How to Survive a Guitar Store Visit as a Lefty Guitarist

If you’re a left-handed guitarist, you already know the drill. You walk into a guitar store buzzing with excitement, visions of shiny new gear dancing in your head… only to have your hopes vanish quicker than the last slice of pizza at band practice.

Meanwhile, your right-handed friends stroll into the same shop and are spoiled for choice – a hundred models in every shape, color, and price range. But for you? If you’re lucky, there’s a lonely left-handed model hanging somewhere near the ceiling, coated in just enough dust to qualify as a historical artifact. And it’s either wildly overpriced, the wrong colour, or not remotely the kind of guitar you were looking for.

It’s a strangely universal experience among lefties. We don’t hate guitar stores… but we’ve learned to temper our expectations. And if we don’t laugh about it, we might just cry.

Every Guitar Store Visit As A Left-Handed Guitarist

To capture this all-too-familiar journey, I put together a comic strip that sums up exactly what it’s like walking into a guitar shop as a left-handed player. If you’ve been there, you’ll probably laugh – and if you haven’t, maybe you’ll see why lefties are just a little bit salty sometimes.

How to Survive a Guitar Store Visit as a Lefty

The comic might make it seem hopeless, but there are ways to improve your chances of finding the perfect left-handed guitar in the wild. Here’s what I’ve learned over 20+ years of scouring (and working at!) music stores.

1. Call Ahead

Before you burn fuel (and hope) getting to a store, give them a call or email. Ask specifically if they have left-handed stock on the floor and if you can try it.

Bonus points if they can text or email you photos so you know exactly what’s there before you make the trip. Remember that salespeople have targets to hit, so they should be more than happy to do this for you.

2. Know Your Local “Lefty-Friendly” Stores

Some shops genuinely get the southpaw struggle. They might not have a full lefty wall, but they’ll order models in for you, let you try their personal gear, or at least keep a small but thoughtful selection in stock.

Build relationships with these places – they’re gold. Lefties are often a little more expensive (read my guide to find out why), so get to know the staff to potentially unlock the best discounts or get the occasional freebie. Ask if they can shoot you a quick email or text whenever interesting lefties arrive at the store.

3. Guitar Store Etiquette

To make sure that you maintain a great relationship with your local guitar store, make sure to always follow the unwritten rules. For example, make sure to wear suitable clothing so that you don’t accidentally ex-demo the merchandise!

Avoid any silly faux pas by reading my guide to guitar store etiquette. For bonus points, check out my list of 21 guitar riffs BANNED in guitar stores.

4. Be Ready to Test Anything

If you do find a left-handed guitar in-store, play it. Even if it’s not your dream model, it’s worth getting a feel for neck shapes, weight, and balance in person. You can apply that knowledge when you shop online later.

5. Shop Online For A Better Selection

While brick-and-mortar stores often fall short, the internet is your friend. Dedicated left-handed guitar retailers like Southpaw Guitars or Jerry’s Lefty Guitars have far better variety. Just make sure to check return policies before making a commitment.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out my guide to the most lefty-friendly guitar stores around the world.

6. Flip It (If You Have To)

Some players (like Kurt Cobain or Jimi Hendrix) made flipping right-handed guitars work. If you’re comfortable with modifying bridges, nuts, and electronics, this can open up way more options.

It’s not for everyone, but it’s worth considering if the selection is dire. Check out my guide to restringing a right-handed guitar for lefty play.

7. Join the Lefty Community

Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and forums are treasure troves of info. Members share store sightings, sales, and rare finds – plus you’ll feel less alone in the struggle.

You can start by following LeftyFretz on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter/X for the latest lefty news. Or, sign up for my monthly email newsletter to get the freshest info straight to your inbox!

8. Support Brands That Support You

When a manufacturer puts effort into their left-handed range, reward them with your business. The more we buy these models, the more likely they are to keep making them or introduce further southpaws in the future.

Brands such as PRS and Epiphone have been stepping up in recent years. Plus, lefty-favorites such as Schecter, Kiesel, and Harley Benton are always making sure we are well catered to.

9. Treat It as an Adventure

Yes, it’s frustrating – but there’s something deeply satisfying about finally finding the one. Every lefty guitarist has that story of “the time I found my dream guitar after months of searching.” The hunt can make the moment sweeter.

Final Thought:

Guitar stores may never be perfect for lefties, but with the right strategy (and a good sense of humor), you can avoid disappointment and maybe even find your next lifelong instrument. And when you do – share it online. Somewhere out there, another lefty will see it and know it’s possible.

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