The Best Left-Handed Guitars for Every Budget
Lefties from Harley Benton, Fender, Gibson, and many more!
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Left-Handers in music… A drum kit is easy to move around, it doesn’t really make a difference when playing the piano, and it doesn’t matter at all for singing. As for the strings: While some left-handers attempt to learn to play right-handed guitars, the actual solution is a guitar with the strings reversed. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best left-handed guitars for beginners, intermediates, and pros! There is something for everyone, and all you need to know about the most famous left-handed guitar players!
Best Left-Handed Guitars:
The Most Famous Left-Handed Guitarists
If you look at stages and in music videos, you’ll notice that it’s not all that uncommon to see guitars played “backwards.” After all, the list of famous left-handed guitarists is surprisingly long. Let’s start with THE guitar god: Jimi Hendrix.
But even beyond that, the list of left-handed musicians in rock, metal, jazz, and pop is an illustrious one. For example, we’ve got Black Sabbath’s god of thunder Tony Iommi, Paul McCartney (of the indie band The Beatles), Kurt Cobain (of the classic rock’s Nirvana), Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (guitar god of Mars Volta and At the Drive-In), Dick Dale (Misirlou, the Pulp Fiction anthem), and Courtney Barnett (Australian indie superstar).
So, there are many examples for left-handed guitarists. If you’re here because you’re left-handed, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s take a look at the best left-handed guitars for every budget.
Why Manufacturers Produce Fewer Left-Handed Guitars
From our view, it’s pretty easy for manufacturers. These days, almost everything relevant in guitar design is created on a computer and then milled by machines. Simply mirroring the design should certainly be no problem.
Hpwever, it is a bit of an economic problem, because if only about 20% of people are left-handed, then why should 100% of the models be adapted? We simply live in a system that cannot do without the economic factor.
By now, every reputable dealer has created separate categories for left-handed players*. For example, Thomann currently has exactly 336 models in that category. That’s something, at least. Others have significantly fewer. So let’s take a look at the best left-handed guitars!
The Best Left-Handed Guitars for Beginners
Let’s start with entry-level models. For beginners, the ST model Harley Benton ST-20LH* is definitely worth a look. After all, you certainly don’t see an electric guitar at that price with the look of a Stratocaster every day. Those who prefer a Tele for their first guitar might take a look at the Harley Benton TE-52*. And it’s stylish, too!
If you prefer a bluesier sound, check out this semi-hollow model, the Harley Benton HB-35LH*. Two humbuckers, stylish black, still beginner-friendly. We also found a model for the heavy metal crowd among left-handers. The Jackson JS32-L Rhoads AH SG* comes with two humbuckers and a pointy, “Flying V”-like shape. Some of the best left-handed guitars for beginners!
The Mid-Range: Best Left-Handed Guitars Up to 900 Euros
Let’s move on to the mid-range. These guitars offer higher quality, because the best left-handed guitars are made with higher-grade materials. As a result, they last longer and often sound better too. To start things off, we have the Danelectro DE 59M LH NOS+* – semi-hollow, lipstick pickups, everything a little different, including the sound.
Of course, the Les Paul line also includes an model for left-handers, too. While Gibson itself doesn’t offer any models in the mid-range segment, that’s where its Epiphone comes in. They offer a left-handed model in their lineup: the Les Paul Standard*, featuring two ProBucker pickups. Fender also has a few options in this price range, especially in the Player II Series. A prime example is this truly beautiful Telecaster* in a sunburst finish.
The Three Best Left-Handed Guitars for Professionals
When the price hits four figures, we’re talking about models designed for professional standards. And even as a passionate hobbyist, you can certainly have those! Amon the best left-handed guitars, we found a few real gems for you in this segment from a whole range of models. Starting with THE left-handed guitar, the Jaguar Signature* by Kurt Cobain.
Fans of more angular body shapes should also check out the left-handed electric guitar Epiphone Korina Explorer*. It’s got that Metallica vibe in spades! A
nd since we’ve mentioned Tony Iommi, we simply have to wholeheartedly recommend a model similar Gibson Signature SG, a Gibson SG 61*.
And if you’re not looking for something not from the name brands but still value the finest components and the best playing feel, then the Caribou LH by Duesenberg* is a genuine recommendation.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a wide range of models available even for the 20 percent of left-handed players. Which models would you still like to see in left-handed versions? Which guitar did we shockingly leave out? Let us know in the comments!
Of course, the selection is much larger than we could possibly cover with this list. But perhaps you’ve also gained an impression of just how many renowned musicians—both male and female—there are and have been who play left-handed.
Because sometimes, given the overwhelming number of right-handers, you can feel a bit like you’re fighting a losing battle. Or like an outsider on stage, because all the other four guitarists hold their guitars the other way around.
FAQ: Best Left-Handed Guitar
What is the best left-handed guitar for beginners?
The best left-handed guitar for beginners is one that balances comfort, playability, and price. Models like a Squier Stratocaster or Yamaha Pacifica (left-handed versions) are popular because they offer reliable build quality and familiar ergonomics without costing much. Avoid ultra-cheap no-name options—they often make learning harder than it needs to be.
Are left-handed guitars more expensive than right-handed ones?
Yes, in many cases left-handed guitars are slightly more expensive and less widely available. Production runs are smaller, which drives up cost and limits choice. That said, major brands like Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, and Ibanez usually offer key models in left-handed versions, so you’re not stuck with poor options.
Can left-handed players use right-handed guitars?
Technically yes, but it depends on how you approach it. Some players (like Jimi Hendrix) flipped right-handed guitars upside down, while others restring them properly. For beginners, though, a dedicated left-handed guitar is usually the better choice—it avoids setup issues and lets you focus on playing instead of adapting the instrument.
What should I look for in the best left-handed guitar?
Focus on the same fundamentals as any guitar: neck comfort, build quality, tuning stability, and pickups that suit your style. Because options are more limited, it’s even more important to choose a proven model rather than chasing niche specs. Availability and resale value also matter more in the left-handed market.
Are there enough options when searching for the best left-handed guitar?
There are fewer options than for right-handed players, but the situation has improved a lot. Most major categories—Strat-style, Les Paul-style, Tele-style, and modern metal guitars—are available in left-handed versions. The key is to be flexible with finishes and minor specs, because exact variants can be harder to find.
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4 responses to “The Best Left-Handed Guitars for Every Budget”
Hello,
Just a message to reinforce the fact that if the first time you grab a guitar, you do it as a lefty, don’t fight and learn as a lefty. The choice of lefty guitars is tremendous , not need to bother playing in a not natural way.
From low cost to luxury ones you’ll always find what you desire. Don’t have so much choice on colours or spec, but nothing that should restrain you from playing lefty.
I love and can afford high end guitars and I’m really satisfied with the offer. Not to mention folk models.
Concerning diversity, my latest treat was a White falcon in June. ( if you’ve never tried one, you’ve missed something!!)
Go and learn lefty. The more we are the better the offer will keep on expanding!
Not being able to (at one time or another) simply pick up one of my buddies guitbox and attempt 2 give it a werl is probably the main reason I ended up on the harmonica instead. Although the southpaw selection *has* gotten better by leaps and bounds, no question.
Go to guitar center and look the left handed guitars and show me the leaps and bounds. More like a whisper….. but thanks for the help for hope
If you’re a starting lefty who’s never played guitar before then do this:
Go to a guitar shop, ask for a same (or very similar type) guitar in right and left handed variants. Whichever feels more natural to you, go for it.
I know people who are left handed but still started on right handed guitars because it felt more natural to them. Completely personal preference, don’t feel bad because of the “left handed tax” or the lack of choice for lefties. Still plenty of stuff out there, while yes it’s true that not every model comes as lefty. The latter might come as a good thing actually, helps with the choice by eliminating a bunch of stuff you really don’t need but just want 😉