Left Handed Classical Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Purchasing a left-handed instrument means navigating choices that right-handers never face. Most guitar shops stock overwhelming numbers of conventional models and a handful of lefty options—if any. But here's what matters: you're not looking for just any guitar. You're looking for the right one for your budget, your hand size, and your musical goals. This buying guide breaks down exactly what to check, the trade-offs you'll face, and how to avoid the mistakes many left-handers make.

Why Choosing a Left-Handed Classical Guitar Requires Different Decisions

A left-handed model isn't just a mirror image of a standard instrument—it's a genuinely different purchasing decision. Stock is limited. Prices tend to be higher. And the selection at any given price point is far smaller. But once you understand what specs matter and what compromises are worth making, you can find an excellent instrument that won't drain your budget.

First: Confirm Your Handedness

This sounds obvious, but many left-handers end up with the wrong orientation. Test it: if you instinctively hold a pencil in your left hand and write, you need a lefty model. Some learn on right-handed instruments (out of necessity), but buying your own is your chance to get the setup that feels natural. A left-handed classical guitar matched to your dominant hand will speed up learning and make practice more enjoyable—don't compromise here just for availability.

Price Tiers: What You Actually Get

Left-handed instruments span a wider price range than you might expect, and knowing what to expect at each level matters when you're making a purchase decision.

Budget tier (£200–£400): These exist, but availability is the real constraint. You might find one at an online retailer, but the selection is tiny. Quality at this price is functional—playable for a beginner, but with thinner wood, less refined construction, and finishes that won't age well. Entry-level models will get you started, but expect to plateau. A basic left-handed classical guitar is just that: basic.

Mid-range (£400–£800): This is where the real choice opens up. Instruments in this range give you access to recognized brands, better wood quality, and guitars that will improve your playing. Mid-range options have more consistent intonation, better sustain, and finishes that develop character over time. Most serious beginners and intermediate players find their home here when shopping for this type of instrument.

Quality tier (£800–£1500): These are genuinely well-built instruments. At this level, you're buying master luthier work, aged wood, and hand-finishing that costs real money. Intonation is precise, response is lively, and each instrument rewards technique. If you're serious about the instrument, investing here means you won't outgrow it.

Premium instruments (£1500+): Concert-grade pieces, often made by hand in Spain or Portugal. Buying at this level is a genuine investment. These are rare (left-handed options especially so), but they deliver tonal character and responsiveness that justify the cost for professionals. Most amateurs never need to spend this much.

Body Size Matters for Comfort

Classical guitars come in standard sizes, and getting the right size is crucial during purchase. An instrument that's too large will exhaust your hands during practice. Too small, and you'll fight intonation and sound quality.

Full-size (4/4): Standard adult instruments, 65–67 cm long. If you're an adult with typical or large hands, this is your baseline when shopping. Most professional guitars fall in this category, including left-handed classical guitars at all price points.

7/8 size: Smaller full-size instruments, roughly 62–64 cm. Many left-handers prefer this size even as adults because it's easier to manage, especially with smaller hands. There's no real performance penalty—plenty of professionals choose the 7/8 option for this type of instrument.

3/4 size: Genuinely smaller instruments for teenagers or smaller adults. A 3/4 makes sense if you're young or your hands are unusually small. Sound quality is respectable for the size, but you'll eventually outgrow it if you pursue the instrument seriously.

Wood Quality: Feel the Difference

When you're shopping, the wood tells you almost everything about quality and price. Top spruce or cedar (the soundboard) should be clear, even-grained, and free from knots. A laminated top (plywood) keeps costs down but sacrifices tone—it's a common compromise in budget models.

Back and sides should ideally be solid rosewood, with Indian rosewood being the most common. Solid wood means warmth and sustain that laminates just can't match. Cheaper alternatives use sapele or laminated wood, which work but have thinner, less resonant tone.

Don't obsess over wood type alone—construction, finish, and bracing matter more. But solid wood top and back is a reliable marker of an instrument worth your investment. A lefty model with solid construction will reward your technique and dedication.

Playability: Action and Intonation

Action is the height of the strings above the fingerboard. When selecting an instrument, action that's too high makes playing exhausting. Too low, and you get buzzing and poor tone. On classical guitars, action around 2–3 mm at the 12th fret is standard. Test this when considering any lefty model—it should feel comfortable without requiring heroic finger pressure.

Intonation matters too. Fret a note at the first position, then at higher positions—the pitch should stay true. A poorly fretted fingerboard will never feel right, no matter how well you play. During your buying process, take time to test the intonation up and down the neck of any instrument you're considering.

Where to Source Your Instrument

Finding a left-handed classical guitar locally is tough—most high-street shops stock very few, if any. Your realistic options are:

• Specialist online retailers: Websites dedicated to classical guitars often have a bigger selection for left-handers. You can't physically test the instrument, but customer reviews and return policies matter here.
• Direct from manufacturers: Some smaller makers build to order. A custom left-handed classical guitar means waiting 8–12 weeks, but bespoke options are a genuine advantage.
• Second-hand or vintage: Buying a used instrument can be a savvy move. An older piece from a good maker might cost less than a new budget model and sound far superior. However, check for cracks, warping, and whether repairs are stable.
• Large chains with good selection: Major music retailers sometimes stock multiple lefty models. This is your chance to compare instruments side by side.

Common Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing "left-handed" with "strung backwards." A true left-handed model has the thickest string on the right and is built (braced, shaped) for left-hand playing. Re-stringing a standard right-handed classical guitar is a budget compromise many accept—but it's not the same instrument. If you can afford a proper lefty, get one.

Focusing only on brand names. A renowned label made cheaply (heavy lamination, thin bracing) is worse than an unknown maker using solid wood and care. When shopping, read reviews and ask specifically about construction, not just the badge.

Ignoring setup costs. Factor in £50–150 for professional setup—a luthier adjusting action, nut, bridge, and intonation. Any instrument with poor setup will feel terrible. This isn't optional.

Buying online without return options. When purchasing remotely, make absolutely sure you can return it if it doesn't feel right. A 30-day return window is essential—instruments vary, and you need to live with one before committing.

Balancing Compromise and Quality

Buying this type of instrument often means compromise. The model you want might not be in stock. The best option at your price point might be in a size that's slightly larger than ideal. You might have to order and wait, or accept a slightly shorter sustain than premium models offer. But understand these trade-offs deliberately. A well-informed compromise is far better than settling for the wrong instrument just because it's available now.

Start with your budget, find the best-built option within that range, test it thoroughly, and don't buy from desperation or impatience. A lefty instrument that fits your hands and musical level is an investment lasting years. Take the time to get it right. For deeper context on tone, technique, and musical styles, read our complete overview on the topic—this guide focuses purely on the purchasing decision itself.

Frequently Asked Questions