Can You Convert a Right-Handed Guitar to Left-Handed?

Converting a right-handed guitar to a left-handed one is indeed possible, and at guitarplayers.net, we understand the importance of having an instrument that feels natural in your hands, that is why we want to guide you through the process, ensuring your guitar resonates perfectly with your playing style. This transformation involves adjustments to the guitar’s nut, saddle, and sometimes even the bridge to accommodate the reversed string orientation, ultimately unlocking a comfortable and inspiring playing experience for left-handed guitarists. Let’s explore how to make this conversion and discover resources at guitarplayers.net to support your musical journey with useful tips and tricks.

1. Why Consider Converting a Right-Handed Guitar to Left-Handed?

Many left-handed guitarists find themselves pondering, “Can you convert a right-handed guitar to left-handed?” Here’s why this might be the right choice for you:

Limited Left-Handed Options: Left-handed guitars are often less available and can be more expensive. Converting a right-handed guitar expands your choices, ensuring you find the perfect instrument.
Sentimental Value: You might have a right-handed guitar with sentimental value that you wish to convert for personal use.
Unique Finds: Sometimes, a unique or vintage right-handed guitar catches your eye, and converting it is the only way to make it playable.

2. What is Involved in Converting a Guitar?

So, what does it take to convert a right-handed guitar to left-handed? The process is not as simple as restringing the guitar in reverse. It requires several key modifications to ensure the instrument plays correctly and comfortably:

Nut Replacement: The nut has slots cut to accommodate the strings. These slots are specifically sized for the string gauges and their positions. For a left-handed conversion, a new nut with reversed slots is necessary.
Saddle Adjustment: The saddle, located on the bridge, supports the strings and helps determine the guitar’s intonation. Acoustic guitars often have angled saddles to compensate for string thickness. This angle needs to be reversed for left-handed play.
Side Dots: These markers on the side of the neck indicate fret positions. They need to be added to the opposite side of the neck for clear visibility while playing left-handed.
Strap Buttons: Depending on personal preference, the strap buttons may need to be relocated to maintain balance while playing.

3. Can You Simply Restring a Right-Handed Guitar for Left-Handed Play?

While it might seem like a quick fix, simply restringing a right-handed guitar for left-handed play without making other modifications can lead to several issues:

Intonation Problems: The angled saddle is designed to ensure proper intonation, meaning the guitar plays in tune up and down the neck. Reversing the strings without adjusting the saddle will cause the intonation to be off, resulting in sour notes.
Nut Issues: The string slots on the nut are cut to fit specific string gauges. Reversing the strings will cause them to sit improperly in the slots, leading to buzzing and tuning instability.
Playability: The guitar may feel awkward and uncomfortable to play due to the unadjusted components.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Converting a Right-Handed Guitar to Left-Handed

Converting a right-handed guitar to left-handed requires precision and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

4.1. Assessing the Guitar

Evaluate the Instrument: Determine if the guitar is suitable for conversion. Guitars with symmetrical bodies and headstocks are ideal.
Check the Bridge: Examine the bridge and saddle. If the saddle is heavily angled, more extensive modifications may be needed.

4.2. Removing the Strings and Hardware

Remove the Strings: Carefully remove the strings from the tuning pegs and bridge.
Remove the Nut and Saddle: Gently tap out the nut from its slot. The saddle can usually be lifted out of the bridge.

4.3. Filling the Old Saddle Slot

Prepare the Slot: Clean the saddle slot to remove any debris or old adhesive.
Fill the Slot: Cut a piece of hardwood (like ebony or rosewood) to fit snugly into the saddle slot. Glue it in place and let it dry completely.
Sand it Down: Once the glue is dry, sand the new piece flush with the bridge surface.

4.4. Cutting a New Saddle Slot

Measure and Mark: Measure the exact location for the new saddle slot, ensuring it is properly angled for left-handed intonation. Precision is key here.
Cut the Slot: Use a specialized tool, such as a PLEK machine (if available), or hand tools to carefully cut the new saddle slot.

4.5. Making a New Nut

Prepare the Nut Blank: Obtain a new nut blank made of bone, Tusq, or another suitable material.
Shape the Nut: Carefully shape the nut to fit the nut slot on the guitar neck.
Cut the String Slots: Use nut files to cut the string slots, ensuring they are properly spaced and sized for the strings. The slots should be angled slightly towards the tuning pegs.

Shaping a new bone nut and cutting the string slots

4.6. Making a New Saddle

Prepare the Saddle Blank: Obtain a new saddle blank made of bone, Tusq, or another suitable material.
Shape the Saddle: Carefully shape the saddle to fit the new saddle slot on the bridge.
Adjust the Height: Adjust the height of the saddle to achieve the desired string action (the height of the strings above the frets).

4.7. Installing Side Dots

Mark the Positions: Mark the positions for the new side dots on the opposite side of the neck.
Drill the Holes: Use a small drill bit to carefully drill holes at the marked positions.
Install the Dots: Glue the new side dots into the holes and let them dry. Trim and sand them flush with the neck.

4.8. Setting Up the Guitar

Reinstall Hardware: Reinstall the tuning pegs and strap buttons (if relocated).
String the Guitar: String the guitar with a new set of strings, ensuring they are properly seated in the nut and saddle slots.
Adjust the Action: Adjust the string action by adjusting the saddle height and truss rod (if necessary).
Check the Intonation: Check the intonation at the 12th fret and adjust the saddle position as needed to ensure the guitar plays in tune.

5. Tools and Materials Needed for Conversion

To successfully convert a right-handed guitar to left-handed, you’ll need a variety of tools and materials:

Tool/Material	Description
Nut Files	Used for shaping and cutting string slots in the nut.
Saddle Blank	A piece of bone, Tusq, or other material used to create a new saddle.
Nut Blank	A piece of bone, Tusq, or other material used to create a new nut.
Ebony or Rosewood Scrap	Used to fill the old saddle slot.
Wood Glue	For gluing the ebony or rosewood into the saddle slot.
Sandpaper	Various grits for smoothing and shaping the nut, saddle, and filled saddle slot.
Small Drill Bit	For drilling holes for the new side dots.
Side Dots	Markers to indicate fret positions on the side of the neck.
String Action Gauge	To measure the height of the strings above the frets.
Screwdrivers	For removing and reinstalling hardware.
Wire Cutters	For cutting strings.

6. Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Converting a guitar can present several challenges. Here’s how to tackle them:

Intonation Issues: Ensure the new saddle is properly positioned and angled to maintain accurate intonation. Use a strobe tuner for precise adjustments.
Nut Slotting: Cutting nut slots requires precision. Use the correct nut files and take your time to avoid cutting too deep or wide.
Bridge Modification: Filling and cutting a new saddle slot can be tricky. If you’re not comfortable, seek professional assistance.
Side Dot Placement: Accurate placement of side dots is crucial for playability. Use a template or measuring tool to ensure they are evenly spaced and aligned.

7. When to Seek Professional Help

While some guitarists may feel confident tackling a conversion themselves, there are situations where professional help is highly recommended:

Complex Bridge Design: Guitars with intricate or unusual bridge designs may require specialized knowledge and tools.
Valuable Instruments: If the guitar is particularly valuable or rare, it’s best to entrust the conversion to an experienced luthier to avoid damaging the instrument.
Lack of Experience: If you’re new to guitar repair and modification, seeking professional help ensures the job is done correctly and safely.

8. Famous Guitarists Who Converted to Left-Handed Play

Several iconic guitarists have famously adapted right-handed guitars to suit their left-handed playing style:

Jimi Hendrix: Hendrix famously played a right-handed Fender Stratocaster flipped over and restrung for left-handed play.
Albert King: Known for his unique blues style, King played a right-handed guitar upside down without restringing it, resulting in a distinctive sound.

9. The Role of Technology: PLEK Machines in Guitar Conversion

Advanced technology, such as PLEK machines, can significantly enhance the precision and quality of guitar conversions. PLEK machines use computer-controlled precision to analyze and optimize the guitar’s fretboard, nut, and saddle.

Precision Cutting: PLEK machines can cut saddle slots with unparalleled accuracy, ensuring perfect intonation.
Fret Leveling: They can also level the frets to eliminate buzzing and dead spots, resulting in improved playability.
Nut Optimization: PLEK machines can optimize the nut slots for perfect string spacing and height, enhancing tuning stability and playability.

10. Maintaining Your Converted Left-Handed Guitar

Once your right-handed guitar has been successfully converted to left-handed, proper maintenance is essential to keep it playing its best:

Regular Cleaning: Clean the guitar regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt, dust, and fingerprints.
Proper Storage: Store the guitar in a case or gig bag to protect it from temperature and humidity changes.
String Changes: Change the strings regularly to maintain optimal tone and playability.
Professional Check-Ups: Schedule periodic check-ups with a qualified guitar technician to address any issues and ensure the guitar is properly set up.

11. Exploring Left-Handed Guitar Resources at guitarplayers.net

At guitarplayers.net, we are committed to supporting guitarists of all levels, including left-handed players. Here are some of the resources you can find on our website:

Guitar Lessons: Access a wide range of guitar lessons tailored for left-handed players, covering everything from basic chords to advanced techniques.
Guitar Reviews: Read detailed reviews of left-handed guitars and gear, helping you make informed purchasing decisions.
Tablature and Sheet Music: Find a vast collection of tablature and sheet music for left-handed guitarists, spanning various genres and styles.
Community Forum: Connect with other left-handed guitarists in our community forum, where you can share tips, ask questions, and find inspiration.

Address: 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States

Phone: +1 (617) 747-2261

Website: guitarplayers.net

12. The Growing Acceptance and Availability of Left-Handed Guitars

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and acceptance of left-handed guitarists, leading to increased availability of left-handed instruments. Many major guitar manufacturers now offer left-handed versions of their popular models.

Fender: Fender offers a wide range of left-handed Stratocasters, Telecasters, and other models.
Gibson: Gibson produces left-handed versions of iconic guitars like the Les Paul and SG.
Martin: Martin offers left-handed acoustic guitars known for their quality and craftsmanship.

13. Personalizing Your Left-Handed Guitar

Converting a right-handed guitar to left-handed opens up opportunities for personalization. Consider these options:

Custom Pickguards: Add a custom pickguard to give your guitar a unique look.
Upgraded Pickups: Swap out the pickups for higher-quality or custom-wound pickups to enhance the tone.
Unique Finishes: Explore custom finishes and paint jobs to make your guitar stand out.
Personalized Inlays: Add custom inlays to the fretboard for a personalized touch.

14. The Joy of Playing a Guitar That Feels Right

Ultimately, the goal of converting a right-handed guitar to left-handed is to create an instrument that feels natural and comfortable to play. When the guitar fits your hands and playing style, you’ll experience:

Improved Technique: A comfortable guitar allows you to focus on your technique and play with greater precision.
Increased Confidence: Playing a guitar that feels right boosts your confidence and encourages you to explore new musical horizons.
Greater Enjoyment: The joy of playing music is amplified when you’re playing an instrument that feels like an extension of yourself.

15. Famous Left-Handed Guitar Players and Their Impact

Many influential left-handed guitar players have made significant contributions to music across various genres. Their stories and achievements inspire countless aspiring musicians:

Jimi Hendrix: Revolutionized rock guitar with his innovative techniques and electrifying performances on a flipped-over right-handed Stratocaster.
Paul McCartney: A legendary bassist and songwriter, McCartney’s melodic bass lines and innovative chord progressions have influenced generations of musicians.
Tony Iommi: The pioneering guitarist of Black Sabbath, Iommi’s heavy riffs and dark, ominous tones defined the sound of heavy metal.
Albert King: Known for his powerful blues style, King played a right-handed guitar upside down without restringing, creating a unique and distinctive sound.
Kurt Cobain: The frontman of Nirvana, Cobain’s raw and emotionally charged guitar playing captured the angst and energy of the grunge movement.

These guitarists demonstrate the diverse range of musical styles and genres in which left-handed players have excelled, inspiring others to embrace their unique playing styles and make their mark on the world of music.

16. Understanding Guitar Anatomy for Conversion

To successfully convert a right-handed guitar to left-handed, it’s essential to understand the different parts of the instrument and how they contribute to its overall playability and sound:

16.1. The Headstock

The headstock is the part of the guitar that houses the tuning pegs or machine heads. These tuning pegs are used to adjust the tension of the strings, allowing the player to tune the guitar to the correct pitch. Headstocks come in various shapes and designs, each contributing to the overall aesthetic of the instrument.

16.2. The Nut

The nut is a small piece of material (typically bone, Tusq, or plastic) located at the top of the fretboard, near the headstock. It has grooves or slots that guide the strings from the headstock to the fretboard, ensuring proper string spacing and height. As mentioned earlier, the nut is one of the most important components to modify when converting a right-handed guitar to left-handed.

16.3. The Neck

The neck is the long, slender part of the guitar that extends from the headstock to the body. It consists of the fretboard, which is the surface where the player presses down on the strings to produce different notes. Necks come in various shapes and sizes, each affecting the playability and feel of the guitar.

16.4. The Fretboard

The fretboard is the flat surface on top of the neck where the frets are embedded. It is typically made of rosewood, ebony, maple, or other hardwoods. The fretboard is marked with metal frets, which are thin strips of metal that divide the fretboard into specific intervals, allowing the player to play accurate notes.

16.5. The Frets

Frets are the metal strips embedded in the fretboard that divide the neck into precise intervals. When a player presses down on a string between two frets, the string vibrates against the fret, producing a specific note. Frets come in various sizes and shapes, each affecting the playability and tone of the guitar.

16.6. The Body

The body is the main part of the guitar, providing a surface for the bridge, pickups, and other hardware. It also contributes significantly to the overall tone and resonance of the instrument. Bodies come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each affecting the guitar’s sound and playability.

16.7. The Bridge

The bridge is a component located on the body of the guitar that supports the strings and transmits their vibrations to the body. It also plays a crucial role in setting the intonation of the guitar, ensuring that it plays in tune across the entire fretboard. Bridges come in various designs, including fixed bridges, tremolo bridges, and floating bridges.

16.8. The Saddle

The saddle is a small strip of material (typically bone, Tusq, or plastic) located on the bridge that supports the strings and helps to transmit their vibrations to the body. It also plays a crucial role in setting the action (string height) and intonation of the guitar. As mentioned earlier, the saddle often needs to be modified or replaced when converting a right-handed guitar to left-handed.

16.9. The Pickups

Pickups are electromagnetic transducers that convert the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal, which is then amplified to produce sound. Pickups come in various designs, including single-coil pickups, humbucker pickups, and P90 pickups, each with its own unique tonal characteristics.

16.10. The Controls

The controls on a guitar typically include knobs and switches that allow the player to adjust the volume, tone, and pickup selection. These controls provide a means of shaping the sound of the guitar and tailoring it to the player’s preferences.

17. The Importance of Proper String Selection for Left-Handed Guitars

Choosing the right strings for your left-handed guitar is essential for achieving optimal tone, playability, and durability. Here are some factors to consider when selecting strings:

String Gauge: The gauge (thickness) of the strings affects the guitar’s tone and playability. Lighter gauge strings are easier to play and bend, while heavier gauge strings produce a fuller, more powerful tone.
String Material: Guitar strings are typically made from steel, nickel, or a combination of materials. Each material offers a different tonal characteristic, with steel strings producing a brighter, more crisp tone and nickel strings offering a warmer, more mellow sound.
String Coating: Some guitar strings are coated with a thin layer of polymer or other material to protect them from corrosion and extend their lifespan. Coated strings typically last longer than uncoated strings but may have a slightly different feel.
Brand Reputation: Consider the reputation of the string manufacturer when selecting strings. Some brands are known for their high-quality materials, consistent performance, and long-lasting durability.

18. Exploring Alternate Tunings on Left-Handed Guitars

Alternate tunings can open up new creative possibilities and allow guitarists to explore different sounds and textures. Here are some popular alternate tunings that left-handed guitarists can experiment with:

Drop D Tuning: In Drop D tuning, the low E string is tuned down to D, creating a heavier, more resonant sound. This tuning is popular in rock, metal, and blues genres.
Open G Tuning: In Open G tuning, the guitar is tuned to a G major chord when strummed open. This tuning is often used in blues, country, and slide guitar playing.
DADGAD Tuning: DADGAD tuning is a popular alternate tuning used in Celtic, folk, and progressive rock genres. It offers a drone-like sound and allows for complex chord voicings.
Open D Tuning: In Open D tuning, the guitar is tuned to a D major chord when strummed open. This tuning is often used in blues, slide guitar, and folk music.

19. Incorporating Capos into Left-Handed Guitar Playing

A capo is a device that clamps down on the strings of a guitar at a specific fret, effectively shortening the length of the strings and raising the pitch of the guitar. Capos can be used to change the key of a song, create different chord voicings, and facilitate easier playing in certain keys.

When using a capo on a left-handed guitar, it’s important to ensure that the capo is properly positioned and tightened to avoid buzzing or intonation issues. Experiment with different capo positions to find the sound and feel that works best for you.

20. Essential Accessories for Left-Handed Guitarists

In addition to the guitar itself, there are several essential accessories that can enhance the playing experience for left-handed guitarists:

Guitar Picks: Guitar picks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each affecting the tone and feel of the guitar. Experiment with different picks to find the one that suits your playing style.
Guitar Straps: A comfortable guitar strap is essential for playing while standing up. Look for a strap that is adjustable, durable, and padded for comfort.
Guitar Tuners: A reliable guitar tuner is essential for keeping your guitar in tune. Electronic tuners, clip-on tuners, and tuning apps are all popular options.
Guitar Cases: A sturdy guitar case is essential for protecting your instrument during transport and storage. Look for a case that is well-padded, durable, and fits your guitar snugly.
Guitar Stands: A guitar stand is a convenient way to display and protect your guitar when not in use. Look for a stand that is stable, adjustable, and folds up for easy storage.

FAQ: Converting Right-Handed Guitars to Left-Handed

Is it difficult to convert a right-handed guitar to left-handed?

Converting a guitar requires precision and skill, but with the right tools and knowledge, it is manageable.
Can any guitar be converted to left-handed?

Most guitars can be converted, but symmetrical designs are easier to modify.
Will converting a guitar affect its value?

Converting a vintage or rare guitar may affect its value, so consider this before proceeding.
How much does it cost to convert a guitar?

The cost varies depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, and the extent of the modifications needed.
Do I need special tools to convert a guitar?

Yes, you’ll need nut files, a saddle blank, a small saw, and other tools for precision work.
Can I convert an electric guitar to left-handed?

Yes, electric guitars can be converted, but it may involve more complex modifications to the electronics and hardware.
What are the benefits of playing a left-handed guitar?

Playing a left-handed guitar allows you to use your dominant hand for fretting, which can improve dexterity and comfort.
How do I find a qualified luthier for guitar conversion?

Seek recommendations from other guitarists, check online reviews, and look for luthiers with experience in left-handed conversions.
Is it better to buy a left-handed guitar or convert a right-handed one?

This depends on your preferences and budget. Buying a left-handed guitar ensures proper construction, while converting allows you to customize an existing instrument.
Where can I find resources and tutorials for converting a guitar?

guitarplayers.net offers a wealth of articles, videos, and community support to guide you through the conversion process.

Converting a right-handed guitar to left-handed can open up a world of musical possibilities, ensuring you have an instrument that feels tailor-made for your playing style. With the right approach, tools, and resources from guitarplayers.net, you can transform a standard guitar into a personalized masterpiece. Embrace the journey, explore new sounds, and let your creativity soar with an instrument that truly feels like an extension of yourself.