The Challenge Of Being A Left Handed Guitarist
The majority of musical instruments can be played equally well by those who are either right handed or left handed, and switching from a right handed musician to a left handed one with the same instrument is not usually a problem. However, in the case of the guitar this is not always true, and although some models of guitar can be handed over from a right handed person to a left handed one without any trouble or difficulty, there are many cases when a guitar is very clearly designed for someone who is specifically right handed that would prevent a left handed person from being able to play it at all, or at least, not effectively.
Guitars can often be constructed specifically for a left handed or a right handed person, and there is a marked difference between the role of the dominant hand and the secondary one. So in the case of a right handed person, the dominant hand would be their right one, with their left hand being considered the secondary hand. It is the role of the dominant hand to pluck or strum the strings of the guitar, with the secondary hand being used to hold the strings against the fret board or neck of the guitar to construct the chords to be played. The reason for the hands being used in this way round may seem odd at first, since, for a right handed person, it would appear that the left hand is doing more work through constructing a complex sequence of chords.
Often, for a beginner, one of the greatest challenges lies simply in being able to train the secondary hand to physically bend, twist and stretch to the chords, because our secondary hands are not as dextrous or flexible as our dominant ones, and although in normal everyday life this is never really noticeable (unless you try to write with your secondary hand), when playing a guitar it becomes very noticeable. However, the reason for playing a guitar this way round is because, once the chords are learnt and achievable, most of the expression of the music is generated through the strumming of the strings by the dominant hand, and the dynamics, tone and colour of the music comes almost entirely from this hand.
Our dominant hands are better able to create the very subtle distinctions in playing style which produce the expression of music, and overall quality, whereas our secondary hands are far more clumsy, and whilst we can teach them the basic chords, teaching them the subtly of tone and dynamics would be an almost impossible task. The same method of playing is true for those who play the violin, with the left hand, or secondary hand, being used to hold the neck of the instrument, and play the chords, with the dominant hand holding the bow which is responsible for giving the instrument the voice, tone and colour of the music.
There are some people who do not believe that the option of playing with either left or right hand should be available, and that everybody should play the instruments in the same way, with left handed people holding a guitar or a violin in the same way as a right handed person, but these people are generally a minority. No information is available as to whether these people are right or left handed however! It is unlikely that a standardisation of guitars and violins is likely to occur, since there is already a wealth of styles, designs and many custom options available to players, and many people develop their own style of music and performance through the natural way in which they hold the instrument.
Certainly with famous left handed guitarists including the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney and Kurt Cobain, it is unlikely that left handed guitarists will be overlooked.
About the Author
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, left handed guitars, custom guitars. You can find the best marketplace at these sites for guitars, drums, keyboards, sheet music, guitar tab, and home theater audio.
Hand made Marbles rolling.
|
|
BIG MAN. IMO Bug Wood Handmade, IB camoufla P NIP#Uh106 $10.49 |
|
|
SIGNED HANDMADE KOKOPELLI PENDANT $15.88 |
|
|
Uzbekistan Miniature:High qualt laborious hand made #75 $42.00 |
|
|
Ten Ties Made In ITaly 10 Ties Hand Made Designs $0.99 |
|
|
HAND MADE RUG 6×9 ORIENTAL JAIPUR CARPET FREE S&H $202.50 |
|
|
Uzbekistan Miniature:High qualt laborious hand made #76 $24.00 |
|
|
Holy water font ANGEL MUSIC Handmade Spain Talavera $9.99 |
|
|
Handmade Antique Japanese Sword Tanto Blade Katana $79.00 |
|
|
bigest sale ever 10X13 HAND MADE PERSIAN RUG T749 $525.00 |
|
|
HANDMADE FRESHWATER PEARL&PURPLE JADE BEADED NECKLACE $1.99 |
|
|
HANDMADE FRESHWATER PEARL&JADE BEADED NECKLACE $3.99 |
|
|
gorgeous masterpiece – handmade wire accessories $150.00 |
|
|
2 Holy water font Hand made in Spain Talavera Majolica $14.96 |
|
|
Uzbekistan Miniature:High qualt laborious hand made #77 $24.00 |
|
|
Tiger “Life Size” Statue Hand-Made all Leather~New $184.95 |
|
|
UZBEK HANDMADE EMBROIDERY SILK SUZANI LARGE SUZANI W60 $79.00 |
|
|
Uzbekistan Miniature:High qualt laborious hand made #78 $24.00 |
|
|
HANDMADE BEADED LADIES NECKLACE GORGEOUS L@@K!!! $8.99 |
|
|
beautiful 7X10 HANDMADE PERSIAN RUG Y824 $399.00 |
|
|
Eximious handmade ox bone snuff bottle buddha carved $0.99 |
|
|
NEW HANDMADE COFFEE Acoustic Guitar+Stand+Extras! $9.95 |
|
|
Blythe Outfit sweater coat sleeves pink heart Handmade $8.99 |
|
|
HAND MADE PERSIAN RUG 6×9 GABBEH FINE WOOL FREE S&H $240.27 |
|
|
HAND MADE PERSIAN RUG 10×14 KASHAN CARPET FREE S&H $229.50 |
|
|
Uzbekistan Miniature:High qualt laborious hand made #79 $24.00 |
|
|
COLORFUL UZBEK HANDMADE EMBROIDERY – SMALL “OYNA HALTA” $14.00 |
|
|
HANDMADE CLAY ART POTTERY VASE $3.99 |
|
|
NEW DESIGN !EXCELLENT HANDMADE YELLOW SILK HANDBAGS $3.99 |
|
|
KUFI/ BEANIE/RASTA/ COTTON HAND MADE SET OF 4 KUFI HATS $19.99 |
|
|
CHECKBOOK COVER MAIL CARRIER JEEP USPS-NEW HANDMADE $3.50 |
|
|
3 Princess GIRL HANDMADE CARDS NOTE GREETING $0.99 |
|
|
Uzbekistan Miniature:High qualt laborious hand made #80 $24.00 |
|
|
6 PCS CHINESE GORGEOUS HANDMADE EMBROIDER SILK MIRROR $7.95 |
|
|
HANDMADE BEADED LADIES NECKLACE GORGEOUS L@@K!!! $9.49 |
|
|
YELLOW BLACK CLEAR WHITE SEED BEADED EARRINGS HANDMADE $4.24 |
|
|
Uzbekistan Miniature:High qualt laborious hand made #81 $24.00 |
|
|
Flower Dollhouse Miniatures Craft Clay HandMade 34b $0.99 |
|
|
unbeatable price 10X13 handmade PERSIAN RUG Y458 $700.00 |
|
|
30 PCS CHINESE CHARMING HANDMADE EMBROIDER SILK MIRROR $15.95 |
|
|
GORGEOUS 55% pashmina 45% silk HANDMADE SHAWL/SCARF#220 $6.99 |
|
|
NEW LEOPARD ITALIAN HAND MADE ART GLASS MURANO VASE $0.99 |
|
|
11′5″x6′5″ Handmade Turkish Milas Area Rug/Carpet $499.99 |
|
|
Mini Tea Pots Eight Handmade Unique Clay $7.00 |
|
|
100% Silk Kimono Hand-Made Caftan Painted Gown Robe; $7.99 |
|
|
W189 – 16 Handmade Clay Talavera Mexican 4×4 Tiles $7.89 |
|
|
MARVELLOUS UZBEK SILK HANDMADE EMBROIDERY LONG SUZANI $79.00 |
|
|
New USA Hand Made Rawhide Bell Roping Saddle Stirrups $59.95 |
|
|
Uzbekistan Miniature:High qualt laborious hand made #82 $24.00 |
|
|
MR MAAN’S CUSTOM HANDMADE DAMASCUS STEEL FOLDING KNIFE $85.00 |
|
|
2 PCS GORGEOUS HANDMADE EMBROIDER SILK MIRROR #292 $2.99 |
|
|
W178 – 16 Mexican Talavera Tiles Clay Hand-made 4×4″ $7.89 |
|
|
HAND MADE PERSIAN RUG 10×13 TABRIZ CARPET FREE S&H $187.50 |
|
|
VINTAGE HANDMADE LEMON OR GARLIC SQUEEZER! HAND CARVED! $6.49 |
|
|
bigest sale ever 10X13 handmade persian RUG T758 $499.75 |
|
|
Cantini HandMade in Italy Blue/multi floral tie $135 $3.26 |
|
|
3MM Round Leather Handmade Necklace Free Size $0.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE HAND TRAP THROWER MADE BY WESTERN CARTIDGE CO. $14.99 |
|
|
Handmade Chinahead or Parian Doll Body NR $9.99 |
|
|
Uzbekistan Miniature:High qualt laborious hand made #83 $24.00 |
|
|
New Prom Jewelry Purple Beads Handmade Choker Necklace $0.99 |
|
|
Babykins Hand-crocheted Pretty Rose Baby Blanket $34.49 Wrap your sweet little girl in a pretty crocheted baby blanketBaby bedding features elegant 3D crocheted rosesBlanket is the perfect gift to shower parents and their new arrival |
|
|
Handmade Multi-colored Unscented Candles (South Africa) $19.99 These cheerfully-colored candles are hand-painted by artisans in South Africa. Candles are unscented and wicks and paints are lead-free. |
|
|
Handmade ‘Simply Perfect Village’ Necklace (India) $20.99 Soft silver bells ornament this mixed metal necklaceWarm and cool tones blend in subtle harmony on this choker for the perfect day or night look Jewelry is strung of five beaded strands |
|
|
Handmade Copper Vision Necklace (India) $17.49 Make a statement with this Copper Vision NecklaceTwenty strands of graduated seed beads cascade from throat to chest in a bold, yet lightweight necklaceHandcrafted by talented artisans in India |
|
|
Handmade Soho Beige Burst New Zealand Wool Rug (7′6 x 9′6) $360.99 Rug’s chic designs will instantly transform your home into an elegant abodeContemporary round rug features a modern art deco burst designArea rug is handmade from New Zealand wool pile |
|
|
Handmade Soho Brown Burst New Zealand Wool Rug (5′ x 8′) $229.99 Rug’s chic designs will instantly transform your home into an elegant abodeContemporary rug features a modern Art Deco burst designArea rug is handmade from New Zealand wool pile |
|
|
Handmade Paradise Ivory Rug (5′6 Round) $103.99 Transitional round rug complements your home decorHandmade floor rug features a floral ivory backgroundArea rug is hand-hooked from a 100-percent wool pile |
|
|
Handmade Sterling Silver Amethyst ‘Cawi’ Ring (Indonesia) $45.99 Click here for Ring Sizing Chart.Sterling silver jewelryPretty amethyst ring |
|
|
Handmade Soho Brown Burst Wool Rug (7′6 x 9′6) $361.99 Rug’s chic designs will instantly transform your home into an elegant abodeContemporary rug features a modern art deco burst designArea rug is handmade from New Zealand wool pile |
|
|
Handmade Soho Beige Burst Wool Rug (5′ x 8′) $215.99 Rug’s chic designs will instantly transform your home into an elegant abodeContemporary rug features a modern art deco burst designArea rug is handmade from New Zealand wool pile |
|
|
Handmade Sterling Silver ‘Leaves’ Ring (Thailand) $18.99 Show off your unique style with a lovely sterling silver ‘Leaves’ ringRing is crafted of .925 sterling silverWorld jewelry is designed and handcrafted by talented Thai artisans |
|
|
Handmade Silver Link Bracelet with Toggle Clasp $38.49 Bracelet features clusters of smaller links punctuated by larger onesJewelry boasts fashionable toggle closureBracelet is sure to enhance any ensemble with a simple yet stylish design |
|
|
Handmade Premium Leather Shag Rug (5′ x 8′) $147.49 Enhance your home decor with a handmade floor rugHand-tied shag rug features strips of soft, genuine leatherCasual rug boasts black tones |
|
|
Handmade Soho Brown Burst New Zealand Wool Rug (3′6 x 5′6) $109.99 Rug’s chic designs will instantly transform your home into an elegant abodeContemporary rug features a modern art deco burst designArea rug is handmade from New Zealand wool pile |
|
|
Handmade Singing Bowl with Stand (Nepal) $26.99 Add a touch of Himalayan culture to your living room with this exotic Singing Bowl. Singing bowls, also known as meditation bowls, have a history of curative use. |
|
|
Handmade Metal Fireplace Screen $127.99 Beautiful, handmade metal fireplace screen will be a unique addition to your homeScroll pattern fire screen will instantly upgrade the whole look and feel of the roomFunctionality should be beautiful |
|
|
Handmade Soho Brown Burst Wool Rug (6′ Round) $182.99 Rug’s chic designs will instantly transform your home into an elegant abodeContemporary round rug features a modern art deco burst designArea rug is handmade from New Zealand wool pile |
|
|
Handmade Sterling Silver Wide ‘Cawi’ Ring (Indonesia) $40.49 Click here for Ring Sizing Chart.Ring features floral designJewelry crafted of sterling silver |
|
|
Handmade Soho Brown Burst Wool Rug (2′ x 3′) $35.49 Enhance your home decor with this Soho Brown Burst rug Luxurious rug is made of 100-percent New Zealand woolFashionable floor rug features a contemporary motif |
|
|
K&Company Handmade Silhouettes ‘Viola Vita’ 116-piece Paper Pack $10.29 Get creative with your next scrapbook when you use this paper from K&CompanyHandmade paper pack includes six die-cut papers plus tons of cardstock die-cutsScrapbooking paper features a colorful Viola Vita theme |
|
|
Handmade Soho New Zealand Wool Burst Rug (2′6 x 8′) $112.99 High-quality Art Deco Safavieh wool rug features a hand-tufted modern designContemporary area rug displays stunning gem tones of red, rust and ivoryHigh quality, ultra-stylish rug |
|
|
Handmade Paradise Black Runner Rug (2′6 x 10′) $84.99 Enhance the elegance of your home decor with this handmade wool rugHand-hooked floor runner features a transitional designParadise Collection rug has a floral black background made from a pure wool pile |
|
|
Isaaco Men’s Handmade Leather Belt $13.99 Isaaco men’s belt is ideal for everyday wearMen’s accessory handmade of plush leather Adjustable belt boasts an embossed braid design |
|
|
Handmade Zebra Print Wool Rug (3′6 x 5′6) $94.99 Bring a touch of elegance to your home decor with this chic wool rug Contemporary rug boasts Safavieh’s Zebra design in soft all-natural wool pileHand-tufted area rug features contrasting colors of ivory and black |
|
|
Handmade Glass and Agate Summer Meadow Necklace (India) $20.99 Summer Meadow necklace inspired by the beauty of the summer fieldsSeven graduated lines of beads in a rich mix or olive green, amber and creamA pretty accent to dress up or down any outfit |
|
|
Handmade Heritage Hand-spun Wool Kermansha Rug (4′ x 6′) $93.99 Traditional style rug boasts a dense woven thick pileArea rug is constructed of 100-percent hand spun wool using an ancient pot dying technique Gorgeous floor rug is a must-have in any decor |
|
|
Turquoise Handmade Naga Necklace (India) $26.49 Spice up any outfit with our turquoise Naga hand-beaded jewelryNecklace is a reproduction of a tribal necklace from NagalandHandmade jewelry measures 28-inches long |
|
|
Handmade Patchwork Quilt (Guatemala) $121.99 Bring a touch of Guatemala into your home with a magnificent patchwork quiltQuilt is sure to liven up any tired bedroom decorBedding is available in red earth tone and yello/gold color options |
|
|
Handmade Guatemalan Patchwork Quilt (Guatemala) $114.99 Handcrafted quilt combines vibrant color schemes with a variety of indigenous designsPatchwork quilting is a traditional Mayan craftBring a touch of Guatemala into your home with these magnificent patchwork quilts |
|
|
Rust Patchwork Quilt Set (Guatemala) $142.99 These handcrafted, high-quality patchwork quilts and pillow covers are created by Mayan cooperatives in the western highlands of GuatemalaThe set includes 1 patchwork quilt and 3 embroidered pillow covers |