Scott here from Alaska.


It would appear that a lot of us started as kids, then lost touch, or something, Only to find ourselves back with a new determination to learn how to play guitar. If I posted my story here, it would look much the same as many others.

I promised myself a long time ago, to not have regrets about anything I did or didn't do. But I have to confess, I wish I'd stayed with learning to play guitar all those lost years. Heck I might even be as good as Neil by now.


However, I do think that I have few years left in me,and there is a lot of catchin up to do,so I ain't quitin this time.


Scott

Welcome home, Scott. Don't be shy about asking questions. There's lots of help here for you. You'll make it this time. Most of us have so far, and we've had a blast doing it..

Dan

Oh No! Not another one...

But seriously, welcome aboard.

David

Hey Scott, welcome to TG from Australia. I now know that Alaska is part of the USA...not sure if I knew that before your last election! Your story is indeed familiar. You've come to a good place. Welcome again.

That's the attitude Scott. I think we'd all agree that it's never too late to do anything you enjoy doing. Welcome to the party.
Steve

Welcome from Switzerland Scott! Hope you have a great time here and just remember you can check out but you can never leave! And we all want to know.... can you see Russia from your house?

Welcome to TG from New Zealand Scott. Maybe we need to draft a templated story and we all just sign our names to it, given we mostly have similar tales to tell. Enjoy your time here lots to learn mate. Don't be a stranger to the Forum either ask and ye shall receive (some of it even useful!)

Chas

Welcome Scott, from Colorado. I have the same story - well except I am not an old guy. I am in fact an old woman. This is the best place to do what you want to do, and you now have many friends who share your passion. See ya around the forum. Izzy

Well I will have tons of questions, and maybe a few answer's. No I can't see Russia from the house, however I am an airline pilot who fly's to the far north and west reach's of the state, and I've certainly heard Russians on the radio.


And since you offered, I do have my first question. It has to do with the clumsy digits on my left hand. My left index finger has been severed twice. Not completely off, but two different plastic surgeons have had a good bit of practicing their craft on that finger. At any rate. It no longer pays any attention to anything I tell it to do. I can't feel where it is, I've learned to locate it by the sounds it makes on the fretboard. If its in the right spot, it sounds good. If its not in the right spot, well I have to move it.

So here's the question: Does anyone else have a similar situation with a finger that has no feeling? If so, are there any tips I may learn from?

The frustrating part is that the end of the finger toughens up just like the rest. But close to the bone is perpetual pain that hasn't gone away in what is now my 14th month of a life with a guitar in my hand.

sbutler wrote:

And since you offered, I do have my first question. It has to do with the clumsy digits on my left hand. My left index finger has been severed twice. Not completely off, but two different plastic surgeons have had a good bit of practicing their craft on that finger. At any rate. It no longer pays any attention to anything I tell it to do. I can't feel where it is, I've learned to locate it by the sounds it makes on the fretboard. If its in the right spot, it sounds good. If its not in the right spot, well I have to move it.

So here's the question: Does anyone else have a similar situation with a finger that has no feeling? If so, are there any tips I may learn from?

The frustrating part is that the end of the finger toughens up just like the rest. But close to the bone is perpetual pain that hasn't gone away in what is now my 14th month of a life with a guitar in my hand.

I kinda sympathise here, my left pinky has little or no feeling and doesn't do as its told all the time, hence I always have problems with some of Neils favoured fingerings of Chords, G in particular. I have no obvious answer for you apart from when you know you have a specific problem consider work arounds, I generally use the chord shapes Neil doesn't like the best, but occasionally the pinky works so it dumbfounds me at times when it does as its told lol.

Hey Scott, sorry to hear about the finger. We do have folks here with similar problems and it's really inspiring how they master that difficulty. Send a PM to Wrench or just wait a while til he comes along to say hi, he'll have some good tips for you.

Welcome Scott from North Carolina. I played as a child and my Dad taught me a few chords but I gave it up. Now in my 40's I play every day. What inspired me was when I went to a friend's house and he had a guitar. I could barely remember Black Bird but it was enough to make me want to learn it. Today I am able to play it effortlessly among some other songs. Of course, I still have many challenges which I am working on such as Classical Gas but I too wished that I never put my guitar down.

You picked the best website for instruction. Neil is so very detailed and his versions are the exact versions of the original artist. Something not always eaisly found.

Rodney

Scott I have an issue with one of the fingers on my fretting hand. It isn't the same issue, i.e. no feeling, but I suspect that the more times you can land the finger correctly the more chance there is of it landing correctly all the time. In other words, repetitive practice should have a positive affect on the muscle memory even if you can't feel the finger. I have nothing to suggest with the pain though.

Welcome Scott from Massachusetts. As you can see (read) you're in great company here. Everyone's so friendly and very helpful. As others have said it's the best site for learning guitar. Hopefully you'll find some answers on your finger. I'm missing the tip on my index finger of my right hand so I am no help.

Have fun and enjoy.

Bob

Scott,

Welcome and old guys rule.

Bud

Hi Scott,

Hears to hopping guitar playing keeps us young.Good luck.

Kevin
Northern Illinois

I find that muscle memory is a happening thing. It does work, unless I get up early and the only thing in my system is coffee. I doubt that I could play anything with good fingers, let alone the ones I have.

So far it shows up on the cord progression, up the neck on Blackbird. Not only is there a problem landing on the right fret, but pulling it off to go to another can be a listening adventure as well.

Thanks for the tip.

Scott

Welcome Scott,
We share a very familiar homecoming to the guitar. This site has rekindled the fire to learn more and get better. Your story is inspiring, I'll never complain about my fingers anymore and I hope someone has some good ideas for you.
Chan

A big welcome from Canada, Scott.

Looking forward to hearing from you in the forums and seeing your videos.


Al

Hi Scott welcome to TG, from Canada again. I am sure that you will have a great time learning here and celebrate the small victories on the forum.

Marc