AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Lefthanded Guitars for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Ibanez GRX70QA Gio ($266). Schecter C-6 Deluxe leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 138 models across 20 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyPoplar body
This Ibanez GIO is a fantastic entry point for left-handed players wanting that Ibanez vibe. The neck profile is genuinely good for fast playing, and the pickups handle a surprising range of styles, from crunchy rhythm to cleaner leads. It's a well-rounded instrument for beginners and gigging musicians on a budget.
Pros
- Quilted maple top adds visual flair and a touch of resonance
- GRX neck profile is surprisingly comfortable and fast playing
- Infinity pickups deliver a surprisingly powerful and versatile sound
Cons
- Poplar body can feel a little 'soft' and prone to dents
- T106 tremolo is basic, offering limited tuning stability
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$266 now$266€238 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMeranti body
This lefty CST-24T is a real surprise package. The roasted jatoba fretboard and Roswell pickups give it a seriously playable feel and a surprisingly versatile range of tones – from crunchy rhythm to singing leads. It's a great option for left-handed players wanting a classic look and feel without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard offers excellent feel and stability.
- Roswell HAF pickups deliver surprisingly thick, articulate tones.
- Wilkinson tremolo provides smooth, reliable vibrato functionality.
Cons
- Meranti body can feel a bit plain acoustically compared to mahogany.
- Push/pull coil split can be noisy, especially at higher gain.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$300 now$300€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyNyatoh body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty guitar feels solid thanks to the roasted maple neck and comfortable rosewood fingerboard. The Alnico 5 humbuckers give a warm, smooth sound that works well for rock and blues. It suits players who want a reliable workhorse without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Left-handed model for easy playability
- Roasted maple neck for better stability
- Alnico 5 pickups for warm tone
Cons
- Limited to two volume and tone controls
- No active electronics for clean boost
58AudioFu
Index↓ 4.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$557 · Aug 17$535 now$535€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This lefty ST-Modern Plus is a seriously impressive value. The roasted maple neck and Tesla pickups give it a surprisingly refined and versatile tone, perfect for modern rock, blues, and even some funk. It's a great option for intermediate players or those wanting a quality instrument without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth feel.
- Tesla pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and punchy HSS voice.
- Graphite nut minimizes friction and enhances tuning stability.
Cons
- Alder body might feel slightly plain for players seeking a premium aesthetic.
- Bridge hardware is functional, but a higher-end tremolo would elevate the experience.
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- Nut width54 mm (2.13")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- Strings8-string
- BodyPoplar body
This white lefty guitar uses poplar wood with a fast maple neck and extra-long scale strings. It comes with two humbuckers and a hard case, making it ready for gigging. Perfect for players who need a solid, multi-scale 8-string at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Multi-scale design aids playability for heavy strings
- Left-handed configuration for righty players
- Speed-D neck profile for fast playing
Cons
- No weight information provided in text
- Bridge type not specified in description
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$323 now$323€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty SG Tribute is a solid choice for players who want that classic Les Paul feel without the weight. The mahogany body and flamed maple top give it a rich, warm sound that cuts through a mix. The 60s neck shape makes it easy to play, and the zebra coil pickups sound tight and punchy. It suits anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that looks and sounds like the originals.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body provides warm, thick tone foundation.
- Flamed maple top adds visual appeal and bright resonance.
- 60s Slim Taper neck profile offers comfortable playability.
Cons
- No weight listed means user must check actual heaviness.
- Left-handed configuration is less common and pricier.
56AudioFu
Index↓ 9.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$423 · Aug 17$385 now$385€345 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyNyatoh body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a solid left-handed guitar for players who want a dark, warm tone from the Alnico 5 pickups. The roasted maple neck feels stable and durable, making it great for long sessions. It suits anyone needing a reliable workhorse without the cost of a big brand name.
Pros
- Left-handed specific build for comfortable playing
- Roasted Canadian maple neck for stability
- Tesla Opus-1B and Opus-1N Alnico 5 pickups
Cons
- No specified bridge model in description
- Compound radius range creates playability tradeoffs
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$501 now$501€449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius355 mm (13.98")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Schecter C-6 Deluxe LH is a solid left-handed option for players wanting a versatile, shred-ready instrument. The pickups have a modern edge, and the comfortable neck makes it a joy to play, especially for those who like a thinner profile. It's a great choice for rock, metal, and hard rock players on a budget.
Pros
- Basswood body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- Thin 'C' neck profile offers comfortable, fast playability for various hand sizes
- Diamond Plus humbuckers deliver high-output, crunchy tones suitable for rock and metal
Cons
- Basswood, while versatile, lacks the premium tonal complexity of mahogany or alder
- Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, doesn't offer the warmth of a set-neck
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus
Les Paul Tribute Plus HCS LH · Epiphone
25 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale629 mm (24.76")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This left-handed Les Paul Tribute Plus plays like a classic 60s guitar with a slim, comfortable neck. The flamed maple top brings a nice sparkle, while the Zebra-coiled humbuckers give a warm, mid-heavy tone that cuts through a mix. It suits players who want that vintage Les Paul feel without needing complex electronics.
Pros
- Classic 60s Slim Taper neck feel
- Flamed maple top adds brightness
- Zebra coils offer distinct tone
Cons
- No active electronics for boost
- Laurel fretboard wears fast
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$423 now$423€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Jackson JS Series JS32Q DKA HT Dinky Archtop with Amaranth Fretboard
JS32-L Rhoads AH SG · Jackson
70 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
This JS32-L Rhoads AH SG is a serious contender for metal and hard rock players on a budget. The aggressive styling, powerful pickups, and Floyd Rose tremolo offer a lot of bang for your buck, making it a fantastic first shred guitar or a reliable backup.
Pros
- Rhoads body offers aggressive aesthetics and comfortable stage presence.
- Graphite reinforcement in the neck resists warping, improving stability.
- High-output Zebra humbuckers deliver thick, modern rock tones.
Cons
- Bolted-on neck construction lacks the resonance of a set-neck design.
- Amaranth fretboard can feel a bit sharp without proper break-in and polishing.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 3.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$399 · Aug 17$385 now$385€345 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 138 lefthanded guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ibanez RGA42AHRGA42FML-BLF · Ibanez53↓ 8.4%$490€439$490€439Check ↗
- 12
Epiphone SG CustomSG Custom EB LH · Epiphone53Stable$713€639$713€639Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton Fusion-III LH HSH EB FBBHarley Benton52↓ 14.3%$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 14
Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with V-StoptailG2622 Streamliner GM LH · Gretsch52Stable$646€579$646€579Check ↗
- 15
Schecter Omen Extreme-6Omen Extreme 6 BCH LH · Schecter52Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton HB-35Plus LH Cherry w/BagHarley Benton · 2 finishes51Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 17
Larry Carlton Q7 Tobacco Sunburst LHLarry Carlton51↓ 11.8%$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 18
Yamaha PAC112VM Pacifica HSSPacifica 112JL YNS · Yamaha · 2 finishes50↓ 1.1%$297€266$297€266Check ↗
- 19
Ibanez GRG121DX GioGRG121DXL-WNF · Ibanez50Stable$263€236$263€236Check ↗
- 20
Jackson JS Series Surfcaster JS22 HTJS22-L Dinky BLK · Jackson49Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAFHarley Benton · 2 finishes49Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
- 22
Larry Carlton T7TV Natural LHLarry Carlton · 3 finishes49Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 23
Larry Carlton H7V VS LHLarry Carlton · 2 finishes49↓ 9.3%$668€598$668€598Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton TE-90QM LH Trans Red w/BagHarley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton Amarok 7 LH BKNT Flame w/CaseHarley Benton48Stable$635€569$635€569Check ↗
- 26
Larry Carlton L5 Amber Burst LHLarry Carlton47↓ 4.2%$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton SC-Custom III LH VBKHarley Benton46Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton Fusion-T HH LH Roasted FNTHarley Benton46Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 29
Harley Benton MAX Fusion LH HO w/CaseHarley Benton46Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez RG7421EXL Standard Left-HandedRG7421EXL-BKF · Ibanez46↓ 2.8%$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton Amarok 7 LH BKNT Flame BurstHarley Benton46Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 32
Harley Benton Amarok 7 LH BKNT Flame w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$624€559$624€559Check ↗
- 33
Schecter Omen Elite-6Omen Elite-6 LH BCHB · Schecter46Stable$702€629$702€629Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton ST-80FR MN LH HH BlackHarley Benton · 2 finishes45Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 35
Ibanez AF55 ArtcoreAF55L-TF · Ibanez45↓ 1.9%$453€406$453€406Check ↗
- 36
Harley Benton MAX Fusion LH Signature HOHarley Benton44Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 37
Cort MBM-2 Meta Dry Satin Black LHCort43↓ 19.1%$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 38
Epiphone SG Standard Cherry IBG LHEpiphone43Stable$635€569$635€569Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton EX-84 LH Modern WHHarley Benton42Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
- 40
Harley Benton Amarok 6 LH BKNT Flame w/CaseHarley Benton42Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 41
Cort G250 LH BKCort46↓ 41.4%$248€222$248€222Check ↗
- 42
Ibanez GRG170DX GioGRG170DXL-BKN Lefthand · Ibanez39Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 43
Harley Benton Amarok 6 LH BKNT Flame BurstHarley Benton39Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 44
Harley Benton Amarok 6 LH BKNT Flame w/BagHarley Benton39Stable$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 45
Ibanez JEMJRL-WHIbanez39Stable$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 46
Hagstrom Ultra SwedeUltra Swede CBB LH · Hagstrom38Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 47
Guild Starfire I DC LH CHGuild38Stable$646€579$646€579Check ↗
- 48
Guild Polara LH Blue SteelGuild38Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 49
Harley Benton JA-Baritone LH BKHarley Benton46Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 50
Harley Benton ST-Modern MN HSS LH FBBHarley Benton · 3 finishes49Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
Lefthanded Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 233 models we track, not a sample.
Median $501 — half of all lefthanded guitars here cost less.
median of 217 models · 41.3 mm (1.63")–48 mm (1.89")
median of 218 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 129 models · 21–24
most common · 186 models
How to choose the best lefthanded guitars
Playability
The neck profile is key. As an intermediate player, you need a neck that's comfortable for those longer gigs and allows for faster runs. Avoid anything too thick or too thin - a C or D profile generally works well, but try before you buy. A comfortable action (string height) is also non-negotiable.
Pickup Voicing
You're beyond the basic crunchy distortion now. You need pickups that offer some nuance - a warm, creamy overdrive, a clear single-coil chime, and enough output to cut through a band mix. Don't settle for pickups that just sound 'loud'.
Hardware Quality
Tuners that hold a tune are paramount. You don't want to be constantly retuning mid-song. Decent bridge stability is also essential for sustain and minimizing string buzz - a floating tremolo is cool, but it needs to stay in tune!
Construction & Materials
Solid wood bodies (like mahogany or alder) generally offer better resonance and sustain than laminate construction. It's a trade-off - solid wood guitars cost more, but the tonal difference is noticeable, especially when recording.
Versatility
An intermediate player is starting to explore different genres. A guitar that can handle blues, rock, and even some funk without needing a ton of pedals is a huge asset. Humbuckers with coil-splitting are a good option for expanding tonal possibilities.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're a lefty looking to level up your guitar game? Finding a left-handed guitar that feels right is crucial - it's not just about flipping a righty model. We're talking about instruments that'll inspire you to dig deeper, tackle more complex riffs, and finally nail that lead line without fighting the neck. This isn't a list of starter guitars; we're focusing on instruments that'll grow with you as an intermediate player.
Don't get blinded by flashy finishes or brand names. Intermediate guitars often cut corners on things like fretwork - check for sharp fret ends and unevenness. A good setup from a reputable tech is almost always worth the investment, even on a new guitar.
And remember, a guitar that feels amazing in a shop might feel different after a few hours of gigging, so try to play it for as long as possible.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 233 lefthanded guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are flipped right-handed guitars really okay for lefties?
Generally no. The electronics are reversed, the pickups are out of phase, and the body contours are often awkward. It's a compromise that rarely feels natural.
What's a good budget for a left-handed intermediate guitar?
Expect to spend between $500 and $1200. That range unlocks better build quality, better pickups, and more attention to detail.
I'm struggling to learn barre chords. Will a different neck profile help?
It can. A thinner, more comfortable neck can make barre chords easier to fret, but it's not a magic bullet. Consistent practice is still key.
My guitar buzzes a lot. Is it the guitar or my amp?
It's almost certainly the guitar. Buzz is usually caused by fret issues, poor setup, or a low action. Get it checked by a tech.
I want a guitar that can handle both clean and high-gain tones. What should I look for?
Humbucker pickups are a good starting point, but look for ones with adjustable pole pieces or coil-splitting capabilities for more tonal flexibility. A versatile amp is also crucial.





