Home › Forums › Active Melody Guitar Lessons › News on ActiveMelody site member Badger (Phil)
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October 26, 2015 at 3:24 pm #27487
Hey folks, I just wanted to share some sad news about ActiveMelody site member “Badger” (Phil). He apparently had a terrible work injury today and has lost part of his index finger on his right hand. His partner Lisa sent the email below.
I reminded her that the great Jerry Garcia was missing most his middle finger on his right hand and he went on to create incredible music on the guitar, banjo, and pedal steel. Let’s all keep Phil in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian
Hi Brian,
I wanted to let you know that Phil had a terrible accident at work today and his right hand got caught in a machine. He was rushed to hospital and is being operated on now. Unfortunately he will lose the top of his index finger. As you can imagine he is devastated. He did have a humour moment when he asked the surgeon if he could attach a pick to his injured finger when it was cut off. He kept saying how devastated he was about his guitar playing and that he wouldn’t get to upload his challenge video. I wondered if you could post something on the forum and let the guys know as I know he would appreciate some good wishes. I’m hoping to collect him tomorrow if all goes well.Regards
Lisa
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October 26, 2015 at 3:40 pm #27488
Holy Smokes!!! Phil I hope you get better! Hang in there mate! Please let me know if you need anything! You are in my thoughts!
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
October 26, 2015 at 3:47 pm #27491
Phil,
I am so sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you have a speedy recovery. Knowing how passionate you are about learning guitar, I know you won’t let this stop you and I look forward to your challenge submission, deadline waived, and all your future submissions. Take care and stay positive.
John -
October 26, 2015 at 3:49 pm #27492
Hey Phil, all the best from me, too. I’m so sorry to hear that. I can see how devastated you must feel, but be sure we will be waiting for you here. Like Brian said, such terrible accidents haven’t stopped Jerry Garcia and it needn’t stop you. You made such terrific progress, I am sure you’ll come back with a vengence. Just hang in there for now, buddy!
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October 26, 2015 at 4:10 pm #27494
Very sorry to hear of this really bad luck, Phil. I hope things work out as well as possible.
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October 26, 2015 at 4:15 pm #27495
Phil,
I am so sorry to hear about this. You are in my thoughts, and I wish you a speedy recovery so you can be making beautiful music soon. Stay positive.
John -
October 26, 2015 at 4:43 pm #27498
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October 26, 2015 at 4:49 pm #27500
Phil you have a wonderful smile during what must be an incredible situation. Be assured of many here hoping for your recovery and future musical contributions. amazing photo. In no way does my situation compare but 4 years ago i had a work injury and intense pain, never thought i’d walk again (very avid walker here) and it took awhile but i’m back.. peace your way bro!!!!!
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October 26, 2015 at 6:18 pm #27502
Man Phil,
I’m sorry to hear about this. Take your time and heal up, the guitar will be there when you’re ready!
You WILL overcome, somewhere on this site is a guy playing decently with his feet!Hang tough brother Badger!
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October 26, 2015 at 6:25 pm #27503
Phil,
Hang in there. A good attitude like yours will carry you far. We all here wish you the best.
Ron -
October 26, 2015 at 6:32 pm #27505
Hey Phil, My thoughts are also with you. Hoping you have a speedy recovery and keep that smile going!
Gary Quellet
Woodstock, GA -
October 26, 2015 at 7:09 pm #27507
Phil, sorry to hear about this, I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery, hang in there and I am sure you’ll be back soon!
Thoughts and prayers,
Roberto
Roberto
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October 26, 2015 at 7:20 pm #27509
Sorry to hear of your accident Phil. Very best wishes for a quick recovery. Django Reinhardt went on to become one of the greatest guitarists of all time using only the index and middle fingers of left hand to solo, after burns he suffered in a fire left his fourth and fifth fingers paralysed. All the best mate.
Rick
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October 27, 2015 at 7:02 am #27515
Hey Phil man really gutted to read about your accident; jeez I realise words can’t repair the damage but I do know that compassion and messages can help lift spirits; which you already seem to have positive outlook.
A close friend lost his middle finger 20 years ago in machine accident and for inspiration look no further than Django Reindhart, see link.I’ve been looking at your earlier posts as I find them a good step for me to aspire too; so really best wishes and speedy recovery mate, sending you positive energy from your AM friend in the north!
Bri -
October 27, 2015 at 8:21 am #27516
Phil – Speedy recovery, buddy. Keep that positive attitude going strong; it’ll work wonders!
Best regards, Charley D., Houston, TX. -
October 27, 2015 at 1:45 pm #27533
Well, I don’t know what to say!! I’m so touched, Thank you all so much for all your positive comments and kind words. I am home now and surgery went well. I just know im going to be able to make this work. Lisa,s son is sat on the end of the bed playing his fender without using his index finger, proving it can work. I will be keeping an eye on all your progress with the challenge and it will give me time knuckle down, get my finger out (pardon the puns)with some music theory.
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October 27, 2015 at 1:47 pm #27534
That’s the spirit!
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October 27, 2015 at 1:49 pm #27535
Phil! I love your attitude! Keep on being positive and practicing. I am here if you need anything. Here is to a speedy recovery.
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
October 27, 2015 at 2:19 pm #27539
Hope you have a speedy recovery. About 25 years ago I lost 1/2 of the end of my middle finger on my left hand.about 5 years later 3 of my fingers on my right hand got split down the middle. I’m older now and have arthritis in both my hands.but you know what I enjoy the most.playing my guitar.my damaged fingers don’t know there damaged any more.it took a while to get used to my deformatys but now it’s like I was born with them.put this past you as soon as you can and I promise that after a while you play like it never happened.good luck and look forward to hearing about how you are back to playing again.i sent a pic of my hands that I dip in hot wax to help with the arthritis as it gets worse in the winter.keep playing.
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October 27, 2015 at 2:19 pm #27541
cheers Guys
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October 27, 2015 at 2:31 pm #27545
Great attitude Phil. Happy to help with any theory questions as best I can.
John -
October 27, 2015 at 2:52 pm #27547
Amazing Wayne, thank you for sharing with me. Thank you John, its great to be a part of this community of guitar lovers
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October 27, 2015 at 4:57 pm #27554
Badger, I wish you all the best. My grandfather trained as a youth to be a concert violinist. He lost the pinky on his left hand in a hunting accident (a friend of his shot it off, and he was lucky just to lose the pinky.) He retrained himself to play the entire violin repertoire without a pinky and became a very able amateur violinist.
Other examples include Jerry Garcia and Django Reinhardt, as has been noticed. Also, Les Paul broke his elbow and was told he would lose almost all range of motion in it. He had the doctors set it in his playing condition and went on to play for many years. My other favorite example is the pianist Paul Wittgenstein. He lost his right arm during World War I, and everyone said he had to give up his concert career. He refused, and because a successful touring pianist. He commissioned several important works, including Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand, and another concerto by Prokofiev. He ended up with a successful career as a pianist and teacher. It’s truly amazing what people can do with their limitations, and it sounds like you have the spirit to do it.
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October 27, 2015 at 5:48 pm #27560
Phil, all the best from me as well. Have not been on the site for a bit well, so just hearing about your accident. I hope you have a fast recovery and get back to that guitar soon..
Mark
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October 27, 2015 at 7:45 pm #27565
Hi Phil, so sorry to hear of your accident but great to see you keeping so positive. I know you will overcome this. Hang in there.
Dave -
October 28, 2015 at 1:37 am #27575
Thank you all again. This has really made me positive about it and so interesting to read all the stories too. You are all amazing. My guitars are waiting for me! Cheers Phil
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October 28, 2015 at 5:12 am #27578
Think I am well enough to see Joe Bonamassa tonight. Have had tickets for months, so fingers crossed!!! ??haha
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October 28, 2015 at 5:48 am #27581
Phil, your puns are making me cringe in more than one way. Enjoy the concert.
John -
October 28, 2015 at 9:56 am #27585
Have fun Phil! I like your puns!
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
October 28, 2015 at 11:41 am #27591
Phil, We just saw Joe Bonamassa a few months ago in Vegas. What a great show, and his guitar playing…. well, what can I say.. Enjoy!!
Mark
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October 28, 2015 at 1:53 pm #27595
Thanks Mark, unfortunately the gig was cancelled only 4 hours before the start as Joe has lost his voice, re scheduled for March 2016. At least my hand will be fully healed by then, minus the index finger of course! Cheers Phil
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October 28, 2015 at 2:36 pm #27597
Too bad the concert was cancelled, but I am glad to see how dauntless you are taking this terrible accident. That’s the way to go. On another note, it doesn’t have to be a Blues super-hero like Bonamassa to lift your spirits. A few weeks ago went to see a local band in a Club here in Frankfurt. The South Side Saints (so their name) were 30 year stage veterans and delivered a great show. Good old fashioned rock music. Watching the two guitar players I kept thinking that with a few more years practice I might be able to do this too! Of course they didn’t do any fancy stuff like the great Joe would do, but that was actually even more encouraging.
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October 30, 2015 at 2:41 am #27642
Hey Badger,
I’m so sorry to hear about you losing your finger, but I’m glad you are taking it well. Although I love working wood, I’m clumsy as hell, and I’ve put my left hand out of order with axe or saw on more than one occasion as did anyone else. The rehabilitation can be a pain in the ass, but it is easier when you have some way to practice your hand in a fun way – which guitar surely is!Hope you get better!
P.S. I’m glad you are making finger related puns. Shows the spirit!
My Youtube Playlist
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October 30, 2015 at 4:41 am #27644
Hi Phil,
here again you can see how important this platform can be. Maybe something like a small port of refuge.
You know not personally, nonetheless shares feelings (joy and in this case, pain).
Best Recovery for you!!!
Greeting WilfriedPlay guitar just like you live; don't get bogged down in theory, it's just a tool without feeling.
Wilfried
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October 31, 2015 at 6:33 am #27669
Hey Badger, gosh man, hope you’ll still pick up the guitar and get in the swing again soon.
The melody of the notes is what expresses the art of music . 🙂 6stringerPete
It really is all about ”melody”. The melody comes from a language from our heart. Our heart is the muscle in music harmony. The melody is the sweetness that it pumps into our musical thoughts on the fretboard. 🙂 6 stringer Pete
Pete
Active Melody
Forum Moderator -
November 4, 2015 at 6:28 am #27818
ok folks! I’m back at work (just light duties in the office) I could not resist picking up the guitar I have here at work. So here is my first attempt at playing since my accident last Monday, Titled “9 finger style” I did have a chuckle to myself though as I could not play this John Mayer track much better before the accident!! haha
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November 4, 2015 at 7:01 am #27819
Badger
your spirit and determination after your accident serve as an inspiration to all guitar players.
Keep picking my friend…… -
November 4, 2015 at 7:01 am #27820
Great to see you back in action Phil! All the best on this new journey…..the smile at the end says you’ll be fine!
BTW is that a Yamaha 730?
Be well,
Roberto
Roberto
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November 4, 2015 at 7:16 am #27821
yep, its all about that smile
The melody of the notes is what expresses the art of music . 🙂 6stringerPete
It really is all about ”melody”. The melody comes from a language from our heart. Our heart is the muscle in music harmony. The melody is the sweetness that it pumps into our musical thoughts on the fretboard. 🙂 6 stringer Pete
Pete
Active Melody
Forum Moderator -
November 4, 2015 at 9:12 am #27825
Hey great to see you make such a quick recovery and I like your take on light work duties; looking at the second guitar hanging on the wall it looks like the perfect work office, or man room to me LOL! Happiness it such a great tonic and seems to be working for you.
Cheers Bri -
November 4, 2015 at 9:29 am #27826
Hey Phil, that’s seriously impressive considering how recent your accident was. I had assumed that playing would be to painful for many months but you’ve definitely proved me wrong. If you’re doing that well this soon after, I have full confidence that you’ll make a complete recovery and be able to do everything you were doing prior to. Very cool.
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November 4, 2015 at 9:51 am #27830
Great to see you back in the saddle. Ride on!
BBG
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November 4, 2015 at 10:00 am #27833
Phil, I wish you all the best.
We are all here for you and will support you as you get back to playing the guitar !!
Debra -
November 4, 2015 at 10:04 am #27834
Awesome Phil just Awesome! I love your spirit!
-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska -
November 4, 2015 at 10:14 am #27841
Thank you very much everyone. I think the Doctors would be very cross with me if they saw what I had been doing today. I have a holiday to Barbados to look forward to in 4 weeks time, so I will concentrate on the exercises the docs have given me to properly heal the tendons and (they say 10-12 weeks) I will pick up the guitar in Jan 2016 all being well and swat on theory on my sun bed!! cheers
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January 5, 2016 at 4:25 am #30841
Hi Phil,
Ive only recently joined the site and was having a nose around the forum when I stumbled across this thread.
Serious hats off to you mate, Im sure you’ve been through a very hard time but to show that positivity and determination is great
Hope your recovery is going well
All the best,
Mick
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January 5, 2016 at 7:24 am #30844
Cheers Mick, very kind, thank you. I am just starting to play again and healing well, minus the finger of course!! All the best on AM. I found it to excellent. Cheers Phil
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January 5, 2016 at 9:56 am #30848
Hi phil
I read it just now..really sorry
Wish you all the best
Ale -
January 12, 2016 at 2:33 pm #31204
hi there glad to hear you will be ok …..please read this and dont give up its abot tony iommi
At the age of 17, Iommi lost the tips of the middle and ring finger of his right hand in an industrial accident on his last day of work in a sheet metal factory[6] After the injury Iommi considered abandoning the guitar entirely. However, his factory foreman played him a recording of famous jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, which encouraged him to continue as a musician. As Iommi would later write:
My friend said, “Listen to this guy play”, and I went, “No way! Listening to someone play the guitar is the very last thing I want to do right now!” But he kept insisting and he ended up playing the record for me. I told him I thought it was really good and then he said, “You know, the guy’s only playing with two fingers on his fretboard hand because of an injury he sustained in a terrible fire.” I was totally knocked back by this revelation and was so impressed by what I had just heard that I suddenly became inspired to start trying to play again.[7]
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