First, let me say that I'm right handed. I've picked up the guitar once more. Cleaned it up, dusted it off, and tuned it. It's been nearly 25 years since I hung it back on the cave wall. I was doing fairly well with it until I lost my ring finger, left hand in an industrial accident. Switching chords rapidly with just 3 fingers is a real challenge. Its difficult to achieve the desired sound. The major triads are the worst. Not looking for any sympathy. I know there are accomplished musicians out there with far worse handicaps than I. The original drummer from Def Lepard comes to mind, playing with his feet. But I have to say, this is a real struggle. There is no prosthetic to attach to the stump. Thought about switching to left handed play like Hendrix, but this presents an entirely new set of rules on top of the basics. Bending and hammering seems easy enough. I can reach the low E with ease, with combinations. Its strumming and picking with the left hand that gets in the way. Any suggestions?
Learning to Play With a Handicap
Hello,
First, let me say that I'm right handed. I've picked up the guitar once more. Cleaned it up, dusted it off, and tuned it. It's been nearly 25 years since I hung it back on the cave wall. I was doing fairly well with it until I lost my ring finger, left hand in an industrial accident. Switching chords rapidly with just 3 fingers is a real challenge. Its difficult to achieve the desired sound. The major triads are the worst. Not looking for any sympathy. I know there are accomplished musicians out there with far worse handicaps than I. The original drummer from Def Lepard comes to mind, playing with his feet. But I have to say, this is a real struggle. There is no prosthetic to attach to the stump. Thought about switching to left handed play like Hendrix, but this presents an entirely new set of rules on top of the basics. Bending and hammering seems easy enough. I can reach the low E with ease, with combinations. Its strumming and picking with the left hand that gets in the way. Any suggestions?
First, let me say that I'm right handed. I've picked up the guitar once more. Cleaned it up, dusted it off, and tuned it. It's been nearly 25 years since I hung it back on the cave wall. I was doing fairly well with it until I lost my ring finger, left hand in an industrial accident. Switching chords rapidly with just 3 fingers is a real challenge. Its difficult to achieve the desired sound. The major triads are the worst. Not looking for any sympathy. I know there are accomplished musicians out there with far worse handicaps than I. The original drummer from Def Lepard comes to mind, playing with his feet. But I have to say, this is a real struggle. There is no prosthetic to attach to the stump. Thought about switching to left handed play like Hendrix, but this presents an entirely new set of rules on top of the basics. Bending and hammering seems easy enough. I can reach the low E with ease, with combinations. Its strumming and picking with the left hand that gets in the way. Any suggestions?
# 1
I too have a disability that makes fingering challenging. I don't have the dexterity to hold the pick properly and with strength so I use a thumb pick.
Would this help you?
Would this help you?
# 2