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

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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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Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

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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Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

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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Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

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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Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

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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Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
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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Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

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.

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.

As a new or advancing player, selecting the best left-handed classical guitar for your specific budget, tastes, and ability can be an overwhelming decision. There are so many great beginner left handed nylon string guitars to choose from these days!

So, throughout this guide, we will look at my top 5 picks, from affordable beginner left handed classical guitar bundles to more premium instruments that could potentially last you for life. To ensure that you aren’t paralyzed with too many choices, I have been careful to stick with a small number of quality guitars that each bring their own individual advantages to the table.

If you take the time to read through the entire list of left handed classical guitars I am confident that you will quickly be able to choose the guitar that is best suited to your particular tastes and budget.

Towards the end of the article, I’ll also answer a few key questions about nylon string guitars that every player should consider before pulling the trigger on their new axe.

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

What Is The Best Left Handed Classical Guitar?

The following are my personal top 5 choices for the best left handed nylon guitars for beginner and intermediate players. The list is arranged in order from the cheapest to the most pricey, with prices starting from around $150 and going up to $500.

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

Use the links below if you would like to jump directly to any specific guitar review. Make sure to also hang around until the end of the page as you’ll find a ton of useful buying information there.

1. Ortega Student Series RSTC5M-L
2. Ortega Family Series R121L
3. Ortega Family Series Pro R131L
4. Takamine GC5 NAT
5. Ortega Family Series Pro RCE145L

1. Ortega Student Series RSTC5M-L

Budget Left Handed Classical Guitar

Get The Best Price
Guitar Center (USA)
Amazon (USA)

Ortega is a brand that truly goes above and beyond in terms of catering to southpaw players. Those after a budget-friendly left handed classical guitar can look toward their value-packed entry-level Student Series models.

Included within this series is the Ortega RSTC5M-L, a solid left handed nylon string guitar aimed at new players who don’t necessarily want to drop a lot of cash on a first guitar.

The main features include a traditional cedar top for a warmer tone, and this is paired to a lightweight catalpa body – ideal for new players! Both the bridge and fretboard are made from walnut, with the neck being constructed from mahogany. A slight downside is that this model doesn’t have a truss rod for making neck adjustments.

The body is fully bound in tough ABS plastic to protect the edges from accidental damage.

You won’t get electronics or a gigbag with the Ortega, but you do get everything else that you would want from a beginner classical guitar. Ideal for new players on a budget!

Key Features:

• Body: Catalpa w/ Cedar Top
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Walnut
• Bridge: Walnut
• Electronics: None
• Gig Bag: None

Get The Best Price
Guitar Center (USA)
Amazon (USA)

2. Ortega Family Series R121L

Step It Up A Notch

Get The Best Price
Guitar Center (USA)
Amazon (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

For just a little extra cash, an incredible value lefty classical guitar would be the Ortega R121L from the brand’s popular Family Series.

The main features include a smooth satin spruce top with mahogany back and sides, a mahogany neck, plus the classic walnut fingerboard and bridge. These woods combine to give the R121L a balanced and warm tone, well suited to any genre of music.

Unlike the RSTC5M-L above, this model comes equipped with a truss rod to ensure that the guitar’s neck is straight and stable. Ortega also provides a bundled gig bag to sweeten the deal.

If you would prefer, the R121L is also available in a wine-red finish for a more contemporary look. Alternatively, the R122L is the same guitar with a cedar top instead, offering a more rounded, slightly less sharp sound.

The only downside is that this more affordable model does not feature any solid wood construction. On the other hand, the all-laminate body will be very hard-wearing and more resistant to the effects of temperature and humidity.

Key Features:

• Body: Mahogany w/ Spruce Top
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Walnut
• Bridge: Walnut
• Electronics: None
• Gig Bag: Included

Get The Best Price
Guitar Center (USA)
Amazon (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

3. Ortega Family Series Pro RCE131L

Affordable Acoustic-Electric Classical

Get The Best Price
Guitar Center (USA)
Amazon (USA)

The Ortega Family Pro series takes all of the features of the Family range and adds a solid wood top for an improved quality of sound. A great advantage of solid wood is that it will continue to sound better and resonate more freely as the guitar ages!

This Ortega RCE131L electro-acoustic classical also comes equipped with the brand’s MagusPro electronics, allowing for amplified play or direct recording. It includes volume, bass, middle, and treble controls, plus a handy built-in tuner. There is also a ‘phase’ button that can help mitigate feedback when the guitar is connected to an amp or PA system.

Like most other electro-acoustic guitars, the RCE131L also features a cutaway design that offers excellent upper fret access.

The main features of this lefty classical guitar include a solid Canadian western red cedar top and mahogany body. A smooth satin finished mahogany neck is paired with a walnut fingerboard and bridge. Ortega also includes a deluxe gig bag for carting around your new guitar in safety. 

If you can afford to step up to this solid wood top beauty, the RCE131L is an ideal beginner or intermediate-level classic guitar.

Key Features:

• Body: Mahogany w/ Solid Canadian Western Red Cedar Top
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Walnut
• Bridge: Walnut
• Electronics: Ortega MagusPro
• Gig Bag: Included

Get The Best Price
Guitar Center (USA)
Amazon (USA)

4. Takamine GC5-NAT

Affordable Solid Top Choice

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)

If you require a solid wood top but feel that you don’t really need electronics or a cutaway, then this next guitar could be the instrument for you.

The left-handed Takamine GC5-NAT is a premium-looking classical guitar that will be sure to appeal to those who favor a more traditional-looking instrument. It offers a rich and well-balanced tone largely thanks to its walnut body and solid sitka spruce top.

Other features on this left handed classical guitar include a mahogany neck paired with a laurel fretboard, synthetic bone nut, and saddle, plus premium gold tuners with white pearl buttons.

The GC5-NAT is a solid guitar for a reasonable price, with the only real downside being that a gig bag is not included.

Key Features:

• Body: Mahogany w/ Spruce Top
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Walnut
• Bridge: Walnut
• Electronics: None
• Gig Bag: Included

Get The Best Price
Amazon (USA)

5. Ortega Family Pro Series RCE145L

Modern Thinline Electro-Acoustic

Get The Best Price
Guitar Center (USA)
Amazon (USA)

If you’d prefer a more modern take on the traditional classical guitar, then the Ortega RCE145L-BK is likely to tick all of your boxes.

Also from the brand’s premium Family Pro Series, this nylon string beauty is finished in a classy black finish for a more contemporary look.

A versatile solid spruce top is paired with a mahogany body for a powerful and well-balanced tone. A slim mahogany neck and narrower 48mm nut make playability an absolute breeze.

The guitar also features a modern thinline body design (85mm depth) which should make it a lot more comfortable during longer play sessions. This should also make the RCE145L slightly less prone to feedback when plugged into an amp or PA system.

A premium Ortega gig bag is also included to cradle your brand new left handed classical guitar. There’s little not to like with this one! It’s the most pricey option in this list, but still comes in at just under $500.

Key Features:

• Body: Mahogany w/ Solid Canadian Engelmann Spruce Top
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Walnut
• Bridge: Walnut
• Electronics: Ortega MagusPro
• Gig Bag: Included

Get The Best Price
Guitar Center (USA)
Amazon (USA)

More Lefty Classical Guitars!

Looking for a more expensive option? Perhaps something with harder-to-find features? Why not use the links below to browse the full selection of southpaw classical guitars at our partner stores for an even wider selection of instruments?

• Guitar Center (USA)
• Amazon (USA)
• Thomann (Europe)

And that concludes our list of the best left handed classical guitar choices for beginner and intermediate players. Keep reading for additional useful information!

Additional Nylon String Accessories

Get In Tune For Less Than 20 Bucks

Some of the guitars I recommended above have built-in tuners. However, if your choice doesn’t have electronics then I highly recommend picking up a good headstock tuner.

These handy little gadgets clip onto your guitar’s headstock and tune (very accurately!) via vibration. At a little under $20, there’s no reason not to have one! My personal favorite is the diminutive D’Addario Micro.

Smelly Strings?

Depending on the vendor you purchase from, your guitar could have been sitting around on display or in its box for a long time. Don’t ask me why, but nylon strings seem to start to really smell after a few weeks – give your fingers a sniff after a session on stale strings – yuck!

With that in mind, it would be a good idea to pick up a set or two of fresh strings to put on your new guitar when you receive it. My suggestion for a great all-round set would be the Pro Arte series from D’Addario.

Classical Guitar Buying Advice

Should I Start Out On Classical Guitar?

Many players (wrongly) feel that they should start their guitar journey on a classical guitar as the nylon strings are much easier on the fingers. This may be the case, however, this isn’t a good reason to begin here.

If you are new to guitar you should buy whichever type of instrument you ultimately want to play. You’re not going to have much fun trying to learn ‘Smoke On The Water’ on a nylon guitar!

What Is The Disadvantage Of Classical Guitar?

Classical guitars tend to have wider necks to prevent fingers from coming into contact with adjacent strings whilst playing complex pieces. The downside here is that players with smaller hands may find the beefier necks tricky to play compared to the slimmer necks on most steel-string guitars.

Are Older Classical Guitars Better?

If a guitar has a solid wood top or body it will sound better with age as the wood will begin to resonate better, offering a more pleasing tone. So, technically, you could argue that older guitars are better!

Why Do Classical Guitars Have Nylon Strings?

Nylon strings produce a much softer, mellower tone compared to steel strings which is better suited to the genres of music generally played on a classical guitar. These guitars are also not built to withstand the additional tension that a set of steel strings adds.

Why Do Classical Guitars Have High Action?

Classical guitars generally have a higher action (string height) than their steel-string counterparts. This is because the lower tension of the nylon string causes them to vibrate more when plucked. A slightly higher action prevents the strings from buzzing against the guitar’s frets.

Still have questions about the best left-handed classical guitars? 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 5 Best Left Handed Classical Guitars (Beginner & Intermediate) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

As a new player, choosing the best left handed acoustic guitar for your budget, tastes, and ability is crucial to ensure that your practice sessions are both enjoyable and productive. But with so many great beginner left handed acoustic guitars available these days, the choice can be overwhelming!

In this article, we’ll look at my 7 top picks, from ultra-affordable all-in-one kits to the heavy hitters from well-known brands that could potentially last you for life. I was careful to stick with 7 solid guitars so as not to paralyze you with too many options. 

Read through the full list and I am confident that you will easily be able to pick out the perfect guitar for you depending on your budget and personal tastes.

After that, I’ll answer a ton of important questions that you should absolutely know the answers to before pulling the trigger on your new axe. These questions include:

• What body size is best for you?
• Which tonewoods are best suited to your tastes?
• Should you consider an electro-acoustic guitar?
• Why opt for a solid wood top over laminate?
• Should you start with a steel or nylon string guitar?

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

What Is The Best Left Handed Acoustic Guitar?

Here are my 7 top picks for the best left handed acoustic guitars for beginners and intermediate players this year. The guitars are arranged from the cheapest to the most expensive, and I am confident that there is a solid option available for all budgets and 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!

You can use these links to jump directly to the guitar reviews. Make sure to also check out the end of this article where you’ll find a ton of useful buying advice.

1. Donner DAG-1CL Bundle
2. Vangoa VGE-1 Bundle
3. Fender CD-60S
4. Ibanez AW54L
5. Ibanez AW54LCE
6. Ibanez AC340L
7. Yamaha FG820L

1. Donner DAG-1CL

Best Left Handed Acoustic Guitar Package

The full-sized Donner DAG-1CL dreadnought kit is undoubtedly the best choice for new players on a tighter budget. It is even better when you consider that it comes bundled as a package, featuring everything you will need to get started with the guitar!

More affordable guitars are available, but I would personally avoid those as the quality and reliability will take a drastic nose-dive. You’ll kick yourself later if you buy something else to save $50 and find that the thing won’t stay in tune! Guitars under $100 or so are more often than not basically just toys – avoid them!

The guitar itself is a beautiful full-sized dreadnought shape. For most beginners, this versatile guitar size is the one to go for, although smaller players might find the dreadnought body a little large.

It is assembled from the common mahogany and spruce wood combination. This tried and tested tonewood construction gives a very balanced sound that will be suitable for any style of music.

Other standout features include a cutaway for improved upper fret access, scalloped inner bracing for better bass response, and matte black tuners that add to the luxurious aesthetic.

In terms of the bundled accessories, Donner has included pretty much everything you will need to get started right away. You’ll get a quality padded gig bag, digital tuner, comfortable strap, spare strings, picks, and more! See below for the full list.

Notice how the guitar doesn’t have a scratchplate? Donner has included one in the package, so you can decide which look you’d like to go for – a nice touch!

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

A slight downside for some is that the guitar is not an electro-acoustic model, i.e. it does not include electronics. So keep in mind that you won’t be able to hook it up to an amp or computer for recording. Not exactly a deal breaker for new players, plus it helps to keep costs down as well. Why pay for features you are unlikely to use as a fledgling guitarist?

Donner App

It’s worth mentioning that Donner also has their own iOS and Android app that you can download and use for free.

It includes several features such as a community section and online store, but what will likely appeal to you as a beginner is the lessons area. Here you will find a selection of free courses aimed at newer players which will help you to get off on the right foot.

Some of the tutors are actually professors from the esteemed Berklee College of Music, so these lessons are definitely worth checking out.

Key Features:

• Body: African Mahogany w/ Sitka Spruce Top
• Neck: Mahogany w/ 22 Fret Purpleheart Fingerboard
• Electronics: None
• Gig Bag: Yes
• Accessories: Strap, Clip-On Tuner, Capo, Picks, Spare Strings, Cleaning Cloth, Allen Key, Lessons (via mobile app).

What I Like/Dislike About The Donner DAG-1CL

Like:

• Includes everything you’ll need to get started with guitar.
• Low price without sacrificing quality and features.
• 2-year warranty
• Classic mahogany and Sitka spruce dreadnought body will give a balanced tone suitable for any style of music.
• Has the look of a guitar which is much more expensive than it is.
• Also a good option for intermediate players after something less pricey that they don’t have to baby.

Dislike:

• Dreadnought body size may be a little large for smaller players
• No ability to connect to an amp or computer.
• Brand snobs may not approve.
• A guitar stand would have been a nice addition to the package.

Our friend Shane from InTheBlues has an excellent review video for the Donner DAG-1CL which you can check out below.

Note that the video is a few years old now, so the price has obviously increased a little since. In addition, Donner has also recently redesigned their logo and upgraded the gigbag to a higher quality construction.

Overall, I recommend the Donner DAG-1CL as my pick for the best left handed acoustic guitar package. For the money, it really can’t be beat and should give you a perfect introduction to the world of guitar.

Check it out at the links below! It is available either on Amazon, or you can also buy direct from Donner if you’d prefer.

If you’re still not quite convinced, check out my full review of the Donner DAG-1CL.

2. Vangoa VGE-1

Best Left Handed Acoustic Electric Guitar Package

The Donner is a great option for sure, but what if you need a cheap left handed acoustic electric guitar package? Those after the additional versatility offered by electronics should check out the excellent Vangoa VGE-1.

This full-sized dreadnought is a real eye-catcher thanks to its classy black satin finish, and comes with a 4-band equalizer so that you can plug in to record or play live through an amp or speakers.

Critically for beginner players, it is bundled with everything you will need to get started with guitar. Aside from lessons, that is! Check out my lessons section for some great beginner tips.

I really liked the little visual touches such as the pointed fretboard end, wooden ‘reveal’ binding, and additional purfling on the fretboard. It’s a classy-looking guitar that at least appears as if it should cost way more than its modest price tag.

The satin finish extends to the neck to give an ultra-smooth playability. Be warned, however, as the black finish is a total fingerprint magnet. Good thing it comes with a cleaning cloth, then!

The only other downside could be that if you are a smaller person then the larger dreadnought body could be a bit unwieldy for you.

Please read my in-depth Vangoa VGE-1 Review if you would like to find out more about this brilliant beginner kit.

Key Features:

• Body: Sapele w/ Spruce Top
• Neck: Okoume w/ 20 Fret Walnut Fingerboard
• Electronics: EQ-7545R 4-Band (Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence Sliders)
• Gig Bag: Yes
• Accessories: Clip-On Tuner, Capo, Spare Strings, Cable, Cleaning Cloth, Strap, Picks, Adhesive Scratchplate.

What I Like/Dislike About The Vangoa VGE-1 Acoustic

Like:

• Includes everything you’ll need to get started with guitar.
• Low price without sacrificing quality and features.
• Classic sapele and Sitka spruce dreadnought body will give a versatile tone suited to any genre of music.
• Has the look of a guitar which is much more expensive than it is.

Dislike:

• Dreadnought body size may be a little large for smaller players
• Brand snobs may not approve.
• Satin finish is a fingerprint magnet.

You can also watch the video below to get an idea of how the Vangoa sounds.

I’d think you would have a very hard time finding a better electro-acoustic for this sort of money. The Vangoa looks great, has a fantastic sound, and is buttery smooth to play.

As a beginner on a budget, it’s definitely a tough choice between this and the Donner above. As they’re roughly the same price, the decision will likely be based on whether or not you require electronics. Or, it could simply come down to which guitar you like the looks of the most.

Either way, both are excellent low-cost choices.

3. Fender CD-60S

Best Cheap Left Handed Acoustic Guitar

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Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

Bet you weren’t aware that you could get a real Fender for around $200, right? Well, you can! The Fender CD-60S was launched in 2017 and instantly became my top pick for those with a budget of around $200.

This guitar from Fender’s Classic Design series represent exceptional value for money, with features usually reserved for much more expensive instruments.

For example, it features a solid wood top for improved sound quality (scroll to the end of this page for info), smooth rolled fret edges, scalloped internal x-bracing for increased bass response, and a beginner-friendly slim neck shape.

One of these little gems is the obvious choice in this price bracket (unless you require electronics!), and because it has a solid wood top, it’ll only sound better with age!

Fender really hit a home run with these.

The CD-60S features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a mahogany neck with a walnut fretboard. This tonewood combination will offer up a very balanced sound for a bit of a jack-of-all-trades kind of vibe – it’ll be happy playing any genre of music.

Plus you’ve got that famous name on the headstock, ensuring that the guitar will hold its value over time.

The only downside of the Fender when compared to the cheaper Donner above is the lack of any additional accessories. So you will at minimum require to source a tuner and potentially some picks yourself. Again, not a huge issue as you can pick up both of those items for less than $10 in the accessories section of this guide series!

It is also slightly disappointing that a protective gig bag is not included.

The video below will offer you an excellent overview of the various sounds that the dreadnought-sized CD-60S is capable of. It is definitely worth a watch if you are considering opting for this excellent instrument.

Key Features:

• Body: Mahogany w/ Solid Spruce Top
• Neck: Mahogany w/ 20 Fret Walnut Fingerboard
• Electronics: None
• Gig Bag: Not Included
• Accessories: Not included

What I Like/Dislike About The Fender CD-60S

Like:

• The solid wood top offers a more dynamic quality of sound than cheaper laminated guitars, plus the tone will improve further as it ages.
• Fender quality at a very affordable price point.
• 2-year warranty.
• Classic mahogany and Sitka spruce body will offer a balanced tone suitable for any style of music.
• Beginner-friendly slim neck with comfortable rolled fretboard edges.

Dislike:

• No gig bag, accessories, or lessons are included.
• Lack of electronics.

I would say that these are definitely the most popular left handed acoustic guitars that we sell. Check it out at the links below.

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Amazon (USA)
Sweetwater (USA)
Thomann (Europe)

4. Ibanez AW54L

All-Mahogany Left Handed Acoustic Guitar

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What should you do if the Fender above ticks all of your boxes, but you yearn for the look and/or sound of an all-mahogany guitar? You, my friend, should probably look into the Ibanez AW54L.

This well-reviewed dreadnought beauty offers up pretty much all of the same features as the Fender CD-60S, and for similar money, but has a gorgeous all-mahogany construction.

Aside from offering a different aesthetic, mahogany guitars will tend to sound smoother and warmer, without becoming too muddy. This is because the wood produces more bass and mid-range emphasis. Again, as a beginner, you will be unlikely to notice much of a difference in tone, so your choice could simply come down to visual appeal.

It’s also worth pointing out that technically, the AW54L is not constructed from mahogany. Okoume is an excellent mahogany alternative used by many manufacturers and offers the same tonal characteristics and warm, earthy looks.

The Ibanez AW54L features an Okoume back and sides with a solid Okoume top, a Nyatoh neck, and a 20-fret ovangkol fingerboard. All of the hardware is made in-house by Ibanez to help keep costs down, and it also comes equipped with quality D’Addario strings.

Watch the video below for a great demonstration of the sounds that the Ibanez can muster up.

A slight disadvantage of this guitar is that it does not come supplied with a gig bag, or indeed, any additional accessories. So you will need to source your own if you require them – but that’s all part of the fun, right? Head to the accessories section of this guide to see my recommendations.

Key Features:

• Body: Okoume w/ Solid Okoume Top
• Neck: Nyatoh w/ 20 Fret Ovangkol Fingerboard
• Electronics: None
• Gig Bag: Not Included
• Accessories: Not included

What I Like/Dislike About The Ibanez AW54L

Like:

• The solid wood top offers a more dynamic quality of sound than cheaper laminated guitars, plus the tone will become richer as it ages.
• Very affordable
• Lifetime warranty.
• All-Okoume construction offers a bassier, smoother tone than the spruce top guitars featured above. 
• Rustic visual appearance.

Dislike:

• No gig bag, accessories, or lessons are included.
• Dreadnought body might be a little large for smaller players

Overall, the AW54L is an excellent alternative to the Fender CD-60S above if you prefer the looks that an all-mahogany construction provides.

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

5. Ibanez AW54LCE

All-Mahogany Left Handed Electro-Acoustic Guitar

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The Ibanez AW54LCE is an excellent all-mahogany electro-acoustic. It is essentially a cutaway version of the Ibanez AW54 above, with added electronics.

As we’ve already touched on with the Ibanez AW54, using mahogany as a tonewood will tend to warm up the guitar’s tone by offering emphasized low-end and mid-range sounds. New players will be unlikely to be able to identify much of a difference, however, so I would suggest that you pick whichever guitar you prefer the look of.

It’s also worth pointing out that, technically, the AW54LCE is not constructed from mahogany. However, Okoume is an excellent mahogany alternative used by many manufacturers and offers the same tonal characteristics and warm looks.

Main features include a laminated Okoume back and sides, a solid Okoume top, a Nyatoh neck with an ovangkol fretboard, and an Ibanez preamp with a convenient built-in tuner.

The cutaway will give great access to the higher frets, and the under-saddle pickup offers natural-sounding amplification if you decide to plug it into an amp or computer.

A great advantage associated with Ibanez acoustic guitars is that you will get a lifetime warranty included which covers everything but the electronics. The preamp will be covered for one year only.

Unfortunately, there is no gig bag included with the AW54LCE which is a little disappointing at this price point. Ibanez suggests their PF50C hard case to help protect this model in transit.

Check out the video below to hear what the Ibanez sounds like. The language is German, but it does a great job of showcasing all of the sounds the dreadnough is capable of.

Key Features:

• Body: Okoume w/ Solid Okoume Top
• Neck: Nyatoh w/ 20 Fret Ovangkol Fingerboard
• Electronics: Yes – Preamp & Tuner
• Gig Bag: Not Included
• Accessories: Not included

What I Like/Dislike About The Ibanez AW54LCE

Like:

• The solid wood top offers a more dynamic quality of sound than cheaper laminated guitars, plus the tone will improve further as it ages.
• Ibanez preamp, plus a handy in-built tuner.
• Excellent upper fret access.
• Lifetime warranty.
• All-Okoume construction will offer a bassier, smoother tone than the spruce guitars featured above. 
• Rustic visual appearance.

Dislike:

• No gig bag, accessories, or lessons are included.
• Dreadnought body might be a little large for smaller players

Overall, the Ibanez AW54LCE is a fantastic choice for players looking for an all-mahogany, affordable left handed electro-acoustic guitar.

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

6. Ibanez AC340L

Best Left Handed Electro-Acoustic Guitar For Smaller Players

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Stepping up the price ladder a little bit is the superb Ibanez AC340L from the Japanese brand’s Artwood range. You can think of it as a smaller-bodied version of the AW54L above with a few premium features thrown into the mix.

First of all, the AC340L features a thermo-aged bridge – wait, what? This is a process where the wood is ‘baked’ to draw out the elements that would usually dull the response of new instruments. It essentially artificially ages the wood so that it reaches its optimum condition immediately, rather than years down the line.

The end result is a guitar that will sound better straight out of the box. The bridge is an excellent candidate for this treatment as this is the part of the guitar that transmits the vibrations from the strings to the top wood of the instrument.

Secondly, the Ibanez features a real bone nut and saddle which is really unusual to find on budget-friendly guitars. Bone provides a better sound than most synthetic options as it produces fuller tones, improved sustain, and should also last longer!

If you are vegan this may be a downside for you as the guitar uses parts made from animal sources. Read my article Are Guitars Vegan? for more information on non-ethical guitar parts.

Aside from these key premium upgrades, the AC340L is broadly similar to the other Ibanez acoustics in this list. It has a solid Okoume top with Okoume back and sides, a Nyatoh neck, and a 20-fret ovangkol fingerboard.

Again, the only real downside here is the lack of a gig bag or other included accessories. In my opinion, we’re really into the territory where every guitar should at least have a gig bag supplied with it. A minor quibble!

Check out the detailed video below for an overview of why this little beauty is one of the best left handed acoustic guitars currently available on a budget.

Key Features:

• Body: Okoume w/ Solid Okoume Top
• Neck: Nyatoh w/ 20 Fret Ovangkol Fingerboard
• Electronics: None
• Gig Bag: Not Included
• Accessories: Not included

What I Like/Dislike About The Ibanez AC340L

Like:

• The solid wood top offers a more dynamic quality of sound than cheaper layered wood guitars, plus the tone will become richer as it ages.
• Real bone nut and saddle.
• The aged bridge should provide an improved tone from day one.
• Comfortable, smaller body size.
• Lifetime warranty.
• All-Okoume construction offers a bassier, smoother tone than the spruce top guitars featured above. 
• Rustic, vintage visual appearance.

Dislike:

• No gig bag, accessories, or lessons are included.
• Lack of electronics

If your budget stretches this far, then the Ibanez AC340L is an absolutely superb beginner left handed acoustic guitar that could potentially last you for life.

The smaller grand concert body is the perfect size for new players who may find a dreadnought acoustic a little on the bulky side. Plus the thermo-aged bridge and bone nut and saddle should give you a fabulous-sounding instrument straight from the box without having to wait years for the wood to mature naturally.

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

7. Yamaha FG820L

Most Popular Left Handed Acoustic Guitar

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Sweetwater (USA)
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Every guitar thus far has been a Fender or Ibanez, so let’s give another brand a shout-out! The Yamaha FG820L dreadnought has long been thought of as one of the best budget-friendly lefty acoustics available. The FG series is the best-selling acoustic guitar range in the world, and for good reason!

Yamaha in particular is a brand that is known for punching well above its weight, and the FG820L is no exception. It is a lot of guitar for not a lot of money. 

Main features include a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, a nato neck with a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard, and a classy fully bound body and fretboard. It certainly looks like a guitar which should cost far more than it does.

Purchasing a Yamaha guitar will also give you access to their Play Port iOS and Android application. This app is a great tool for new players, providing tips, lessons, and videos aimed at beginners. It even includes an in-built tuner so that you can tune your new FG820L via your phone’s microphone.

Unfortunately, we still don’t get a gig bag bundled here, so make sure to check out the accessories section of this series of guides for some top suggestions.

Check out the excellent overview and demonstration video below to hear the Yamaha in action.

Key Features:

• Body: Mahogany w/ Solid Spruce Top
• Neck: Nato w/ 20 Fret Rosewood Fingerboard
• Electronics: None
• Gig Bag: Not Included
• Accessories: Not included

What I Like/Dislike About The Yamaha FG820L

Like:

• The solid wood top offers a more dynamic quality of sound than cheaper laminated guitars, plus the tone will improve further as it ages.
• Punches well above its weight.
• 2-year warranty.
• Classic mahogany and Sitka spruce body will offer a balanced tone suitable for any style of music.
• Premium looks for an affordable price.

Dislike:

• No gig bag, or accessories are included.
• Lack of electronics

Beginners will love it, but the best-selling Yamaha FG820L is also a solid choice for any level of player looking for a great all-around instrument or backup guitar.

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Acoustic Guitar Buying Advice

Should I Get An Acoustic or Electro-Acoustic?

The main difference between the two is that you can plug your electro-acoustic directly into an amp or computer for additional volume or for recording. Whereas with a traditional acoustic you will need to use a microphone to amplify the sound when playing live or recording.

A great advantage to starting out with an electro-acoustic guitar is that many will come with a built-in tuner, saving having to carry around an additional accessory.  

If your guitar doesn’t come with a tuner I highly recommend a clip-on headstock tuner such as a Snark – find out more about these in Part 8 of this Newbie Series – links below!

After reading this you may be thinking of just buying an electro-acoustic. Hell, it’s the same as a standard acoustic with a few extra bells and whistles, right? 

This is true, but these extra gadgets obviously come at a price.

Think carefully about what you need. If you don’t see yourself playing through an amp or recording directly to your computer, then you might want to save some money and opt for a regular acoustic with no electronics.

What Size Acoustic Guitar Should A Beginner Get?

This really depends on your musical tastes, as well as your size and physical capabilities.

The most common acoustic guitar size is the Dreadnought, which is a larger style that produces a louder, fuller sound with a strong bass response. You can easily spot it by its classic squared-off shoulders and bottom.

Compared to smaller-bodied guitars, the dreadnought’s volume tends to lend itself better to a playstyle that involves mainly strumming. Their boomy nature also helps them to cut through the mix in a band situation.

It is a great option for most players to start out with, but smaller people may find the larger body a bit of a handful.

Another common acoustic guitar size that is a great choice for new players is the Concert shape. This is a smaller body size which, as you would expect, equates to slightly less volume and bass. 

These qualities make concert acoustics perfect for solo fingerstyle playing where the articulation of each individual note is important. In addition, their smaller stature makes them ideal for smaller-framed players.

However, as a new player, you are unlikely to notice a massive difference in sound between the two sizes. For that reason, I would suggest that, for now, you pick the style that is most suited to your body size.

What Is The Best Guitar Wood?

All of the guitars featured in this guide feature mahogany back and sides, so that makes this decision pretty easy!

Where you’ll have to make a choice is when you come to consider the top wood of the guitar. All of the guitars above feature either a spruce or a mahogany top, which are very commonly used woods in guitar building.

Spruce is a very light-colored wood, contrasting nicely with the darker timbers usually used for the guitar’s back and sides. It is a great all-around wood that resonates well and has a wide dynamic range with enhanced highs and lows. It has become the most popular acoustic guitar top wood thanks to its excellent tonal versatility.

Mahogany is a much darker, rich brown/red wood that gives the guitar a more rustic, earthy appearance. While spruce has emphasized highs and lows, mahogany tends to enhance the midrange tones for a warmer, woodier sound.

However, as a new player, you are unlikely to be able to discern a massive difference between the two. For this reason, I would probably suggest picking the one you prefer the looks of unless you really know the type of sound you are after.

Solid Top vs. Laminate – Which Is Best?

Broken down into its component parts, an acoustic guitar body is made up of a top, sides, and a back section.

As a general rule of thumb, more expensive guitars will be constructed entirely of solid wood, whereas cheaper guitars might be composed of laminate wood sections or a mix of both solid and laminate parts.

Due to the lower prices of most of the guitars I’ve recommended above, the majority are going to be either full laminate, or laminate back and sides with a solid top.

Solid wood is exactly as it sounds – one solid piece of wood.  Whereas laminate is constructed of several thin layers of wood – usually a more expensive/decorative piece on top, and cheaper layers underneath.

As I’ve already mentioned above, as a beginner you really aren’t going to notice too much of a difference, but it’s generally accepted that solid wood sounds better than laminate. Why? Laminate doesn’t resonate as well, giving a slightly thinner sound. Plus you can think of solid wood as being like a fine wine – the sound will improve as the wood ages.

However, the big advantage to a laminate guitar is the much lower cost, as well as the fact that they are more durable, and will be much more resistant to changes in humidity.

Find out more about how humidity can damage your guitar.

Try to opt for an acoustic guitar with a solid top if your budget permits.

Should I Get A Guitar With Nylon Or Steel Strings?

There is a common misconception that new players should start out on a nylon string guitar due to the strings being much easier on the fingers.

My advice is to start out on the instrument that best reflects your musical tastes. Likewise, if you ultimately prefer electric guitar, there’s no need to start out on an acoustic.

For some reason, many people feel like an acoustic is a stepping stone on the way to playing electric guitar. If you are unsure, just take a look at what your favorite artists use and go down that route.

Steel-string guitars are best for rock, pop country, and to be honest, most other styles apart from maybe classical.

If you want to play classical, folk, or flamenco/Latin style guitar then you will need a Nylon String Classical model. While steel-string acoustics have a crisp and bright tone, classical guitars tend to sound a lot more mellow. 

If you decide that you need a classical guitar, check out Part 5 of the Guide (links below) to check out the best nylon-string options!

How Much Should A Beginner Spend On A Guitar?

It is my opinion that with acoustic more so than any other guitar, you should try to spend as much as your budget permits. You can somewhat fix the poor sound of a cheap electric guitar using effects, but acoustic guitars are kind of a ‘you get what you pay for’ kinda deal.

As awesome as it would be, I’m not saying that you should go out and buy a $4,000 Martin as your first guitar! At the very least, avoid anything below $100 as these are likely to be essentially toys. 

Any of the guitars I’ve listed above will be a solid choice, but if you are back and forth about buying the slightly more expensive guitar, I’d say go for it!

Consider Paying For A Setup

Most acoustic guitars will come from the factory with a higher action than you might like. That is, the distance between the strings and the fretboard might make fretting notes tougher as you will need to press the strings down further.

This is because it is easier to lower the strings on an acoustic guitar than to raise them. So most manufacturers will ship the instruments with the easier-to-correct option.

To make sure you get the best possible start it may be worth paying the store to also give your guitar what is known as a ‘setup’. Essentially, the technician will adjust your new guitar so that it is optimally set up for easy playing.

You can find out more about this in my guide to guitar setups. There you will see what is involved in the process, plus the costs to get your axe in tip-top condition.

Next up? You’ll probably want to check out Part Eight below, to get the low-down on a few accessories that you might also like to pick up with your new acoustic.

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

The post 7 Best Left Handed Acoustic Guitars (Beginner & Intermediate) appeared first on LeftyFretz.

I am regularly updating this guide, so keep checking back for updated information.

Everything in this series will also apply to our right handed friends so tell them to check out the information as well.

The guide is broken up into nine different detailed sections, so feel free to skip to the areas that are relevant to you!

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

Important Tips Before You Buy

Before we start looking at gear, here are a few ideas to consider that will hopefully help you to avoid any newbie pitfalls.

Left or Right Handed?

First things first. Are you actually a left-handed or a right-handed guitarist?

If you’re unsure, check out Should I Learn Guitar Left or Right Handed? 

Although there are generally fewer options for new left handed players, this is not a reason to play the wrong way around and potentially hinder your progress. Don’t worry – there’s still plenty of choice – I promise!

Acoustic, Electric, Classical, or Bass?

There’s this odd belief floating around that new players should start on a classical or acoustic guitar before “advancing” on to electric or bass.

Absolute nonsense.  

Please start out on whichever instrument you ultimately want to play. Sure, a nylon-strung classical will be easier on the fingers – but what’s the point if all you want to do is rock out?

If you want to be the next Ed Sheeran, get a steel-string acoustic, or if you want to be the next Flea, you need a bass!

Decide What Your Budget Is

The next thing to do is to plan out what your total budget is, and then when buying your equipment, stick within that budget!

You’ll most likely need more than just a guitar, so tally up all of the equipment you will need when doing your calculations. 

For example, if you want to play electric guitar you will at minimum require a guitar, a cable, and an amp or effects unit. 

Also budget for any additional expenses once you have your gear, such as instructional materials, lessons, guitar stands, gig bag, etc. I’ll talk you through all of this throughout the guide.

Buy The Best You Can Afford

As far as guitar is concerned, it really is a case of ‘you get what you pay for ’.

It’s a false economy to purchase a cheaper guitar now, only to spend more money further down the line when you realize that you need something of a higher quality.

Start off with a great setup and it will serve you for years to come and save you money in the long run.

I’m not suggesting that you buy a $4000 Fender Custom Shop Strat as your first guitar (although how cool would that be?!), just do yourself a favor and don’t buy whatever is on sale in your local Best Buy.

Keep It Simple Stupid

When choosing your first guitar you don’t want to become overwhelmed by buying something loaded with fancy gadgets and gizmos. 

For example, I would not recommend initially buying a guitar with a floating tremolo (Floyd Rose style) system. I cannot imagine the frustration a beginner would have trying to tune his or her guitar for the first time with one of those bridges.

You also probably don’t want to start out on a 7 or even 8-string monster – yikes!

Stick with something simple, and once you start figuring things out you will know what additional features you may like to get later on. I’ll recommend some excellent beginner guitar options in the coming pages.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Your first guitar is primarily going to be something you play at home, probably in your bedroom, possibly in front of the mirror!

You may think it will be cool to buy a Flying V right off the bat, but you are going to get quickly frustrated when you’re sitting at home and the thing keeps sliding off your leg.

Similarly, if you are a smaller person you may want to consider a shorter scale length or smaller bodied guitar. You might like to check out my 3/4 size left handed guitar guide as well.

An uncomfortable guitar is only going to cut your practice sessions short and introduce tension into your playing.

Beware of Guitar Store Sales Staff

It can be incredibly intimidating stepping into a guitar store for the first time.

Unfortunately, many guitar sales staff are there for one reason and one reason alone; to make the biggest commission possible. If your rookie ass ventures into a guitar store alone they are potentially going to eat you alive, and you’ll come out of the place $1000 lighter with a guitar that they’ve been trying to shift for months.

Have a good idea of what it is that you’re after before heading to the store, and if possible take some guitarist friends with you.

Alternatively, buy online! And…

Make Use of Internet Knowledge

Sign up to one or more guitar websites that have online forums and read the relevant sections – you can learn a lot by reading other new players’ questions. 

Ask as many stupid questions as you like as people are always glad to help out newcomers.  They could save you from making a costly mistake! Or send me an email!

Blah, blah, blah.  You just want to see the gear right? Choose the relevant section 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 Newbie Series : The Ultimate Guide For New Guitarists appeared first on LeftyFretz.

Time to crank up the noise!  In Part 6 of our Newbie Guide I’ll recommend the best beginner guitar amplifier choices for new players that’ll sound great without breaking the bank.

As a new player, or as a parent buying for a child, finding the best beginner guitar amp can be a daunting task. What are the best brands? What wattage do I need? What is the best for heavier music? Do I need built-in effects?

Take a read through this article, and I promise you, all of these questions will fade away. From years of working in guitar retail, I’ve been able to whittle the choices down to just one range of amps which are head and shoulders above the rest.

What is the Best Guitar Amplifier for Beginners?

Best Electric Guitar Amplifier For Beginners

• Fender Frontman 10G – Best on a Budget
• Fender Champion 20 – Best All-Rounder
• Fender Mustang LT-25 – Best for Features

Read on to find out more about these 3 amps and find out which one is best for you!

First Off! Do You Actually NEED an Amp?

Before we look at the amps, here’s something you might not have considered – do you actually need one? The answer for most is that you probably do, but there’s also a second option for those of you who might need to keep the volume down. For example, if you live in a small apartment with neighbors to consider, or can only practice late at night.

A perfectly viable alternative to an amp is a multi-effects pedal and a set of headphones. If you feel that silent practice is the better route for you, head straight to our beginner guide to guitar effects where I’ll recommend some good pedal choices.

Keep in mind that you can also use headphones with an amp though! The advantages to going the pedal route is that it will be a little cheaper and you’ll have a much larger range of effects to play with.

On the other hand, if you’d like to make some noise and eventually jam with friends, keep reading!

How Many Watts For a Beginner Amp?

Guitar – For bedroom practice, guitarists should be looking for something around the 10-30 watt range. Calm down Slash, you don’t need a 7-foot tall full stack quite yet!! One of my first amps was a 60 watt Marshall which I bought because it looked cool.  I never turned that beast past 10% volume – what a waste!

Bass – Because of the lower frequencies of a bass guitar, you bassists will require a little added oomph to push more sound from the speaker. Anything from 10 up to around 50 watts should be good for home practice. But make sure you get a bona fide bass amp, as a regular guitar amp speaker isn’t designed to handle the lower frequencies of a bass guitar.

The Best Beginner Guitar Amplifier

Fender Frontman 10G – Best on a Budget

Click Here For Pricing Info

A real Fender amplifier for under 60 bucks?! Who woulda thought it!?

• 10 Watts
• 6″ Speaker
• Gain, Volume, Treble and Bass Controls
• Overdrive Switch
• Headphone Jack
• 11″ (H) x 10.25″ (W) X 5.75″ (D)
• 8.5lbs (3.8kg)

The compact Frontman 10G is the perfect choice for those on a tight budget who want a simple, no-frills amp without any over-complicated bells and whistles. At 10 watts it has plenty of power for bedroom practice, but might struggle to cut through the mix if you decide to jam with friends.

The design stays true to that classic Fender look with its sparkling silver grille cloth, textured black vinyl covering, and of course that legendary logo on front.

The controls are very simple with just a volume, treble, bass, and gain knobs. It also offers thick distortion at the flick of a switch. Other features include a headphone jack for silent practice and an Aux -In for connecting to an audio source so that you can jam along to your favourite tracks.

A lot of smaller amps like this end up sounding fairly tinny, but Fender has overcome this issue by utilising a closed-back design which helps to boost the bass response.

Consider all of these features and I think you’ll agree that at under $60 this amp is absolutely insane value for money. If you’re still not convinced, check out the overview video below to hear just how versatile this little beauty is.

The Frontman 10G will be great for any style of music apart from extremely heavy music which it might struggle a little with. If you are primarily a rock or metal player then you might like to check out one of the other two amp choices below!

Watched the video? Why are you still reading? Click here to get yours!

Fender Champion 20 – Best All Rounder

Click Here For Pricing Info

If you’re willing to drop a little extra money then the slightly bigger 20 watt Fender Champion should definitely be on your radar!

• 20 Watts
• 8″ Speaker
• Gain, Volume, Treble, Bass, Voice, and FX Controls
• Onboard Effects & Amp Modeling
• Headphone Jack
• 12.75″ (H) x 13.75″ (W) X 7.5″ (D)
• 12lbs (5.4kg)

Amp modeling! The Champion 20 features 12 different amp models which you can access with the ‘voice’ knob. 12 different amps in one tidy package sounds great, right? This little tardis of an amp can emulate anything from a classic Fender clean amp, to an overdriven British ‘Marshall’ amp, all the way up to a modern high-gain metal amp. It really can do it all!

Onboard effects! Another big difference between this and the Frontman is the inclusion of 6 in-built effects. This includes reverb, chorus, flange, delay, wah, vibratone, and tremolo. So pretty much every effect you would ever need! The ‘TAP’ button allows you to set the delay time and tremolo speed with precision. You can also blend the level of the effects you are using by utilising the ‘FX Level’ knob.

Check out the fabulous overview video below to hear exactly what this amp is capable of!

Like the Frontman 10G above, the Champion 20 also features that classic Fender aesthetic that has truly stood the test of time. There is also a headphone jack for quiet practice and an aux-in to connect an audio source to.

The Champion 20 has twice the wattage as it’s younger sibling above, so shouldn’t have too much trouble helping you transition into playing in a band scenario. It is also better suited to cope with a wider variety of genres including modern hi-gain metal. It packs in a lot of extra features for not a lot of extra money and without over-complicating things.

Fender Mustang LT-25 – Best Features

Click Here For Pricing Info

• 25 Watts
• 8″ Speaker
• Gain, Volume, Treble, Bass, Master, and Editing Controls
• 25 Onboard Effects, 20 Amp Models, 50 Tone Presets
• Headphone Jack, Onboard Tuner, USB Connectivity
• 12.75″ (H) x 14.5″ (W) X 8.25″ (D)
• 12.75lbs (5.7kg)

The Fender Mustang LT-25 is part of Fender’s new ‘GT’ range. A big difference between this and the two solid-state amps above is that the LT-25 is a digital amp. Find out the difference between digital and solid state at the bottom of this article.

Unlike the other two amps in this article, this new amp features a more modern aesthetic. As it is a digital amp it also features a digital user interface with a 1.8″ color display.

If you prefer traditional amp designs and would rather keep things simple then this might not be the amp for you! But if you like the look of it and really want the most features out of your first amp, let’s take a look at some of the features!

Amp modelling! The LT-25 features 20 different amps models, versus the 12 on the Champion 20, offering nearly twice the variety of different amp sounds.

Onboard effects! The Mustang really trumps that Champion again here with 25 different effects available – that’s over 4 times the fun! I’m not going to list all 25 here, but suffice to say – you will not run out!

Tone presets! Another big advantage of digital amps over solid state is that once you’ve dialled in your tone you can save it to memory and instantly recall it whenever you like. The LT-25 features 50 different tone presets which lets you instantly get up and running with tones defined by the experts at Fender. No more painstakingly dialling in sounds every time you need a new tone – just turn the knob until you find the sound you want. It’s worth noting that all of these presets can be overwritten with your own sounds if you’d prefer!

The LT-25 also features USB connectivity which will allow you to update the amp’s firmware, as well as connect to your computer for easy recording.

Other features include a headphone jack for quiet practice and aux-in to allow you to connect your favorite music player. There is also a footswitch connection to allow you to use a footswitch with the amp.

The Mustang LT-25 is not a lot more money than the Champion 20 above, so it should definitely be on your radar if budget allows! It will easily handle any genre and will be the perfect beginner guitar amplifier for the player looking for a really feature packed modern option.

Check out the fabulous overview video below to find out why you need one of these in your life!

If you want even more power and features, Fender also offer 40, 100 and even 200 watt variations of this amp!

So hopefully by now you’ve settled on the amp best suited to you. Now you can head to Part8: Accessories, because at the very least you’ll also need a cable and some plectrums!

Best Beginner Bass Guitar Amp

Next up, let’s get you bassists sorted. Since I made it so easy for the guitarists to pick their first amp, it just wouldn’t be fair if I were to bombard you with loads of choices. So to keep things easy I’ve whittled down the contenders to just one range of bass amps.

Fender Rumble v3 Series

Click Here for Pricing Info

The Fender Rumble series has been a top choice for beginner bassists for many years, and the new Version3 range is the latest incarnation released by Fender. The amps are fairly simple, affordable, and sound great, making them absolutely perfect for new players.

They are available in various shapes and sizes from 15-watt bedroom amps, all the way up to a 500-watt monster (which you don’t need right now!). As a beginner, I would suggest that the 15 or 25-watt models are going to be perfect for bedroom practice. The price difference between the two is fairly negligible, so if possible I’d opt for the 25-watt model just to have that little bit of extra headroom for when you’re ready to jam with friends.

Here’s a list of some of the main features on the 25 watt model:

• 8″ Fender Speaker
• Bass, Mid, Treble Controls with Mid-Scoop Contour Switch
• Overdrive Switch for More Aggressive Tones
• Headphone Jack for Silent Practice
• Lightweight (Approx 21 Pounds)
• Compact (15.25″ x 15.25″ x 11″)

Check out Fender’s own video below which showcases the versatility of these amps.

Hit the link above to get your own!

What is the Difference Between Solid State, Tube, Hybrid and Modeling Amps?

There are four different types of amplifiers which you can consider. Note that the best beginner guitar amps recommended on this page are all solid state.

Solid State – These amps utilise solid-state electronics such as diodes and transistors to amplify your signal.  As a beginner player this is most likely what you will be looking to get as these amps are generally the most affordable. Due to the electronics being solid-state, they are much more reliable than tube amps and very seldom need repaired.

Tube – Also known as Valve Amps, these models utilise one or more vacuum tubes to amplify your signal. Most experienced guitarists (aka tone snobs) will argue that tubes amps produce a superior sound when compared to solid state models. However, to your untrained beginner ears it’s unlikely that you’re going to notice much of a difference.  As tubes can blow-out and also deteriorate over time, they will occasionally need replacing.

Hybrid – Combines the best of Solid-State and Tube amps into one tidy little package. So hopefully you’ll get the extra warmth of tube tone, coupled with the affordability and reliability of solid-state.

Modeling – Also known as Digital Amps, these models use digital processors to mimic the sound of a tube amplifier. Modeling amps are programmable and more often than not will come with effects built in.  Because they are based around electronics and computer chips they are generally very light weight and reliable. Another great choice for new players.

Still have questions about choosing the best beginner guitar amp? Feel free to send me an email and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

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 Best Beginner Guitar Amplifiers appeared first on LeftyFretz.

The subject of guitar effects is far too complex to cover in a single post, so this article will serve as a very basic primer for new players. 

Effects come in a huge variety of different formats: individual pedals, multi-effects units, software based, amplifier based etc etc.  But how do you know which option is right for you as a beginner player?  Perhaps all you need is simply a couple of pedals in front of your amp, or maybe you need the choice and added features of a multi-effects unit, or perhaps you would benefit from the advantages of software based modelling.

As a new player I would absolutely suggest picking up a budget multi-effects unit – either standalone or computer based. These will allow you to sample all of the different effects and give you a great understanding of how they all function and fit together.  The best way to learn is through testing – do it inexpensively with a multi-fx unit rather than with thousands of dollars worth of individual pedals!

Types of Effects

Let’s first take a quick look at some of the more popular types of effects to see what they do…

Chorus: The chorus effect is used to create very full, somewhat dreamy sounds. It does this by creating a slightly de-tuned and delayed signal and playing it back with the original sound.

Compressor: A compressor basically averages out the signal produced by your guitar. It does this by boosting the quiet notes and reducing the louder ones.  This adds a more consistent, flowing feel to your sound.

Delay: When sound is reflected from a distant surface, a delayed version of the original signal is heard a short time later. Delay units electronically recreate this natural effect, by either analogue or digital means.

Distortion: Distortion pedals make your guitar sound….distorted..duh! Generally, this has come to mean everything from smooth tube overdrive to all manner of nasty, dirty, “my amp is exploding” tones.

Flanger: A flanger is another popular effect which adds a real ‘spacey’ kind of vibe to your sound.  It does this by creating a moving comb-filter effect that results in a sound with a series of ‘whooshes’.

Fuzz: Fuzz pedals emulate the sound of distortion from back when it was just beginning to be used. In the early days of distortion players would purposely blow out their speakers or even poke holes in them to achieve the effect.  Commonly associated with Jimi Hendrix, for example on songs such as Purple Haze.

Harmonizer: This is also known as a pitch-shifter. This effect has two main uses. It can enrich the sound of a guitar, using a harmonizer to add overtones which are in harmony with the original signal (sounds similar to chorus). The harmonizer can also generate a harmony note.

Octaver: This analogue effect (an early forerunner of the harmonizer) adds a single note either an interval of an octave above, or an octave below the original signal.

Overdrive: A more subtle type of distortion. Think of a blues guitar tone rather than a metal guitar tone.

Phaser: The sweeping, swooshing sound produced by a phaser is similar to a flanger but more subtle.

Reverb: Reverb is the effect of sound bouncing around a room or space. It’s the reason that you spend so much more time singing in the shower than you do in the lounge.  By applying reverb to your tone you will sound as if you are playing in a much larger room.

Tremolo: This is a rapid, continuous up/down change in volume. It comes built-in to many guitar amps and is used commonly in country and surf music.

Wah: This is a foot operated pedal which can be used to create a talking effect with your guitar. With the pedal flat a very high treble sound is produced and as it is raised the tone will become more bassy.

Multi Effects Units

As a beginner you’re probably anxious to try out all of the different effects above and then some. A very costly endeavour to undertake, and where to start!? If you’re taking your first tentative steps into the world of guitar effects then a much more money efficient option is a multi-fx unit.  These will generally contain the majority of the effects listed above, enabling you to sample each one and find out which you like the best. As a bonus, multi-fx units will often contain other useful features such as a built-in metronome and tuner.  You can absolutely use one of these units in place of an amp while you learn the ropes, all you need is a pair of headphones.

In some of the examples listed below I’ve included versions of the units with and without expression pedals.  The addition of an expression pedal will allow you to control parameters such as volume, wah or whammy effects with your foot.

Best Budget Multi Effects Pedal

On a budget, my top picks would be one of either the brand new Zoom G1 Four or Zoom G1X Four which are around the $80 mark. These affordable multi-effects pedals share almost the exact same features, with the obvious exception of the G1X Four having a built-in expression pedal to allow you to control effects such as wah, whammy and volume. Of course not everyone will need the expression pedal, but if you think you might like to use effects such as wah, then for an extra $20 the G1X Four is a no-brainer.

Click here to check out the Zoom G1 Four

Or if you need an expression pedal Click here to check out the Zoom G1X Four

The G1 Four features 60 different effects and the G1x Four features 70 (5 of which can be used simultaneously), and both feature 13 different amp models. They also have a built-in drum machine (metronome) featuring almost 70 different patterns for you to practice along with at your own speed.

An accurate tuner ensures you are always playing at perfect pitch.

Another awesome feature is the built-in looper, which allows you to record up to 30 seconds of high quality audio. A handy headphone jack allows for quiet practice. Unbelievably at this price, both units also include a well-lit LCD screen for easy navigation of the menu system. An auxilliary input on the back allows you to connect a music source, to allow you to jam along to your favorite songs. Both units also come with Zoom’s GuitarLab software which allows you to edit and manage your patches on a computer.

Both units can be powered with 4xAA batteries. Alternatively they can be powered with a standard 9V PSU (such as this one), or USB mini cable (such as this one).

Check out the excellent overview and demo video below!

These two really have everything you’ll ever need in one tidy little package – and all for less than the price of most individual effects pedals! Check them out at the links above.

Best Value Multi Effects Pedals For Guitar

You might be starting to think that Zoom has sponsored this article, but it isn’t true guv! They just happen to make some of the best ‘bang-for-your-buck’ products at the moment. If you have a little more cash to spend then my top two recommendations are the Zoom G3N and Zoom G3XN. As with the G1 models above, both of these pedals are identical, save for the fact that the G3XN has an expression pedal. The build quality is much higher than on the G1on and they have plenty of extra bells and whistles to help justify the higher price tag.

Click here to check out the Zoom G3N

Or if you’d like an expression pedal Click here to check out the G3XN

Both units include 70 different high quality effects, 5 amp and 5 cab emulators, and the ability to chain 7 of them together in any order. Other key features include a built-in tuner, drum machine, looper with up to 80 seconds of recording. Three large LCD displays with corresponding footswitches and knobs makes it easy to view and edit multiple effects at a glance.

Check out a demonstration video of both units below!

Like the G1 models above, the units can be powered via 4 AA batteries, but a 9V power supply is also included.

A key selling point of both of these multi-effects systems is that they can be plugged into your computer via USB to act as a recording interface! So once you get a little more advanced, either or these can be used to easily record your first masterpiece. As a bonus they come bundled with download licenses for Cubase LE, a very popular piece of recording software.

Computer Based Effects

An excellent alternative option to floor based effects is a computer based unit.  These are generally hardware interfaces that connect to your computer via USB, with the processing being handled by your computer through specially designed software.

The main disadvantage to using these types of unit is that you must always be at your computer for them to function. However the much larger interfaces provided by the software are far easier to use and more in-depth than the fiddly menus on a standalone effects unit. You also have the big advantage of everything being in one place. For example…

• Want to jam along to your favorite song?  Fire up Spotify or YouTube!
• Need a backing track in E Minor?  Load up a backing track website!
• Unsure how to sound like Hendrix?  Download a Hendrix patch!
• Need to record a new riff?  You’re already hooked up and ready to go!

Good examples include the Studio Series from Line 6, Amplitube from IK Multimedia, GuitarRig by Native Instruments and ReValver from Peavey.

Many of these products will only include the software, which means that you will also need to buy an additional interface to connect your guitar to the computer.  For this reason I highly recommend the Line 6 POD GX to new players, as it comes with everything you need right out of the box, i.e interface, cables and software. I have personally used one of these in one form or another for more than a decade now as my practice tool of choice – a great product for less than $100.

Smartphone/Tablet Based Effects

As above, but swap the computer for your phone! If you own a compatible phone or tablet there are many interfaces which will allow you to use your device as a full blown digital audio workstation.

Hopefully that wasn’t too complicated!  Next up in this series..accessories!

Still have questions? Feel free to send me an email and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

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 7 : Guitar Effects Pedals For Beginners appeared first on LeftyFretz.

Realistically you could spend more than the cost of a guitar and amp on extra accessories, but we’re just going to take a very brief look at some of the absolute must haves, as well as a few optional but super useful products.  Most of these products will cost as little as $5 – $10, so they are easily affordable and in most cases are absolutely worth having around.

Picks

Picks come in a wide variety of different shapes, sizes, thicknesses, materials and a whole swathe of other options.  Depending on what style of music is being played, different styles of picks can have a profound effect on the tone you will produce, and in a lot of cases the ease in which you can play.

Heavier picks with little to no flex are good for heavier music as they allow you to really dig into the strings to produce an aggressive tone, whereas thinner, more flexible picks sound great when used on a clean guitar for strumming and arpeggios.

As a beginner, try and find a selection of picks in a few different sizes and see what works best for you.

• Chromacast Pick Sample Pack – link
• Dunlop Pick Variety Pack – link

Cables

If you are an acoustic player you may or may not need a cable, but as an electric player it is a necessity.  If possible try and purchase a brand name cable – a $10-$20 lead will last you a hell of a lot longer than the $0.20 cables that come with most guitar kits – and they’ll sound better too!  It’s a false economy to keep buying inexpensive cables when one quality lead should potentially last you a lifetime when properly cared for! I remember back when I first started, spending a minute at the start of every practice session rotating my cheap cable to find the perfect position where it wouldn’t crackle or cut-out. And then of course, I couldnt actually move for fear of losing the sweet spot…

• Fender Performance Guitar Cable – link
• GLS Braided Instrument Cable – link

Guitar Stand

You’ll need somewhere safe to store your new pride and joy when not in use – grab yourself a stand, or if you’re handy with a drill, a wall hanger. Don’t be that guy who props their guitar up against a wall – it’ll just end in tears.

• OnStage Stand – link
• Hercules Auto-Grip – link
• Planet Waves Guitar Rest – link
• String Swing Wall Hanger – link

Strings

As a general rule of thumb heavier strings will give you a thicker, fuller sound, but the trade off is that they are harder to bend due to the added tension.  Thinner strings are easier to bend and sound a little brighter, but they are also more likely to break.  Because you never know when a string is going to break, it is advisable to have a spare set around at all times.

Stick with well known brands and you will be well served. Check out this link for some best-selling string sets complete with player reviews.

Myself, I’m a D’Addario player. For acoustic I use EJ16s, for electric I opt for EXL110s, and for bass I use EXL160s. All of these are perfect, all-rounder string sets – start with one of these and go from there!

String Winder

If your guitar doesn’t have a set of locking tuners (very likely on a beginner guitar) then a string winder is a godsend for speeding up restringing your instrument.  Many will come with a built-in string cutter to trim off any excess – definitely get one of these!

• Planet Waves Pro Winder String Winder and Cutter – link

Strap

If you want to rock out in your bedroom, or start jamming with friends as soon as possible then a good quality strap is a must have. There isn’t a lot to think about here – pick something you like the appearance of, and make sure it looks comfortable.  Wider straps tend to dig into your shoulder less and so are generally more comfortable.  The extra surface area on the wider straps also helps to counteract guitar dive, i.e when your headstock tries to headbutt the floor.

Check out a selection of popular guitar straps here, complete with player reviews.

Tuner

If your amp or effects pedal doesn’t already have one, then a tuner is a great tool to have to ensure that you are always playing in correct pitch.

A headstock clip-on tuner is a super useful item to have around as they can tune electric, bass and acoustic guitars. This is because these clever products can tune (very accurately!) via sound vibration. Just clip it to your headstock and you’re good to go. For around $10 this little gadget is an absolute must have!

• Snark Clip on Tuner (most popular) – link
• D’Addario NS Micro Clip on Tuner (most compact) – link

The Complete Guitar Tuner Guide
If you would like to learn more about guitar tuner apps, tuner pedals, clip-on tuners, automatic tuners and everything else tuning related, please check out my massive guide to the best guitar tuners.

Metronome

A tool no guitarist should be without!  The ability to practice an exercise at a slower, more easily manageable tempo, and gradually increase the speed is an absolute necessity when it comes to developing good clean technique.  Again, your amp or effects unit may come with one installed, but if not just use one of the many free metronomes available on the internet. Smartphone users will be able to find a plethora of metronome and drum-machine apps available.

Check out my complete guide to metronomes to find out more about this essential practice tool!

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning your pride and joy will fast become a soothing ritual for you, so it’s important to have the correct supplies on hand to ensure that you don’t damage the guitar.  It is especially important to keep your guitar clean if you live in a warmer country where you are more likely to sweat.  Bodily fluids will seep into the fretboard and eventually build up into a nasty grimy mess.  As an aside to making your guitar look like a hobo, these fluids will also cause your strings to deteriorate much faster, meaning more money spent changing them out. It’s a good habit to wipe down your strings after every practice session.

Pick up an inexpensive cleaning kit such as this one from Dunlop and discover the benefits of maintaining a clean instrument.

Gig Bag

If you’re going to be travelling to visit a guitar teacher or to jam with friends, you’ll need something to safely carry your guitar in. Here’s a list of popular gigbags, complete with player reviews. Try and purchase a model with plenty of padding, and a pocket or two always comes in handy for cables, spare strings and what not.

For the creme de la creme of bags, be sure to check out options from Mono.

A Set Up

If you have the money, take your guitar to your local guitar store and ask them to set it up for you.  They will adjust the guitar so that it is in the perfect playing condition by adjusting the intonation, ensuring the truss rod is correctly aligned, and setting the optimal string height etc.  This should cost no more than around $60 for a basic setup and will ensure that you get the best possible start to your new hobby.  A cheaper option would be to ask a friend who already plays to do it for you if they are up to the task.  This is a very optional step, but could make all the difference if your guitar is a bit of a lemon!  A hard to play guitar could kill your ambitions in one fell swoop…

Still have questions? Feel free to send me an email and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Hopefully that should sort you out with the accessories you will need to make a great start! Next up we’ll tackle lessons…

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 8 : Guitar Accessories appeared first on LeftyFretz.

You may have all the ambition in the world and be willing to drop $120 an hour for lessons from a god-like tutor, but if you can only spare 30 minutes a week for practice time this method of learning would quickly become frustrating, as well as ridiculously expensive.  Conversely, you may have all the free time in the world but no budget for lessons, in which case you might use some of the many free online resources to learn from.  This would also become frustrating as you try to figure out which of the many millions of pages/videos to use.  A balance must be found to suit your personal needs!

Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways that people learn to play…

A Personal Guitar Tutor

If you have a real burning ambition to become a top-flight guitarist in the shortest time possible then investing in a personal guitar teacher is likely going to be the best option for you.  A good tutor will be able to devise a plan specifically designed to get you to where you want to be in the most efficient fashion.  When you are spending your hard-earned cash on lessons you will probably feel more motivated to actually sit down and learn the material so that you don’t waste money covering the same lesson during the following session.

Don’t worry if you cannot find a good teacher in your area as many excellent tutors also offer online lessons via web-cam. In fact, if you are willing to shell out the big bucks many highly respected professional musicians offer this service – although you should probably wait until you are a little more advanced!

Choose This Option : If you can devote the time and money and want to advance quickly

DVD/Online Guitar Lessons

Perhaps you don’t have the money to spend on a private teacher, or maybe you’re busy and would much rather work on guitar at your own pace when you have the free time.  If you are not in the situation of being able to use a tutor, then DVD/online lessons may be a great choice for you. A high quality video series will still provide you with a structured lesson plan, but the big advantage is that you can chip away at it at your own convenience.

If you are new to guitar and just starting out I would recommend trying to find a DVD ‘course’ which takes you from absolute beginner to an intermediate or even advanced level.  You really don’t want to mix and match lessons from different sources in the hopes that you will end up at the right place.  Once you’ve learned the basics you can start picking up DVDs which cover individual styles and topics.

Also note that websites such as TrueFire.com offer an online alternative to DVD lessons.  Paid website lessons are a little cheaper than DVD lessons due to the lack of tangible materials and shipping costs. However you will need an internet connection to use such services as they usually operate on a subscription basis. I have used TrueFire myself in the past and can highly recommend their platform.

Choose This Option : If you have a limited budget or want to progress at your own pace.

LeftyFretz Learning Resources

You can also help support this website by checking out my very own e-book – Left Handed Guitar Chords. In this book you’ll learn over 300 chords, all displayed in a lefty friendly format.

Download it here. It really helps to keep the site running!

You can find my other online lessons here.

Guitar Instructional Books

I’ve listed a few books below which are all aimed specifically at left handed players.

• Left-Handed Guitar: The Complete Method by Troy Stetina
• Left Handed Guitar Fretboard and Chord Chart Instructional Poster
• Big Left Handed Guitar Chord Book by Richard Moran

Rocksmith

Personally, I’m not a big gamer, but this is a fun option for those of you with a PC or iOS/Android device. Rocksmith is an app that aims to teach you guitar (or bass) through interactive games and lessons. Definitely a great way to inject a little more fun into the learning process.

Rocksmith is currently available for PC, iOS, and Android. Simply sign up for a monthly subscription and away you go! Check out Rocksmith.

Guitar Magazines

Guitar magazines can be a great resource for learning guitar, just make sure you pick one that is aimed at newer players.  Taking out a subscription will sometimes come with a free gift, and each magazine will sometimes come with a smaller free gift which is more often than not very useful, i.e picks, strings etc.  In addition to the lessons you will also learn about the latest bands, equipment and news.  Magazines also cover a wide variety of different genres of music, so they can be a great way of expanding your horizons.  Also be sure to check out some of the excellent free online magazines such as Premier Guitar and iGuitar .

Free Online Resources

If you have no budget to spend on lessons, then utilising some of the many free online resources is probably going to be the option that you choose. The danger with going along this route is that there is so much information out there that it is very difficult to know exactly what you should be learning, and so it is easy to become lost and frustrated.

To help out, check out my guide to the best YouTube channels for free guitar lessons for beginners. Here, you will find 14 brilliant YouTube channels with a ton of structured and well-curated beginner-friendly lessons.

You may also enjoy this article – 150+ Beginner Friendly Guitar Songs. Here, I’ve listed a ton of easy songs that you can learn, with links to video lessons and chords.

Choose This Option : If you have a limited or non-existent budget.

Learn by Listening

We really take the internet for granted these days – with a few clicks of the mouse we can unearth an unending supply of lessons, tabs, videos, backing tracks etc.  But how did old-school players like Hendrix learn to play? They certainly didn’t download tabs or study on YouTube!  These guys learned through trial and error by listening to and copying other artists. And you can do the same – in fact I absolutely recommend it!

By listening to your favorite bands and trying to figure out their songs you will develop a great ear – a fantastic skill to have! If you spend years learning songs from tablature you will never develop the skills needed to transcribe songs by ear.  You should try and start figuring out songs by ear as early as possible in order to become a well rounded musician.

Choose This Option : Not an option! Supplement this with your regular learning method of choice.

Social Learning

Surround yourself with other musicians by forming a band as soon as possible.  Even if it’s only a once per week jam with a few friends who are also new to their instruments, you will be surprised at how much you can pick up from other people.  Most importantly, playing with others is a ton of fun!

Join a guitar forum and participate in the conversations. Generally people on these forums are more than happy to help out new players, and as a result they can be a great place to learn.  Seeing what other players are achieving is also a great motivational tool to help spur you on to the next level!

Choose This Option : Not an option! Supplement this with your regular learning method of choice.

That’s All Folks!

Hopefully if you have read through all 9 parts of the ‘Newbie Series’ you should be well on your way to taking your first steps.  

If you are still confused, feel free to drop me an email! 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 9 : Left Handed Guitar Lessons appeared first on LeftyFretz.