A beginners guide to playing the ukulele left-handed

Photo by Brandon Bynum / Unsplash

Are you left-handed and want to start playing the ukulele? This guide is for you! In this article, we will discuss how to play the ukulele if you are a southpaw. We will cover everything from choosing the right ukulele to learning your first chords. So whether you are a complete beginner or just looking to switch to playing left-handed, read on for some helpful tips!

Which type of ukulele is right for you?

One of the first things you need to consider when learning to play ukulele left-handed is what type of ukulele you should get. While there are many different types and sizes of ukuleles, the standard size is a soprano ukulele. If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a soprano ukulele as they are the easiest to learn on. However, if you have small hands or are looking for a deeper sound, you may want to consider a Concert or Tenor size ukulele.

Make sure it's a left-handed ukulele

When choosing a ukulele, it is important to make sure that it is set up  for left-handed playing. This means that the strings should be in reverse order, with the low G string on the bottom and the high C string on the top. If you are buying a ukulele online or from a music store, make sure to specify that you need a left-handed ukulele. If you are unsure, you can always ask a salesperson for help.

How to hold your ukulele

Now that you have your left-handed ukulele, it is time to learn how to hold it! The standard way to hold a ukulele is with the body resting on your thigh and the neck pointing away from you. If you are right-handed, this will feel a bit awkward at first but you will get used to it. For left-handers, holding the ukulele in this way will feel more natural.

Play some chords!

Now that you know how to hold your ukulele, it is time to start learning some chords! While this is a whole other topic, here's a few basics.  For a left-handed player, the standard C, F, and G chords are played with the following fingering:

C chord: Place your index finger on the third fret of the low G string. Then place your middle finger on the second fret of the C string and your ring finger on the first fret of the E string.

F chord: Place your index finger on the first fret of the low G string. Then place your middle finger on the second fret of the C string and your ring finger on the third fret of the E string.

G chord: Place your index finger on the second fret of the low G string. Then place your middle finger on

In Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for you lefties out there who want to start playing the ukulele! Just remember, it is important to choose a left-handed ukulele and hold it in the standard way (with the body on your thigh and the neck pointing away from you). With some practice, you'll be playing your favorite songs in no time!

Sammy Southpaw

Sammy Southpaw

Sammy Southpaw: Left-handed, left-leaning, and left in every sense of the word. Writer, musician, and southpaw enthusiast.
Atlanta