Learning an Acoustic Instrument with a Handicap

Subject: playing with liminted arm movement.
Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2004 16:28:17 -0600

Good afternoon my question is I have been wanting to learn to play the guitar for a long time now. But due to a car accident some time ago it has left my right hand kinda in a cup holding form and I have very little movement in my right elbow,so moving the right arm in a swinging fashion is kinda impossible but I can move it about 2 inches in that way. So with all this I have went out and purchased a guitar and have started, as I'm a real beginner here. So is it possible to learn this? As I have found out my left finger tips get sore trying to hold the strings down on the frets. Any input would be deeply appreciated. Thanks Ronald from Illinois.

Greetings Ronald,

My suggestion would be to focus on the most accommodating medium...

With limited movement of your forearm on the right hand:
Don't even try to strum the guitar...don't attempt to learn to play flatpick styles...instead, focus on fingerpicking styles...this allows your right forearm to remain stationary while playing...you will then only need the free movement of your fingers...I'm not too sure about your finger dexterity after your accident...so, the fingerpicking approach may not work for you...it is one approach to the guitar that does not require any forearm movement...

Now, if you feel that your fingers are also limited in dexterity, then, my suggestion would be to try the flatpick and brace the palm of your hand on the bridge...this will force you to use nothing but wrist movement while playing...yes, your strums will be limited...however, you'll still be able to play fast linear lines...

Hope something here helps...Mickey

Subject: Dobro
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2004 02:56:16 -0500

Hello,

Greetings Mark,

Glad to assist:

My 18 year old son almost died of a severe brain infection a year ago. He played piano before and can't play anymore. I tried to teach him guitar, but I guess the finger coordination required is about the same as piano and it just isn't working. He wants to play something and I have suggested the autoharp. He took it as an insult and said he wants to try dobro (I didn't see that coming) . I don't think there is an instrument I know less about (except maybe a pedal harp). I would have to teach him, it will take more effort than a teacher will want to spend.

Okay...I believe he's right...you might want to read through our FAQ database on "Choosing an Acoustic Instrument" at:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page142.htm

There's also additional material on learning to play squareneck Dobro at:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

Playing squareneck Dobro really does take less mechanics than most acoustic instruments...the Autoharp is elementary unless it's fingerpicked...and, I can understand his point of view on this one...the Dobro would offer more versatility within many genres such as: folk, bluegrass, country and blues...

I am tempted to buy an autoharp for myself and let him try it, but he would just get upset (and I understand even if I don't agree). He lost his college/job hopes, car, girl, and piano overnight, he has reason to get upset.

I'd be glad to personally assist with your effort to get him started on an acoustic instrument...I must say, he's quite perceptive about which instrument to pursue...since, I myself would have suggested the squareneck dobro over any other acoustic instrument we carry.

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Before I learn to play anything, I want to have a pretty good idea he will be able to play it.

First and foremost, link to the above URLs...I believe you will find them to be helpful in your research...upon going through these sections of our website, I'm sure you'll have many more questions...please shoot them my way and just maybe, I can assist you and your son through this labyrinth of choices...Sincerely, Mickey

Mark

Subject: fat short fingers
Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2004 14:44:31 -0800

Well I went out and bought a guitar, signed up and paid for a ten week class just to find out my fingers are fat, short and not coordinated. Now what? Is there any hope? This is a $500.00 investment for something I really want to do. Thank You for any help.

Thanks Again!
Gary

Greetings Gary,

I understand your concerns...and, I know how it may feel like an impediment. However, please keep in mind there have been others that have overcome this obstacle...one that comes directly to mind is Roy Clark. He had very short and very fat fingers...and even admitted to this before himself...if I recall...he obviously had such a passion to learn that he went forward to become one of the best multi-instrumental string players the world has ever seen.

From what I can infer it sounds like you, yourself have ambition to do this...really, this is most of the battle for most beginners: having the drive to achieve. Hence, you have most of the journey under your belt just by having the desire to do this...now, my suggestion would be to take your time and start with the simplest exercises possible and build up slowly....do not expect too much of yourself too quickly...enjoy the learning process and take your time by achieving the smallest hurdles first...

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

Subject: small hands, again
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2003 21:47:14 -0500

Howdy again -
Disregard my earlier question about suggestions for small hands - it's not a question worthy of your time. I think I was hoping you'd have advice that would allow me to play a lower-voiced instrument than the mandolin. But I think I'll just resign myself to high-pitched pluckin'.
And thanks again for your website.
David Wilson

Greetings David,

There are a couple of possibilities where the size of the hand wouldn't be critical:

1. You might consider a mandola...it still has smaller fret spacing yet a one-fifth lower voicing under the mandolin. However, it's a very specialized instrument and does not fit into every style of music, such as bluegrass...works great as a melody or lead instrument...and, works great when playing with a single guitar.

2. One other possibility would be the squareneck dobro. This instrument only requires that you hold a steel bar...no fretting whatsoever...and, it does have a low voicing...and, it can be played within most any style of music including bluegrass. This would be my strongest suggestion. If you're unsure of where you can take a dobro, you might listen to some of our video samplers:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

Hopefully, something here is of some help to you...Mickey