It might be a bit hard to admit but not all of us are like Jimi Hendrix. Not everyone is capable of turning their guitar upside down and playing it that way just because they are lefties. The majority of them require a specific instrument, something like a left-handed acoustic guitar. By choosing the proper one, you’ll have the chance to play comfortably and conveniently.
You’ll move your fingers freely and enjoy your music to the fullest. To make sure you are aware of the available options, we decided to compile a list and show you the best left-handed acoustic guitars on the market. We chose the models from different price categories – we know that some of you are on a limited budget. We have an interesting journey ahead of us, and I couldn’t have been more excited. All the lefties out there, get ready – you’re in for a treat! Let’s get started!
What’s The Best Left-Handed Acoustic Guitar
| Image | Guitar Model | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Taylor Guitars GS Mini-e Mahogany Left-Handed |  (4.8 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Fender CD-60S LH Left-Handed Guitar |  (4.7 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Ibanez Artwood AC340 Left-Handed | (4.7 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Oscar Schmidt OG2NLH-A-U Left-Handed |  (4.5 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | ASY-A LH ASYLA Series Left Handed Auditorium Acoustic Guitar | (4.5 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Johnson Lefty Acoustic Guitar |  (4.4 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Oscar Schmidt OG1LH-A-U Natural Lefty 3/4 Size |  (4.3 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
Taylor Guitars GS Mini-e Mahogany Left-Handed
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Taylor is probably one of the most sought-after brands, as their high-end models have been in the dreams of many players. But they aren’t limited to luxurious axes. They create some affordable guitars, as well, including left-handed versions. If that didn’t impress you enough, then I’ll tell you that the particular model we’re talking about is a perfect choice for all the travellers out there. Not only does it have a small, parlor body (the scale length is 23-1/2″), but it also comes with a lightweight, hard case that will protect your instrument perfectly. Yes, you’re right, I’m talking about the GS Mini-e. This tiny acoustic-electric beast comes with intriguing tonewoods: the top is made from solid Sitka spruce, but the back and sides are built with layered walnut. By selecting this combination, Taylor made sure the highs would be crisp and the lows would have a pronounced, rich body. Don’t forget that this fella has an ES-B preamp/pickup system, which will enable you to amplify the hell out of it easily. Can’t you hear it calling your name?
Pros:
- Authentic Taylor tone
- Excellent build quality
- Compact size
Cons:
- Some guitars might have some tuning stability issues
Fender CD-60S LH Left-Handed Guitar
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Who said that lefties don’t need affordable Fenders in their collection? This brand has created many beautiful options for budget players, always managing to provide us with something usable. This time we’ll be talking about CD-60S LH – an inexpensive dreadnought that can work wonders. It’s easy to think that it’s another cheap crap, but I assure you, it’s really far from that. This bad boy has a solid spruce top and laminate mahogany back and sides. Seeing a solid wood top at this price range is a huge virtue and we all have to thank Fender for that. CD-60S LH features the brand’s highly acclaimed rolled fretboard edges that make the playing process so much easier. Your fingers won’t feel discomfort and that’s what we want, don’t we? This bad boy has a slightly shorter scale, which means you’ll need some time to get used to it. But if you’re skilled, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble with that. It will be more useful for beginners and amateurs, but more advanced players might enjoy its sound as well. After all, this fella is one of the best left-handed acoustic guitars for the price!
Pros:
- Solid top
- Affordable price
- Great sound
Cons:
- Might need initial setup
Ibanez Artwood AC340 Left-Handed
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The Ibanez Artwood AC340 Left-Handed acoustic guitar is a gem that delivers big on style and substance. This beauty combines vintage vibes with modern craftsmanship, making it a solid choice for lefties who demand quality without blowing the budget. The solid okoume top sings with a rich, warm tone that’s perfect for fingerpicking or strumming your favorite tunes by the campfire. Its grand concert body is comfortable to hold and play, even during those marathon jam sessions. Plus, the satin finish gives it a smooth, natural feel that makes playing a total joy.
However, while the AC340 excels in many areas, it does have a couple of quirks. The lack of built-in electronics might make it a no-go for gigging musicians, and the softer okoume wood is prone to dings if you’re not careful.
Pros:
- Amazing bang for the buck
- Built to last
- Rich sound
Cons:
- Delicate wood finish
Oscar Schmidt OG2 Left-Handed
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If you’re looking for an acoustic guitar that will cost you close to nothing, then you should definitely check out the specs of Oscar Schmidt OG2. I’m not even exaggerating or kidding, you can literally get this baby even if you’re barely making ends meet. It doesn’t have the best quality in the world, but it gets the job done perfectly. Advanced players will probably lack the tonal complexity, however, beginners will be more than pleased with it. Typically, it has a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, as well as a mahogany neck. The design is the definition of classic: natural high-gloss finish is combined with a tortoise pickguard, tortoise binding and gold hardware. The best thing about OG2 is probably the fact that it can hold tuning for a long time – no stability issues here! Oscar Schmidt guitars have impressed us more than once and if I’m being honest, I’m not surprised that this one is such a hit too. Bargain is an understatement because this thing is a real steal!
Pros:
- Wonderful tuning stability
- Decent sound
- Extremely affordable
Cons:
- Some models might have quality issues
James Neligan ASYLA Series Left Handed Auditorium Acoustic Guitar
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James Neligan ASY-A Mini LH auditorium will remind you of Taylor GS Mini, but the tone is thinner here. You might think that it’s a substantial downside, but it’s not – this guy is way cheaper and we can’t really treat it like a Taylor. You can use fingerpicking or strumming – the choice is yours (the former might sound better). ASY-A Mini LH has a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The brand decided to embrace the natural beauty of the woods, so they covered the guitar with an open-pore finish. Die-cast tuners, NuBone nut and compensated saddle, a rosette with a tortoiseshell pattern and white ABS binding (with black purfling) complete the package. Honestly, we couldn’t ask for a thing for the price!
Pros:
- Comes with a gig bag
- Compact and lightweight design
- Nice tone
Cons:
- The tone can be thinner compared to similar models
- A one trick pony
Johnson Lefty Acoustic Guitar
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And we’ve approached yet another affordable acoustic guitar. Though it’s really hard to find the best left-handed acoustic guitar, sometimes we get lucky enough to have several budget-friendly options. Johnson JG-624-N is a member of that family, meaning that you can get your hands on it for a really small price. It offers decent performance, even though it does have the issues the majority of such guitars struggle with – it doesn’t have the greatest build quality and you might notice some buzzing on some strings. If you take care of it and make some adjustments, this puppy will surely start shining. It’s a dreadnought size i.e. it packs quite a punch. The top is made from spruce, while the back and sides are built with white wood. Nato neck and bound rosewood fretboard are smooth to the touch – we haven’t noticed any glitches there. You can relax, get yourself JG-624-N and enjoy your evening practices. After all, it’s beginner friendly!
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Great sound
- Suitable for beginners
Cons:
- The build quality isn’t great
- You might hear some buzz
Oscar Schmidt OG1 Natural Lefty 3/4 Size
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You might not have heard of Oscar Schmidt before (at least before we talked about another model from them), but they surely have been around for a long time. Their guitars might be underestimated, yet the fact that they are wonderful doesn’t change. OG1 Lefty is also an affordable guitar but it’s shrunk in size. After all, our kids need some left-handed options, don’t they? Plus, a smaller size is usually easier to handle for beginners, turning this fella into an amazing fit. It seems to have a hard time holding the tune, but I believe some adjustments will take care of that problem. And for the price, it’s worth taking some extra steps. The sound will surprise you quite a bit, since you’ll hear the richness that isn’t usually the most common feature of similar guitars. Spruce top, catalpa back and sides, and mahogany neck are the constituents of OG1 lefty. All in all, this fella deserves your attention.
Pros:
- Great bang for the buck
- Its compact sizes is suitable for kids
- Amazing beginner guitar
Cons:
- Does not hold tune well
- Sharp fret edges
Is it compulsory for lefties to go for a left-handed acoustic guitar?
I didn’t think I would ask this question, but I think it’s something we should discuss before we move any further. A straight answer is no and I’ll tell you why. Firstly, it’s possible for lefties to learn to play the guitar right-handed. It will take you some time but eventually, you’ll get the hang of it. Unless some social norms or conceptions are forcing you to do so, I don’t think you should undergo so much struggle when you can simply go online and purchase a left-handed acoustic guitar. After all, the left hand is a natural dominant in your body and I believe it will give you better results (but I’m not sure about that).
Secondly, there are some options you could try. You could flip your guitar over as Hendrix and Albert King did, but that, my friend, requires some skills. Their methods differed, but you’ll most likely need some adjustments. It does look simple, but you can’t just turn it over and be ready to jam out. In short, it includes too many headaches. Unless you are willing to get a vintage guitar (which rarely has left-handed versions), then you should probably take an easier route and go for a left-handed acoustic guitar.
The things you should think about before making a purchase
When we’re surfing the net and come across a decent guitar, it’s usually our primary instinct to grab our credit card and make a purchase. For some reason, we are drawn to those impulsive choices, but let’s face it, when have they ever ended well? Buying a left-handed guitar is a commitment, considering the fact that we don’t really have that many options. So you should make sure you get a proper one before you waste your money on an instrument that won’t work for you.
The most important thing you should think about is what you need. You must have something like a list that will combine all the features that you’re looking for. If you’re a beginner, that might be a bit hard to do, but you do know your body and mind and you can make a decision accordingly.
Another important factor is the budget. Don’t go for the expensive one unless you know what you’re doing. You don’t want your guitar to gather up significant dust, do you? I’m not saying that beginners can’t splurge, I’m saying that if you’re on a budget, you don’t have to wait for years to save up the needed amount. Determine the limit of your purchase and you’ll be fine.
Last but not least, size does matter when it comes to acoustic guitars. Your body can get used to anything, but that doesn’t mean you should put unnecessary pressure on it. If you’re smaller in size, you should definitely consider some travel-size options we discussed above. You should be even more mindful if you’re buying a guitar for your kid. Choosing the best left-handed acoustic guitar doesn’t seem so difficult anymore, does it?
Conclusion
No matter which model you choose, I’m sure you’ll get an excellent piece. Finding the best left-handed acoustic guitar isn’t an easy task, but we’re always here to help. Don’t forget to do proper research, so that you check out all the available options and make a decision accordingly. Don’t walk into the purchase blindfolded – you might still end up with a great guitar, but is it worth taking a risk? Our list will guide you through the whole process and it will also help you make up your mind. Once you know what you want, a world of beautiful left-handed acoustic guitars will unravel in front of you.
You can also take a look at our other Acoustic Guitar sections to see if there is anything that appeals to you.
Take a step towards a better experience and let the music flow in your veins. Good luck!
