I’m Jeff from NC, USA and new to the community. I have been a right-hand guitar player for almost 40 years and suffered a permanent injury to my left pinky which pretty much put an end to my playing/fretting. This happened over a year ago. As one could imagine, it left a huge hole in my life.
Inspired by Justin teaching himself left hand guitar I decided to give it a go! Funny, I am actually left handed but learned to play right when I was very young. I bought a lefty acoustic and started the beginner course a few days ago.
The experience is strange in that I am happy to be holding and “playing” a guitar again but wow it’s frustrating and overwhelming as a former, solid intermediate player. Also my right fingers are killing me
Anyway, hope to keep inspired by all the other beginners here!
Welcome to the Community, Jeff. Wish you well on this new adventure.
Sorry to hear of the permanent injury, a setback to overcome. Makes me think of Django Reinhardt who suffered an injury that left him with permanent limitations … he did OK in the end
Welcome to the Community Jeff
Wow… That is a dramatic measure
My gut suggests I might find it easier to learn to adapt my playing with one finger less, but no doubt that’s what you’ve already tried.
I hope you enjoy the learning journey again. You’ve got good company in nitsuj
Wish you the best of luck. Wow nitsuJ will be absolutely perfect for you and maybe keep your lefty aspirations realistic and your righty frustrations in check ! Welcome.
For sure I tried to continue playing with the injury but it really wasn’t working out at all. The pinky is essentially fused in a position that makes it always in the way on the fretboard.
Welcome aboard!
I started playing right but had to give up back in stone age after less than a year.
Now playing Left (am left handed) handed and am in a similar boat to you - injury caused change, but what the heck - let’s just give it a bash
Thank you. Relearning as a lefty is so incredibly hard. I just got to 40 D-A changes in a minute (very sloppy) and my E-A changes are at 20 per minute (even more sloppy).
I can’t even imagine my right hand forming a barre chord. Not even close when I try one
You will do it, Jeff. You did it “wrong-handed” once already. Having done that, you already understand the challenge and you know you were able to do it before. It will take time and persistence, but I have to imagine it will be a series of very satisfying moments as you conquer each little hurdle on the way. Enjoy and celebrate the little victories.
Hi everyone. Thought I would give an update on my journey as a new lefty. I am working on Grade 1, module 3 with Am and Em songs, etc.
I also watch Justin (Nitsuj) on his progress at the same point. I seem to be pretty much exactly at his level/struggle in each module so far. I will say he has a slight bit more trouble with the strum patterns/rhythm than me. Most likely because I’m a natural lefty I suppose.
My finger pain is MUCH better on the right hand but still a bit sore at the end of each practice.
I’m trying to remain optimistic but it is still very mentally frustrating as a former intermediate righty. Onward and upward!
You are an inspiration! Keep at it and stay strong. I bet part of the frustration is knowing you had been able to do these things with ease right handed.
It is hard starting over partly because of just that. But a cool new challenge!
