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A word for those struggling with arthritis etc
I hope to make this an encouraging post for those who, like me, struggle with arthritis in their fingers or short fingers etc.
I used to think, when I had difficulty doing “easy” licks and chords, that I would never get to the point of being able to play guitar, even if only for my own enjoyment. I would skip some lessons that seemed too “hard”, though I did pick up my guitar every day. I would just play some easy chord songs that I knew (not many). I realized finally that something that seemed hard could be simply that I hadn’t learned the technique or other concept yet, and that helped a lot with my discouragement. I still have to be patient with myself, though.
Then came the realization that I simply could not do some things. Sometimes Tony will mention an easier way to do something, and that helps, but not always. For example, I know for a fact that I will never be able to do full barre chords, due to my curved and short fingers. So I discovered triads. Not as full-sounding, to be sure, and you have to be aware of the unplayed strings so as to avoid them, but at least I can play a song that normally calls for a barre. Other work-arounds can be found, such as fretting a chord with an unconventional finger arrangement, when some of my fingers can’t cooperate.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, there are work-arounds for probably 90% of guitar playing. I’m sure any of you can find something that will help your particular situation. So don’t get discouraged when you can’t get your hands to do some things. It has taken me nearly 2 years to get to this point of realization. It has given me a better understanding of music in general, and hopefully make me a better player.
I hope this helps at least one other person; it helped me just writing it!
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8 Replies
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Thanks @BarbaraM !
While I don’t have arthritis in my fingers and I’m most thankful for that, I agree with everything what you said about it simply taking time to understand your true limitations. I have found that so many challenges that seemed impossible at first and I almost gave up, were in fact doable at a later sometimes after a few days, months or a year later. Children can learn guitar much more quickly (I wish I would have learned then, I wanted to!) but after decades of using our hands to do many different things we never developed the very different and specific movements that are unique to guitar playing! You have develop muscles and new brain connections! This can only happen over a period of time.
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THANKS SO MUCH, BarbaraM! I’m returning to guitar after many years of not playing much. I learned when I was in 6th grade and played often through high school, college and young adult, but life began to change my habits and patterns and I didn’t do much guitar for about 30 years. Now, my hands and general body are certainly not as flexible and limber as they once were, and some things may not be possible…at least yet! I appreciate your encouragement, and also just found Tony’s STRETCHING section very helpful! Thanks!
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Barbara, it’s good to hear from you. This was a very inspirational message, and I’m so glad you posted. Many players do struggle with disabilities that make playing the conventional way seem impossible. You have found some great work arounds.
What I hear loud and clear is the change in disposition. In the past I heard and felt your frustrations. This showed your having learned little work arounds, so that you could keep playingi
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Hi Barbara! I read you post! There was definitely something different and then I read @Loraine ‘s post and she saw it clear as day and then I did as well. You have transformed yourself into a player….a can do player…. majorly inspiring! Take a moment, and if I were there I would pat you on the back. I recognize you BarbaraM….you may have just crossed the biggest hurdle I found in my path. Congratulations and many many thanks for sharing your journey which leads me to being a better player myself!!!
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Wow, so many have gotten encouragement from my little post. I wasn’t sure it would be so effective! And thanks, @Loraine, for your back-atcha encouragement; you’ve heard me whine about various challenges enough times! And thanks, @jumpinjeff for your calling me a can-do player. I’m still a work in progress as far as my own advice; my post was as much for myself as for anyone else.
And it’s nice to meet some new names! Where are you from @BarbDP?
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You earned it the old fashioned way Barbabara! I am just so tickled I was able to observe in darn near real time, the birth of a “Can Do Player”. Thank goodness I will never be done progressing….that would be the moment true boredom would begin its creep. I would be creeping up on speed and boredom would be creeping up on me… : )
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Tempe, AZ.
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I’m in rainy northwest RI, Foster, to be exact.
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