Danger Mouse wrote:This may seem like a silly suggestion but its something I considered when my finger became infected and the docs started mentioning the amputation worst case scenario. If you are going to reinvent yourself, would playing left-handed avoid aggravating your pinkie?
It certainly would. Not sure if I'm ready to go that drastic just yet - I only just got my dream Charvel last year, and I'm not really in a position to just up and buy a leftie. Just thinking about it now feels all kinds of wrong!
It sounds a bit drastic because then you're going to always be THAT guy... the one that can only choose between three left handed guitar models.
Personally, I would let the guitar do some of the work for you and get into open tunings.
"Vince, have you ever tried playing an expensive bass?" - Polarbear.
"And isn't that the finest acoustic bass guitar feedback solo you've ever heard?" - Billy Moose.
Danger Mouse wrote:This may seem like a silly suggestion but its something I considered when my finger became infected and the docs started mentioning the amputation worst case scenario. If you are going to reinvent yourself, would playing left-handed avoid aggravating your pinkie?
It certainly would. Not sure if I'm ready to go that drastic just yet - I only just got my dream Charvel last year, and I'm not really in a position to just up and buy a leftie. Just thinking about it now feels all kinds of wrong!
It sounds a bit drastic because then you're going to always be THAT guy... the one that can only choose between three left handed guitar models.
Personally, I would let the guitar do some of the work for you and get into open tunings.
Somebody yesterday at work did suggest slide, although they suggested it as "get one of those tubey things that goes over your finger".
Aquila Rosso wrote:I don't a mind an iced tea rimjob one little bit
Molly wrote:Trousers are no substitute for talent
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I've taught plenty of people with finger injuries over the years (often people with severed index fingers that have been re-attached, fretting hand) and I have been amazed at how a bit of determination can overcome a physical 'disability'.
There is a metal guitarist in Wellington without an index finger (Fretting hand) who can make 4 fingered guitarists weep in terms of pure chops.
If that's not enough then consider Django Reinhardt!
If going forward its the pain that causes you issue and fusing fixes that I'd seriously consider it, playing with 3 is better than too much pain to play with any
Slowy wrote:
That's the problem; everything rewarding is just such hard work. Regret takes much less effort.
jeremyb wrote:If going forward its the pain that causes you issue and fusing fixes that I'd seriously consider it, playing with 3 is better than too much pain to play with any
Yeah, good point.
"Vince, have you ever tried playing an expensive bass?" - Polarbear.
"And isn't that the finest acoustic bass guitar feedback solo you've ever heard?" - Billy Moose.
Danger Mouse wrote:This may seem like a silly suggestion but its something I considered when my finger became infected and the docs started mentioning the amputation worst case scenario. If you are going to reinvent yourself, would playing left-handed avoid aggravating your pinkie?
It certainly would. Not sure if I'm ready to go that drastic just yet - I only just got my dream Charvel last year, and I'm not really in a position to just up and buy a leftie. Just thinking about it now feels all kinds of wrong!
Yeah there is the "wrong" element, I felt the same way, but if it's the choice between freedom to play what you want and having to stick to certain styles because of fretting restrictions, I know where I would go...
The older I get, the more disappointed in myself I become.
Lots of guys play mostly with their other three fingers - you'll be fine, don't worry about it so much. You might even end up inventing a great new style while you're at it.
The real issue I've found so far is barring chords or putting the extra finger into power chords. The pain in my little finger makes me want to lift off the ring finger as well.
Aquila Rosso wrote:I don't a mind an iced tea rimjob one little bit
Molly wrote:Trousers are no substitute for talent
druz wrote:I present to you, the whogivesafuckocaster
I've been playing butchered barre chords without a pinky for years. So humiliating trying to get that thing to seamlessly jump into place. When it does acoustic barre chords work better, electric being more forgiving. Because that finger is free it's been useful at bringing in a 7th tone. More than one way to skin a chord.
Extra bit; I fret two strings with the tip of ring finger.
2024; I have explored the extent of the perimeter dome, there is no escape. I am become Morpheus
Cracked a bone in my left hand 10 days ago. Got full movement back but can't put pressure on the ring or pinky fingers. Hamo, we should jam. Between us, we night make a complete guitarist.
Beyond a critical point within a finite space, freedom diminishes as numbers increase. This is as true of humans as it is of gas molecules in a sealed flask. The human question is not how many can possibly survive within the system, but what kind of existence is possible for those who so survive.
Maybe a good opportunity to develop using your thumb on the 6th string, and muting the 5th string, leaving your index, middle and ring free to fill in the rest of the bar chord and add neat little jazzy variations, a la Hendrix.
