Alright, so you’re a lefty, and you want to rock hard, huh? That’s pretty tough
Finding a good left-handed guitar is already like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Throw „metal” in there, and it’s like hunting a needle in a haystack… on fire.
But don’t worry, I’ve done the hard work for you – here’s my subjective list of best lefties out there 😉
Best Left-Handed Guitars for Metal – Quick Overview
Here’s the TL;DR version for those who don’t want to read the whole thing:
- ESP LTD EC1000 Vintage BK EMG LH – Best for Raw Power: Super intense, real bite, total attitude.
- Epiphone Flying V Korina Aged Nat. LH – Most Iconic Shape: The Flying V that’s a classic for a reason, with killer looks.
- Ibanez RG550L-DY – Best for Shredders: Speedy, yellow, and light as a feather.
- Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HH CM LH BK – Most Versatile: Will play any style you throw at it.
- Epiphone Les Paul Custom Ebony LH – Best for Classic Metal: Heavy sound, classic look, serious stuff.
- ESP LTD Alexi Hexed Sawtooth LH – Ultimate Metal Look: Sharp, bold, totally metal.
- EVH Striped LH RBWS – Best Signature Model: Eddie Van Halen’s tone + lefty stripes = ready to go.
Now, for the details. These guitars are metal machines, each with its own features that make it stand out. Stick around. 🙂
1. ESP LTD EC1000 Vintage BK EMG LH
If you want a guitar that brings all the power, this ESP LTD EC1000 is it. Black satin finish, set neck, and, honestly, looks a bit intimidating (in the best way). And it’s got those famous EMG pickups, which really do all the heavy lifting for metal tones.
ESP’s quality is top-notch, especially when you want a guitar that can handle whatever you throw at it 😉
Key Features:
- Body: Mahogany (dark and heavy like it should be)
- Pickups: EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 60 (neck) – all the growl you need
- Hardware: Gold (a bit flashy, but hey, it works)
- Frets: 24, set-neck design for long sustain
- Other: White abalone binding (a touch of class)
Why I Think It’s Good
This is just one of those guitars where you can’t go wrong. The tone’s heavy, and those EMGs let you dial in the perfect metal sound. Sturdy build, looks epic… basically, it’s good to go for anything.
Learn more about the best ESP LTD guitars in this article
2. Epiphone Flying V Korina Aged Nat. LH
This Flying V from Epiphone? Yeah, it looks classic. With a Korina body (it’s unique, trust me), this one’s got a tone all its own. Not to mention, it’s light, which is kinda rare in metal guitars.
The Gibson Burstbuckers give it that extra push and bite—definitely metal-ready but with a throwback vibe that gives it style points.
Key Features:
- Body: Korina – not something you see every day
- Pickups: Gibson Burstbucker 2 (neck) & Burstbucker 3 (bridge)
- Bridge: ABR-1 with a brass Flying V tailpiece (that’s right)
- Frets: 22, with a 1958-style neck profile
- Extras: Comes with a case, which is always a bonus
Why I Think It’s Good
Look, if you’re into old-school but want something with an edge, this guitar’s for you. Sounds great, has that classic look, and Epiphone nailed it with the pickups. Perfect for when you want a little style with your sound.
3. Ibanez RG550L-DY
Some people play metal, and then there are those who shred. If you’re the latter, the Ibanez RG550L is the way to go. It’s light, it’s yellow (so yeah, it stands out), and that Super Wizard neck profile is built for speed.
With a basswood body, you can thrash all night without feeling weighed down!
Key Features:
- Neck: Maple/walnut, Super Wizard – it’s super thin, perfect for fast playing
- Pickups: V7 and V8 humbuckers, S1 single coil in the middle
- Bridge: Edge tremolo for all your whammy needs
- Frets: 24 jumbo frets, 430mm radius (makes bending easy)
- Color: Desert Sun Yellow – not subtle, but fun
Why I Think It’s Good
This guitar’s all about speed. If you’re a shredder, this is your jam. The RG550L is quick, easy to play, and bright yellow… so yeah, definitely not for the timid.
4. Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HH CM LH BK
Here’s where Charvel just gets it right. The Pro-Mod DK24 is about as versatile as it gets, with a roasted maple neck and custom Seymour Duncans that give you all the tones you could ask for. Great for metal, but this one’s a jack of all trades if you’re into mixing it up.
The tremolo is rock-solid too, that’s for sure!
Key Features:
- Body: Alder (rounded, balanced tone)
- Pickups: Custom Seymour Duncan Full Shred (bridge) & AlNiCo II Pro (neck)
- Neck: Roasted maple, compound radius fretboard – smooth play
- Bridge: Gotoh Custom 510 tremolo (keeps tuning tight)
- Hardware: Chrome with locking tuners
Why I Think It’s Good
This is the guitar for the metalhead who doesn’t want to be boxed in. It’s versatile, and it’s just comfortable to play. You get warmth, punch, and a neck that feels like home.
5. Epiphone Les Paul Custom Ebony LH
The Epiphone Les Paul Custom is a heavyweight. Looks classy with the gold hardware and ebony finish, and the ProBucker pickups mean business. This guitar’s for players who want that big, full sound with sustain for days.
Just a solid, reliable guitar that gives you everything you need 😉
Key Features:
- Body: Mahogany for a deep, rich tone
- Pickups: ProBucker 2 (neck) and ProBucker 3 (bridge)
- Hardware: Gold-plated with Grover tuners
- Frets: 22 on an ebony fretboard
- Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-way switch
Why I Think It’s Good
This is your go-to if you love classic metal. The tone’s big, it looks great, and you don’t need to worry about it breaking down on you. Just a tank of a guitar that does what it’s supposed to.
6. ESP LTD Alexi Hexed Sawtooth LH
This guitar’s something else. The ESP LTD Alexi Hexed is aggressive, with sawtooth inlays and a purple fade finish. Alexi Laiho’s signature model, it has all the metal essentials but a unique look. It’s fast, bold, and built to rip through any metal style you can imagine.
Key Features:
- Neck: Neck-through maple for stability and sustain
- Pickup: EMG HZ FH-2 humbucker – simple, but packs a punch
- Bridge: Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo (yup, it’s awesome)
- Frets: 24 X-Jumbo for shredding ease
- Finish: Purple Fade with Pinstripes
Why I Think It’s Good
Just look at it. It’s made for metal. The Alexi Hexed has a unique look and enough power to blow the doors off any gig. Great for players who want to stand out with both looks and tone.
7. EVH Striped LH RBWS
Last one up, and it’s a goodie. The EVH Striped is that classic Eddie Van Halen vibe but lefty. With a single Wolfgang humbucker, Floyd Rose tremolo, and EVH’s striped paint job, this guitar is meant for rock, metal, and anything in between. Not a bad choice if you want a signature sound.
Key Features:
- Body: Basswood for balanced sound
- Pickup: EVH Wolfgang humbucker (it’s a beast)
- Bridge: EVH-branded Floyd Rose tremolo with D-Tuna
- Frets: 22 jumbo
- Design: Red, Black, and White Stripes – classic EVH
Why I Think It’s Good
Simple, powerful, and looks like Eddie’s guitar. It’s all you need if you want classic metal tones with some serious character. Nothing flashy, but it gets the job done.
Looking for more cool axes? Have a look on this list of top electric guitars for thrash metal!
My Rating
Here’s a breakdown of the ratings in a quick, easy-to-read table. Below, I’ll give a bit more on why each guitar shines (or occasionally doesn’t) and which players might vibe best with each.
| Guitar | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ESP LTD EC1000 Vintage BK EMG LH | 9.5 | Overall Power |
| Epiphone Flying V Korina Aged Nat. LH | 8.5 | Iconic Shape |
| Ibanez RG550L-DY | 9 | Shredding Speed |
| Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HH CM LH BK | 9 | Versatile Tone |
| Epiphone Les Paul Custom Ebony LH | 8.5 | Classic Metal Sound |
| ESP LTD Alexi Hexed Sawtooth LH | 9.5 | Ultimate Metal Look |
| EVH Striped LH RBWS | 8.5 | Signature Style |
Overall Thoughts
- ESP LTD EC1000 Vintage BK EMG LH: I rated this one high because it just delivers in every way. Those EMG pickups practically define metal tone, and the design is rock-solid, from the mahogany body to the smooth ebony fretboard. If you’re looking for all-out power and durability, this guitar’s got you covered.
- Epiphone Flying V Korina Aged Nat. LH: The Flying V is a classic—instant stage presence, killer pickups, and that Korina wood adds a unique tone that stands out from the crowd. Not as versatile as some of the others but still a top choice for classic metal heads who want style.
- Ibanez RG550L-DY: The RG550 is all about speed and bright, eye-catching looks. With its Super Wizard neck, shredding is practically effortless. Definitely the choice for players who want their solos to scream.
- Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HH CM LH BK: Rated high for its versatility, this Charvel can handle metal, rock, and even more mellow styles thanks to those custom Seymour Duncan pickups. It’s an all-rounder with a sleek look and an easy feel.
- Epiphone Les Paul Custom Ebony LH: Classic and reliable, this Les Paul brings a heavy sound with rich tones perfect for thick, booming riffs. Not the fastest guitar on the list, but its tone and sustain make up for it if you’re after depth.
- ESP LTD Alexi Hexed Sawtooth LH: This guitar has the ultimate metal look and playability. Alexi Laiho’s design brings a unique aesthetic that’s all metal, with powerful tone and great handling for heavy riffs and fast leads.
- EVH Striped LH RBWS: The EVH Striped scores high for nostalgia and tone. Perfect for players who want that classic Eddie Van Halen vibe with a unique lefty twist.
For more gear tips, watch our YouTube channels – Strefa Gitar (Polish) and Best Guitars Now (English).
FAQs
- Why do left-handed guitars cost more? Left-handed guitars are produced in much smaller numbers, so the price is often a bit higher. It’s the classic supply-and-demand issue—there are simply fewer lefty players out there, which means fewer lefty models get made. But hey, a good lefty guitar is always worth it.
- Can I just restring a right-handed guitar for lefty use? Technically, yes. You can flip the strings on a righty, but you’re messing with the setup, especially if it has specific design elements or cutaways for right-handed play. Most pros recommend a true left-handed guitar if you’re serious about playability and comfort.
- Are Floyd Rose bridges hard to tune? Floyd Rose bridges can be a little challenging at first, especially if you’re not used to them. They keep tuning super stable once they’re set, but tuning or changing strings takes a bit longer than a standard bridge. The upside is rock-solid tuning for all those whammy dives. 🙂
- What pickups are best for metal? EMG pickups, especially the 81/60 combo, are metal legends for a reason—they offer high output, tight bass, and clear highs. Seymour Duncans and Gibson Burstbuckers are also excellent for metal tones with slightly different character.
- Is it worth upgrading pickups on a lefty guitar? If you’ve got a guitar you love but want a better tone, it’s worth it. Lefty guitars sometimes come with limited options, so if you find one with a solid body and neck but lackluster pickups, upgrade away!
- Which guitar brands are best for metal? ESP and Ibanez are legendary for metal, but each brand has its own appeal. Epiphone brings the classic tones, Charvel covers a broad range, and EVH gives you that signature Eddie Van Halen sound—so pick your poison.
Final Thoughts
Finding a left-handed guitar that’s metal-ready can be tough, but any one of these guitars will make you feel like a total rockstar.
Each has something different to offer, whether it’s tone, style, or playability. Pick the one that calls to you, plug in, and get ready to shred. 🤘
