Chords for left-handed guitars

This guide includes presentation of chords diagrams made to read for left-handed guitar as well as and how to read chord diagrams as a left-handed player. Things to think about concerning techniques and differences between left- and right-handed guitars, will also be touch upon.

Chord diagrams are typically designed for right-handed players, which means they represent how a right-handed guitarist would place their fingers on the fretboard. As a left-handed player, you may need to adjust how you interpret these diagrams. By using the chords presented here, you don’t need to make mirrored interpretation by flipping the diagram horizontally. Left-handed chord diagrams are provided specifically for left-handed players and these diagrams already show the correct finger placements as seen from a left-handed perspective. See also Intercative chord finder.

Basic left-handed chords

C

D

E

F

G

A

B

Am

Bm

Dm

Em

Comments

These chords are only to use on a special left-handed guitar, on a normal guitar it will sound bad for the most part.

How to play the guitar left-handed

Some left-handed choose to play on a guitar instrument that is horizontally mirrored, in other words a left-handed guitar. If you are left-handed and just started to play guitar, you don't have to choose a special made type – many left-handed guitarists play on ordinary guitars. But if holding a right-handed guitar feels awkward, a left-handed guitar might be better for you.

If you are left-handed and want to play the guitar naturally, you have three main options:

Use a left-handed guitar – a left-handed guitar is specifically designed with the strings reversed so that you can strum with your left hand and fret with your right.
Play a right-handed guitar upside down – some left-handed guitarists use a right-handed guitar and reverse the string order. This approach can work but requires adjustments in technique.
Play right-handed – some left-handed players choose to play a right-handed guitar without any modifications. This can feel unnatural at first but offer advantages, such as easier access to guitars as well as instructional materials.

Differences between left-handed and right-handed guitars

The chords on a left-handed guitar are the same except that they are mirrored. So, if you find a book or something with illustrated chords for regular guitars you can still have assistance by visualize them in the opposite direction. But it's of course easier to look at correct diagrams immediately and you can do that here.

Some aspect to think about:

String order: On a left-handed guitar, the strings are reversed to allow left-handed strumming while maintaining standard tuning.
Bridge and nut design: Left-handed guitars have bridges and nuts cut differently to match the reversed string order.
Control layout: On electric guitars, the volume and tone controls, as well as the pickup selector, may be positioned differently.
Availability: left-handed guitars are generally harder to find than right-handed ones and may be more expensive due to lower demand.

Playing the guitar left-handed requires a few adjustments, but it is of course possible with practice.