Righty or Lefty?

[tonepoet]

I am Left-handed when it comes to writing, eating, holding tools, etc. (I throw and bat right).

But I play guitar in what is generally called the "right-handed" way.

My theory, however, is that what is called "right-handed" guitar playing is really "left-handed" because which hand does the most work when playing like that? Generally it's the hand on the fingerboard is doing the more detailed and intricate work, isn't it? Especially when strumming rhythm guitar parts.

So, I think I am playing "left-handed", myself. (Here's when i had hair!!!)

 

[shihan]

I totally agree. The left hand does the lion’s share of the work, so if you’re a lefty, ‘normal’ is the way to go.
I’m pretty close to ambidextrous,, but a left handed guitar feels completely unnatural.
Ted Greene is another lefty that agreed with this philosophy.
BUT, whatever works for the individual is the right way to go.

 

[GAD]

The right hand is about control and finesse which I think most people do better with their dominant hand.

 

[GAD]

Also traditionally stringed instruments like cellos and violins are bowed with the dominant hand, so that's the way it's always been.

 

[walrus]

Like tonepoet, I'm a lefty who plays guitar "righty". I agree the dominant hand on the fretboard makes sense.

I throw, write, and swing a tennis racket lefty. Left hand definitely dominant. But I kick a ball, play golf, and swing a bat righty. Weird, I know.

Both of my boys are rightys but swing a bat and golf lefty!

What a mess!

 

[tonepoet]

BUT, whatever works for the individual is the right way to go.

Yep... whatever works... left, right, behind the back, upside down, standing on your head... whatever works is the way to go.

 

[12 string]

Also traditionally stringed instruments like cellos and violins are bowed with the dominant hand, so that's the way it's always been.

Well, they're bowed with the right hand, dominant or not. Many of the orchestral string players I have known are very much natural lefties. I asked one about this and she said that both hands are hard. Hey @chazmo as an orchestral brass musician have you noticed anything similar with the string players you have known?

' Strang

 

[GAD]

Well, they're bowed with the right hand, dominant or not. Many of the orchestral string players I have known are very much natural lefties. I asked one about this and she said that both hands are hard. Hey @chazmo as an orchestral brass musician have you noticed anything similar with the string players you have known?

' Strang

I would imagine being a left-handed string player in a group of right-handed players could be complicated in an orchestral setting. I think it's mostly a tradition thing from a world where "do it the 'right' way or get out" was the norm and I don't imagine that orchestras were historically interested in being inclusive. That's changing, though, and there are many discussions about left-handed string players on the 'net.

Back to guitar, I knew a left-handed guitarist who decided to learn right-handed because there would be more options for gear. I'd say that was a great choice and there was no obvious detriment to him that I could hear.

 

[12 string]

I don't think we're connecting here, Gary. I'm talking about natural lefties who play the conventional way: left hand on the neck, right hand with the bow.

I think there are all kinds of reasons it would be impossible for a symphony orchestra to work with some players playing lefty.

I was acquainted with the late Joe Holley who played with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. He played western swing fiddle left handed. You can google up old videos and see him, looking much younger than when I knew him in Fresno.

 

[davismanLV]

I always wondered about this. I'm a rightie and shouldn't that hand be fretting? Maybe not...

 

[davidbeinct]

I’m watching Elijah Wald play That’s No Way To Get Along right now on YouTube and his right hand is sure busy. Busier than his left? I’m kinda thinking so.

 

[walrus]

Just a random thought. One of the many things that made the Beatles "different" is the symmetry of Paul's lefthanded stance and John's right handed stance on opposite sides of the stage.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I am Left-handed when it comes to writing, eating, holding tools, etc. (I throw and bat right).

But I play guitar in what is generally called the "right-handed" way.

My theory, however, is that what is called "right-handed" guitar playing is really "left-handed" because which hand does the most work when playing like that? Generally it's the hand on the fingerboard is doing the more detailed and intricate work, isn't it? . . .

Righties tend to be a lot more adept at fingerstyle technique.I'd ber surprised to learn that Richard Thompson and Chet Atkins are left-handed. Intricate as hell.

But some lefties pull it off admirably. Hey, look! There goes one now!: