Originally Posted by: marceldewit1

Hi!

I have just boght a guitar and started the first lessons. I come across a problem with the ringfinger on my left hand: I can not bend the last fingerbone, see picture. I have had this for a very long time (it was fractured in the past). It may sound strange, but I never realized this would be a constraint when playing guitar. Probably because it does not bother me at all in everyday lfe.

It makes it hard to press the string, needing more handmovement (and, as a result, more time).

I understand this might be difficult to answer, but I wonder what to do: Keep going, hoping that I will still be able to learn how to play? Or maybe try a lefthanded guitar, hoping the finger will be less of a problem with strumming etc.?

Any advise welcome, thanks a lot!

Marcel

While it might impact some of yout playing, it's like that it won't affect mot of you playing. Granted, we can't know if your mobility of the finger is otherwise ok other than it cant bend as far as the others, but you don't often have to bend your fingers as much as the others are bent in the picture. Most of your finger bends are at the hand and middle knuckle. I wouldn't let it stop me.

If you currently feel discomfort though, take some time to look at how you're fretting those chords/notes. You shouldn't need a complete bend of the finger to do so and of it doesn't bother otherwise in your life, it might well be a matter of learning how to work with your finger as it is to the best of your ability.

Also, the more you play and see people mentioning various physical challenges, the more you'll see people mention Django Reinhardt. Completely lost the use of the ring and pinky of his fretting hand (due to a fire) and became legendary. So you'll always figure, if Django figured it out, we all can...we just may never be as awesome as Django!