New leftie to guitar playing

[Stratus]

I'm left-handed and I just purchased a left-handed Standard Strat.

I'm new to music/guitars...

What's the best way for a left-handed guitar player to learn to play? Should I use TABS? ...

Also, my hands aren't the largest in the world... is that going to be a problem?

Any sugestions apprectiated.

[Bluice]

I would start out just like most other players,with the basics. Get grounded and learn the fretboard,"cowboy chords" as they are fondly known around here, and basic tab. I skipped out on learning tab and regret it,may go back and learn to sight read tab-I already knew how to read conventional sheet music. Realize this- you will only get out of it what you put into it- practice hours now yield rewards down the line. I started playing about 25 yrs ago and have never looked back. By the way,I'm left handed but play right handed. There are no basic differences other than the hand you use for picking and the hand you use for fretting.
Welcome aboard.

[MrSamson]

Hendrix, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, MrSamson....

Hhehehee...you ever watch sesame street, and there is that section where you are supposed to figure out what does not fit with the others on the screen...anyway...thought of that when I typed that above...

ANYWAYS...the reason I typed those catz above is because they all have monster hands....and rely on sick bends...anyway...big hands are not a problem for me...

http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/devil.gif

[StoneDragon]

One of these cats is doin' there own thing... one of these cats just doesn't belong.... dum de dum de dum

I think I saw that episode http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/smokin.gif


Bluice,

Great answer!

[Bluice]

Boy-you folks are going to have to break out the duct tape and shut me up-I see I have made band member.

[Strat-n-Paul]

Welcome to the neighborhood Stratus!

Way to go Bluice! I don't think we need the Duck tape yet; All your post are well intentioned, and thoughtful!

[ghodaddyyo]

Congratulations, Bluice! 25 years playing! You make me feel like a mere lad, with my 14 years!

Stratus, don't be concerned with small hands. I have yet to meet someone with smaller hands than mine. I used to be concerned about it too, until people taught me about guys like Jimmy Bruno, and especially Django Reinhardt. Stretch well, and there won't be anything you won't be able to reach. Guitar is such that if you can't make the stretch, there are various other locations where you can find your target notes.