I received an email from a parent asking me about her left handed son that wants to start playing guitar. Here is what he asked me and my thoughts on this. Thanks for the question Paul! Question: My son is left handed and in doing my research online I seem to be finding that there are many more right handed guitarists. Should I encourage him to try to play righty?
Answer:I would have to say no. If your son is a confirmed lefty and holding a left handed guitar is more comfortable then he should definitely go lefty. First, he will be more comfortable and it will encourage him to play and practice more often and second there are plenty of guitar manufacturers building great left handed models.
I have heard about some folks that encouraged their left handed kids to play righty and most of them became very frustrated and eventually gave up. It is true that there are more options as far as guitars go for right handed players especially when it comes to vintage instruments but more manufacturers are offering left handed models than ever. I remember working with Jim Pasch at Outlaw Guitars as the repair tech back in the 90s and when a left handed vintage guitar came in the door it was sold within the same day. Why? It’s because left handed vintage guitars are very rare. A young budding rocker that’s left handed and just getting started needn’t worry about the vintage market so soon however. Let him be comfortable and enjoy the experience of playing the guitar and all the joy that learning can bring. This will help him with focus, achieving goals and working together as a team when he starts to play with other musicians.
So encourage him to be a lefty and don’t try to sway his DNA (hey I rhymed….). It will be a much more pleasurable experience for him and for you, the parents! Besides he will be among many lefty great such as Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Dick Dale and Kurt Cobain.
My shop is located at 1 Executive Dr Unit L Toms River, NJ 08755
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or are in need of some tech work.
- Monday: 10am - 5pm
- Tuesday: 10am - 5pm
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10am - 5pm
- Friday: 10am - 5pm
- Saturday 10am - 2pm. (I am in every other Saturday).
I am also an Eminence, Mercury Magnetics, Mojo Musical Supply dealer.
I do all the tech work myself so you deal directly with me. I am a one man shop and my hours can vary so please contact me to confirm that I will be open.
Email me: billy@300guitars.com
Call or text me: 848-218-0362
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Please ship all repairs to: 1 Executive Dr Unit L Toms River, NJ 08755
I am currently offering all phases of guitar work which includes:
- Set-ups
- Fret dressing
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And amplifier work which includes:
- Basic maintenance
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Testimonials:
David Nicholas - The 20watt amp is sounding fantastic! Delivered the goods at the gig and I'm finding cool tones all over the place with it. Love the cab w Emenince Tonkerlites too- perfect for my sounds! Makes the 12 string sound like a grand piano!
Peter Lacis - I had an audition for something recently that was all about Led Zeppelin I -- my custom Pennalizer BLEW THE MINDS of the guys I was playing with. They couldn't believe the sounds coming out of that amp. That album was never in my mind when I came up with the idea....so that's yet another testament to the amazing work that you do.
Scott Goldberg - I am very satisfied with the set-up, and the fast turn around. With the "lower" action it feels easier to play. I will definitely spread the word.