Best Beginner Left Handed Electric Guitar (8 Top Picks!)

Choosing the best beginner left handed electric guitar for your tastes, budget, and ability can be massively overwhelming. Especially if you are a new player!

Throughout this post, we will delve into my top 8 best left handed electric guitars, from super affordable packages that include everything you will need to get started, to the higher quality options that could potentially last you for life. I’ll also answer some key questions you might have at this stage in the buying process.

As a new player, you need an instrument that’s easy to play, stays in tune, and won’t hold back your progress. The good news? There are more quality lefty options available today than ever before, and you don’t have to overspend to get a great one.

Shorter people or those with smaller hands may also like to check out my guide to the ¾ sized best left handed guitars.

Below you’ll discover my top 8 choices for the best left handed electric guitars for beginners and intermediate players this year. The list is ordered from the most affordable left handed guitars at the start to the more pricey options at the end.

Table Of Contents

1. Donner DST-100SL – Best Beginner Starter Pack
2. Squier Sonic Stratocaster – Best Budget Option
3. Harley Benton Left-Handed Models – Best Affordable Range
4. Ibanez GRX70QAL – Best for Rock & Metal Beginners
5. Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster – Best Vintage-Style Option
6. Fender Player Stratocaster – Best Long-Term Upgrade
7. PRS SE Custom 24 – Most Versatile Option
8. Epiphone Les Paul Standard – Best for Rock Beginners
9. How to Choose a Beginner Left-Handed Electric Guitar

Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a left handed guitar using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

1. Donner DST-100SL – Best Beginner Left-Handed Guitar Starter Pack

The Donner DST-100SL is without a doubt the best beginner left handed electric guitar package in terms of sheer value for money. You needn’t worry about spending time researching the perfect rig, as this bundle includes everything you could possibly need to get started with left handed guitar.

Sure, cheaper beginner left handed electric guitar packages are available, but the poor quality and reliability of those kits means that I cannot recommend them with a clear conscience. While most of the less expensive bundles can essentially be considered as toys, Donner has managed to put together a solid kit here for a still relatively low price.

The guitar itself is a classic sunburst (black is also available) Stratocaster style model – one of the most iconic electric guitar designs ever. The important feature here is that while Stratocasters most commonly use 3 single-coil pickups, this model also includes a humbucker in the bridge position.

This more versatile pickup configuration means that these left handed guitars are absolutely perfect for beginners as they will be able to comfortably handle any genre of music. You will be able to coax shimmering clean tones from the two single-coil pickups, while the thicker and warmer-sounding humbucker is ideal for overdriven music such as rock and blues.

The guitar’s body is made from poplar, a wood known for being light in weight while still providing a great tone. The low weight of the Donner will be perfect for new left handed players who aren’t used to standing (or even sitting) with an electric guitar.

Other main features include a comfortable c-shape maple neck with a 22-fret purpleheart fingerboard, a 5-way pickup selector for a variety of tones, plus 1 volume and 2 tone controls to further enhance the guitar’s range of sounds.

As far as the bundled accessories are concerned, Donner has included pretty much all of the goodies you will need to get going right away. You’ll get a quality padded gig bag, a portable 2-channel amplifier, a clip-on tuner, a capo, a guitar strap, and much more! See below for the full list.

As you can see, there’s a lot to love about this little bundle, but what about the negatives? The only real downside (for some!) is that the little amp is not quite capable of putting out the ultra-heavy tones that hard rock and metal players will crave. It is perfectly adequate to get you going, but the rockers amongst you will probably be looking to upgrade after a few months.

For everyone else, the amp will serve its purpose well. It has a headphone out for quiet practice, plus you can even power it with batteries if you fancy trying your hand at busking or playing anywhere without access to a power supply.

Donner App

New left handed players will also most likely be interested in Donner’s iOS and Android app which is a great free learning resource. In here you will find a range of free videos and courses aimed at beginner players to help set you off down the right path.

A handful of the tutors are actually teachers at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music, so these lessons are absolutely worth a look-see.

Key Features:

• Body: Lightweight Poplar
• Neck: Canadian Maple w/ 22 Fret Purpleheart Fingerboard
• Pickups: Humbucker & 2 Single coils (HSS)
• Controls: 5-way Pickup Selector & Volume/Tone Controls
• Gig Bag: Yes
• Accessories: Amplifier, Cable, Guitar Strap, Clip-On Tuner, Capo, Picks, Spare Strings, Cleaning Cloth, Allen Key, Lessons (via mobile app).

What I Like/Dislike About The Donner DST-100SL Package

Like:

• Includes everything you’ll need to get started with electric guitar.
• Low price without sacrificing quality and features.
• 2 year warranty on the guitar (1 year on accessories).
• The versatile HSS pickup layout will be able to handle any genre of music.

Dislike:

• The amplifier isn’t quite capable of metal and heavy rock tones.
• The amplifier will be too quiet to jam with friends in a band situation.
• Brand snobs may not approve.
• A handy guitar stand would have been a welcome addition to round off the package.

Still not convinced? Check out this video from our friends at Alamo Music to find out why they think the Donner is one of the best beginner left handed electric guitar packages.

Who It’s Best For

Overall, I recommend the Donner DST-100SL as my pick for the best left handed electric guitar package. I don’t think you’ll be able to find a better lefty bundle for a lower price, and it’s clear to see why it is the number one best-selling beginner kit on Amazon!

If you’re sold, you can check it out at the link below!

2. Squier Sonic Stratocaster – Best Budget Left-Handed Electric Guitar for Beginners

If you like the look of the Donner above but would prefer to put together your own kit, then you might like to check out the excellent Squier by Fender Sonic Stratocaster. This is currently one of the best cheap left handed electric guitar options on the market.

The Sonic Strat is roughly the same price as the Donner kit above, but you do also get that famous name on the headstock, ensuring that the guitar will hold its value over time.

The main features include a poplar body, which is a more affordable alternative to the more common Alder Strat body. Poplar is a good lightweight wood that resonates well and provides a balanced, bright tone. The body is also slightly slimmer versus the traditional Stratocaster shape, making it an ideal beginner left handed electric guitar.

Another beginner-friendly feature is the slim neck profile, which is ideal for fresh hands unaccustomed to large stretches. The Stratocaster is also an ideal platform for modding, so this is a guitar that could potentially last a lot longer than your first year!

The only real downside to this electric guitar is that it unfortunately isn’t supplied with a gig bag or case, so you will need to source your own if you plan to carry it around. Not exactly a deal breaker as you’ll be able to source one for as little as $10 if you decide that you need one later.

Aside from that, it would have also been nice to see the guitar available in more than one finish.

Check out Fender’s video below to hear what the Sonic Strat is capable of. Note that only the 3 single-coil pickup model is available left handed at the time of writing.

Key Features:

• Body: Lightweight Poplar
• Neck: Maple w/ 21 Fret Maple Fingerboard
• Pickups: Squier Ceramic Single-Coil Pickups
• Controls: 5-way Pickup Selection & Volume/2 Tone Controls
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Squier Bullet Strat

Like:

• Fender quality at an affordable price point
• 2-year warranty included.
• Slim, beginner-friendly neck.
• A great platform to mod and upgrade as skills advance.

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories are included.
• Only available in black.

Who It’s Best For

Overall, I recommend the Squier Bullet Stratocaster as one of the best left handed electric guitars for beginners. If you think that the Squier could be the ideal left handed guitar for you, then please check it out at the links below.

3. Harley Benton Left-Handed Models – Biggest Range Of Choice

Harley Benton offers an impressive range of left-handed electric guitars that are perfect for beginners, boasting over 150 different models. Whether you’re interested in classic rock, blues, metal, or jazz, Harley Benton provides an affordable gateway into the world of electric guitars, with models inspired by iconic guitar shapes and designs.

So for this entry, I am not going to single out any one specific guitar in particular. Instead, I would encourage you to check out the link above and browse to see what the brand offers. I am convinced you will find several guitars that will grab your interest.

What I Like/Dislike About Harley Benton Guitars

Like:

• Buy individually or as a complete starter package
• Good quality and features for a low price
• Designs based on iconic guitars

Dislike:

• Brand snobs may not approve

Who It’s Best For

Whether you’re into country or jazz, Les Pauls or Flying Vs, vintage or ultra-modern, solid body or hollow body – this brand will have several options to suit. Even better, beginner kits are also available! So, you can build your own rig, or cut out the extra hassle and get everything you need to rock in one easy bundle.

Check them out at the link below!

4. Ibanez GRX70QAL – Best Left-Handed Electric Guitar for Rock and Metal Beginners

What if you need rock power for super-heavy metal riffs and solos? Well the Ibanez GRX70QAL (catchy name, right?) is perfect for you budding shredders and chuggers!

Ibanez made their name via their lightning-fast, high-output electric guitars, and this GRX is going to be your most affordable route to owning one as a lefty player. In fact, it’s probably the most affordable dual-humbucker southpaw electric guitar currently available from any of the big brands! 

And you wouldn’t know it from looking, right? With its stunning transparent blue burst finish this gorgeous speed demon looks like it should cost way more than its meager price tag.

Pickup duties are handled by a trio of high-output Ibanez Infinity pickups in a humbucker-single-humbucker (HSH) layout. Choose the bridge humbucker for searing lead tones, switch to the neck humbucker for a warmer, thicker sound, or select the middle single-coil for a brighter, clean voice. The Ibanez certainly has an impressive tonal range!

A beginner-friendly lightweight poplar body provides a resonant and balanced tone, and is paired with an eye-catching quilted maple veneer for a striking look. The smooth and fast maple neck and 22-fret jatoba fingerboard will have you shredding in no time with its super-flat radius.

Related post: Check out my guide to the best shred guitarists of all time! You might also like my guide to the greatest metal guitar solos ever.

Crucially for many players, the GRX is equipped with a tremolo system that should allow you to have some fun with the whammy bar. This isn’t a complicated locking Floyd Rose-style system, however, so don’t expect to be performing extreme dive bombs and remaining perfectly in tune!

This model ships with quality lighter gauge D’Addario strings which are absolutely ideal for un-callused beginner fingers.

Again, the only real negative to this left-handed guitar is the fact that it does not ship with a case or gig bag. A little disappointing, but you’ll be able to find some great options in part 8 of this guide where we delve into accessories.

Key Features:

• Body: Poplar w/ Quilted Maple Veneer
• Neck: Maple w/ 22 Fret Jatoba Fingerboard
• Pickups: 2 Humbucker & 1 Singlecoil (HSH)
• Controls: 5-way Pickup Selection & Volume/Tone Controls
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Ibanez GRX70QAL

Like:

• Looks far more expensive than it is.
• Versatile HSH pickup layout offers thicker tones ideal for heavier music.
• 2-year warranty included.
• Slim, flat neck is perfect for fast soloing.
• Also a great option for intermediate players, or more advanced left handed guitarists looking for a solid backup option.

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories are included.
• Tremolo system won’t handle extreme whammy bar action.

Who It’s Best For

Overall, I can happily recommend the Ibanez GRX70QAL as the best beginner left handed electric guitar for rock and metal guitarists looking for an affordable option. These left handed guitars look and play like a million bucks and will see you through many years of shredding to come!

5. Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster – Best Affordable Vintage Electric

In my opinion, the Squier Classic Vibe Series forms the best bang-for-your-buck range of left handed electric guitars currently available. These are the highest quality instruments that Squier produces and will easily go toe-to-toe with USA-made Fenders which can cost at least 3 times more.

The left handed Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Telecaster is available in that iconic butterscotch blonde finish. Main features include a lightweight pine body, slim c-shape maple neck with a 21-fret maple fingerboard, Fender-designed pickups, and a vintage-style 3-saddle bridge.

The only real downside to this excellent range of left-handed electric guitars is that they do not ship with gig bags, which is something I would really expect at around $450-$500 each. You may also get a few brand snobs scoffing at you for not buying a real Fender, but they’re easy to ignore!

Key Features:

• Body: Pine
• Neck: Maple w/ Maple Fingerboard
• Pickups: Fender-Designed
• Controls: Volume, Tone, 3-Way Pickup Selector
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Squier Classic Vibe Tele

Like:

• Fender quality for a fraction of the price.
• 2-year warranty included.
• Slim neck and lightweight body is ideal for new players.
• Also a great option for intermediate players, or more advanced guitarists looking for a solid backup option.

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories are included.
• Brand snobs may patronize you for not buying a real Fender.

Who It’s Best For

For new and intermediate-level players I can recommend the Squier Classic Vibe series as being the best left handed electric guitars currently available. I’ve been playing for over 20 years now and have a Classic Vibe Strat (now discontinued) and Tele in my collection that both get regular playtime.

For the money, it is going to be a real challenge to find a better lefty electric guitar. You can find links to buy below.

6. Fender Player Stratocaster – Most Popular Left-Handed Electric Guitar

Thanks to its accessible price, easy playability, quality craftsmanship, and widespread availability, the Fender Player II Stratocaster has become the most popular left handed electric guitar in the world. 

If you’d prefer, there is also the Player II Telecaster to check out, but I have highlighted the Strat here due to it being slightly more versatile. The Stratocaster should be able to handle any genre of music apart from heavier rock and metal. Both electric guitars are great choices, however.

Main features include a solid alder body, maple neck, upgraded Fender single-coil pickups, a modern 2-point tremolo, and a choice of maple or rosewood fingerboards depending on which finish you opt for. 

Another small feature I really appreciate is the satin finish on the neck which provides a nice smooth play feel, rather than the sticky feeling you often get with gloss necks. Fender also introduced an extra fret to this range, giving a total of 22 for additional versatility.

It is currently available in 3 different colors (3-color sunburst, aquatone blue, and polar white) so there should be something for all tastes here. As they are the world’s most popular left handed electric guitars you shouldn’t have too much trouble tracking one down at your local music store.

Check out the video below for a quick overview and demonstration of the Player II Stratocaster.

Strangely, the Player Strat does not ship with a gig bag. For this kind of money, I would absolutely expect one to be bundled in, so this is a pretty surprising downside. The only other negative is that a Stratocaster won’t be the best choice for heavier styles of music such as hard rock and metal – see my next suggestion if you need more power!

Key Features:

• Body: Alder
• Neck: Maple w/ Slab Rosewood or Maple Fingerboard
• Pickups: Fender Player Alnico V Single-Coils
• Controls: 5-Way Selector & Volume/Tone Controls
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Fender Player Stratocaster

Like:

• A real Fender at a still affordable price.
• 2-year warranty included.
• Classic looks with modern features.
• An electric guitar for life.

Dislike:

• No gig bag or accessories are included.
• Not the best for heavier music.

Who It’s Best For

For beginners, it would give a fantastic introduction to the instrument. Plus, it is a left handed guitar that will last you for life, so you should save money in the long run. It is also a guitar that is regularly rocked by professional players on stages around the world. Left handed guitarists of all abilities should be able to find a place for a Player Strat in their collection!

You can shop for this best-selling model at the links below.

7. PRS SE Custom 24 – Most Versatile Left-Handed Electric Guitar

The Fender above is perfect for all styles of music apart from heavier genres which require the thicker, warmer tone of humbuckers. For similar money, we can also check out the PRS SE Custom 24 which comes equipped with dual humbuckers!

PRS is a brand that isn’t desperately generous when it comes to catering to lefties, but luckily this modern classic from their more affordable SE series ticks all of the boxes. The craftsmanship and playability is spot on, and just look at it, it’s gorgeous!

Main features include a mahogany body with a carved maple top, maple neck with 24-fret rosewood fingerboard, quality PRS 85/15 pickups, a super-stable PRS tremolo, and those famous bird inlays. 

The modern wide thin profile neck is both comfortable and fast, ideal for jamming out solos and complex riffs. It also features a slightly shorter scale length of 25” which should make bending easier and bring wider stretches closer together.

Its versatility is further enhanced by the ability to split the humbucker coils for a brighter single-coil sound. This PRS can really do it all – a true Swiss army knife of an electric guitar!

PRS is so confident in the quality of this electric guitar that they actually offer a limited lifetime warranty along with it. So you can be safe in the knowledge that if something does go wrong you are fully covered.

The latest 2026 model is available in two stunning finishes – slate blue and black gold sunburst. And the good news is that finally on this list we have a left handed guitar that ships with a gig bag! Huzzah!

As far as downsides are concerned it is really tough to come up with anything more than a minor quibble. And that is that the wide thin neck profile may not be to the tastes of players who prefer a chunkier neck shape.

Check out the demo video from PRS below to hear the SE Custom 24 in action.

Key Features:

• Body: Mahogany w/ Maple Top & Flamed Maple Veneer
• Neck: Maple w/ 24 Fret Rosewood Fingerboard
• Pickups: PRS 85/15 ‘S’ Humbuckers
• Controls: 3-Way Selector & Master Volume/Master Tone (Push/Pull Coil-Split)
• Gig Bag: Yes
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The PRS SE Custom 24

Like:

• PRS quality and looks at a fraction of the price.
• Choice of two colors.
• Limited lifetime warranty included.
• Incredible versatility.
• An electric guitar for life.

Dislike:

• The looks may not be for everyone.
• The wide thin neck shape isn’t for players that prefer a chunkier profile.

Who It’s Best For

Overall, the PRS SE Custom 24 is an excellent all-rounder of an electric guitar that will last you for life. It gives you a taste of a USA-made PRS at a fraction of the price and the versatile pickup options let these left handed guitars handle any style of music with ease.

Check it out at the links below!

8. Epiphone Les Paul Standard – Best Left-Handed Guitar for Rock & Blues

Described by many as being the greatest electric guitar design of all time, the Les Paul Standard is one of the most iconic guitars available. However, a bona fide Gibson will set you back potentially thousands of dollars. So, why not consider this excellent and affordable alternative from Epiphone?

There are two models available – the 50s, and the 60s. You won’t be surprised to discover that one is based on the Les Pauls from the 1950s, and the other, the 1960s.

The guitars are broadly similar, with many differences being small aesthetic tweaks. For example, the 50s model has vintage tuners, whereas the 60s has chrome Grovers.

The biggest difference you will notice is that the 50s model has a slightly fatter neck in keeping with the guitars of the era. This results in a little more sustain. In addition, the 60s model has slightly hotter pickups, giving it a more aggressive sound.

Aside from these key differences, both guitars feature the classic mahogany body and maple cap combination, paired with a mahogany neck and laurel fingerboard.

The classic downside to a Les Paul-style guitar is that they do tend to be on the heavier end of the scales. You can expect these to be approaching around 9lbs. So, if you struggle with back issues you might want to avoid this particular style of guitar!

Key Features:

• Body: Mahogany w/ Maple Top & Flamed Maple Veneer
• Neck: Mahogany w/ 22 Fret Laurel Fingerboard
• Pickups: Epiphone ProBucker
• Controls: 3-Way Selector & 2 Volume, 2 Tone
• Gig Bag: No
• Accessories: None

What I Like/Dislike About The Epiphone Les Paul

Like:

• Gibson quality and looks at a fraction of the price.
• Choice of finishes.
• Lifetime warranty included.
• Great for classic & modern tones.
• An electric guitar for life.

Dislike:

• Les Pauls are known for being heavy
• Vintage styling will not suit all tastes

Who It’s Best For

Overall, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard is an excellent choice for those after some of that legendary Gibson magic without breaking the bank. Perfect for classic rockers and blues maestros.

Check it out at the link below!

How to Choose the Best Beginner Left-Handed Electric Guitar

What Brand Of Electric Guitar Is Best?

There is no BEST brand of electric guitar as the best choice for you will depend on a number of factors including your budget, tastes, and current playing ability.

Instead of looking to opt for a specific brand, consider the questions I have answered below to help find your ideal electric guitar.

Which Electric Guitar Is The Most Popular?

Ask any guitar store what their best-selling instruments are and you will likely get a list including the Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, and Gibson Les Paul amongst others.

I have recommended several of these styles of left handed guitars in the list above!

Which Electric Guitar Is Easiest To Play?

If you are buying an electric guitar for a child you might like to consider a ¾-sized model which will be easier for them to handle. Check out my guide to the best left handed guitars for kids.

Most of the best left handed electric guitars that I have suggested above are broadly the same size, however, the weight of the instrument is also a factor that you should consider. New left handed players will probably prefer to opt for something a little more lightweight to begin with as they will be easier to sit and stand with for longer periods.

Stratocaster-style electric guitars are generally the lowest-weight models, so they are ideal for beginners. Les Paul-style electric guitars are often the heaviest thanks to their thick mahogany bodies, so these are probably best avoided if you have any back issues!

Consider Ergonomics

In addition to the weight of the guitar, you should also think about how comfortable it will be to sit with for hours on end. A Flying V-style axe may look awesome, but you might come to regret your choice when it keeps sliding off your lap!

A Stratocaster-style instrument is one of the most ergonomic designs to sit with. They have soft, curved edges to the body, comfortable bevels, and are well-balanced. This is one of the reasons I have recommended so many Strats above!

Conversely, a Les Paul tends to have harder body edges which might dig into your ribs.

Single-Coils Or Humbuckers?

The pickups in your electric guitar will play a big role in determining how it sounds, so it is important to choose the right tool for the job.

The image above shows the two most common styles of electric guitar – on the left a Fender Stratocaster, and on the right a Gibson Les Paul.

The thin pickups on the Stratocaster are called Single-Coils, and the wider pickups on the Les Paul are Humbuckers.

Single coils typically produce bright and lively tones with low to moderate output. This makes them better suited to clean or lower-gain play styles. Humbuckers generally have a higher output and produce thicker and warmer tones which sound great with distortion added.

As a beginner, you might like to consider an electric guitar that is equipped with a humbucker and single coils. This is a very versatile setup that will enable you to explore a ton of different genres as you expand your knowledge.

Alternatively, some left handed guitars with humbuckers (such as the PRS I have recommended above) will allow you to ‘split’ the coils for additional single-coil sounds.

How Much Should I Spend On An Electric Guitar?

This depends entirely on your own budget! Spending more will undoubtedly get you better playing and sounding left handed guitars, but there is no need to spend thousands of dollars on your first electric guitar.

The best left handed guitars I have recommended above range from around $200 up to $900. Spend whatever you are comfortable with, and make sure to also budget for additional expenses such as an amp and a tuner.

What Scale Length Should I Choose?

Although scale length won’t have a massive effect on the sound of your electric guitar, it will affect how it feels to play.

If you’re not aware, the scale length of a guitar is the distance between the bridge and the nut and determines the spacing between each fret. You can find out more in my guide to guitar scale length.

A shorter distance between frets will make the guitar a little easier to play for people with smaller hands. It will also give the strings a slinkier feel, making them easier to bend.

Conversely, people with large hands might find the spacing on a shorter-scale length instrument a little too cramped.

The Stratocasters I have recommended above all have the longest scale length of 25.5”. The PRS is slightly shorter at 25”. Finally, the Les Pauls are the shortest at 24.75”.

Get Your Electric Guitar A Setup

Although you’d hope that your new left handed guitar will be in perfect playing condition when it arrives, that can often not be the case!

Changes in humidity could have warped the neck, the strings could be too high or low, the intonation could be slightly off, certain frets might buzz – the list goes on! This might lead you to believe that you’ve been sent a dud guitar when in reality it just needs a couple of common tweaks.

So to ensure that your electric guitar is in the best possible playing condition it could be worth taking it to your local music store for what is known as a ‘setup’. You can find out more about this in my guide to guitar setups.

It is a minor additional expense but is absolutely worth the outlay.

Next up, you’ll either want to check out part six of this beginner series if your chosen electric guitar isn’t bundled with an amp. Otherwise, head to part 8 where we’ll look at a few essential accessories you will also want to pick up.

Part One : Tips Before You Buy
Part Two : Beginner Electric Guitars
Part Three : Beginner Acoustic Guitars
Part Four : Beginner Bass Left Handed Guitars
Part Five : Beginner Classical Left Handed Guitars
Part Six : Amps
Part Seven : Effects
Part Eight : Accessories
Part Nine : Lessons