If you are a left-handed person, you know how tough life can be.
The simplest tools on earth are not designed for you, including scissors, can openers, and seating patterns in restaurants.
If you're trying to learn to play the guitar, you'll find that it is no different.
Music stores will feature a wide selection of instruments for right handed people, and just a few that are strung for lefties.
Most stringed instruments aren't even played in the left handed position like violins and cellos.
Similarly, if you want to take lessons, good luck finding a teacher that is left handed.
However, there have been some very famous left handed guitar players.
From Jimi Hendrix to Paul McCartney, and Albert King, each one has proven that the instrument can be played on the "other" side.
If you're debating whether to tackle the guitar from the left or right, let these examples show you that anything is possible.
There are several factors you should take into consideration.
First Impressions If you've ever played hockey, you know that sticks come left and right handed.
One or the other will feel more comfortable when a player picks it up for the first time.
Use the same concept when deciding which way to learn the guitar.
Close your eyes, pick one up, and see what direction feels more natural to you.
This is the hand you should choose to start learning the guitar with.
Equipment You will not have as many options when purchasing a left-handed guitar.
It is important to note that under no circumstances can you just switch the order of the strings to make a left-handed guitar.
The orientation of the bridge also needs to be changed.
If you have an instrument that is set up for right handed play, an experienced repair shop can change the orientation of the bridge for you so that the strings will lie the correct distance away from the fingerboard for you.
The alternative option is to seek out a guitar that was manufactured for a left-handed person.
Teachers If you are considering taking lessons, then you will want to discuss your left handedness with an experienced guitar teacher.
Some teachers will be inclined to ask you to change over to the other hand so that it makes their life easier.
Don't be inclined to take the word of one teacher as law.
Consult with several, maybe even take a lesson from two or three different people, and see who will be able to accommodate your needs.
The best teachers are the ones who can listen to the needs of their students, and tailor lessons to fit those needs.
Left handedness is relatively common, as it is found in more than 10% of the population.
Rest assured that other lefties have gone on before you with great success in the field of music.
You just have to make sure that is the most comfortable playing option for you, and then put in a little extra effort to see the results you want.