I am a beginner and know nothing about guitars. I just bought (what I assume is) a right handed guitar. I don't want to return it and seek out a left handed one just for beginning.... Can't I just have the strings re-tied so they work like a left handed guitar?
2007-07-06 06:53:14 · 11 answers · asked by jackrrabitt 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
You say "re-tied" - does that mean it's a classical style guitar with nylon strings? If so, then yes you can just switch the strings. If it's a steel string - then it's not quite as easy. The nut (by the tuning pegs) is slotted for the width of the strings. You may have to file the bass string slots wider so the strings fit. Also, like the other post said - consider playing "right-handed" lots of lefties do.
2007-07-06 07:31:35 · answer #1 · answered by PJH 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some people do, and then some learn to play it right handed, after all you use both hands in playing. Playing guitar has sort of made me ambidextrous in a lot of things, I know when I taught my self to type I had no problem. As for doing anything to a guitar, you said that you know nothing about guitars, I would say that the wise thing is, don't do anything to it you may make a mistake, and do something wrong, take it to an expert, a luthier or somewhere like the Guitar Center they have people that do that kind of thing, Think about Jimmi Hendricks, he was left handed, go on youtube and watch how he does it !!!!!!
2007-07-06 09:08:39 · answer #2 · answered by chessmaster1018 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can re-string a right-handed guitar to play left-handed, but I'd suggest that you take it to a guitar shop and have them replace the nut. The nut is a nylon piece at the top of the neck that holds the strings in place. You'll see that it is "cut" to allow the strings to come through. The problem is if you reverse the stringing of the guitar you'll have too much play with the steel strings, and the heavier wound strings won't be held in place properly. The techs at a guitar shop can put in a nut designed for left-handed guitars. Shouldn't cost you more than $50.00 to have them replace the nut and re-string the guitar for you.
2007-07-06 07:34:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. I don't know about Hendrix being the greatest rock guitarist of all time (funny, Clapton comes to mind first), but he did restring his fender strat because he played guitar left handed. Give it a shot, if it's more comfy then more power to you!
Adam Jones from Tool plays guitar right handed and he is left handed in EVERYTHING ELSE that he does in life, so don't think you have to play left-handed if it doesn't feel right or you got used to otherwise.
2007-07-06 23:11:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The nut and the saddle will have to be removed and then placed back in reverse. The nut is the white plastic piece adjoining the headstock and the fretboard. The saddle is the white piece of plastic or bone that rests upon the bridge at the widest part of the guitar top where the strings overlap.
Take it to a reputable luthier or music store to have it done for you. Don't risk ruining the guitar by your attempts.
2007-07-06 08:52:56 · answer #5 · answered by Guitarpicker 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just because you are left-handed does not mean you should play the guitar left handed.
Make sure that left handed playing "really" feels better to you before deciding.
I am left handed and play using the standard "right-handed style. I find that the dexterity I have fretting the notes with my left hand is far more important than picking with my left hand would be.
Try it out first.
2007-07-06 11:22:00 · answer #6 · answered by True Blue 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are just a left-handed beginner, but maybe you're onto a level of genius!
Jimi Hendrix, the greatest rock guitarist of all time, did just what you suggest. He took a Fender Stratocaster right-handed guitar, restrung it to suit his left-handedness, and the rest is history.
Now, the rest is up to you . . . .
2007-07-06 07:13:31 · answer #7 · answered by nora22000 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes do not just replace the strings; you need to replace the nut too.
its for keeping intonation.
2007-07-06 08:44:39 · answer #8 · answered by patrick 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yeah you can do that, while you are at it you can buy new strings, i recomend anti-rust elixir strings they are by far the best you can get.
2007-07-06 11:07:16 · answer #9 · answered by smabc01 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-07-06 06:55:34 · answer #10 · answered by horse.maiden 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋