The Finger

[Purple ASS]

Well after nearly three weeks of what seemed like satisfactory recovery, the damned finger got infected. I am now lying in my hospital bed making the most of this marvellous iPhone technology waiting to go back into theatre later this afternoon. The surgeons have decided that they need to amputate down to the knuckle so I'll be losing about an inch. I am hoping and praying that I will be able to adapt my playing but I have to confess I have had a few tearful moments over it this morning. I think it was Pete Dubaldo who mentioned he had a similar amputation, I'd appreciate any advice he or anyone else can offer on how they managed to adapt their technique. Thanks Guys

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Sorry to hear that mate, I wish you a speedy recovery, but remember it's not all over, you will adapt in time to the shorter digit, as I've shown you my half thumb at the show last weekend, it has been a slow learning curve but I am thankful to be able to play again although not as fast as I used to. You will get used to it too with time. Best of luck.

 

[josheyre]

Wow. I wish you the best of luck and a speedy adaptation.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Keep yer chin up - good vibes sent to you from Wales.
Spud

 

[Dizzy]

Damn, bad news mate.

Best of luck with it all - stay positive

 

[GWDavis28]

Purp, best of luck, I hope everything works out for you man.

Glenn |B)

 

[buckethead777]

Hang in there champ!
Wishing you all the best

 

[balance]

Godspeed to you for a fast recovery!

 

[Ernieballplayer]

best wishes to you!

 

[Headstock]

Wow - sorry to hear that, you will overcome.

 

[fatkatz77]

Very sorry to hear that. I am sure you will be able to adapt your playing. Give it time. Best of luck.

 

[NickDuBaldo]

I wouldn't worry too much about losing it to the knuckle, I would think it would make playing easier for you as you'll have an even surface to work with unlike me. Mine was cut just above the nail matrix, but the reattached tip is just scar tissue as the severed portion technically died after surgery. That fingertip is about 3/4 the size of its right handed brother so it looks somewhat "normal" but the way the scar is situated, the skin touches adjacent strings while fretting which is annoying but not something that I wasn't able to adjust for over time. If they take it at the knuckle, you won't have that issue and won't get strings stuck between your nail and skin like I sometimes do.

I'm sure you'll be able to compensate for this much better than I was able to, don't worry about it, let it heal and then have some fun messing around modifying your technique.

 

[ef_in_fla]

We humans were blessed with an amazing ability to adapt. You'll do just fine.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

I wish you the best on the recovery and adaptation. My first thought was to start playing lefty. I think initially, it would be tough, but your brain already knows how to play and just needs to shuffle over a bit.

jack

 

[agt]

Best wishes for peace of mind, patience, and a speedy recovery and adaptation.

 

[Sweat]

Kev sorry to hear this but just get well soon, I am sure you will be able to adapt, we are after all smart knuckleheads.

 

[Big Poppa]

No easy answer except what you play starts with the heart and soul...your fingers will figure it out...Look at our very own John Denner for inspiration

 

[luv]

Super sorry about the news. You will find a way to adapt....how could you not? I believe we are all here because we love to play guitar. One inch of one finger will not stop you! ROCK ON! Keep us updated.

 

[Smellybum]

Hang in there big fella, us Knuckleheads are built to last!

 

[kbaim]

No easy answer except what you play starts with the heart and soul...your fingers will figure it out...Look at our very own John Denner for inspiration

Also Django...didn't he play 2 fingers only.

Still--you're entitled to your depression as I think we'd all be until we figure out the next best way to play

Good luck for a quick solution and years of enjoyment following