quotes about guitar celebrate the joy of creating music, the struggles of learning, and the triumphs of self-expression that come with mastering the instrument. Whether you’re looking for motivation to pick up your instrument or simply want to reflect on the magic of music, these quotes about playing guitar will strike a chord with you.

Famous Guitarist Quotes

1. John Mayer

Playing music to me is as close to having super powers as you can have.

2. Nancy Wilson

We see what music can do for people. Hell, we see what music does for us! When you see thousands of people out in front of you, it’s fixing their lives. It’s helping. It’s healing. It’s bigger than the inconvenience of jealousy or emotional storm clouds.

3. Carlos Santana

There’s a melody in everything. And once you find the melody, then you connect immediately with the heart. Because sometimes English or Spanish, Swahili or any language gets in the way. But nothing penetrates the heart faster than the melody.

4. Tony Iommi

The feeling you get from playing to a good audience is hard to describe without sounding as though you are talking silly. But reaction is important. You might feel in yourself that you’re doing it ok but it’s when you get the live reaction that you know you’re doing it right.

5. Jack White

I keep guitars that are, you know, the neck’s a little bit bent and it’s a little bit out of tune. I want to work and battle it and conquer it and make it express whatever attitude I have at that moment. I want it to be a struggle.

6. Bonnie Raitt

Nobody taught me to play bottleneck. I just saw it and taught myself. I got an old bottle and steamed the label off, put it on the wrong finger, I basically did everything wrong until I met some of the Blues legends early in my career who taught me another way. I didn’t have anyone to tell me women didn’t play bottleneck.

7. Muddy Waters

All the kids made their own git-tars. Made mine out of a box and bit of stick for a neck. Couldn’t do much with it, but that’s how you learn.

8. Kaki King

I had to be reminded that the guitar is infinite. It never stops teaching you, it never stops being difficult; there’s an unlimited amount of things to learn, and you’ll never master it.

9. Ritchie Blackmore

I never work out my leads. Everything I do is usually totally spontaneous. If someone says, ‘That was good; play that again,’ I’m not able to do it.

10. Slash

You know, when you really connect with the instrument and everything just comes out on an emotional level very naturally through your playing. That’s, you know, a great night. And I think the reason I love touring so much is you’re chasing that high around all the time, trying to have another good night.

11. Eric Clapton

I mean, the sound of an amplified guitar in a room full of people was so hypnotic and addictive to me, that I could cross any kind of border to get on there.

12. Jimmy Page

I can’t think of a greater guitar icon than someone who has the musical intellect to change what was there before and take music in another direction. That’s a guitar hero for me.

13. Kurt Cobain

I’d rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.

14. George Harrison

Although I have guitars all around, and I pick them up occasionally and write a tune and make a record, I don’t really see myself as a musician. It may seem a funny thing to say. It’s just like, I write lyrics, and I make up songs, but I’m not a great lyricist or songwriter or producer. It’s when you put all these things together – that makes me.

15. St. Vincent

Life can be challenging and sad… but music is the easy part.

16. Tom Morello

Music, I think, is best when it honestly explores personal demons, and it stirs around in the silt of the psyche to find out what’s really there.

17. Mark Knopfler

Each song has its own secret that’s different from another song, and each has its own life. Sometimes it has to be teased out, whereas other times it might come fast. There are no laws about songwriting or producing. It depends on what you’re doing, not just who you’re doing.

18. Stevie Ray Vaughan

I kept listening, kept going to see people, kept sitting in with people, kept listening to records. If I wanted to learn somebody’s stuff, like with Clapton, when I wanted to learn how he was getting some of his sounds – which were real neat – I learned how to make the sounds with my mouth and then copied that with my guitar.

19. Dimebag Darrell

Jamming with other people will create energy and excitement that you can feed off, and which will help push you to do things you’d never dream of doing by yourself.

20. Billy Gibbons

The blues is a mighty long road. Or it could be a river, one that twists and turns and flows into a sea of limitless musical potential.

21. Zakk Wylde

Great musicians, you don’t just hear them, you feel them. When I listen to Randy Rhoads, I feel every note. I learned a lot from him.

22. Adrianne Lenker

When you’re playing music and you’re starting to expose yourself for the first time, there’s nothing more powerful than being listened to and being actually heard.

23. Angus Young

Every guitarist I would cross paths with would tell me that I should have a flashy guitar, whatever the latest fashion model was, and I used to say, ‘Why? Mine works, doesn’t it? It’s a piece of wood and six strings, and it works.’

24. Nita Strauss

I was always listening to the records that made shredding sound fun – Steve Vai, Satriani, Cacophony, Paul Gilbert. I think that’s what’s missing from modern shred guitar; so many people are playing so many amazing notes, but a lot of it doesn’t really sound all that fun.

25. B.B. King

The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.

26. Keith Richards

Give me a guitar, give me a piano, give me a broom and string; I wouldn’t get bored anywhere.

27. Rory Gallagher

Playing live is much more natural for me. The instant reaction and the feedback from the audience is great for me. I really relish it. And if you play blues-based music, it’s not really academic music or recital music. It really needs a bit of atmosphere and a bit of interplay and a bit of roughness, and you really get that with an audience.

28. Gary Clark Jr.

The blues is the foundation for a lot of things. Things have branched off. It’s cool how music grows, but the foundation is always there. It’s not going anywhere. The blues is always going to be relevant.

29. Prince

To create something from nothing is one of the greatest feelings, and I would – I don’t know, I wish it upon everybody. It’s heaven.

30. Peter Green

The blues – it’s kind of like a religion, really.

31. Jimi Hendrix

Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.

32. Derek Trucks

You hear it in the great musicians, whether it’s a drummer or a horn player or a guitar player – you hear them take those breaths. You can feel that there’s something they’re trying to tell you.

33. Johnny Marr

If people can finally recognize you on radio without being told who it is, that’s what you aim for.

34. Orianthi

I think if you can get the right bunch of people together, and you’re in the room and it just feels right, then the music will come.

35. Eddie Van Halen

If you want to be a rock star or just be famous, then run down the street naked, you’ll make the news or something. But if you want music to be your livelihood, then play, play, play and play! And eventually you’ll get to where you want to be.

36. The Edge

The big cop-out would be to accept popularity rather than opting to try to create potent work. It’s so easy to do the popular thing, the expected thing, and that’s where you start to cheat yourself – and your fans, in the end – because there’s an inherent dishonesty in pandering and dishing up what everyone’s expecting.

37. Joe Bonamassa

I’ve always been a big fan of taking old songs and completely turning them on their head. Having no adherence to the fine tradition of the original version. Rearranging them and taking a different approach to them.

38. Chuck Berry

Music should be made to make people forget their problems, if only for a short while.

39. Steve Vai

I’ve learned over the years that you’re going to be most successful at the things you’re most excited to do. Every artist has a special set of tools. When you really use those tools, and you make yourself feel really good about the product you create, I think you’ll find an audience for it. I’ve been very fortunate in that respect.

40. Kirk Hammett

My guitars are my umbilical cord. They’re directly wired into my head.

41. Nuno Bettencourt

While you’re learning guitar, figure out the drums, too. Not only does it help you have great timing, but it helps you understand how a band works.

42. Paul Gilbert

Sometimes a couple notes are worth a thousand words.

43. Joe Satriani

If you’re always playing the correct notes, there’s something wrong – you’re not searching; you’re not reaching for anything.

44. Guthrie Govan

Speed is a byproduct of good, slow practice.

45. Gary Moore

I think that a lot of people are going so wrong by analyzing music too much and learning from a totally different perspective from the way I learned. I mean, I just learned by listening to people. People I learned from learned by listening to people.

If you enjoyed these guitarist quotes, then make sure to also check out these additional posts:

• 137 Inspirational Music Quotes To Show The Power Of Music
• 14 Inspirational Left Handed Quotes
• 60 Guitarist Biography Books You NEED To Read
• 50 Best Movies About Musicians & Music

The post 45 Inspiring Guitar Quotes From The World’s Top Guitarists appeared first on LeftyFretz.

Looking for left handed 1/2 size guitars for children, or perhaps for use as a handy travel-sized instrument? You’re in the right place!

Half-sized guitars are difficult to find in general, so as you can imagine, left handed options aren’t exactly a dime a dozen! However, there are some great options available which I have listed throughout this guide.

Best Left Handed 1/2 Size Guitar

As a general rule of thumb, 1/2 size guitars are the correct size for kids aged around 4-8, or from roughly 3’5″ and over. For older children, head over to my guide for 3/4-sized lefty guitars.

Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a guitar using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

You will find separate sections for classical, acoustic, and electric left handed 1/2 size guitars below. Click one of the links below to go straight to the instruments that you are interested in.

• 1/2 Size Classical (Nylon String) Guitars
• 1/2 Size Acoustic Guitars
• 1/2 Size Electric Guitars

Left Handed 1/2 Size Classical Guitars

These classical guitars all feature soft nylon strings that should be much gentler on fresh and uncalloused fingers.

Master Play Package

Best Budget Classical

On a budget, this handy little package from Master Play will be a great choice for budding young guitarists. Everything needed to start with guitar is bundled in, including a gig bag, capo, tuner, strap, spare strings, and a selection of picks.

To sweeten the deal even further, the Master Play package is available in eight different colors! So there should be a choice for all tastes here.

The instrument itself has a basswood body and neck for a warm sound as well as a child-friendly light overall weight.

Interestingly, Master Play has supplied this guitar with steel strings for the thicker strings, and nylon for the three thinnest. As a result, the guitar should be able to handle classical styles of music as well as more modern genres whilst still remaining easy on the fingers.

This will make an excellent budget half-size left-handed guitar for a child. The only choice you have to make is, what color? Check them all out at the link above.

Cordoba R121 & R122

Top Premium Choice

For a more premium option, you can check out the Ortega R121 (shown above), or the R122 (displayed below). There is obviously a steeper price tag compared to the Master Play package above, but these come with much-improved build quality and playability.

These two left handed 1/2 size guitars are exactly the same, with the only difference being that the R121 has a spruce top, and the R22 has cedar. Cedar is the most commonly used top wood on a classical guitar thanks to its warmer tone. Spruce will offer a brighter, punchier sound. However, it’s unlikely your child will notice any difference, so personally, I would choose whichever you think looks best!

Aside from the tops, the main features include a mahogany body and neck for a nice warm sound, an 18-fret walnut fingerboard, a walnut bridge, and stable classical-style tuners.

Another upgrade over the Master Play package above is the inclusion of a two-way truss rod inside the neck. This is used to reverse the warping effects that changes in humidity and temperature might have on the guitar’s neck over time.

Aside from the higher price, the only real downside to the two Ortegas is that they do not come bundled with any accessories such as a handy tuner, or even some spare strings. However, it does ship with a super high-quality gig bag to protect the instrument.

For those after a real quality left handed 1/2 size classical guitar, one of these two Ortegas is going to be very hard to beat!

Left Handed 1/2 Size Acoustic Guitars

Oscar Schmidt OGHS Package

Steel-string left handed 1/2 size acoustic guitars are truly a niche within a niche. As a result, I wasn’t able to find any options available at the time of writing. Even right-handed models are few and far between!

The reason for this is that the majority of 1/2-size acoustics will come with nylon strings as these are easier on young, soft fingers.

The Master Play package mentioned in the previous section actually comes with a mix of nylon and steel strings, so this would be a good option that will offer the best of both worlds.

Otherwise, I would recommend checking out other nylon string options until your child is old enough to progress to a 3/4-size steel string model. The Ortegas in the previous section are superb choices.

If you absolutely need steel strings, then there is always the option of flipping a right-handed model upside down for left-handed play. I recommend the Oscar Schmidt OGHS shown above, as its symmetrical design makes it a great candidate for stringing upside down.

Left Handed 1/2 Size Electric Guitars

SX RST Package

There aren’t a ton of options when it comes to 1/2 size left handed electric guitars, so the choice here is fairly straightforward! The SX RST bundle from RondoMusic offers almost everything your child will need to get started with electric guitar.

This 1/2 size left handed guitar package includes a pocket amp with headphones, a cable, a strap, and a handy gigbag. So, the only accessory you will need to source yourself is a guitar tuner.

The SX RSTs come with a handy headphone amp for quiet practice, but if you’d like to rock out loud then check out our guide to beginner guitar amps.

The guitars themselves are your classic Fender Stratocaster style models, which are a great choice for almost any genre of music. Three single-coil pickups paired with a 5-way selector switch offer up a huge variety of different tones.

The main features include a lightweight basswood body, maple neck and full 21-fret rosewood fingerboard, and a vintage-style tremolo system. The entire guitar weighs in at a paltry 7 pounds.

The shorter 23″ scale length makes it ideal for small hands, or it would also be an excellent travel-sized guitar.

Of course, electric guitars are already way more compact than an acoustic model. So, if the purple finish of the SX RST doesn’t float your boat, make sure to also check out my guide to 3/4-size lefties for tons more choices!

1/2 Sized Left Handed Bass Guitars

Don’t even waste your time. Check out my three-quarter size article for some short scale left handed bass options.

Final Thoughts

Of course, depending on where you live you may not be able to find any guitars at all.  After all, the ½ sized market is incredibly niche already, and it can be hard enough finding a right handed guitar in this size bracket.

So if you can’t find what you need, you may want to consider moving up to a ¾ sized guitar, as these are much more readily available and are generally no more expensive than their ½ sized counterparts. 

A ¾ sized guitar may be slightly more of a handful for younger kids, but it will make the transition to full-size guitars that much easier later on. Take a look at this video of some children playing guitars that are bigger than they are!  After watching that a 3/4-sized model might not seem too big after all…

Check out my 3/4 Sized Left Handed Guitars Guide as well! A fun and even smaller option for a child would be a lefty ukulele!

The post Left Handed 1/2 Size Guitars For Children (Acoustic & Electric) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

Are you looking for a left handed 3/4 guitar for a child? Or perhaps you need something a little smaller to throw in the trunk when traveling?

Although we aren’t exactly overwhelmed with choices, there are some fantastic kids left left-handed guitar choices out there.

In this article, I’ll explain what you should look for when considering a 3/4 left-handed guitar. I’ll then list some great options, broken down into electrics, acoustics, classicals, and basses.

As a general rule of thumb, 3/4-size guitars are the correct size for kids around 7 and older, or roughly 4’5″ and taller. Adults with smaller hands or limited dexterity may also benefit from opting for a 3/4-size left-handed guitar.

If you’re looking for something even smaller, take a look back at my half-size left-handed guitars for children article. Or perhaps a Ukulele would be a fun option if you want to go even smaller!

What Is The Best 3/4 Size Left Handed Guitar?

Compared to half-sized models, 3/4-sized guitars will open up a much wider assortment of lefty guitars. This includes some from a handful of the bigger brands. A suitable left-handed kids’ guitar (or even a full beginner package!) should be attainable for less than $100 if on a budget.

Let’s dive right in and take a look at a few good examples of kids left left-handed guitar and bass packs.

Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a guitar using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

I’ve added sections for acoustics, classicals, electrics, and bass separately. Use one of the links below to skip to the section that is relevant to you.

• 3/4 Acoustic Guitars
• 3/4 Classical Guitars
• 3/4 Electric Guitars
• 3/4 Bass Guitars

Best Left Handed 3/4 Acoustic Guitar

1. Winzz Hand-Rubbed Series

Budget Left Handed 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar

The Winzz 3/4 size left handed guitar package comes with everything you need to get started. The kit includes a quality gig bag, tuner, metronome, picks, strap, some beginner lessons, a polishing cloth, and even a wall hanger.

It is the most affordable option here, but also the most complete! The only slight downside is that it only comes in green. So, fingers crossed that it’s a color you can get along with – I think the hand-rubbed finish gives it a premium look! It also comes with a wall hanger rather than a guitar stand. So, you might also want to grab a stand if you’re not confident with a drill.

This would be my choice if you are on a tight budget and don’t want to spend time shopping around for accessories separately.

Sold? Check it out at the link above where you can read 350+ glowing owner reviews.

2. Oscar Schmidt OG1

Most Popular Left Handed 3/4 Acoustic Guitar

This left handed 3/4 acoustic guitar is perfect for kids, or for use as a compact travel guitar. The Oscar Schmidt range is produced by the well-respected Washburn brand, so you can be assured of getting a good quality instrument.

The main features include a select spruce top, catalpa back and sides, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, and a fully adjustable truss rod. Abalone accents and a bound fretboard give the guitar the appearance of a much more expensive instrument.

What’s not to like about this left-handed kids guitar? It’s even backed up by a lifetime warranty!

3. Taylor BT1 Baby Taylor

Most Popular Choice

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

If you have a little bit of extra cash to splash, then one of these could be what you’re after. Taylor is one of the biggest names in acoustic guitars, and the Baby Taylor BT-1 left handed 3/4 acoustic guitar is one of the most popular shorter-scale instruments available today, worldwide.

The BT1 is the most popular model from the Taylor Baby series and features a solid Sitka spruce top and walnut back and sides for a warm and resonant sound. The neck is made from maple and is coupled with an ebony fingerboard.

It’s the perfect size for little fingers and also comes with a super high-quality Taylor padded gig bag.

4. Taylor GS Mini Left Handed

Best Premium Choice

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

The Taylor GS Mini 3/4 size left handed guitar is an exceptional instrument. I personally keep one in my own collection, and it is one of my absolute favorite acoustics. This is a guitar for life and is a solid investment. It is the only acoustic on this list (besides the Baby Taylor above) that features the highly sought-after solid wood top, rather than cheaper laminate options.

Various models are available, but the mahogany version shown above is the most affordable of the bunch. It doesn’t feature electronics, but you can add Taylor’s plug-and-play ES-Go pickup later on if you wish.

The main features include a solid tropical mahogany top, a beautiful Sapele back and sides, a Sapele neck, and an ebony fingerboard. It also comes with a ridiculously high-quality Taylor soft case.

It’s the priciest left handed 3/4 size acoustic in this list, but absolutely worth it if the budget allows.

5. Harley Benton GS-Travel-E

Bonus European Entry

European southpaws may also like to check out this little gem from Harley Benton. Thomann’s in-house brand is well-known for producing budget guitars that take influence from popular models.

The Harley Benton GS-Travel-E is clearly taking aim at the Taylor GS Mini shown above. It doesn’t come with a premium solid wood top, or the big name on the headstock – but it’s around a quarter of the price, so perhaps you would be willing to overlook this!

They’ve even managed to add electronics and a handy in-built tuner. Check it out at Thomann’s site above for the best price.

Best 3/4 Size Left Handed Classical Guitars

1. Pyle Classical Left Handed Childrens Guitar

Best Budget Package

For those looking for the most affordable 3/4 left handed classical guitar, the Pyle Classical Package is going to be hard to beat. You will definitely struggle to find anything cheaper than this that couldn’t be considered a toy.

The Pyle is even better value for money when you consider that it comes as part of a package that includes everything you will need to get started with classical guitar. Aside from the guitar, you will also receive a gig bag, a headstock tuner, a guitar strap, plectrums, a set of spare strings, and even some online lessons.

With its low price and traditional looks, this will make a perfect child’s left-handed guitar for younger players. Or even for those with smaller hands.

2. Ortega R121L Left Handed Kids Guitar

Best Premium Choice

If your budget stretches a little beyond the Pyle shown above then a good quality choice would be the Ortega R121L classical. This model offers a good step up in terms of construction and playability.

The main features include the classic mahogany body and spruce top combination for a balanced and versatile sound, a smooth mahogany neck, plus a walnut fretboard and bridge. All great stuff!

Other premium appointments are a 12-hole bridge for improved sound quality and easier restringing, gorgeous maple binding, and a 2-way truss rod.

Aside from the additional expense, the only real downside is that there are no bundled accessories with the Ortega. Although you do get a super high-quality padded gig bag with the guitar.

For a larger selection of options, you might like to take a look at my Newbie Guide, which lists some great full-sized classical guitar options.

Best Left Handed 3/4 Electric Guitar

1. LyxPro Phoenix Package

Best All-Inclusive Package

These new 3/4 size left handed guitar packages from LyxPro are a similar offering to the Sawtooth kit above, including absolutely everything you’ll need to get started. A perfect child’s left handed guitar for little rockers!

It is available either as a single humbucker-equipped model for a thicker tone, or as a more traditional triple single-coil guitar setup for added versatility. Pick the humbucker model if you want to play heavier styles of rock or metal. Or choose the single-coil model for pretty much everything else.

These 3/4 left handed guitar packages include the guitar, a 20-watt amp, a gigbag, spare strings, picks, a cable, a tuner, and a guitar strap. A nice plus here is that that kit includes a digital headstock tuner. This is going to be way easier to use than the pitch pipes supplied with the Sawtooth above.

Either one of these two left-handed kids guitar bundles will make for an ideal introduction to guitar for children. Or, even for those of you with smaller hands.

2. Squier Mini Strat Left Handed

Best 3/4 Left Handed Electric Guitar

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)

It finally happened! Squier has been going to town to improve their left-handed lineup over the last few years, and their most recent release is this little beauty! Finally, we can get ourselves a mini Stratocaster from the world’s best-selling guitar brand – Fender!

This little kids left handed electric guitar has all the features you’d expect from a strat-style guitar, minus one tone pot and a tremolo bridge. The main features include a lightweight poplar body, a maple neck with laurel fretboard, a shorter 22.75″ scale length, and a classy gloss black finish.

Three single-coil pickups and a classic 5-way selector switch ensure that the huge variety of sounds you’d expect from a Stratocaster are easily available. Plus, the removal of the tremolo bridge system in favor of a fixed bridge means that the tuning will be rock solid.

3. Ibanez GRGM21L Mikro

Best For Rock and Metal

For those into rock and metal who also want a quality, well-known brand name on the headstock, this humbucker-equipped Ibanez Mikro is definitely the kids left handed guitar for you! Based on the iconic Ibanez RG body style, this is one seriously fast axe!

Main features include a basswood body, a maple neck and jatoba fretboard, sharkfin inlays, two powerful humbuckers, and a sleek black scratchplate. Unlike its bigger RG siblings, this left-handed short-scale guitar features a fixed bridge, for rock-solid tuning stability.

If you are into rock and metal, or are a big fan of shred guitarists, then this is the left handed 3/4 electric guitar to opt for if budget allows. The only downside is that you will have to source your own amp and other accessories as this is not available as an all-inclusive package.

4. Harley Benton RG-Junior

European Option

It’s safe to say that USA-based southpaws will have an easier time sourcing many of the guitars on this page. So, here is one option that will be easy to source for European players.

The Harley Benton RG-Junior is from powerhouse European music retailer Thomann’s excellent in-house brand. As you can see, it is almost an exact copy of the Ibanez above, making it ideal for budding rock and metal guitarists.

Check it out at the link above – I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised at the price of this pint-sized left-handed 3/4 electric guitar.

Best Left Handed 3/4 Bass Guitar

1. Ibanez GSRM20L Mikro

Best Left Handed Short Scale Bass

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)

It’s unfortunately fairly slim pickings when it comes to 3/4 bass guitars – even for right-handed players! Luckily Ibanez has hooked us up with this fabulous little left-handed short-scale bass.

Affordable, quality materials, and that famous name on the headstock – what’s not to love? Definitely your best option for a quality, small-sized lefty bass.

The main features include a lightweight poplar body, a maple neck with a jatoba fretboard, and a short 28.6″ scale length. Ibanez basses are well known for their slim necks and comfortable, contoured bodies, and this model is no exception.

It features a PJ pickup combination for an ultra-versatile sound. The J-style pickup is brilliant for softer styles such as jazz and blues, while the P-style pickup is better suited to rock and heavier genres. So, this is a bass that should happily be able to handle any style of music.

At this price, it’s a lot of bass for the money!

Smaller bass guitars are a lot harder to find compared to 6-string guitars. The Ibanez will make a great first instrument for younger players. However, if you decide to opt for something a little bigger, definitely check out my article on the best beginner left handed bass guitars for a much larger choice.

Alternative 3/4 Left Handed Guitar Options

Left Handed Travel Guitars

It may also be worthwhile having a look into left handed travel guitars if you can’t find anything to your liking from the ¾ sized kids left handed guitar market. Travel guitars are designed to be mobile (duh!), and as such they may turn out to be a good smaller instrument for your kids.

Check out my article on left handed travel guitars.

As A Last Resort

If all else fails, buy a right-handed instrument and string it left handed.  As I mentioned in my article on restringing a right handed guitar upside down, this isn’t the ideal route to take. However, if no other options are available it may be a necessary evil until your child can handle a full-sized guitar or bass.

I get asked about right-handed options often, so I’ve put together a guide specifically for righties which you can check out here.

1/2 Size Left Handed Guitars

If you require a smaller guitar for your even younger child – check out my article on 1/2 Sized Left Handed Guitars or lefty ukuleles.

Try A Full-Sized Guitar

Finally, If you think you might be able to handle a full-sized budget acoustic, then check out my Donner DAG-1C review for an excellent package that won’t break the bank.

Check out my Newbie Guide for recommendations on other full-sized lefty guitars and basses.

Next Steps

If the guitar you’ve selected doesn’t come with an amp, you might like to check out my beginner guitar amp guide, for a great selection of affordable amplifiers. Additionally, my guide to beginner accessories will clue you in on a few must-have gadgets and gizmos that you may also like to pick up.

You may also like to consider setting up the guitar to ensure that it is in the best possible playing condition. A guitar that is difficult to play is only going to make it more likely that new players will give up.

Left Handed Kids Guitar FAQ

Should I Start With An Acoustic, Electric, Classical, or Bass Guitar?

A common misconception is that new guitarists should start on an acoustic before advancing to electric. Or a nylon string classical before steel string acoustic. I’ve even heard people asking if they need to learn guitar first, and then move on to bass.

This is all nonsense – buy whatever the new guitarist wants to ultimately play. Starting on a classical guitar is only going to take the fun out of learning if guitar shredding or slap bass is their main goal.

Likewise, picking up a kids left handed electric guitar isn’t going to be much fun for little budding Ed Sheerans.

Left Handed Short Scale Guitar

Any of the instruments above should make a fantastic smaller guitar choice. Some of the models I’ve listed are not strictly ¾ sized – some can simply be referred to as being a left handed short scale guitar. Don’t worry though, as this more or less means the same thing. You can learn more about scale length here.

On a left handed short scale guitar the frets are closer together, which should make it easier for smaller hands to navigate the fretboard. The majority of full-sized guitars have a scale length of 25.5 inches. Whereas, most Les Paul or SG style guitars are slightly shorter at 24.75 inches.  

If you are unable to locate a 3/4 sized child’s left handed guitar model, try and find a full-sized Les Paul-style guitar. This is as opposed to a Strat or Tele, which both have a longer scale length.

The post Best 3/4 Left Handed Guitar (Acoustic, Electric & Bass) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

Last night I was perusing my copy of ‘Uncommon Sound: The Left Handed Guitar Players That Changed Music‘ by John Engel. In each of the two books, the final sections are dedicated to pictures of noteworthy left-handed guitars from years gone by.

On page 412 of the big blue book, I stumbled across this absolute vintage beauty, built over a century ago!

Is This the First Left Handed Gibson?

It’s a 1915 Gibson L-4, and according to the book, it is the oldest known left handed Gibson. The image is accompanied only by a brief section of text:

1915 Gibson L-4, the earliest known left-handed Gibson. The venerable 16″-wide L-4 was launched only 3 years before and would live on in different guises through the 1960s. The oval soundhole (pictured), rounded in the late 1920s, would be replaced by f-holes in the early 1930s. (jv-ds)

After this description are the initials J.V and D.S. According to the book’s guide J.V is Jeff Veitch, who from a little Googling seems likely to be the photographer of the image above.

D.S. stands for Dugald Stermer, who I can only assume was the owner of this guitar when it was photographed. Dugald was a respected illustrator, also well known for his enviable collection of vintage left-handed Martin acoustics (amongst others). Sadly, he passed away in 2011.

During my time searching for this guitar, I also noticed that quite a few lefties from various forums had been acquainted with Dugald in the past and had even tried out or traded guitars with him.

Additional Info

Surprisingly, there is little information available about this specific lefty guitar online. Outside of the photo in Uncommon Sound, I was only able to find a single recent reference to the instrument.

The photo below is from the Instagram page of a user named FolkWayMusic, who appears to be the current owner of the guitar, having acquired it in July 2020.

The caption reads “My biggest excitement lately was yesterday’s arrival of this factory Left-Handed 1915 Gibson L4. I’ve never seen an older left-handed Gibson, and I’m thrilled that this one is intact and appears to have escaped ever having been modified for right handed playing. It’s right up my alley…“.

Great to know that the guitar is a bona fide lefty and not a converted right-handed model.

Gibson L-4 History

Known for its soft and mellow sound, the very first Gibson L-4 was made in 1911. It was famously played by jazz musician Eddie Lang (who is credited as being the father of jazz guitar!).

The initial design with an oval soundhole and 12-frets to the neck remained the same until a redesign in 1928. This new model introduced a round soundhole amongst other changes, so we know the lefty above is from the first generation of L-4s.

Uncommon Sound

If you’d like to read my review of Uncommon Sound by John Engel, click here. This is a set of books that should be on every guitarist’s shelf, left or right-handed.

The post Is This The First Left Handed Gibson? appeared first on LeftyFretz.

There are so many excellent electric guitars available these days that choosing the best beginner left handed electric guitar for your tastes, budget, and ability can be massively overwhelming. Especially if you are a new player!

Throughout this post, we will delve into my top 8 best left handed electric guitars, from super affordable packages that include everything you will need to get started, to the higher quality options that could potentially last you for life.

I specifically stuck to a small handful of quality left handed electric guitars so as not to paralyze you with options. Each instrument in this list has its place and I am confident that there is a left handed guitar in here for all budgets and personal tastes.

Although this guide is mainly aimed at beginners and intermediate left-handed players, more advanced left handed guitarists will also find some superb instruments towards the end of the list.

At the end of the article, I will also answer a range of critical questions that newer left handed players will likely have when considering a new left handed guitar. For example…

• What body size is best for you?
• What is the most comfortable electric guitar?
• Should you choose single-coil or humbucker pickups?
• Why is scale length important?
• Why should you consider a setup?

Shorter people or those with smaller hands may also like to check out my guide to the ¾ sized best left handed guitars.

Best Left Handed Electric Guitars

Below you’ll discover my top 8 choices for the best left handed electric guitars for beginners and intermediate players this year. The list is ordered from the most affordable left handed guitars at the start to the more pricey options at the end.

Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a left handed guitar using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

If you’re in a hurry, you can use these links to head directly to the specific left handed guitar reviews that you’re interested in. But be sure to also check out the end of this article where you’ll discover a ton of handy advice that you’ll want to consider before pulling the trigger on your new axe.

1. Donner DST-100SL
2. Squier Sonic Stratocaster
3. Harley Benton Guitars
4. Ibanez GRX70QAL
5. Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster
6. Fender Player Stratocaster
7. PRS SE Custom 24
8. Epiphone Les Paul Standard

1. Donner DST-100SL

Best Beginner Left Handed Electric Guitar Package

The Donner DST-100SL is without a doubt the best beginner left handed electric guitar package in terms of sheer value for money. You needn’t worry about spending time researching the perfect rig, as this bundle includes everything you could possibly need to get started with left handed guitar.

Sure, cheaper beginner left handed electric guitar packages are available, but the poor quality and reliability of those kits means that I cannot recommend them with a clear conscience. While most of the less expensive bundles can essentially be considered as toys, Donner has managed to put together a solid kit here for a still relatively low price.

The guitar itself is a classic sunburst Stratocaster style model – one of the most iconic electric guitar designs ever. The important feature here is that while Stratocasters most commonly use 3 single-coil pickups, this model also includes a humbucker in the bridge position.

This more versatile pickup configuration means that these left handed guitars are absolutely perfect for beginners as it will be able to comfortably handle any genre of music. You will be able to coax shimmering clean tones from the two single-coil pickups, while the thicker and warmer-sounding humbucker is ideal for overdriven music such as rock and blues.

Psst… Not sure what a pickup is? Check out my guide to the different parts of the guitar.

This left handed guitars body is made from poplar, a wood known for being light in weight while still providing a great tone. The low weight of the Donner will be perfect for new left handed players who aren’t used to standing (or even sitting) with an electric guitar.

Other main features include a comfortable c-shape maple neck with a 22-fret purpleheart fingerboard, a 5-way pickup selector for a variety of tones, plus 1 volume and 2 tone controls to further enhance the guitar’s range of sounds.

As far as the bundled accessories are concerned, Donner has included pretty much all of the goodies you will need to get going right away. You’ll get a quality padded gig bag, a portable 2-channel amplifier, a clip-on tuner, a capo, a guitar strap, and much more! See below for the full list.

As you can see, there’s a lot to love about this little bundle, but what about the negatives? The only real downside (for some!) is that the little amp is not quite capable of putting out the ultra-heavy tones that hard rock and metal players will crave. It is perfectly adequate to get you going, but the rockers amongst you will probably be looking to upgrade after a few months.

For everyone else, the amp will serve its purpose well. It has a headphone out for quiet practice, plus you can even power it with batteries if you fancy trying your hand at busking or playing anywhere without access to a power supply.

Donner App

New left handed players will also most likely be interested in Donner’s iOS and Android app which is a great free learning resource.

It incorporates several features such as a community section and online store, but what will likely appeal to you as a beginner is the helpful lessons area. In here you will find a range of free videos and courses aimed at beginner players to help set you off down the right path.

A handful of the tutors are actually teachers at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music, so these lessons are absolutely worth a look-see.

Key Features:

• Body: Lightweight Poplar
• Neck: Canadian Maple w/ 22 Fret Purpleheart Fingerboard
• Pickups: Humbucker & 2 Single coils (HSS)
• Controls: 5-way Pickup Selector & Volume/Tone Controls
• Gig Bag: Yes
• Accessories: Amplifier, Cable, Guitar Strap, Clip-On Tuner, Capo, Picks, Spare Strings, Cleaning Cloth, Allen Key, Lessons (via mobile app).

What I Like/Dislike About The Donner DST-100SL Package

Like:

• Includes everything you’ll need to get started with electric guitar.
• Low price without sacrificing quality and features.
• 2 year warranty on the guitar (1 year on accessories).
• The versatile HSS pickup layout will be able to handle any genre of music.
• It has the look of a guitar which is much more expensive than it is.
• Also a solid option for intermediate players desiring cheaper left-handed guitars that they don’t have to be too careful with.

Dislike:

• The amplifier isn’t quite capable of metal and heavy rock tones.
• The amplifier will be too quiet to jam with friends in a band situation.
• Brand snobs may not approve.
• A handy guitar stand would have been a welcome addition to round off the package.

Still not convinced? Check out this video from our friends at Alamo Music to find out why they think the Donner is one of the best beginner left handed electric guitar packages.

Overall, I recommend the Donner DST-100SL as my pick for the best left handed electric guitar package. I don’t think you’ll be able to find a better lefty bundle for a lower price, and it’s clear to see why it is the number one best-selling beginner kit on Amazon!

If you’re sold, you can check it out at the links below!

2. Squier Sonic Stratocaster

Best Cheap Left Handed Electric Guitar

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

If you like the look of the Donner above but would prefer to put together your own kit, then you might like to check out the excellent Squier by Fender Sonic Stratocaster. This is currently one of the best cheap left handed electric guitar options on the market.

Squier is a brand that is well known for making left handed guitars that punch well above their price point. The Sonic Strat is roughly the same price as the Donner kit above, but you do also get that famous name on the headstock, ensuring that the guitar will hold its value over time.

Upgrades over the Donner include a poplar body, which is a more affordable alternative to the more common Alder Strat body. Poplar is a good lightweight wood that resonates well and provides a balanced, bright tone. The body is also slightly slimmer versus the traditional Stratocaster shape, making it an ideal beginner left handed electric guitar.

Another beginner-friendly feature is the slim neck profile, which is ideal for fresh hands unaccustomed to large stretches. The Stratocaster is also an ideal platform for modding, so this is a guitar that could potentially last a lot longer than your first year!

The only real downside to this electric guitar is that it unfortunately isn’t supplied with a gig bag or case, so you will need to source your own if you plan to carry it around. Not exactly a deal breaker as you’ll be able to source one for as little as $10 if you decide that you need one later.

Aside from that, it would have also been nice to see the guitar available in more than one finish.

Check out Fender’s video below to hear what the Sonic Strat is capable of. Note that only the 3 single-coil pickup model is available left handed at the time of writing.

Key Features:

• Body: Lightweight Poplar
• Neck: Maple w/ 21 Fret Maple Fingerboard
• Pickups: Squier Ceramic Single-Coil Pickups
• Controls: 5-way Pickup Selection & Volume/2 Tone Controls
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Squier Bullet Strat

Like:

• Fender quality at an affordable price point
• 2-year warranty included.
• Slim, beginner-friendly neck.
• A great platform to mod and upgrade as skills advance.

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories are included.
• Only available in black.

Overall, I recommend the Squier Bullet Stratocaster as one of the best left handed electric guitars for beginners. If you think that the Squier could be the ideal left handed guitar for you, then please check it out at the links below.

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3. Harley Benton Guitars

Biggest Range of Choice

Harley Benton offers an impressive range of left-handed electric guitars that are perfect for beginners, boasting over 150 different models. Whether you’re interested in classic rock, blues, metal, or jazz, Harley Benton provides an affordable gateway into the world of electric guitars, with models inspired by iconic guitar shapes and designs.

So for this entry, I am not going to recommend any one specific guitar in particular. Instead, I would encourage you to check out the link above and browse to see what the brand offers. I am convinced you will find several guitars that will grab your interest.

Whether you’re into country or jazz, Les Pauls or Flying Vs, vintage or ultra-modern, solid body or hollow body – this brand will have several options to suit. Even better, beginner kits are also available! So, you can build your own rig, or cut out the extra hassle and get everything you need to rock in one easy bundle.

What I Like/Dislike About Harley Benton Guitars

Like:

• Buy individually or as a complete starter package
• Good quality and features for a low price
• Designs based on iconic guitars

Dislike:

• Brand snobs may not approve

Check them out at the links below! 

4. Ibanez GRX70QAL

Best Beginner Left Handed Electric Guitar For Metal & Shred

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What if you need rock power for super-heavy metal riffs and solos? Well the Ibanez GRX70QAL (catchy name, right?) is perfect for you budding shredders and chuggers!

Ibanez made their name via their lightning-fast, high-output electric guitars, and this GRX is going to be your most affordable route to owning one as a lefty player. In fact, it’s probably the most affordable dual-humbucker southpaw electric guitar currently available from any of the big brands! 

And you wouldn’t know it from looking, right? With its stunning transparent blue burst finish this gorgeous speed demon looks like it should cost way more than its meager price tag.

Pickup duties are handled by a trio of high-output Ibanez Infinity pickups in a humbucker-single-humbucker (HSH) layout. Choose the bridge humbucker for searing lead tones, switch to the neck humbucker for a warmer, thicker sound, or select the middle single-coil for a brighter, clean voice. The Ibanez certainly has an impressive tonal range!

A beginner-friendly lightweight poplar body provides a resonant and balanced tone, and is paired with an eye-catching quilted maple veneer for a striking look. The smooth and fast maple neck and 22-fret jatoba fingerboard will have you shredding in no time with its super-flat radius.

Related post: Check out my guide to the best shred guitarists of all time! You might also like my guide to the greatest metal guitar solos ever.

Crucially for many players, the GRX is equipped with a tremolo system that should allow you to have some fun with the whammy bar. This isn’t a locking Floyd Rose-style system, however, so don’t expect to be performing extreme dive bombs and remaining perfectly in tune!

As with the Yamaha above, this model ships with quality lighter gauge D’Addario strings which are absolutely ideal for un-callused beginner fingers.

Again, the only real negative to this left-handed guitar is the fact that it does not ship with a case or gig bag. A little disappointing, but you’ll be able to find some great options in part 8 of this guide where we delve into accessories.

Key Features:

• Body: Poplar w/ Quilted Maple Veneer
• Neck: Maple w/ 22 Fret Jatoba Fingerboard
• Pickups: 2 Humbucker & 1 Singlecoil (HSH)
• Controls: 5-way Pickup Selection & Volume/Tone Controls
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Ibanez GRX70QAL

Like:

• Looks far more expensive than it is.
• Versatile HSH pickup layout offers thicker tones ideal for heavier music.
• 2-year warranty included.
• Slim, flat neck is perfect for fast soloing.
• Also a great option for intermediate players, or more advanced left handed guitarists looking for a solid backup option.

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories are included.
• Tremolo system won’t handle extreme whammy bar action.

Overall, I can happily recommend the Ibanez GRX70QAL as the best beginner left handed electric guitar for rock and metal guitarists looking for an affordable option. These left handed guitars look and play like a million bucks and will see you through many years of shredding to come!

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5. Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster

Best Beginner Left Handed Electric Guitars

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In my opinion, the Squier Classic Vibe Series forms the best bang-for-your-buck range of left handed electric guitars currently available. These are the highest quality instruments that Squier produces and will easily go toe-to-toe with USA-made Fenders which can cost at least 3 times more.

The left handed Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Telecaster (shown above) is available in that iconic butterscotch blonde finish. Main features include a lightweight pine body, slim c-shape maple neck with a 21-fret maple fingerboard, Fender-designed pickups, and a vintage-style 3-saddle bridge.

The only real downside to this excellent range of left-handed electric guitars is that they do not ship with gig bags, which is something I would really expect at around $430 each. You may also get a few brand snobs scoffing at you for not buying a real Fender, but they’re easy to ignore!

Key Features:

• Body: Poplar, Pine, or Nyatoh
• Neck: Maple w/ Indian Laurel or Maple Fingerboard
• Pickups: Fender-Designed
• Controls: Various Layouts Available
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Squier Classic Vibes

Like:

• Options for all tastes are available.
• Fender quality for a fraction of the price.
• 2-year warranty included.
• Slim necks and lightweight bodies are ideal for new players.
• Also a great option for intermediate players, or more advanced guitarists looking for a solid backup option.

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories are included.
• Brand snobs may patronize you for not buying a real Fender.

For new and intermediate-level players I can recommend the Squier Classic Vibe series as being the best left handed electric guitars currently available. I’ve been playing for over 20 years now and have a Classic Vibe Strat (now discontinued) and Tele in my collection that both get regular playtime.

For the money, it is going to be a real challenge to find a better lefty electric guitar. You can find links to buy below.

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6. Fender Player Stratocaster

Most Popular Left Handed Electric Guitar

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So, you love the looks of the Squier Classic Vibes above, but yearn for that famous logo on the headstock – and who could blame you? The good news is that the left handed Fender Player Stratocaster is available for a surprisingly affordable price.

Thanks to their accessible price, easy playability, quality craftsmanship, and widespread availability, the Fender Player Stratocaster has become the most popular left handed electric guitar in the world. 

If you’d prefer, there is also the Player Telecaster to check out, but I have highlighted the Strat here due to it being slightly more versatile. The Stratocaster should be able to handle any genre of music apart from heavier rock and metal. Both electric guitars are great choices, however.

Main features include a solid alder body, maple neck, upgraded Fender single-coil pickups, a modern 2-point tremolo, and a choice of maple or Pau Ferro fingerboards depending on which finish you opt for. 

Another small feature I really appreciate is the satin finish on the neck which provides a nice smooth play feel, rather than the sticky feeling you often get with gloss necks. Fender also introduced an extra fret to this range, giving a total of 22 for additional versatility.

It is currently available in 5 different colors (sunburst, blue, white, orange, and black) so there should be something for all tastes here. As they are the world’s most popular left handed electric guitars you shouldn’t have too much trouble tracking one down at your local music store.

Check out Fender’s video below for a quick overview and demonstration of the Player Stratocaster.

Unbelievably, the Player Strat does not ship with a gig bag. For this kind of money, I would absolutely expect one to be bundled in, so this is a pretty surprising downside. The only other negative is that a Stratocaster won’t be the best choice for heavier styles of music such as hard rock and metal – see my next suggestion if you need more power!

Key Features:

• Body: Alder
• Neck: Maple w/ Pau Ferro or Maple Fingerboard
• Pickups: Fender Player Single-Coils
• Controls: 5-Way Selector & Volume/Tone Controls
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Fender Player Stratocaster

Like:

• A real Fender at a still affordable price.
• Wide choice of colors.
• 2-year warranty included.
• Classic looks with modern features.
• An electric guitar for life.

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories are included.
• Not the best for heavier music.
• Twice the price of a Squier Classic Vibe alternative.

The Fender Player Stratocaster is the world’s most popular left handed electric guitar for a reason. It is the perfect fusion of vintage aesthetics and modern features, breathing new life into a legend of the guitar world.

For beginners, it would give a fantastic introduction to the instrument, plus it is a left handed guitar that will last you for life so you should save money in the long run. It is also a guitar that is regularly rocked by professional players on stages around the world. Left handed guitarists of all abilities should be able to find a place for a Player Strat in their collection!

You can shop for this best-selling model at the links below.

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7. PRS SE Custom 24

Most Versatile Left Handed Electric Guitar

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The Fender above is perfect for all styles of music apart from heavier genres which require the thicker, warmer tone of humbuckers. For similar money, we can also check out the PRS SE Custom 24 which comes equipped with dual humbuckers!

PRS is a brand that isn’t desperately generous when it comes to catering to lefties, but luckily this modern classic from their more affordable SE series ticks all of the boxes. The craftsmanship and playability is spot on, and just look at it, it’s gorgeous!

Main features include a mahogany body with a carved maple top, maple neck with 24-fret rosewood fingerboard, quality PRS 85/15 pickups, a super-stable PRS tremolo, and those famous bird inlays. 

The modern wide thin profile neck is both comfortable and fast, ideal for jamming out solos and complex riffs. It also features a slightly shorter scale length of 25” which should make bending easier and bring wider stretches closer together.

Its versatility is further enhanced by the ability to split the humbucker coils for a brighter single-coil sound. This PRS can really do it all – a true Swiss army knife of an electric guitar!

PRS is so confident in the quality of this electric guitar that they actually offer a limited lifetime warranty along with it. So you can be safe in the knowledge that if something does go wrong you are fully covered.

It is available in a charcoal burst color as well if you’d prefer, but I have highlighted it here in a stunning faded blue burst finish. And the good news is that finally on this list we have a left handed guitar that ships with a gig bag! Huzzah!

As far as downsides are concerned it is really tough to come up with anything more than a minor quibble. And that is that the wide thin neck profile may not be to the tastes of players who prefer a chunkier neck shape.

Check out the demo video from PRS below to hear the SE Custom 24 in action.

Key Features:

• Body: Mahogany w/ Maple Top & Flamed Maple Veneer
• Neck: Maple w/ 24 Fret Rosewood Fingerboard
• Pickups: PRS 85/15 ‘S’ Humbuckers
• Controls: 3-Way Selector & Master Volume/Master Tone (Push/Pull Coil-Split)
• Gig Bag: Yes
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The PRS SE Custom 24

Like:

• PRS quality and looks at a fraction of the price.
• Choice of two colors.
• Limited lifetime warranty included.
• Incredible versatility.
• An electric guitar for life.

Dislike:

• The looks may not be for everyone.
• The wide thin neck shape isn’t for players that prefer a chunkier profile.

Overall, the PRS SE Custom 24 is an excellent all-rounder of an electric guitar that will last you for life. It gives you a taste of a USA-made PRS at a fraction of the price and the versatile pickup options let these left handed guitars handle any style of music with ease.

Check it out at the link below!

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Thomann (Europe)

8. Epiphone Les Paul Standard

Best For Rock & Blues

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Described by many as being the greatest electric guitar design of all time, the Les Paul Standard is one of the most iconic guitars available. However, a bona fide Gibson will set you back potentially thousands of dollars. So, why not consider this excellent and affordable alternative from Epiphone?

There are two models available – the 50s, and the 60s. You won’t be surprised to discover that one is based on the Les Pauls from the 1950s, and the other, the 1960s.

The guitars are broadly similar, with many differences being small aesthetic tweaks. For example, the 50s model has vintage tuners, whereas the 60s has chrome Grovers.

The biggest difference you will notice is that the 50s model has a slightly fatter neck in keeping with the guitars of the era. This results in a little more sustain. In addition, the 60s model has slightly hotter pickups, giving it a more aggressive sound.

Aside from these key differences, both guitars feature the classic mahogany body and maple cap combination, paired with a mahogany neck and laurel fingerboard.

The classic downside to a Les Paul-style guitar is that they do tend to be on the heavier end of the scales. You can expect these to be approaching around 9lbs. So, if you struggle with back issues you might want to avoid this particular style of guitar!

Key Features:

• Body: Mahogany w/ Maple Top & Flamed Maple Veneer
• Neck: Mahogany w/ 22 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
• Pickups: Epiphone ProBucker
• Controls: 3-Way Selector & 2 Volume, 2 Tone
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Epiphone Les Paul

Like:

• Gibson quality and looks at a fraction of the price.
• Choice of finishes.
• Lifetime warranty included.
• Great for classic & modern tones.
• An electric guitar for life.

Dislike:

• Les Pauls are known for being heavy
• Vintage styling will not suit all tastes

Overall, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard is an excellent choice for those after some of that legendary Gibson magic without breaking the bank. Perfect for classic rockers and blues maestros.

Check it out at the link below!

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Electric Guitar Buying Advice

What Brand Of Electric Guitar Is Best?

There is no BEST brand of electric guitar as the best choice for you will depend on a number of factors including your budget, tastes, and current playing ability.

Instead of looking to opt for a specific brand, consider the questions I have answered below to help find your ideal electric guitar.

Which Electric Guitar Is The Most Popular?

Ask any guitar store what their best-selling instruments are and you will likely get a list including the Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, and Gibson Les Paul amongst others.

I have recommended several of these styles of left handed guitars in the list above!

Which Electric Guitar Is Easiest To Play?

If you are buying an electric guitar for a child you might like to consider a ¾-sized model which will be easier for them to handle. Check out my guide to the best left handed guitars for kids.

Most of the best left handed electric guitars that I have suggested above are broadly the same size, however, the weight of the instrument is also a factor that you should consider. New left handed players will probably prefer to opt for something a little more lightweight to begin with as they will be easier to sit and stand with for longer periods.

Stratocaster-style electric guitars are generally the lowest-weight models, so they are ideal for beginners. Les Paul-style electric guitars are often the heaviest thanks to their thick mahogany bodies, so these are probably best avoided if you have any back issues!

Consider Ergonomics

In addition to the weight of the guitar, you should also think about how comfortable it will be to sit with for hours on end. A Flying V-style axe may look awesome, but you might come to regret your choice when it keeps sliding off your lap!

A Stratocaster-style instrument is one of the most ergonomic designs to sit with. They have soft, curved edges to the body, comfortable bevels, and are well-balanced. This is one of the reasons I have recommended so many Strats above!

Conversely, a Les Paul tends to have harder body edges which might dig into your ribs.

Single-Coils Or Humbuckers?

The pickups in your electric guitar will play a big role in determining how it sounds, so it is important to choose the right tool for the job.

The image above shows the two most common styles of electric guitar – on the left a Fender Stratocaster, and on the right a Gibson Les Paul.

The thin pickups on the Stratocaster are called Single-Coils, and the wider pickups on the Les Paul are Humbuckers.

Single coils typically produce bright and lively tones with low to moderate output. This makes them better suited to clean or lower-gain play styles. Humbuckers generally have a higher output and produce thicker and warmer tones which sound great with distortion added.

As a beginner, you might like to consider an electric guitar that is equipped with a humbucker and single coils. This is a very versatile setup that will enable you to explore a ton of different genres as you expand your knowledge.

Alternatively, some left handed guitars with humbuckers (such as the PRS I have recommended above) will allow you to ‘split’ the coils for additional single-coil sounds.

How Much Should I Spend On An Electric Guitar?

This depends entirely on your budget! Spending more will undoubtedly get you better playing and sounding left handed guitars, but there is no need to spend thousands of dollars on your first electric guitar.

The best left handed guitars I have recommended above range from around $200 up to $850. Spend whatever you are comfortable with, and make sure to also budget for additional expenses such as an amp and a tuner.

What Scale Length Should I Choose?

Although scale length won’t have a massive effect on the sound of your electric guitar, it will affect how it feels to play.

If you’re not aware, the scale length of a guitar is the distance between the bridge and the nut and determines the spacing between each fret. You can find out more in my guide to guitar scale length.

A shorter distance between frets will make the guitar a little easier to play for people with smaller hands. It will also give the strings a slinkier feel, making them easier to bend.

Conversely, people with large hands might find the spacing on a shorter-scale length instrument a little too cramped.

The Stratocasters I have recommended above all have the longest scale length of 25.5”. The PRS is slightly shorter at 25”. Finally, the LyxPro and Epiphone Les Pauls are the shortest at 24.75”.

Get Your Electric Guitar A Setup

Although you’d hope that your new left handed guitar will be in perfect playing condition when it arrives, that can often not be the case!

Changes in humidity could have warped the neck, the strings could be too high or low, the intonation could be slightly off, certain frets might buzz – the list goes on! This might lead you to believe that you’ve been sent a dud guitar when in reality it just needs a couple of common tweaks.

So to ensure that your electric guitar is in the best possible playing condition it could be worth taking it to your local music store for what is known as a ‘setup’. You can find out more about this in my guide to guitar setups.

It is a minor additional expense but is absolutely worth the outlay.

Next up, you’ll either want to check out part six of this beginner series below if your chosen electric guitar isn’t bundled with an amp. Otherwise, head to part 8 where we’ll look at a few essential accessories you will also want to pick up.

Part One : Tips Before You Buy
Part Two : Beginner Electric Guitars
Part Three : Beginner Acoustic Guitars
Part Four : Beginner Bass Left Handed Guitars
Part Five : Beginner Classical Left Handed Guitars
Part Six : Amps
Part Seven : Effects
Part Eight : Accessories
Part Nine : Lessons

The post Best Beginner Left Handed Electric Guitar (8 Top Picks!) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

Are you looking for inspiration from the best 6-string bass players in the world? Here’s a killer list of bassists who have mastered the instrument.

When it comes to bass playing, the 6-string bass offers an expanded range and versatility that allows musicians to push the boundaries of rhythm, harmony, and melody.

While most bassists stick to the traditional 4- or 5-string setup, a select group of players have mastered the 6-string, using its extended range to create intricate solos, complex grooves, and a unique sound that stands out in any genre.

In this post, we’ll take a look at 18 of the most famous 6-string bass players – virtuosos who have redefined the instrument and showcased its limitless potential. From jazz fusion to metal, these bassists have set the standard for what’s possible with six strings.

Famous 6-String Bass Players

1. John Myung

John Myung, the bassist for progressive metal band Dream Theater, is renowned for his technical prowess and fluid playing style on the 6-string bass. His ability to seamlessly blend intricate melodies, fast arpeggios, and complex time signatures sets him apart in the metal genre.

Myung’s disciplined approach and use of the full range of the instrument allow him to fill out the band’s sound while also showcasing impressive technique. His precision and creativity have made him one of the most respected bassists in the prog-metal world.

2. John Patitucci

John Patitucci is a jazz virtuoso known for his exceptional versatility and mastery of the 6-string bass. Whether playing with jazz legends like Chick Corea or in his own solo work, Patitucci blends technical brilliance with emotional depth.

His ability to switch between lightning-fast runs and soulful, melodic lines fully showcases the instrument’s potential. Amongst 6-string bass players, Patitucci has expanded the role of the bass in modern jazz, demonstrating its capacity for both harmony and soloing.

3. Henrik Linder

Henrik Linder, the bassist for the Swedish band Dirty Loops, is a virtuoso known for his technical brilliance on all types of bass guitars, with a particular mastery of the 6-string bass. His playing blends elements of jazz, funk, and pop, delivering rapid-fire slap techniques, complex tapping, and intricate melodic lines that drive the band’s high-energy sound.

His innovative approach and jaw-dropping technique have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting modern bassists.

4. Anthony Jackson

Anthony Jackson is a pioneering figure in the world of bass, credited with popularizing the 6-string bass and co-designing the first modern electric 6-string instrument, known as the “contrabass guitar.”

His deep, articulate tone and mastery of extended-range basses have made him a go-to session player for countless artists across genres, from pop to jazz fusion.

Jackson’s playing is characterized by his precision, groove, and sophisticated harmonic approach. His contributions have redefined the role of the bass, expanding its possibilities both rhythmically and melodically.

5. Tye Zamora

Tye Zamora, the former bassist of Alien Ant Farm, is known for his energetic and innovative approach to the 6-string bass. His playing stands out for its blend of aggressive, groove-driven lines and intricate melodic runs, adding a unique texture to the band’s alternative rock sound.

Zamora often incorporates techniques like tapping and slapping, which showcase his technical skill while maintaining a strong foundation within the music. His creativity and versatility have made him one of the standout 6-string bass players in the rock genre.

6. Alain Caron

Alain Caron is a highly respected Canadian 6-string bassist known for his extraordinary command of the instrument, particularly within the jazz fusion genre. As a founding member of the band UZEB and through his solo work, Caron’s playing is defined by his complex grooves, flawless technique, and seamless blend of jazz, funk, and world music influences.

His ability to weave intricate solos while maintaining a tight rhythmic foundation showcases his exceptional skill and musicality. Caron’s innovative approach has cemented him as a leading figure in contemporary jazz bass playing.

7. Steve Bailey

Steve Bailey is a renowned bassist, recognized for his mastery of the 6-string fretless bass and his pioneering work in expanding the instrument’s tonal possibilities.

Known for his work in jazz, fusion, and as a touring and session musician, Bailey brings a unique blend of technical skill and creativity to his playing. His use of harmonics, chordal techniques, and fluid solos have pushed the boundaries of bass guitar, making him a highly influential figure.

Bailey’s contributions as both a performer and educator have left a lasting impact on the world of bass guitar.

8. Adam Nitti

Adam Nitti is a highly skilled bassist known for his virtuosic command of the 6-string bass in the realms of jazz, fusion, and progressive music. His playing is marked by fluid, complex lines and his ability to effortlessly blend intricate solos with solid groove work.

Nitti’s technical precision, along with his melodic sense, allows him to stand out as both a session player and solo artist. As a 6-string bass player, he continues to influence and inspire players around the world with his innovative approach to the instrument.

9. Thundercat

Thundercat, born Stephen Bruner, is a genre-defying bassist known for his unique fusion of jazz, funk, soul, and electronic music.

His bass lines are as much melodic and harmonic as they are rhythmic, often leading the music with rapid runs, chords, and intricate solos.

Thundercat’s signature sound blends technical virtuosity with a deep groove and an experimental edge, making him one of the most innovative and recognizable bassists of his generation. His work, both as a solo artist and collaborator, continues to push the boundaries of modern music.

10. Oteil Burbridge

Oteil Burbridge is a highly versatile bassist known for his mastery of the 6-string bass across a wide range of genres, including jazz, funk, rock, and jam bands.

As a member of bands like The Allman Brothers Band and Dead & Company, Burbridge brings a melodic, improvisational style to his bass playing, often blurring the lines between rhythm and lead. His fluid use of scales, harmonics, and chordal techniques allows him to create rich, textured lines that stand out in any ensemble.

Burbridge’s deep musicality and ability to adapt to various styles have made him a highly respected and influential figure in the bass community.

11. Phil Lesh

Phil Lesh, the legendary bassist of the Grateful Dead, is known for his unconventional and improvisational approach to the 6-string bass. Unlike traditional bassists who stick to rhythmic grooves, Lesh often played melodically, weaving complex, counterpoint lines that enhanced the band’s free-flowing, psychedelic sound.

His classical and jazz influences allowed him to break the mold, using the full range of his instrument to interact with the rest of the band in real time.

Lesh’s innovative playing has had a lasting impact, influencing generations of bassists in rock and beyond.

12. Jimmy Haslip

Jimmy Haslip is a distinguished bassist known for his expertise on the 6-string bass and as a founding member of the jazz fusion group Yellowjackets. His playing is characterized by its fluidity, melodic sensibility, and the ability to seamlessly blend complex jazz harmonies with funk and Latin influences.

As a left-handed bassist who plays with the strings inverted, Haslip brings a unique touch to his phrasing and technique.

His versatility and creative approach have earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative and skilled bassists in the jazz fusion world.

13. JoJo Garza

JoJo Garza, the bassist and vocalist for the Texan trio Los Lonely Boys, is known for his soulful playing on the 6-string bass. His ability to blend rock, blues, and Tejano influences creates a unique and groovy foundation for the band’s “Texican” sound.

Garza’s bass lines are melodic and fluid, often doubling as rhythmic and harmonic support while also standing out with tasteful fills and solos.

His versatile musicianship and deep feel for groove make him a key component of the band’s signature sound.

14. Charles Berthoud

Charles Berthoud is a modern bass virtuoso known for his innovative techniques and mastery of all types of bass guitar.

His playing combines advanced tapping, harmonics, and fingerstyle techniques to create a unique blend of rhythm and melody, often making the bass sound like multiple instruments at once.

Berthoud’s engaging performances, especially showcased through his online presence, have garnered widespread attention, as he pushes the boundaries of what the bass can do.

His creativity and technical prowess make him a standout in the new generation of 6-string bass players.

15. Tony Grey

Tony Grey is a highly regarded 6-string bass player known for his fluid and melodic approach to the instrument, particularly within jazz and fusion circles.

His playing is characterized by lyrical solos, intricate harmonies, and a deep understanding of rhythm, which he blends seamlessly to create a rich musical landscape.

As a protégé of the great John McLaughlin, Grey has developed a distinctive voice on the bass, combining technical brilliance with a sense of musicality that transcends genres. His innovative style and artistic approach make him a highly influential figure in the modern bass community.

16. Jon Stockman

Jon Stockman, bassist for the Australian band Karnivool, is known for his powerful and dynamic approach to the 6-string bass in progressive rock and metal.

His playing is characterized by deep, heavy grooves, intricate rhythms, and the use of extended-range techniques that add richness to the band’s complex sound.

Stockman’s ability to lock in with odd time signatures while delivering melodic and atmospheric bass lines sets him apart in the genre. His command of the instrument’s full range gives Karnivool’s music a distinct depth and weight, making him a standout in modern progressive music.

17. Damian Erskine

Damian Erskine is a highly respected bassist, known for his exceptional command of the 6-string bass and his versatility across genres like jazz, fusion, and Latin music.

His playing is defined by intricate, groove-heavy lines, along with an advanced sense of rhythm and harmony, making him a much sought-after session and touring musician.

Erskine’s fluid technique, including his impressive use of fingerstyle and slap, allows him to effortlessly shift between supportive grooves and expressive solos. His musicality and innovative approach to the bass have earned him recognition as an influential voice in contemporary bass playing.

18. Steve Di Giorgio

Steve Di Giorgio is a legendary figure in the metal world, known for his virtuosic use of the fretless 6-string bass in genres like death metal, progressive metal, and jazz fusion.

As a member of iconic bands like Death, Testament, and Sadus, Di Giorgio stands out for his lightning-fast runs, complex tapping, and ability to create melodic bass lines that cut through the heaviest of mixes.

His versatility and unique approach to the fretless bass bring a fluid, almost vocal quality to his playing, which is rare in the metal genre. Di Giorgio’s innovative style has redefined the role of bass in extreme metal.

You Might Also Like:

• Types Of Bass Guitars – 10 Styles Explained
• Top 50 Female Bass Players
• FREE Blank Bass Tab Paper
• Blank Bass Chord Charts
• Famous Left-Handed Bassists

The post 18 Iconic 6-String Bass Players Who Will Inspire Your Playing appeared first on LeftyFretz.

It can truly be a case of information overload when searching for the best left handed bass guitars for your specific situation. So how about we try and make your decision that little bit easier – sound good?

In this mammoth guide, we’ll dive into my current top 6 lefty bass models from ultra-affordable all-in-one packages, to some more premium options that intermediate and even professional bassists can consider.

I really didn’t want to overload you with options, so I have carefully curated this list to make sure that every instrument has its place depending on your budget and musical tastes. As a result, I am confident that there is a solid choice for all players.

Although this guide is mainly aimed at beginners and intermediate players, more advanced bassists will also find some higher-end instruments towards the end of the list.

Afterward, we will also lay out some important buying advice, and answer some crucial questions that beginner left handed bass players might have. Such as…

• Should you choose a 4 or 5-string bass?
• Short scale vs long scale pros and cons
• Active or passive electronics?
• Precision bass vs Jazz bass
• How much should you spend?

Shorter left handed people or those with smaller hands may also like to check out my guide to the best ¾ sized left handed guitars and basses.

What Is The Best Left Handed Bass Guitar?

In the remainder of this article, I have detailed my list of the 6 best left handed bass guitars for beginner to intermediate and professional players. I have carefully ordered the instruments from the cheapest to the most expensive so that you can quickly select some fantastic choices depending on your budget and/or musical tastes.

Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a guitar using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

In a rush? Why not use the links below to be taken directly to the bass reviews that you are interested in? Make sure to also stick around to the end of the guide where I will offer a ton of buying advice and answer some common beginner questions.

1. Harley Benton Basses
2. Ibanez GSR200BL
3. Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass
4. Ibanez SR305EBL
5. Fender Player Precision Bass
6. Fender Player Jazz Bass

1. Harley Benton Basses

Best Cheap Left Handed Bass Guitar

Shopping Links
Shop 4-String Harley Benton Basses
Shop 5-String Harley Benton Basses

Players looking for the best cheap left handed bass guitars need look no further than the incredible range on offer from Harley Benton.

Harley Benton has always offered a huge variety of left handed basses and guitars, with instruments starting from under $100. These are ideal for new players looking to dip their toes into the world of bass without splashing a lot of cash.

The image above shows just a small sample of what is available from the budget brand. There’s too many to recommend just one model, so check out the links above to see the full selection. All of the various models are inspired by iconic bass designs, so there should be a choice for all tastes here!

More experienced players after a cheap left handed bass guitar to use as a backup instrument will also find the Harley Bentons to be an attractice choice. I recently picked up one of their Les Paul style models and was blown away at the quality offered for such little money.

As well as the more beginner-friendly 4-string options, the brand also offers plenty of left-handed 5-string basses for those looking for additional range.

Harley Benton basses are available individually if you would prefer to piece together your own kit. However, for those looking to get into the instrument as quickly as possible, Harley Benton also offers left handed bass starter package options. These are bundled with everything you need to get started, including an amp, tuner, gig bag, and more!

There’s plenty to like about these cheap left handed bass guitars, but are there any negatives? Honestly, the only downside is that snobby bassists might scoff at your affordable axe. However, at the end of the day, you’ve got to start somewhere!

What I Like/Dislike About Harley Benton Basses

Like:

• Buy individually, or as a complete starter package
• Good quality and features for a low price
• Designs based on iconic basses
• Lightweight construction

Dislike:

• Brand snobs may not approve.

All in all, I can recommend these Harley Benton basses as my top choices for the best cheap left handed bass options. As a beginner southpaw bassist, you will struggle to find anything comparable for similar money. 

Check them out at the links below! As a new player, I would suggest opting for the model that you like the looks of the most. You most likely won’t be able to discern a massive difference between the different styles at this stage.

Shopping Links
Shop 4-String Harley Benton Basses
Shop 5-String Harley Benton Basses

2. Ibanez GSR200BL

Best Beginner Left Handed Bass Guitar

Shopping Links – Ibanez GSR200B
Buy From Amazon
Buy From Sweetwater

The trusty Ibanez GSR200BL was actually the first bass that I picked up probably 20 years ago. Although you guys are lucky because back then it was only available in a boring gloss black color, whereas now it comes in a gorgeous satin walnut finish.

It is an ideal choice for beginners thanks to its compact and lightweight nyatoh body and slim maple neck profile. Plus, the inclusion of both precision and jazz bass style pickups makes the GSR200BL a really versatile guitar, well suited to a wide variety of musical styles.

Of course, these features also make it a perfect bass for guitarists wanting to dip their toes into the world of bass. The guitar is solidly made, gives you plenty of punchy, fat tone, and is currently the most affordable left handed 4-string bass from a big name brand.

Other key features include a 22-fret jatoba fingerboard, an Ibanez B10 bridge for tons of juicy sustain, a master tone pot, plus separate volume knobs for each pickup. Ibanez has also included their Phat II EQ control which provides an active bass boost for additional low-end power. 

It’s worth noting that a slide downside to having the Phat II active boost circuit is that it requires a 9V battery to operate. Without the battery (or if you let it go flat), the bass won’t make much sound at all. If you opt for this bass and notice that it sounds lifeless and muddy – check the battery before you send it back!

Here’s a quick video that will give some sound samples from the GSR200BL, plus a demonstration of the awesome Phat II EQ. Note that the left handed version is not available in this black finish.

There really aren’t many disadvantages to this bass considering its low price point. It would be nice if it came with a gig bag. That’s all I’ve got!

Key Features:

• Body: Nyatoh (Similar To Mahogany)
• Neck: Maple w/ 22 Fret Jatoba Fingerboard
• Pickups: Ibanez Dynamix P & J Style
• Controls: 2 Volume, Master Tone, Active Bass Boost
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Ibanez GSR200BL

Like:

• Ibanez quality and features for a low price.
• Huge range of tones.
• Active bass boost for additional power.
• Lightweight and comfortable.

Dislike:

• No gig bag included.
• 9V battery required.
• The style may not be for everyone.

Overall, I would rate the trusty Ibanez GSR200BL as being one of the best beginner left handed bass guitars. They’re super versatile, look fantastic, are comfortable to hold, and you get a big brand name on your headstock for not a lot of money.

It is also a solid choice for an affordable recording bass for guitarists, or a backup instrument for more advanced bassists.

Shopping Links – Ibanez GSR200B
Buy From Amazon
Buy From Sweetwater

3. Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass

Best Beginner Left Handed Jazz Bass

Shopping Links – Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass
Buy From Amazon
Buy From Sweetwater

Here at LeftyFretz, I keep no secrets about my love for the Squier Classic Vibe series. For the money, this Fender-designed collection is tough to beat.

This range forms Squier’s flagship offering, and as such, these are instruments that can easily go toe to toe with some of their more expensive Fender cousins.

The Squier Classic Vibe 70s Left Handed Jazz Bass is modeled after a 1970s-era Fender Jazz Bass. It offers a comfortable offset body design and is an incredibly versatile instrument with a huge range of punchy tones available.

It features a lightweight poplar body and maple neck, and adds a 20 fret maple fingerboard to help brighten up the tone. The chunky block fretboard inlays mesh well with the gloss black body for an overall classy look.

The neck is a slim, beginner-friendly profile that tapers down to just 1.5 inches wide at the nut. It is ideal for unleashing fast and technical basslines and is also perfect for players with smaller hands.

The Classic Vibe features two Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups that serve up bags of the articulate and punchy tones that Jazz basses are famed for. Separate volume controls for each pickup let you precisely dial in a plethora of different sounds.

The main disadvantage to Jazz basses is that the single-coil pickups tend to exhibit a slight hum when played individually. However, this is just a standard trait of single-coil pickups and generally won’t be noticed when playing live in a band situation.

You can hear this bass in action in the video below. Note that the left handed model is not currently available in this sunburst finish. 

What Is A Jazz Bass Good For?

Compared to the powerful grunt of a P bass, the Jazz bass offers more in the middle and treble frequencies. It is generally thought of as the more versatile model thanks to its dual single-coil pickups and separate volume controls.

It tends to be favored by fingerstyle or slap players, and is popular within genres such as jazz, funk, fusion, and prog metal. In saying that, the Jazz bass is known for its versatility and is widely used in virtually every genre of music.

Key Features:

• Body: Poplar
• Neck: Maple w/ 20 Fret Maple Fingerboard
• Pickups: 2 Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil Pickups
• Controls: 2 Volume Controls, Master Tone
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass

Like:

• Fender quality for a fraction of the price
• Incredibly versatile.
• Slim, fast neck.
• 2-year warranty included.
• Also a great option for intermediate players, or more advanced bassists looking for a solid backup instrument.

Dislike:

• No gig bag included.
• Only one color is available.
• Single-coil pickup hum.

An absolutely fantastic bass – I still actually use one as my main bass to this day! Brilliant for beginners, but also solid enough to be used by gigging musicians – what’s not to love?

Shopping Links – Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass
Buy From Amazon
Buy From Sweetwater

4. Ibanez SR305EBL

5-String Left Handed Bass

Shopping Links – Ibanez SR305EBL
Buy From Thomann
Buy From Amazon
Buy From Sweetwater

The Ibanez SR305EBL is an excellent choice for bass players looking to expand their range with a 5-string instrument, particularly those who play heavier genres like metal.

The addition of a low B string gives bassists access to deeper, growling lows that are perfect for metal’s heavy riffs and aggressive soundscapes. The additional string not only adds more tonal options but also allows for more complex riffing and chordal playing.

This bass is equipped with Ibanez PowerSpan pickups, which provide a strong, punchy sound with clarity and articulation. They excel at cutting through dense guitar mixes, making sure your low end stays present, even in the most distorted metal mix.

Additionally, the 3-band EQ and Power Tap switch give you flexible control over your tone, allowing you to toggle between humbucking and single-coil modes. Perfect for dialing in that sharp, aggressive metal tone or a smoother, more rounded sound for other genres.

Another key advantage of the Ibanez SR305EBL is its lightweight body and slim neck profile, which make it comfortable to play during long performances or extended practice sessions.

Key Features:

• Body: Nyatoh
• Neck: 5-Piece Maple/Walnut w/ 20 Fret Jatoba Fingerboard
• Pickups: Ibanez PowerSpan Dual Coil
• Controls: Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ w/ 3-Way Power Tap Switch
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Fender Player Basses

Like:

• Affordable 5-String From A Well-Respected Brand
• Lightweight Nyatoh Body
• Thin & Fast Ibanez SR5 Neck Profile

Dislike:

• No gig bag included
• No color choices

For metal bassists who need a bass capable of delivering low-end power and versatile tones, the Ibanez SR305EBL is an excellent choice.

Shopping Links – Ibanez SR305EBL
Buy From Thomann
Buy From Amazon
Buy From Sweetwater

5. Fender Player Basses

Most Popular Left Handed Bass Guitars

The Squier above is a superb bass, no doubt about it. But what if you really want that famous name on your headstock? Well, the good news is that Fender’s most affordable Player series offers up two excellent left handed bass guitars!

I say two, but with four different finishes available for each guitar there’s technically eight!

For the Fender Player basses, we have the choice between an excellent precision bass and a jazz bass. Those are the Fender Player Precision bass, and the Fender Player Jazz bass.

The Player Series is Fender’s most affordable line of instruments, produced in the brand’s Mexican factory to help keep costs down. These are professional-level basses that will last you for life – the value for money here is astonishing.

If a band is playing at your local bar it is more than likely that there will be one or more Player Series instruments on the stage. Such is their popularity that they have almost become synonymous with the gigging musician!

As a first bass, one of these two models would be exceptional, but more than likely these will be guitars that you will graduate onto later as your first serious bass. Let’s take a look at the two choices…

Fender Player Precision Bass

The thunderous Player left handed Fender Precision bass is available in four different finishes – 3-Color Sunburst, Polar White, Tidepool (Blue), and Black.

They all feature an alder body, a fast and comfortable modern-c maple neck with a 20-fret maple or pau Ferro fingerboard, a Fender split single-coil pickup, and a 4-saddle bridge for rock-solid tuning stability.

Check out the overview and demonstration video below to hear what the P bass is capable of. Note that the lefty model is not available in the buttercream finish shown.

The only real downside to this bass is that for this sort of money I really would have expected to see a gig bag bundled in. You’ll find a link to my accessories guide at the bottom of the page where you’ll discover some great gig bag and case choices.

Fender Player Jazz Bass

If the precision bass doesn’t quite tick all of your boxes, then perhaps the Player left handed Fender Jazz bass will! With bags of legendary jazz bass punch and growl on tap, this is truly an instrument upon which to get your groove on.

Like the P-bass, it is available in a selection of four juicy colors. These are Black, Polar White, 3-Color Sunburst, and Capri Orange. You will get a choice of maple or pau Ferro fingerboards depending on which finish you opt for.

Main features include a contoured offset alder body, a comfortable modern-c neck profile, two single-coil pickups with separate volume controls, a master tone pot, and an ultra-stable 4-saddle Fender bridge.

Check out Fender’s quick overview video below for an excellent demonstration of what the Jazz bass is capable of. Note that the lefty model is not currently available in the tidepool finish shown.

Again, the main downside with this bass is the lack of any bundled gig bag or case. You could also argue that the Squier Classic Vibes are damn near as good for half of the money – as long as you don’t mind losing the Fender logo on your headstock that is!

Key Features:

• Body: Alder
• Neck: Maple w/ 20 Fret Maple or Pau Ferro Fingerboard
• Pickups: Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil Pickups
• Controls: 2 Volume Controls (Single on P-Bass), Master Tone
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Fender Player Basses

Like:

• Vintage vibe with a modern edge.
• The most affordable genuine Fenders available.
• Wide range of colors available.
• 2-year warranty included.
• A bass for life.

Dislike:

• No gig bag included.

These two instruments are undoubtedly the most popular left handed bass guitars available. They are the most affordable route to getting a genuine left handed Fender bass into your hands, and are loved by gigging musicians the world over.

So what do you say? Jazz bass or P Bass? In the links above you’ll find all of the different colors available for each model.

Bass Guitar Buying Advice

Should I Get a 4 or 5 String Bass?

5 (or 6, 7, and 8!) string basses have their place, but why pay more if you don’t need that extra range? For the majority of people, a 4 string left handed bass will be the perfect choice. It is the most common style and will handle the vast majority of musical genres.

In addition, new players may prefer to start out on a 4-string bass as the thinner neck will be easier to get to grips with. With fewer strings you will also have less to initially learn, it will be easier to keep strings from accidentally ringing out, plus the strings will be slightly wider apart, making it feel less cramped.

Players that might prefer a 5 string bass include those into heavier styles of music. The extra string will allow you to reach those lower notes without having to detune your 4 stringer and making the strings all floppy!

Look at what your favorite players use to get a good idea of which style is best for you. You can also check out my guide to the different types of bass guitar for more in-depth information!

Short Scale vs Long Scale Bass

All of the basses I have recommended above have a standard 34” scale length (also known as long scale). This is the most common bass scale length and is the best option for most.

A longer scale length bass will have improved string tension, plus a more defined and articulate sound.

Short-scale basses generally have a scale length of 31” or less. The main advantage of these instruments is their smaller physical size, plus a shorter distance between frets. This makes them ideal for smaller players or for those with smaller hands.

The downsides are that you’ll lose some of that crisp definition, and the strings will have a looser feel due to the lower tension.

Is Active Or Passive Bass Better?

In a nutshell, you can think of an active bass as being powered, and a passive bass as being…not..powered. An active bass system is generally run by a 9V battery.

But which to opt for? The best option will depend on your particular situation, so there isn’t a solid answer to this question!

The main advantage of an active bass is that they will generally offer more options for sculpting your tone. The disadvantage is that if you allow the battery to go flat, your tone will suffer.

As a beginner, I would personally stick with a passive bass (almost all of the suggestions above are passive), as it keeps things a little simpler for you. But since the only real difference is remembering to keep a charged battery, go for it if you think you will benefit!

How Much Should I Spend On A Bass?

I always suggest that new players should spend as much as they can comfortably afford. As they say, buy cheap, buy twice! Remember to factor in the cost of an amp and any other accessories you might need.

It would be incredible to grab a Fender Custom Shop bass as your first instrument, but that’s probably not the best idea for most! The majority of basses under $100 are essentially toys, so avoid those like the plague and instead stick with one of the options I’ve suggested above. 

You won’t go wrong with any of the basses listed here!

Can I Use A Guitar Amp With A Bass?

If you are a guitarist looking to try out bass then you may be wondering if you can save a few bucks and just use your regular amp.

While the answer is that technically, yes, you can. However, you will probably want to pick up a bona fide bass amp. A guitar amp is not specifically designed to handle the lower frequencies produced by a bass, and you may end up actually damaging your speaker!

Check out the links at the bottom of this page to find my recommendations for quality bass amps.

Should I Get My Bass Setup?

It is generally a good idea to have a new instrument setup at your local guitar store. This process involves making a few key adjustments to make sure that your bass is in tip-top playing condition.

New players might make things unnecessarily hard on themselves by persevering with an instrument that is difficult to play. A mere 15 minutes in the hands of an experienced guitar tech could be all that’s needed to make that bass play buttery smooth!

Find out more in my complete guide to guitar setups.

Next Up – Amps! 

So, now that you hopefully have selected your first bass you’ll probably want to check out part six below to pick out an amp to go with it.

Still have questions? Feel free to send me an email and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible! You’ll find a link to my contact form in the footer below.

Part One : Tips Before You Buy
Part Two : Beginner Electric Guitars
Part Three : Beginner Acoustic Guitars
Part Four : Beginner Bass Guitars
Part Five : Beginner Classical Guitars
Part Six : Amps
Part Seven : Effects
Part Eight : Accessories
Part Nine : Lessons

The post 6 Best Left Handed Bass Guitars (For All Budgets!) appeared first on LeftyFretz.