[Full of legendary guitarists!?] Left-handed guitarists roundup [2026]
When playing guitar, the basic approach is to strum with your right hand and fret chords with your left, right?
However, there are guitarists out there who play the other way around—left-handed!
Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain are the most famous examples of left-handed guitarists.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of left-handed guitarists from both Japan and abroad, in addition to those two.
Even among left-handed guitarists, styles vary: some use left-handed guitars, some restring right-handed guitars for left-handed playing, and others even play a standard right-handed guitar flipped as-is.
Each guitarist has their own approach.
Let’s take a look at some awesome guitarists while paying attention to their individual styles!
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[So Many Legendary Guitarists!?] Left-Handed Guitarists Roundup [2026] (21–30)
I want to go back to that day.Matsuzaki Shigeru
Singer-songwriter Shigeru Matsuzaki, known for hits like “Ai no Memory,” is actually a left-handed guitarist.
Since he often performs on TV without a guitar, some people may not be aware of this.
What’s more, Matsuzaki is known for playing a right-handed guitar flipped for left-handed use, and if you look closely at his guitar, you’ll notice the thickest sixth string is on the bottom.
He adopted this playing style so he could perform even in places where only right-handed guitars are available.
Everything About YouKlaus Eichstadt
Ugly Kid Joe rose to popularity with a sound that fused hard rock with funk and a wry sense of humor.
One of the band’s founders and its core member is left-handed guitarist Klaus Eichstadt.
Their 1991 EP “As Ugly as They Wanna Be” and the following year’s album “America’s Least Wanted” both achieved the remarkable milestone of double platinum certification.
His signature lies in tight rhythms shaped by a left-hander’s sensibility and heavyweight riff work that reflects a Black Sabbath influence.
His songwriting—spinning melodies that are heavy yet catchy and instantly approachable—is nothing short of craftsmanship.
If you enjoy the groove and playfulness of ’90s U.S.
rock, he’s a guitarist you should definitely check out.
[Full of great guitarists!?] Left-handed guitarists roundup [2026] (31–40)
We Need You LordJonathan Butler
Jonathan Butler is a South African singer-songwriter who has been active since the 1980s.
He is also an excellent guitarist and is a globally active pop musician rooted in Black music.
Stuffing my mouth with popcornKai Yoshihiro
Yoshihiro Kai of the Kai Band is also a left-handed guitarist.
When he plays guitar, he reportedly just flips a right-handed guitar to his left hand without restringing it, and when he first started playing, he learned by reading tablature upside down, not knowing that left-handed guitars existed.
It feels like one of those classic left-handed anecdotes.
RubyAndrew White
Andrew White, who plays as the guitarist for the British alternative rock band Kaiser Chiefs.
For fans of indie rock and new wave, they’re a familiar name; he may not be flashy, but he’s a guitarist known for his memorable, striking riffs.
Am I Losing YouCoco Montoya
Coco Montoya is a guitarist who can truly be called a blues elite—discovered by “The Iceman of Texas,” Albert Collins, and honing his craft in John Mayall’s band.
His musical roots lie in blues and soul, and he’s known for his passionate playing.
He launched his solo career in 1995 with the album “Gotta Mind To Travel,” and the following year he won the Best New Artist award at the Blues Music Awards.
His most distinctive trait is his unique technique of playing a right-handed guitar upside down without restringing it.
The razor-sharp phrases born from this style, combined with his soulful vocals, give his music a one-of-a-kind appeal.
If you love soul-stirring blues rock and expressive, songful guitar work, he’s a guitarist you need to check out.
A Little RoughMalina Moye
Malina Moye is an artist drawing attention with a bold fusion of funk and rock.
She’s a left-handed guitarist and singer-songwriter whose appeal lies in her ability to move fluidly between pop, blues, and R&B.
Tracks from her 2009 debut album, “Diamonds & Guitars,” were featured in a Victoria’s Secret campaign.
Perhaps her most distinctive trait is her unique playing style—holding a right-handed guitar upside down.
While often compared to Jimi Hendrix, she exudes a presence that’s entirely her own.
In 2018, her album “Bad as I Wanna Be” topped the Billboard Blues chart, underscoring her proven talent.
She’s an artist you’ll want to hear if you love powerful, soulful guitar playing.