AboutJoe O'Neill Expertise Upside down left handed guitar playing
Experience I have played an upside down guitar for the past 30 years. Although it is somewhat unique, there are many distinct limitations as one becomes more serious musician. Many bad habits (partial chording) are picked up because many finger positions (alternate chords included) are totally impossible. Picking stings requires the "pinkie" to carry the bass line. I took classcial lessons for 12 months or so and it just became a physical impossibility to duplicate the "proper positioning". I am able to play several difficult pieces, but I do have to "cheat" to complete them. My advice to all new guitar players (less than 3 years experience) would be to restring the instrument properly. The reward will be there down the road. We probably would never have heard of Hendrix had he chosen to play upside down and backwards.
Education/Credentials I am a self-taught guitar player with no formal training.
Question Hi,I am 44 yrs old and played guitar in 7th&8th grade but basically quit when it was time to start learning how to pick. Since then in 10th grade I cut off the middle two figers of my left hand to the first knuckle and 1/2 way down of my left hand pinky so with my left hand flat my fingers angle down enenly from the index finger down to the pinky.
With that said I have been kicking around the idea of playing guitar again but am not sure if I should do it with out the ability to progress to picking. Could I get enough enjoyment out of strumming or using a pick?
Sooner or later I would like to play some instrument again.
Answer Jim - I would like to begin by mentioning the fact that Phil Keaggy is one of my favorite guitar players, although he is right handed. It just so happens that Phil lost a finger in a farming accident many years ago, but he has managed to become to become a tremendous musician. He was a rock and roll artist early on, but now he is known as a "christian artist." I have seen him in concert many times and I am amazed at his ability. Check out philkeaggy.com
If you ever get a chance to see this guitar player, even if you are not a religious man, please don't miss it.
My advice to you is just pick it up and make it happen. A young man many years ago played for the Pope. He had NO HANDS! He played with his feet. And the Pope kissed his feet after completing his song. He was so inspiring.
I play upside down & backwards. It's different and very few can do this, but I just did what I had to do. If I lost a hand, I'd play with my elbow if that's what it would take to be able to enjoy music. It's my passion. I don't play pretty, but I play. I say you need to find a way and don't worry about what it looks like in terms of style. Your right hand is the fingering hand and it's quite important in formulating chords, but your left hand simply allows those chords to vibrate.
Check out a girl called Kaki King. She plays guitar like a piano. Many others have chosen to play a different, unique way and sometimes it's a physical disibility that's motivated them. But sometimes it's just pickin' it up and doing what you can do! Go for it Jim.
