Left-Handed Kids and Guitars: The Quest for Perfect Instrument Choice
When a child starts learning the guitar, the choice of left-handed or right-handed instruments can be a crucial factor in ensuring optimal learning outcomes. This article discusses the advantages and considerations of using a left-handed guitar for left-handed children, supported by practical examples and insights from personal experiences.
The Recommendation: Left-Handed Guitars for Left-Handed Kids
Research and common advice generally favor left-handed kids learning with a left-handed guitar. The primary rationale for this recommendation is rooted in comfort and technique. A left-handed guitar allows the child to use their dominant hand for fretting notes, which can be more comfortable and natural for them. This can lead to better technique development and help avoid frustration.
Strumming and Picking
The positioning of the strumming or picking hand, usually the right hand for left-handed players, can be more controlled and dexterous when using a left-handed guitar. This is because the hand can be placed in a way that feels more intuitive to the left-handed player. Additionally, left-handed guitars allow for a more natural playing position, which can enhance the player's overall comfort and performance.
Learning Materials
The availability of learning materials and resources can also play a significant role in a child's guitar learning journey. Many instructional materials are initially geared towards right-handed players, but left-handed players can still find resources online and in specialized musical stores. Starting with a left-handed guitar can help the child engage with these materials more effectively, ensuring a smoother learning process.
Avoiding Bad Habits
Playing on a right-handed guitar can sometimes lead to awkward hand positions and bad habits that may be challenging to correct later. This is particularly true if the left-handed player is forced to use a right-handed guitar. The arms and hands might be in an unnatural position, causing strain and discomfort, which can negatively impact the player's experience and progress.
Personal Insights and Experiences
From my personal experience, I found that learning to play guitar on a right-handed guitar was not as comfortable or natural for me, a left-handed individual. My left-handed advantage, which includes better hand and finger positioning, becomes more apparent when using a left-handed guitar. This natural advantage can significantly improve a left-handed player's technique and overall performance.
Instructional Convenience
When learning from a teacher, a left-handed student often sits across from the instructor, mimicking their movements closely. This setup is much more comfortable and intuitive than the conventional side-by-side seating arrangement, which can be physically challenging for left-handed players. The teacher can also easily observe and provide feedback without the need for mental reversals made by right-handed students.
Imagery and Online Resources
Instructional books and online video tutorials are often illustrated and demonstrated with right-handed images. However, a left-handed learner only needs to mirror these images to follow along, making the learning process significantly easier. YouTube and other video platforms offer a wide range of techniques and riffs, and following these instructions becomes a mirror image for a left-handed player, requiring minimal adjustments.
Exclusive Ownership
One of the most significant advantages of using a left-handed guitar is that it is less likely to be touched or borrowed by others. This exclusivity can help a left-handed child feel more comfortable and confident while learning, knowing that their instrument is their own and that they do not have to worry about others damaging or misusing it.
Conclusion
The decision between left-handed and right-handed guitars for a left-handed child ultimately depends on their comfort and preferences. It is often recommended to try out both options to find the most appropriate instrument for their needs. Explore different choices, and with the right instrument, a left-handed child can enjoy and excel in their guitar learning journey.