The Most Famous Left-handed Guitarist, Ranked

Choose the left-handed guitarist you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 07:09
In the world of music, left-handed guitarists have carved out a niche that is both unique and influential. Their distinctive playing style often brings a fresh perspective to guitar music, challenging the norms set by a predominantly right-handed industry. Ranking these artists isn't just about recognizing skill; it's about celebrating the diversity and innovation they bring to music. By casting your vote, you contribute to a broader acknowledgment of these artists' talents and peculiarities. This dynamic ranking adjusts with every vote cast, reflecting the current opinions and preferences of music enthusiasts like you. It’s more than just a list; it’s a living testament to the impact and popularity of left-handed guitarists in the music scene.

Who Is the Most Famous Left-handed Guitarist?

  1. 1
    69
    votes
    Known for his innovative guitar techniques and iconic performances, Hendrix is often considered the greatest guitarist of all time. He played left-handed on a flipped right-handed guitar, creating his unique sound.
    Jimi Hendrix in other rankings
  2. 2
    12
    votes
    Lead singer and guitarist of Nirvana, Cobain was left-handed and played left-handed guitars. He is known for his raw, emotional style of playing and songwriting.
    Kurt Cobain in other rankings
  3. 3
    31
    votes
    As a member of The Beatles, McCartney played bass guitar left-handed. He is also a proficient guitarist, playing left-handed on his own custom-made instruments.
    The 'Paul McCartney' Carpool Karaoke is an iconic episode of the Carpool Karaoke series. In this particular episode, legendary musician Paul McCartney joins host James Corden for a ride around his hometown of Liverpool while singing some of his most famous songs.
    • Air Date: June 21, 2018
    • Duration: 23 minutes
    • Views: Over 180 million
    • Songs Performed: Around 5
    • Locations Visited: Liverpool, England
    Paul McCartney in other rankings
  4. 4
    16
    votes
    Tony Iommi
    Photobra (Adam Bielawski) · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Founder and lead guitarist of Black Sabbath, Iommi is known for his heavy, riff-based guitar playing. He lost the tips of two fingers on his right hand in an accident, leading him to develop a unique, left-handed playing style.
    Tony Iommi in other rankings
  5. 5
    16
    votes

    David Bowie

    David Bowie
    Although primarily known as a singer and songwriter, Bowie was also a talented guitarist who played left-handed. He often incorporated his guitar playing into his live performances.
    David Bowie is the self-titled debut studio album by English musician David Bowie. It was released on 1 June 1967 by Deram Records. The album features a mix of pop, rock, and psychedelic music, showcasing Bowie's diverse musical influences and his early experimentation with different sounds and styles. Despite receiving mixed reviews at the time, the album has since gained a cult following and is regarded as an important stepping stone in Bowie's career.
    • Release Date: 1 June 1967
    • Record Label: Deram Records
    • Genre: Pop, rock, psychedelic
    • Length: 41:55
    • Producer: Mike Vernon
    David Bowie in other rankings
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    Founder and lead guitarist of The Allman Brothers Band, Allman played left-handed on a right-handed guitar, using his thumb to play the bass strings. He is known for his soulful, bluesy playing style.
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Often called the "King of the Surf Guitar," Dale was a left-handed guitarist who played right-handed guitars upside down. He developed a fast, energetic playing style that influenced many other musicians.
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    A blues guitarist and singer, King played left-handed on a right-handed guitar, using his unique playing style to create distinctive bending and vibrato effects. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
    Albert King in other rankings
  9. 9
    0
    votes
    Otis Rush
    Svein M Agnalt · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Another influential blues guitarist, Rush played left-handed on a right-handed guitar, using his fingers instead of a pick. He is known for his powerful, emotional playing style.
  10. 10
    1
    votes
    The lead guitarist and singer of Dire Straits, Knopfler played left-handed on a right-handed guitar, using his fingers instead of a pick. He is known for his intricate, melodic playing style.

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Ranking factors for famous left-handed guitarist

  1. Musical influence and impact
    how much the guitarist has influenced and impacted the music industry and other musicians.
  2. Popularity and commercial success
    the popularity and recognition the guitarist has received from fans and the music industry, including album and concert ticket sales, awards, and chart success.
  3. Technical skills and innovation
    the guitarist's ability to play the instrument, unique playing style, and technical innovations in guitar playing.
  4. Legacy and longevity
    the longevity of the guitarist's career, and their enduring influence on the music industry over time.
  5. Cultural significance and uniqueness
    the guitarist's place in pop culture and their unique characteristics, such as their left-handedness and the cultural impact it may have had on their music and persona.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous left-handed guitarist. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or lefty is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1684 views
  • 165 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each lefty once every 24 hours. The rank of each lefty is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous left-handed guitarist

Background Information: Left-Handed Guitarists Left-handed guitarists have always been an intriguing subject in the music industry. While the majority of guitarists play right-handed, there are some who have found success playing left-handed, including some of the most famous musicians in history. Some of the most famous left-handed guitarists include Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Kurt Cobain, and Tony Iommi. These guitarists not only achieved great success but also inspired countless musicians to pick up the guitar and play left-handed. Playing left-handed requires a different approach to playing the guitar, as it involves reversing the strings and playing the instrument upside down. Despite the challenges, many left-handed guitarists have proven that it is possible to achieve great success and master the instrument. With so many talented left-handed guitarists, it can be difficult to determine who is the most famous. However, through polls and rankings, music fans can have their say and vote for their favorite left-handed guitarist.

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