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Pinky problems…
In December 2021 I was hospitalized with Covid19.
During my hospital stay, I was repeatedly poked in the left arm for blood draws.Somewhere along the line, I lost much of the feeling in my left hand pinky.
Even today (April 2023) I have not regained any of the lost feeling.
Pinky feeling loss : Approx. 85-90%
Ring Finger loss : About 5% (this one is manageable)With this being my fretting hand, I am having some problems fretting the strings with my pinky, either not properly fretting a string, or missing the string entirely due to the reduced feeling in the finger.
Of course, this all happened AFTER I bought my guitar, and before I started learning to play it.
I have been trying the 5 day Pinky Challenge, but am having very limited success getting past the fretting issues I have described. (Honestly don’t see much results, at least yet)Does anyone have any suggestions? Maybe modifying my playing to avoid pinky use when possible? or not using it at all?
I realize it can take time to build pinky strength and accuracy, but this issue is way beyond that and if I don’t see any possibility of pinky cooperation before long, I may have to eliminate pinky fretting altogether.
For the time being I am continuing the 5 day pinky challenge, and still using it to attempt fretting chords as needed for everything else.
Has anyone had similar issues. I would love to hear how you got past them (or around them).
Thanks in advance.
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3 Replies
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@KenV Sorry to hear of your pinky issues… I’m wondering if the doctor might want to send you to a neurologist or for some PT? But anywayz, glad you are healthy now!!
Have you tried a nylon string/classical guitar? The nylon strings are much easier to fret cleanly, and most classical guitars have wide nut widths so there’s extra room to land your notes… Maybe try one out at the store and see if it makes a difference? Also I know we aren’t supposed to keep our eyes on the fretboard, but in your case if it helps you to play then I’d say to try it out. Keep trying to find ways to make it work!! (Open Tunings are your friend!!!)
Best wishes, C
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@KenV Im so sorry you’re experiencing problems with your pinky. I agree with @Carol-3M-Stillhand that you have your health, and that’s the most important thing. I also recommend seeing a neurologist, if you haven’t already, and I concur that some physical therapy might help some with that. COVID has affected so many people in different ways with lingering post illness symptoms that haven’t been addressed.
There are many people with varying levels of disabilities that are able to adapt and play the guitar. Some are missing fingers, have MS, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis,etc., but they’ve overcome their limitations through adaptions.
I like Carols suggestion of a classical instrument, because it would be kinder due to the wider nut and easier fretting. That would probably compensate a little for the mis-frets on a steel string. Maybe you could rent one to try out. Most music stores rent guitars.
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Thank you both for your replies.( @Carol-3M-Stillhand and @Loraine )
I may have to look into a doctor about the numbness in my pinky. I guess I had just figured it was something I would have to live with and never really considered it.
Another option I have been considering, rather than classical guitar, is steel guitar.
I recently discovered that my father had played steel guitar for much of his life before he passed.
I have seen @Tpolecastro playing lap steel in several videos, and I do like the sound.
Getting my hands on one may take some time though.
But again… I will continue with my guitar adventure regardless of which direction it takes me.
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