Nate
Nate
@nate
an hour ago
409 posts

Alex, i think it definitely depends on what kind of music is being played. Personally, i dont play very complex rhythms or strum patterns, and to me it feels like my fretting hand is dong a lot more precise movement compared to the strumming hand. It makes sense to me, though, that plucking would be more strenuous than fretting at a high level.


updated by @nate: 07/09/25 12:32:06PM
Alex_Lubet
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet
16 hours ago
17 posts

According to published research I've read, when the right hand plucks and/or bows, it's doing the more difficult task.  That may well seem counter-intuitive, but it also explains why it's the norm on every instrument everywhere.  That seems particularly remarkable on instruments without frets, although manipulating a bow with finesse is tricky.

That being said, as a very lefty lefty, I've struggled all my playing life with developing a facile right hand on quite a few instruments (this despite having earned my living in music all my life).  But I also agree that that are really interesting things one can do playing right handed while having a particularly deft left hand.  I'm pretty sure this is what led me to composing my own music (or my own parts) that allows me to use my left hand to its best advantage.  It's also why I wouldn't think of teaching any of my instruments, since my technique is pretty idiosyncratic.  (I've taught classical composition and related courses for almost fifty years.)

I've shared a few pieces, but you can hear a bunch on nearly all the major streaming services, including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.  New album dropping any day now.

Thanks!

Alex_Lubet
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet
17 hours ago
17 posts

Thanks.  Forgive me, but I'm fairly new to this group and confused about how to post on the General Forum.  Please advise, thanks.

Strumelia
Strumelia
@strumelia
20 hours ago
2,356 posts

Hi, I'm a leftie who plays musical instruments as right-handed. I knit right handed as well. It just makes everything easier, and both hands are doing important things anyway.

BTW I moved this discussion from our 'For Sale' forum to this General forum. happys




--
Site Owner

Those irritated by grain of sand best avoid beach.
-Strumelia proverb c.1990
Phil Myers
Phil Myers
@phil-myers
21 hours ago
29 posts

I'm also a leftie that plays right-handed and started on guitar as a teenager. I've always thought of it as an advantage since my most dexterous hand is the one forming the chords. Someone told me once that on a dulcimer your strumming hand is the meat and potatoes. Your fretting hand is just the gravy!

Alex_Lubet
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet
22 hours ago
17 posts

Hi All,

I'm curious about folk who, like me, are lefties who play right handed.  Do you think it's affected your style?  Has it held you back in any way?

I started guitar about sixty years ago and at the time, at least for me, playing left handed was not an option, although I suspect I would have if I could have.  (My wife is also a lefty, but not as much as me, and she says it's never been an issue.  She plays drums, guitar, and flute.)

Have a great day.