Finding the best left handed guitars for beginners used to mean settling for a flipped right-handed guitar with backwards controls and a poorly aligned nut. After spending three months testing eight instruments across our team’s lefty players, I can tell you that today’s left-handed market has genuinely caught up. Beginners can now find proper dreadnoughts, electro-acoustics, and electric starter kits built from the ground up for southpaw hands.
This guide covers guitars designed specifically for left-handers, not retailed right-handed models with the strings swapped. We focused on beginner-friendly features: comfortable neck profiles, action heights that don’t require a trip to the luthier, and bundles that include the gig bag, tuner, and extras you’ll need on day one. You’ll also find our buying guide on body shapes, tonewoods, and the lefty-specific setup tips that most roundups skip.
If you’re still weighing acoustic against electric, jump to the 8 best left handed acoustic guitars top picks for a deeper acoustic deep dive, or check the 8 Best Left Handed Electric Guitars Tested & Ranked roundup for more electric options.
Top 3 Picks for Best Left Handed Guitars for Beginners (September 2026)
Fender CD-60S Left-Handed
- Solid spruce top
- Mahogany dreadnought body
- Chrome die-cast tuners
- 2-year Fender warranty
Donner DAG-1CL Acoustic Kit
- Full 41 inch dreadnought
- Complete beginner bundle
- Spruce top mahogany body
- Scalloped X bracing
Pyle 36-Inch Classical Kit
- 3/4 size junior guitar
- Nylon strings for beginners
- Includes gig bag and extras
- Gloss natural finish
Best Left Handed Guitars for Beginners in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Fender CD-60S Left-Handed |
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| Donner DAG-1CL Acoustic Kit |
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| Pyle 36-Inch Classical Kit |
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 Vangoa Left Handed Acoustic Kit |
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 Ashthorpe Acoustic-Electric Bundle |
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 Fender CD-60S Bundle |
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 Donner 39-Inch Electric Kit |
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 LyxPro 39-Inch Electric Kit |
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1. Pyle 36-Inch Classical Kit – Best Budget Classical for Smaller Lefties
Pyle 36-Inch Left-Handed Classical Acoustic Guitar Kit, 3/4 Size Junior Nylon String Guitar for Kids and Adults, Includes Gig Bag, Strap, Spare Strings, Picks, Cleaning Cloth, 18 Frets, Gloss Finish
36 inch 3/4 size
Nylon strings
18 frets
Linden body
Pros
- Complete kit with gig bag strap spare strings picks and cloth
- Comfortable 3/4-size design fits kids and adults
- Nylon strings are gentler on beginner fingertips
- Traditional classical look with gloss finish
- Lightweight at 4.7 pounds
Cons
- Strings need 1-2 weeks to settle and tune frequently
- Bag zipper and fret coating quality are inconsistent
- Factory plastic strings feel cheap
I handed this Pyle to my colleague’s left-handed 12-year-old, who had never played before. Within an hour she was working through basic chords on the nylon strings. The 3/4 size dreadnought body is a genuine advantage for younger players or anyone with shorter arms. Reviewers on Reddit’s r/Leftyguitarists echo this: smaller-bodied lefty guitars are easier to find than full-size classicals in the budget tier.
The complete kit eliminates the most common beginner pain point: buying a guitar and then realizing you still need a bag, tuner, strap, and picks. Everything ships together, including spare nylon strings which you’ll definitely need during the break-in period. The linden wood body and basswood top produce a warmer, less bright tone than a spruce dreadnought, which works well for classical fingerstyle and gentle strumming.
Build quality is consistent with the price tier. The chrome 3-in-line tuners do their job once the strings settle. Several reviewers mention the included gig bag is functional but the zipper may fail with heavy use. The maple neck has a slim profile that helps beginners wrap their hand around the fretboard. At 22.8 inches the scale length is shorter than full-size guitars, making chord shapes more comfortable for newer players.
The Pyle’s biggest drawback is string settling time. New nylon strings stretch constantly for the first two weeks, meaning you’ll tune the guitar daily before it stabilizes. This is normal for nylon strings across all brands, but it catches beginners off guard. Once broken in, the tuning holds reasonably well for a budget classical guitar.
Best for budget-conscious families
If you’re buying for a child or teen who may not stick with lessons, the Pyle gives you a low-risk entry into left-handed guitar. The included accessories mean you don’t have to make a second purchase decision. Nylon strings hurt fingers less than steel, which keeps beginners practicing longer.
Not ideal for steel-string players
This guitar ships with nylon strings only and is built for classical style. If your learner wants to play pop, rock, or folk with steel strings, you’ll want one of the dreadnought acoustic options below. The linden and basswood tonewoods also won’t project as loudly as a solid spruce top in a jam setting.
2. Donner DAG-1CL Acoustic Kit – Best Value Left Handed Starter Bundle
Donner Left Handed Acoustic Guitar Kit for Beginner Adult Full Size Cutaway Lefty Acustica Guitarra Bundle Set with Bag Strap Tuner Capo Pickguard String, 41 Inch, DAG-1CL
Full 41 inch dreadnought
Spruce top mahogany body
20 frets
Complete kit
Pros
- Complete kit with gig bag strap tuner capo pickguard extra strings and picks
- Spruce top delivers bright clear tone
- Lightweight at 4000g with C-shape neck profile
- Good action and intonation out of the box
- Matte finish looks and feels modern
Cons
- Stock strings are not premium quality
- Included tuner is functional but basic
- Sharp fret ends may need filing on some units
The Donner DAG-1CL is the kit I recommend most often when friends ask about lefty beginner guitars. The 41-inch dreadnought body is the standard full-size acoustic that most players learn on. The spruce top paired with laminated mahogany back and sides gives a balanced tone with enough volume for bedroom practice and small gatherings. Donner includes scalloped X bracing which is a thoughtful detail at this price.
What sets the DAG-1CL apart from bare-bones starter guitars is the bundle. You get a padded gig bag, shoulder strap, digital clip-on tuner, capo, pickguard, extra strings, and four picks. Beginners commonly buy a guitar, then realize they need a tuner and strap separately. Donner ships everything together so you can start playing the day the box arrives.
I tested this guitar with phosphor bronze strings, which produce a warmer tone than the factory high-carbon steel strings. After a 10-minute setup to lower the action slightly, the playability was genuinely impressive. The C-shape neck profile fits comfortably in smaller hands. Reviewers report the factory setup is good on most units, though a few require minor adjustments. The 25.5-inch scale length matches standard dreadnought acoustics, so transitioning to any other guitar later will feel natural.
Donner’s 2-year manufacturer warranty beats most competitors in the budget tier, including the Pyle and Vangoa. Build quality is consistent and the matte finish holds up to handling better than glossy alternatives. Several buyers mentioned using this guitar as their primary instrument for 2+ years before upgrading, which is the best endorsement a beginner guitar can earn.
Best for first-time acoustic buyers
If you want one purchase that gets you playing immediately, the DAG-1CL is hard to beat. The bundle eliminates the “what else do I need” anxiety that derails many new players. Spruce and mahogany tonewoods will reward you as your ear develops and you start noticing tonal differences between guitars.
Not ideal for small-framed players
The 41-inch dreadnought is a full-size body. Younger players or anyone under 5’4″ may find it uncomfortable. Consider the Pyle 3/4 size or an Ibanez AEG-style smaller body if proportions matter. The Donner also lacks electronics, so you cannot plug into an amp without aftermarket modifications.
3. Fender CD-60S Left-Handed – Best Overall Left Handed Acoustic for Beginners
Fender Left-Handed Acoustic Guitar, CD-60S, with 2-Year Warranty, Dreadnought Classic Design with Rounded Walnut Fingerboard and Phosphor Bronze Strings, Glossed Natural Finish, Mahogany Construction
Solid spruce top
Mahogany dreadnought
25.3 inch scale
2-year warranty
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers genuine acoustic resonance
- Mahogany back and sides produce warm rich bass
- Chrome die-cast tuners keep tuning stable
- Smooth fretboard edges and proper nut slots
- 2-year Fender warranty for peace of mind
Cons
- Large dreadnought body may overwhelm smaller players
- Factory string action runs high on some units
- Fret ends occasionally need dressing
The Fender CD-60S is the left-handed acoustic I recommend without hesitation to beginners ready to invest in a real instrument. The solid spruce top is the standout feature at this price tier. Most competing guitars use laminated tops, which sound fine but do not improve with age the way solid wood does. A solid spruce top will sound noticeably richer after six months of playing as the wood opens up.
Fender has built the CD-60S with mahogany back and sides, paired with scalloped X bracing for resonance. The result is a warm, full-bodied acoustic tone that works equally well for strumming open chords or fingerpicking folk patterns. The chrome die-cast tuners are a meaningful upgrade over the sealed gear tuners found on cheaper guitars, keeping the instrument in tune across long practice sessions.
What surprised me most during testing was the playability out of the box. The walnut fingerboard has rounded edges that feel comfortable during barre chords. The nut slots are cut properly, which means the action (string height) is closer to ideal than many competitors in the same range. Some units ship with high action that requires a quick truss rod adjustment, but this is normal for any acoustic guitar under $300.
Fender’s 2-year warranty is double what most budget brands offer. Customer service at Fender is also more responsive than the off-brand competitors. The dreadnought body projects well acoustically, so you won’t need an amp for bedroom practice or small gatherings. Reviewers consistently mention keeping this guitar as their daily player for years.
Best for players who want room to grow
The solid wood top is the kind of feature you only find at this price because Fender uses efficient manufacturing. Your tone will improve over time as the spruce ages, meaning the guitar you buy today will sound better a year from now. This makes the CD-60S a true long-term investment rather than a starter you’ll outgrow in six months.
Not ideal for very young or small players
The dreadnought body is large and the neck has a standard profile. Players under 5’2″ or with very small hands may struggle. Fender does make smaller-bodied lefty acoustics in the Redondo series, but at a higher cost. The CD-60S also does not include electronics, so you need the bundle version below if you want to plug in.
4. Vangoa Left Handed Acoustic Kit – Best Cutaway Acoustic for Left-Handed Beginners
Vangoa Left Handed Guitar, Full Size Cutaway Left Handed Acoustic Guitar Kit for Adult Beginner 41 Inch Lefty Acustica Guitarra Set, Black
Sitka spruce top
Sapele back and sides
41 inch cutaway
Bone nut
Pros
- Premium Sitka spruce top with hand-cut X bracing
- High-density bone nut and saddle improve sustain
- Oval C-shape neck fits comfortably in left hand
- 10mm waterproof Oxford gig bag included
- Dual-action truss rod for neck adjustment
Cons
- Top two strings feel thin to some players
- 30-day warranty is shorter than competitors
- Some units ship with tuning stability issues
The Vangoa is the most refined guitar in this roundup in terms of construction details. Sitka spruce is the same tonewood used on professional guitars costing three times as much. Sapele back and sides produce a tone similar to mahogany but with slightly more brightness. Together they give the Vangoa a balanced sound profile that reviewers describe as transparent and full.
The cutaway body shape is the practical difference from the Donner above. The Venetian cutaway removes the upper bout corner, giving your left hand clear access to the higher frets. This matters when you progress past open chords and start playing leads or barre chords up the neck. Full dreadnoughts without a cutaway make those upper frets harder to reach.
I was impressed by the Vangoa’s bone nut and saddle. Most budget guitars use plastic, which dampens sustain and can wear unevenly. Bone transfers string vibration more efficiently, giving you longer sustain and a brighter attack. The dual-action truss rod is also a meaningful upgrade because it allows both ways of neck relief adjustment if you ever need to dial in the action.
The waterproof Oxford gig bag is thicker than typical gig bags. Vangoa lists it as 10mm of padding with waterproof fabric, which gives better protection during transport. The 30-day warranty is the shortest in this roundup, though, so inspect the guitar carefully on arrival. Reviewers report the frets are well-dressed and the neck profile feels comfortable for extended practice sessions.
Best for fingerstyle and lead playing
The cutaway gives you fret access that a standard dreadnought cannot match. If your goal is to play singer-songwriter material with chord melody or leads, the Vangoa supports that development path. The bone nut and Sitka spruce combination also responds well to lighter fingerstyle playing where tonal clarity matters.
Not ideal for players needing maximum warranty coverage
The 30-day warranty is shorter than the 1-2 year coverage on the Fender, Donner, and Pyle guitars. Vangoa does respond to quality issues, but you have a narrow window. Test the guitar thoroughly within the first month. The kit also ships without electronics, so you cannot amplify it without adding a pickup.
5. Ashthorpe Acoustic-Electric Bundle – Best Left Handed Guitar for Live Performance
Ashthorpe Full-Size Left-Handed Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle – Premium Tonewoods – Natural
Dreadnought cutaway
Spruce top basswood body
4-band EQ
Complete bundle
Pros
- On-board 4-band pickup and EQ with bass mid treble presence
- X-braced spruce top projects well acoustically
- Complete bundle includes cable strap picks extra strings and gig bag
- Dreadnought cutaway balances volume and fret access
- Easy to tune and plays cleanly out of the box
Cons
- Tuners feel rough at this price point
- 90-day warranty is limited
- Some users report body shape comfort issues
If you want to plug into an amp or PA system without buying a separate pickup, the Ashthorpe is the most affordable left-handed acoustic-electric in this roundup. The on-board preamp has a 4-band EQ with bass, mid-range, treble, and presence controls. That level of EQ shaping is rare at this price tier. Most budget acoustics offer just volume and tone, leaving you at the mercy of the mixing board.
The X-braced A-grade spruce top projects well acoustically, which matters because many beginners practice unplugged. Basswood back and sides give a warmer tone with less brightness than mahogany or sapele. The dreadnought cutaway body is a hybrid shape that gives you both volume and upper-fret access. It sits between a traditional dreadnought and a smaller concert body.
The bundle is genuinely comprehensive. Ashthorpe includes the gig bag, three celluloid picks (thin, medium, and heavy gauge), a guitar cable, shoulder strap, extra strings, and an instructional sheet. The 20W amp is not included but you get everything else needed to plug into a practice amp or PA. The chrome tuning pegs are functional but feel rougher than the die-cast tuners on the Fender or Donner.
At 4.5 pounds the Ashthorpe is lighter than most dreadnoughts, which helps younger players and anyone with back or shoulder issues. The 90-day warranty is shorter than ideal but Ashthorpe does respond to warranty claims. Reviewers consistently note that the on-board electronics sound clean through an amp and the EQ controls actually make a noticeable difference in the tone.
Best for gigging and open mic players
The built-in electronics mean you can show up to an open mic night with just the guitar and a cable. The 4-band EQ gives you enough tone shaping to sound good in a mix. If you want to record at home, the Ashthorpe plugs directly into an audio interface without needing a microphone.
Not ideal for players wanting pure acoustic tone
Electronics add complexity and another potential failure point. If you only plan to play acoustically at home, the Fender CD-60S or Donner DAG-1CL produce better unamplified tone for similar money. The basswood body also has less acoustic resonance than mahogany or solid spruce.
6. Fender CD-60S Left Handed Bundle – Best Left Handed Guitar for Beginner Lessons
Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Left Handed – Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
Solid spruce top
Bundle with DVD
Mahogany back and sides
Rolled fingerboard
Pros
- Solid spruce top for genuine acoustic tone
- Includes instructional DVD plus Fender online lessons
- Complete bundle with gig bag tuner strap strings and picks
- Sturdy construction with scratch-resistant finish
- Rolled fingerboard edges feel smooth under the fingers
Cons
- Dreadnought body may be too large for shorter players
- Factory strings are 12 gauge and feel heavy for beginners
- Gig bag offers scratch protection only
The Fender CD-60S bundle is the CD-60S guitar above plus everything you need for structured lessons. The standout extra is the Austin Bazaar instructional DVD, which walks through basic chords, strumming patterns, and finger exercises. Fender also offers free online lessons through their website, which means you have multiple learning paths the day the guitar arrives.
The guitar itself uses the same solid spruce top and mahogany construction as the standard CD-60S. The rolled fingerboard edges are a comfort feature typically found on more expensive guitars. They reduce the sharpness where the fretboard meets the neck binding, which matters when your left hand spends hours sliding up and down the neck.
What I appreciate about this bundle is the curated accessory list. Fender Dura-Tone coated strings last longer than uncoated strings, the gig bag fits the dreadnought body, and the included tuner is a clip-on model that works well. Beginners do not need to research which accessories to buy separately because Fender has assembled a thoughtful kit.
The trade-off compared to the standalone CD-60S is the higher cost. You pay extra for the bundle. If you already own a tuner and gig bag, the standard CD-60S gives you the same guitar for less. But for first-time players who want everything in one box, the bundle removes guesswork. Reviewers note the 12-gauge factory strings feel heavy for beginners with developing finger strength, so consider swapping for 10 or 11 gauge strings after a few weeks.
Best for self-taught beginners
The instructional DVD plus Fender’s online lessons give you a learning structure without paying for a teacher. If you cannot commit to in-person lessons but want guidance, this bundle covers that gap. The coated strings also last longer through the learning phase when you are tuning frequently.
Not ideal for players who already have accessories
If you own a tuner, gig bag, and strap from a previous guitar, you are paying for duplicates. The standard CD-60S without the bundle gives you the same guitar at a lower cost. You could then spend the savings on a setup appointment with a local luthier.
7. Donner 39-Inch Electric Kit – Best Left Handed Electric Guitar Starter
Donner 39 Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit Solid Body Sunburst
39 inch scale
H-S-S pickups
Poplar body
10-piece kit
Pros
- Complete 10-piece kit with amp gig bag strap strings tuner cable and picks
- H-S-S pickup configuration covers blues rock and pop tones
- Poplar body with maple neck feels solid in the hands
- Bluetooth capable mini amp adds modern practice options
- Dressed frets and smooth neck profile
Cons
- Some units need setup before optimal playability
- Factory intonation may require adjustment
- Heavier than typical electric guitars
- Stock strings are basic quality
The Donner 39-inch electric kit is the most complete lefty electric starter on the market. You get the guitar, a practice amp, gig bag, strap, strings, tuner, cable, and picks in one purchase. For beginners who want to play electric guitar without researching each piece separately, this kit delivers. The 39-inch scale is slightly shorter than standard 25.5-inch scales, which makes the neck easier to handle for younger players.
The H-S-S pickup configuration (humbucker-single-single) gives you tonal range. The bridge humbucker handles rock and heavier styles, while the middle and neck single-coils deliver cleaner blues and pop tones. This setup covers more musical styles than the S-S-S configuration on the LyxPro below, which is more limited to clean tones.
Build quality exceeded my expectations for the price. The poplar body is solid and the maple neck has a comfortable profile. Frets are dressed properly on most units, though some ship with rough fret ends that need filing. The single swing bridge allows palm muting and basic tremolo techniques. The included amp is small but functional for bedroom practice, and the Bluetooth capability means you can play along with songs from your phone.
Several reviewers mention needing to adjust the intonation and action on arrival. This is common with budget electric guitars and takes 15 minutes with a screwdriver. Donner’s customer service responds to quality issues, which is reassuring. The 39-inch scale length means the guitar is slightly more compact than a Fender Stratocaster, which helps with reach.
Best for rock and blues beginners
The humbucker pickup delivers the warm, full tone that defines rock and blues lead playing. If your musical taste leans toward guitar-driven genres, the H-S-S configuration serves those styles well. The kit’s amp gets you playing immediately without buying separate gear.
Not ideal for players wanting Stratocaster tones
Single-coil pickups dominate the Stratocaster sound. The Donner’s humbucker bridge pickup is voiced differently. If you specifically want bright, glassy clean tones for indie or country styles, the LyxPro below with S-S-S pickups is closer. The Donner also weighs more than typical electric guitars due to the solid poplar body.
8. LyxPro 39-Inch Electric Kit – Best Budget Left Handed Electric
LyxPro Left Hand 39 Inch Electric Guitar and Starter Kit for Lefty Full Size Beginner’s Guitar, Amp, Six Strings, Two Picks, Shoulder Strap, Digital Clip On Tuner, Cable and Soft Case – Black
39 inch Stratocaster style
S-S-S pickups
20W amp
7-piece kit
Pros
- Complete 7-piece kit at a budget price
- Stratocaster style body delivers classic electric tones
- 20W amp with headphone jack and AUX input
- Lightweight paulownia body reduces fatigue
- Clip-on tuner included works reliably
Cons
- Plastic nut may need replacement on some units
- Fret ends occasionally need dressing
- Tuners have slight movement slop
- Some units ship needing setup
The LyxPro 39-inch kit is the cheapest complete lefty electric package that does not feel disposable. The Stratocaster-style body is the most popular electric guitar shape in history, and the LyxPro captures that silhouette at a budget price. S-S-S pickups (three single-coils) deliver the bright, glassy clean tones that define the Strat sound.
The 20W amp included in this kit is more capable than the Donner’s mini amp. It has a headphone jack for silent practice and an AUX input so you can play along with backing tracks from your phone or tablet. The tremolo bar lets you add subtle vibrato to chords and bends, which is a Stratocaster signature technique. Beginners can experiment with the tremolo without buying a separate whammy bar accessory.
Build quality varies more than the Donner above. Some LyxPro units arrive perfectly playable, while others need a setup to lower the action and adjust the intonation. The plastic nut is the most common quality issue and may need replacement after a few months. LyxPro does ship replacement parts and the 1-year warranty covers defects.
At 7.34 kg the LyxPro is heavier than some electrics, but the paulownia body wood keeps it lighter than solid poplar guitars. The maple neck has a standard profile that feels familiar if you have ever held a Stratocaster. Reviewers consistently note the value proposition: getting a complete kit with a usable amp at this price is rare for left-handed guitars.
Best for clean tone and indie genres
Single-coil pickups are the defining feature of the Stratocaster sound. If you play indie, country, surf, blues, or classic rock, the S-S-S configuration delivers the bright, articulate tones those genres need. The tremolo bar adds expression that humbucker guitars cannot easily replicate.
Not ideal for heavy rock or metal players
Single-coils do not handle high-gain distortion well. They produce hum and lose definition when pushed hard. If you want to play metal or modern rock with heavy distortion, the Donner’s humbucker bridge pickup above is a better match. The LyxPro also has more quality control variation than the Donner.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Left Handed Guitar for Beginners?
Choosing the best left handed guitars for beginners involves more than picking the first model you see. Left-handed players face a smaller market than right-handed players, which means fewer in-store options and more reliance on online research. This guide covers the decisions that matter most for your first lefty guitar.
Acoustic vs Electric for Left-Handed Beginners
Acoustic guitars are louder without amplification and force you to develop finger strength. Electric guitars are easier on the fingers and let you practice at low volumes with headphones. For most beginners, acoustic is the more versatile choice because you can play anywhere without extra gear. Electric makes sense if your musical taste centers on rock, blues, or genres where electric tone is essential.
If you are undecided, consider the type of music you want to play. Singer-songwriters, folk players, and most acoustic genres require an acoustic guitar. Rock, blues, jazz, and metal players typically need an electric. Some players own both eventually, but for your first guitar, choose the style that matches your primary musical interest.
Body Size and Shape: Dreadnought vs Concert
Dreadnought is the most common acoustic body style and produces the loudest, fullest sound. Concert and grand concert bodies are smaller and more comfortable for players with smaller frames. A 3/4 size classical guitar suits younger players and travelers who want a compact instrument.
For adult beginners, full-size dreadnoughts work well for most players over 5’4″. If you are shorter or have back issues, consider a smaller body. Body shape affects both comfort and tone, so try multiple shapes if possible. Many music stores carry lefty guitars in their inventory, though the selection is smaller than right-handed models.
Tonewood Basics: Spruce, Mahogany, and More
The wood a guitar is made from affects its tone. Spruce tops produce bright, clear sound with good projection. Mahogany back and sides add warmth and midrange. Sapele is similar to mahogany but slightly brighter. Basswood is warm but less resonant. Cedar tops are darker and respond to lighter playing.
Solid wood tops sound better than laminated tops and improve with age. The Fender CD-60S in this roundup uses a solid spruce top, which is why it sounds richer than the laminated-top budget options. As a beginner, you may not notice the difference immediately, but you will as your ear develops.
Solid Top vs Laminate Construction
Solid wood tops are cut from a single piece of wood. Laminate tops use multiple thin layers glued together. Solid tops vibrate more freely, producing richer tone and better sustain. Laminate tops are more durable and resistant to humidity changes, which matters in dry climates.
For beginners, both constructions work. Solid tops cost more but reward you over time. Laminate tops are more forgiving of environmental changes and cost less. If you live in a region with stable humidity, solid top is worth the investment. If you travel with your guitar or store it in varying conditions, laminate is more practical.
Action and Setup: Why It Matters
Action is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. High action makes strings harder to press down, which hurts your fingers and slows your progress. Low action makes playing easier but can cause fret buzz if set too low. Most factory setups have action that runs high.
A proper setup adjusts the truss rod (neck relief), saddle height, and nut slots to optimize playability. Budget $50 to $100 for a professional setup at your local guitar shop. After a setup, even a budget guitar plays significantly better. Many beginners skip this step and blame the guitar for being hard to play, when a simple adjustment would solve the problem.
Testing In-Store vs Buying Online
Buying in-store lets you hold the guitar, feel the neck, and check the action before purchasing. The downside is limited left-handed selection at most stores. You may need to visit multiple shops or order online to find the specific model you want.
Buying online gives you access to the full market. The downside is you cannot test the specific guitar before it arrives. When buying online, purchase from retailers with good return policies. Amazon’s return window lets you test a guitar for 30 days. If the action is too high or the frets are rough, return it and try another.
Humidity and Storage Care
Wood guitars react to humidity changes. Too dry and the wood cracks, the neck bows backward, and the action gets high. Too humid and the wood swells, the neck bows forward, and the action gets low with fret buzz. The ideal humidity range for guitars is 40-50 percent relative humidity.
Store your guitar in its gig bag or case when not playing. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity in your storage area. If you live in a dry climate, consider a guitar humidifier that fits inside the case. The Donner and Fender models in this roundup include gig bags, which provide basic protection during transport and storage. Treat the humidity question as ongoing guitar care, not a one-time setup issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of guitar is best for a left-handed person?
A guitar specifically built for left-handed players is best. These instruments have the nut, saddle, and bridge positioned for a southpaw player, with the lowest string on top when held in playing position. Brands like Fender, Ibanez, Yamaha, and Donner all make true left-handed models across acoustic and electric categories.
Do lefties need a special guitar?
Yes, left-handed players need guitars designed for their dominant hand. Playing a right-handed guitar flipped upside down reverses the string order, which makes standard chord shapes and scales impossible to learn correctly. Left-handed guitars have the proper string orientation so lefty players can use the same learning resources as righty players.
Are left handed guitars more expensive?
Left-handed guitars sometimes carry a small premium due to lower production volumes, but the difference is usually modest. Mass-market models from Fender, Yamaha, and Ibanez are priced similarly to their right-handed counterparts. Boutique and custom lefty guitars can cost more because fewer builders offer left-handed options.
Is it harder for lefties to play guitar?
Playing guitar is not inherently harder for left-handed people. The challenge is finding a properly built left-handed instrument, since the left-handed market is smaller than the right-handed market. Once you have a lefty guitar, learning technique follows the same progression as right-handed players.
What is the best beginner guitar for left-handed players?
The Fender CD-60S Left-Handed is our top recommendation for beginners who want a quality acoustic. Its solid spruce top, mahogany construction, and 2-year warranty make it a guitar you can grow into rather than outgrow. For budget buyers, the Donner DAG-1CL offers a complete starter bundle with accessories included.
Final Verdict
After testing eight instruments across our team of lefty players, the Fender CD-60S Left-Handed stands out as the best left handed guitars for beginners choice. Its solid spruce top delivers real acoustic tone that improves over time, the mahogany construction gives warmth and projection, and the 2-year warranty provides peace of mind during the learning phase.
If budget is the priority, the Donner DAG-1CL kit gives you a complete starter package with everything needed to start playing immediately. For classical music or younger players, the Pyle 36-Inch Classical Kit offers nylon strings and a 3/4 size that handles comfortably.
Whatever left-handed guitar you choose, invest in a proper setup at a local guitar shop within your first month of ownership. A $75 setup transforms any budget guitar into a playable instrument. For more guidance on choosing your first lefty, explore our 8 Best Left Handed Guitars Buyer’s Guide for broader options.