[Full of legendary guitarists!?] Left-handed guitarists roundup [2026]

Why Did Ever We MeetDavey von Bohlen

The Promise Ring – “Why Did Ever We Meet” Jade Tree Records

Davey von Bohlen, the left-handed guitarist best known as the frontman of The Promise Ring, a band emblematic of ’90s Midwest emo.

He began his career in the early 1990s with groups like Cap’n Jazz, establishing a distinctive style with songful rhythm guitar and melodious phrasing.

The Promise Ring’s classic album Nothing Feels Good has had a massive impact on the scene, ranking No.

3 on Rolling Stone’s “40 Greatest Emo Albums of All Time.” He’s also well known for contributing to a Jimmy Eat World track that helped the band earn a platinum certification.

Having overcome a serious car accident in 1998 and major illness, his continued work with projects like Maritime has a lasting appeal for those who crave emotional indie rock.

I want my Crown (Feat. Joe Bonamassa)Eric Gales

Eric Gales – I want my Crown (Feat. Joe Bonamassa) – Official Music Video

Eric Gales is an especially unique guitarist who, despite being right-handed, plays in a left-handed style.

Taught by his left-handed brother, he performs using an “upside-down” approach, holding a right-handed guitar flipped over.

Born in Memphis, he was hailed as a blues-rock prodigy from a young age and debuted in 1991 under the name Eric Gales Band.

That same year, he won Guitar World’s Best New Talent and scored a hit with “Sign of the Storm.” Centered on the blues, his sound also incorporates elements of funk and gospel.

His acclaimed album “Crown” was nominated at the 65th Grammy Awards, underscoring his proven prowess.

While evoking the lineage of Jimi Hendrix, his dynamic playing—born from his distinctive technique—is nothing short of breathtaking.

If you love soulful, virtuosic guitar work, he’s a must-check artist.

BewitchedLars Johansson

The Japanese House – Sunshine Baby (Live)

Lars Johansson, the lead guitarist of Candlemass—the band that epitomizes Swedish epic doom metal—has been adding flair to their massive sound with his left-handed style since joining in 1987.

The appeal of his playing lies in how he makes bluesy, emotionally rich melodies sing over slow, earth-crawling heavy rhythms.

The band has won Sweden’s Grammis Awards multiple times.

Moreover, a track from their masterpiece The Door to Doom achieved the remarkable feat of being nominated at the 62nd Grammy Awards.

The fact that this track features a collaboration with Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath further attests to their stature in the metal world.

He’s a guitarist I recommend to anyone who wants to revel in soulful, weeping guitar solos that shine within a crushingly heavy sound.

You’ll Lose A Good ThingBarbara Lynn

Barbara Lynn – You’ll Lose A Good Thing (The Beat, 1966)

The legendary artist Barbara Lynn, known as the “Empress of Gulf Coast Soul,” is truly a pioneer who built her sound on rhythm and blues and established a style of singing while playing lead guitar left-handed.

Active since the early 1960s, she wrote “Oh! Baby (We’ve Got a Good Thing Goin’),” which The Rolling Stones covered in 1965—there’s a famous story that Mick Jagger called her directly about it.

Her achievements are evident in her receiving the NEA National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S.

government, in 2018.

Her playing—using a thumb pick to lay down rhythm and lead simultaneously—lies at the heart of her soulful music.

If you want to experience the music of a powerful blues woman, be sure to check her out.

FiremanBlake Schwarzenbach

Jawbreaker – Fireman

Blake Schwarzenbach, the frontman of Jawbreaker—often called the godfathers of emo—is actually a left-handed guitarist.

While rooted in punk rock, the band’s literary, introspective lyrics and emotionally rich melodies had a major impact on the ’90s emo/indie scene.

Their 1994 masterpiece, 24 Hour Revenge Therapy, is still hailed as a landmark release.

Although they don’t have official awards to their name, their music has influenced countless bands, even inspiring a tribute album.

After overcoming vocal cord polyp surgery, Schwarzenbach has also taught English literature at a university—his intellectual presence is part of his appeal.

With their first-ever visit to Japan planned for 2025, now’s the perfect time to check them out!

The LebanonJo Callis

The Human League – The Lebanon (Remastered 2003)

Jo Callis began his career as the guitarist for the British punk band The Rezillos.

When he joined The Human League in 1981, he expanded his role from guitarist to songwriter and synthesizer player.

His exceptional compositional talent is evident from the global success of the co-written hit “Don’t You Want Me.” The Human League won a Brit Award in 1982, and his presence greatly contributed to the band’s success.

His melodies—bringing a left-handed guitarist’s sensibility to synthesizer lines—are sure to captivate anyone who loves ’80s pop.

BlackbirdPaul McCartney

Paul McCartney – Blackbird (Live)

Paul McCartney is known as the Beatles’ bassist, but he also plays guitar.

He was originally a guitarist, and some say he was even better on guitar than John Lennon or George Harrison.

Considering he delivered such wonderful performances, that might not be such a far-fetched claim.