Can you Name a Famous Guitarist who Exclusively Plays Left-Handed Electric Guitars?
When it comes to playing electric guitars, most people assume that guitars are uni-directional and can be played with either hand, but it’s not always the case. Some guitarists have developed their skills by exclusively playing left-handed electric guitars. Not only is it impressive to play a left-handed guitar exclusively, but it’s also a challenge that requires immense skills and techniques.
In this article, we are going to discuss some of the top left-handed electric guitarists in the world who have left a mark in the music industry. So, if you’re ready to learn more about the art of playing left-handed electric guitars, keep on reading!
Who is a Left-Handed Guitarist?
Before we dive into the things, let’s get a clear understanding of what a left-handed guitarist is. A left-handed guitarist is simply a musician who plays a guitar specifically tailored for left-handed players. Some left-handed guitarists are ambidextrous, which means that they can also play right-handed guitars, while others struggle with the right-handed guitar due to their dominant left-hand status.
The decision to play a left-handed guitar is not necessarily based on the individual’s preference. Some musicians have an innate affinity with left-handed instruments, while others develop their preference for left-handed guitars after trial and error.
Top Left-Handed Electric Guitarist
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the topic. As mentioned earlier, we will be discussing some of the world’s top left-handed electric guitarists. Here are some of the best and most influential left-handed guitarists in the world:
Hendrix Jimi
There’s no denying that Jimi Hendrix is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and influential guitarists in history. Hendrix is famous for his innovative use of feedback, distortion, and his ability to play with his teeth and behind his back. Hendrix was also a left-handed guitarist, and he exclusively played left-handed electric guitars. If you’re into Rock and Roll, you must have heard the name Jimi Hendrix or his music.
Kurt Cobain, Nirvana
Kurt Cobain was the lead singer and guitarist for the band Nirvana. He is remembered for his unique and authentic sound, and he was also a left-handed guitarist. Cobain played left-handed electric guitars, and he was known for smashing them during performances. Sadly, Cobain committed suicide in 1994, but his music still lives on.
Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath
Tony Iommi is a British musician and a left-handed guitarist. He’s best known as Black Sabbath’s lead/rhythm guitarist and the band’s founding member. He is also regarded as one of the pioneers of heavy metal music. Iommi lost the tip of his middle and ring fingers in a work accident, prompting him to use lighter gauge strings and tune his guitar down for easier fretting. He is definitely one of the best left-handed electric guitarists to ever grace the stage.
Albert King
This Blues guitarist, famous for his hit single “Born under a bad sign”, was left-handed and played an upside-down Flying V. Hendrix is said to have seen Albert King live early in his career and adopted King’s style.
Paul McCartney, the Beatles
The Beatles’ Paul McCartney is perhaps the greatest left-handed bass player of all time. He initially wanted to play guitar like his bandmate John Lennon but later switched to bass. McCartney is known for playing iconic left-handed electric basses that have cemented his status as one of the most successful and talented musicians of all time.
Eric Gales
Eric Gales is a blues and rock guitarist famous for his powerful and expressive playing style. He uses left-handed electric guitars exclusively and is known for his ability to play the guitar with lightning-fast speed and incredible precision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we’ve discussed some of the world’s most famous and influential left-handed electric guitarists. Playing a left-handed guitar is not always an easy task, but it’s clear that these musicians have mastered the craft and left an indelible mark in the music industry. From Jimi Hendrix to Eric Gales, these musicians have defined a new style of playing left-handed electric guitars that has sparked creativity and innovation in the music world.
So, the next time you see someone playing a left-handed electric guitar, don’t assume that it’s just a mirror image of the right-handed guitar. It’s a unique and challenging art form that requires a lot of skill and practice. If you’re interested in playing electric guitar, consider experimenting with playing left-handed, you never know where it might take you!
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