Old and in the way…..

[Rickey]

I started playing guitar many, many years ago, teaching myself what little I could learn. Didn’t even know how to properly tune my junker for a long time, just kind of got it close. I had been in an auto accident as a child ans suffered a lot of damage to my left hand and basically have full function in two fingers and partial in my little finger and the ring finger. Still, I managed to learn as I went and cheated and capo-ed like crazy and did okay. About 15 years ago I met one of my nephews, a gifted natural born guitarist who could listen to a song once and play it note for note in one go. He overheard me playing and openly mocked my lack of ability in front of about a dozen other members of my family. Everyone had a good laugh, he took the guitar and proceeded to wow everyone with his truly amazing talent. I put away my guitars and only picked one up last night when I caught one lesson from AM on Youtube. I only played for fun and only for myself and I’d like to try to learn a bit more and be able to play along with some of my favorite songs, BoDeans sort of stuff.
My big problem is the lack of reach and strength in the two damaged fingers making chords such as b,f b7 difficult to play. And the speed at which I can change off and on those chords. I’m left handed by nature and I considered switching but I’d rather develop what I can.
I’d appreciate any advice, even if it’s to just hang it up and do jigsaw puzzles.
DFW

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[Deluxe Strat]

1 st thing is kick your nephews ass, there is no need for that behavior
2nd thing is if playing makes you feel good, takes the stress away, makes you feel happy then do it
the big book says make a joyfull noise, it doesnt say you have to be jimmy page. from the sounds of it you may have some limits,be happy with what you can do, and practice practice practice heres a video for you good luck

[Rickey]

Wow! And I think I have limits! Thanks for the vid and the encouragement. My nephew? Hmm? Perhaps a certain amount of ego goes with talent. He is good. As you mention, “Practice, practice.” New strings and new callouses.

[Rickey]

WOW! Old And In The Way…now there’s a Jerry Garcia flash back from the past!! 🙂

I can only imagine you will have some obstacles to overcome, but, don’t be discouraged! One of the greatest jazz guitarist of all time only played with two fingers b/c the other two were damaged in a fire. Check out Django Reinhardt

[luch-handt]

Ditto what others have said. Take a listen to this video and maybe look at some others of Sam Bakers.

Click Here

[Author]

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