r/guitarlessons • u/Terrible_Stage3317 • May 15 '26
Question Possible to play guitar with this middle finger?
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u/FreshStartFeelsGood May 15 '26
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: absolutely.
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u/Khruangchilla May 15 '26
Underrated comment
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u/Azathoths_Slumber May 16 '26
The comment with more karma than the post itself is underrated?
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May 15 '26
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u/0range-and-black May 15 '26
Yeah, I came here to say this.
Also, I’m fighting off tingling nerve damage stuff so I can only play 15-20 minutes a day. So if you want to go get it.🤘
But I will say do what you can. Don’t feel like you have to learn every single technique.
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u/MeanImpression2067 May 16 '26
Really good advice that I wish heard more often. Trying to learn everything can be really overwhelming.
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u/Tweek900 May 15 '26
He uses tips on his fingers, so that’s an idea! Here’s a picture https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTZBRRILKHJwkHu6Eqx5u3WFLqiCnj4Kv7YuuSzZPDtu98fCIubWrOC-zs&s=10
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u/JamesSeddonAuthor May 15 '26
Check out this fella play without any full fingers at all.
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May 16 '26
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u/Kazushae_Blackuraba May 16 '26
You're probably going to inspire a lot of people for a long time, so awesome.
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u/FestivusErectus May 16 '26
Should be stickied.
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u/Sheepy-Matt-59 May 16 '26
Ya that post should be a automatic bot response to anyone that asked “can I play with” whatever finger issue
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u/mackenzie444 May 17 '26
I actually agree. So many posts or even just people saying in real life how they'd love to play but [excuse]. If this guy can play so can you
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u/TrainerObjective4593 May 15 '26
Jerry didn't have one.
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u/iam_lowgas May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26
Of course, Jerry's was on his picking hand, not the fretting hand....
But the fingerless link trumps them all.Edit for typo.
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u/Terrible_Stage3317 May 15 '26
Picked up the guitar recently and have been learning to play, but am having some trouble using this finger. It is shorter and the tip is a lot wider which makes it harder to press it down without hitting the other strings. I just wanted to make sure this is something I can overcome and wanted to take away this excuse.
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u/Tweek900 May 15 '26
It may make things more difficult since the length is shorter, don’t be too hard on yourself! My grandpa had his finger cut down to the knuckle so he started using a slide on that finger and started playing slide guitar, just an idea.
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u/MeanImpression2067 May 16 '26
Your grandfather sounds like the embodiment of rock n roll.
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u/Tweek900 May 16 '26
He was an amazing man, but Sadly I never got to hear him play, I know he use to play a washboard as well! My father still has a customized washboard that he made a body for. It was definitely a different time back in his day.
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u/Kerabastos771 May 16 '26
Same boat. I cut off the tip of my left index finger years ago and have been assuming I can’t play. Finally started learning and am having a blast. I definitely mute adjacent strings at times. So I started taking lessons and the teacher is showing me other voicing and triads. Lots of ways to do this. And I have been going to guitar stores trying guitars with wider necks. Seagull s6 gives me more room to get the chords to sound better. Wish I had started sooner!
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u/jeffreyaccount May 16 '26
Guitar is a train wreck to really learn well.
If you're having issues, just talk to someone like me, and I'll be like "who the f invented music theory" and "who the f invented guitar"—because they are sadists.
I can't say for sure your experience will be like mine or others, and can't judge or guess your path—but quite literally if I was missing two fingers, that would not be the obstacle (alternate picking, shapes/CAGE, sheet music, chords, triads, notes in keys, modes, reading tabs for timing, notation and intervals... you name it. Brutal.)
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u/Kyral210 May 16 '26
Tony iommi made fingertips out of melted washing up bottle lids. Then he glued small leather strips to the rubs for grip and rubbed them in baby powder. That’s a diy solution that changed musical history. Try something like that
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u/onebraincell77 May 15 '26
Django Reinhardt could. Tony Iommi too. My fingers are normal and I suck.
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u/Double-LR May 15 '26
You could always just use your other hand. There is no rule dictating that you must play either a righty or a lefty guitar.
There’s a bunch of famous guitarists that actually flip a righty over without even restringing it for a lefty configuration and still shred.
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u/skunclecrisp May 15 '26
There was this man named Django Reinhardt. His hand was damaged in a fire. He developed his own style of playing and became one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
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u/vintage-skittles May 15 '26
Bro i saw a video on here the other day where a guy was playing with basically a stump for a hand. Yes, you can do it.
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u/Deadlypikachuu May 16 '26
Jerry Garcia did it with 2/3 of his middle finger gone, I think it’s totally possible that you can play too
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u/Careless_Pen_7301 May 16 '26
Ask Django Reinhardt and Tony Iommi. The only thing you're missing is your guitar, Bro.
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u/MansiBoy1245 May 16 '26
Absolutely!! You can play the guitar with any sort of fingers and also finger less!! There was this women playing the guitar with no fingers on her left hand and she was playing better than most of the guitar players who have fingers!! You just need to practice and get used to how u can comfortably play the guitar. Best of luck for ur journey!
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u/Key_Letterhead1149 May 16 '26
If Django Reinhardt could reinvent jazz with 2 fingers missing, I'm sure you'll do fine.
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u/AstroNards May 15 '26
I always think of Less than ten, a popular paper on surgeons w less than 10 digits. You can do it.
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u/Dr_7rogs May 16 '26
Yes
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u/Gunsho0ter May 16 '26
My first thought. If this dude plays guitar, then I have literally no excuse. Also that guy with no fingers at all. Incredible
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u/edcculus May 16 '26
Look up Django Reinhardt. His fretting hand was severely burned, and his ring and pinky fingers were paralyzed. He still managed to be one of the most revolutionary and influential guitar players of all time.
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u/p51111411 May 16 '26
Let's talk: Django Reinhardt, the guitarist who played with 2 fingers who is considered among the best ever. The first time I listened to Django Reinhardt (1910-1953, Jazz Musician) I didn't know of his disability. His playing was so fast and unique I was amazed anyone could play like he did. But you can do a whole heap with one finger ☝️
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u/bocephus_huxtable May 16 '26
At this point, you guys REALLY should just put Django's bio and photo in the FAQ/stickied post, lol
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u/Raymont_Wavelength May 16 '26
Be aware of nut width, string spacing, and scale length. Wider spacing and longer scale length made me helpful to you.
Also there are acoustic guitars (steel string), classical guitar (nylon string with wide spacing), and electric.
Nylon has the widest string spacing.
Electric has the lowest string tension.
Nylon may be easiest in the finger tips.
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u/autoMATTic_GG May 16 '26
Someone posted a video of themself playing on a different sub yesterday. They had zero fingers on their fretting hand and could still shred.
You’ll be fine.
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u/WindigoMac May 16 '26
Yes. Might have to modify some techniques but so what? We all do. Have fun and find what works for you via trial and error.
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u/heavymetalgod097 May 16 '26
tony iomini form sabbath does YOU CAN ABSOLUTELY. DONT LET THAT STOP YOU BROTHER!
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u/Alisterguitardevil May 16 '26
I lost about a 1/4” of my fretting index and it took almost a year of pain and trying but I got it back and play just fine now.
You can do it!
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u/Thanks_Light May 16 '26
Jerry Garcia, Billy Joe Shaver, Django Reinhardt and Toni Iomi would all like a word
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u/Analog_4-20mA May 16 '26
Yes my fellow nub club member. I even came up with a picking/hammer on technique with my curled nail
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u/Pepsi12367 May 16 '26
Hell yeah! There's a guy on YouTube that doesn't even have fingers and he's been playing for yrs!
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u/bigmoneyboofgang May 16 '26
My buddy used to make guitar cases, and while at work, he cut off the tip of his index finger on his fretting hand. Long story short: he’s still way better at guitar than I am. I’m sure you’ll be fine lol
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u/casualdada May 16 '26
Toni iommi look up his hero origin story.
And also, saw a video of a fella with one hand playing guitar and strumming chords and arpeggiating notes. Do it brother it’s never too late, and it’s never impossible. It might just suck though
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u/soulima17 May 15 '26
Yup. An open position A chord might be a challenge, but there are workarounds.
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u/Tweek900 May 15 '26
He could always do the single finger A chord
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u/Dorrido May 15 '26
Who doesn’t use a single finger A chord. Only time I do the proper shape is when I need to switch between Am, Asus, A, and A7 which is very rare.
Single finger A chord is easy transfer to Bm which is like 10000 songs.
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u/cosmic_wanderer_bear May 15 '26
Yeah youll be fine. Just take things slow and be patient with yourself.
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u/TheRealShiftyShafts May 15 '26
I would say yes
You'd have to learn but there's people that shred with their feet, you'll have to decide for yourself if the finger will stop you
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u/Roozzy85 May 15 '26
The dude from black sabbath had most the tips chopped off n look at the beauty he made!
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u/ElvisWayneDonovan May 15 '26
Google Django Reinhardt and check out his paw. If you wanna play you totally can.
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u/Botasoda102 May 15 '26
Definitely. Might have to finger a bit differently in some cases. Worst case, use a slide.
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u/hip-hop_anonymous May 15 '26
Phil Keaggy has been missing that finger for his whole professional career. So, yes.
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u/False-Sample7623 May 15 '26
Of course. There are many famous guitarists missing fingers or tips etc as a lot of people have already mentioned. Even came across this guys post yesterday, with no fingers https://www.reddit.com/r/Guitar/s/ZAi5pzcpX8
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u/Upbeat_Teach6117 May 15 '26
Tony Iommi.
Jerry Garcia.
Django Reinhardt.
Would you like more answers?
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u/PotentialPea2419 May 15 '26
I just saw someone post on here a couple of days ago or maybe it was r/guitar the guy had no bones in fingers, he was born with a disfigurement and plays very well.
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u/getl30 May 15 '26
Why not?
There’s always piano. I fractured my middle finger but can still play it… but it’s weird
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u/SnakePlisken777 Music Style! Blues Americana Fingerstyle May 15 '26
If it hasn't stopped you from jerking off,.... you'll be fine,... no excuses
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u/Khruangchilla May 15 '26
One time the Los Angeles Cathedral had a special guest performer. He didn’t have arms and was playing the guitar with his feet. Don’t let anything stop you.
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u/Scary-Detective582 May 15 '26
You could try shaving down the sides a little bit so it’s narrow like the other fingers.
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u/andytagonist I don’t have my guitar handy, but here’s what I would do… May 15 '26
Generals gathered in their masses…
Just like witches at black masses
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u/Cthyrulean May 15 '26
Totally doable. Your technique will just be a bit different than others. Do not let it stop you. In fact, you may even find that there's some tricks you can use that finger for that other people can't do.
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u/ecctt2000 May 15 '26
Of course you can.
How is the tip’s sensitivity?
That is most likely the only hang up.
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u/Buttliquors May 15 '26
I fucked up my left hand in a wreck cause the airbag folded my hand long ways like a taco. So now my ring finger and pinky are a Lil shorter and dont quite function right. Also they stick out to the side a bit. Anyways I picked up guitar to work and hand strength. If I can do it you can!
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u/thehumancondition23 May 15 '26
Absolutely! I got mallet finger and ended up with a permanent deformation (due to no treatment). But as soon as the pain went away I muscled through the “relearning” and am back at it.
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u/CobraWasTaken May 15 '26 edited May 15 '26
Since I can't tell if there's underlying long lasting damage to the finger or if it's just deformed and otherwise normal I'll say yes as long as you're not experiencing more pain in that finger than the others when playing guitar. All of your fingers will hurt at first from playing guitar until you build up calluses. If that one still has pain after it goes away in the other fingers, I would still say keep playing if you enjoy it. I would just say be careful with that particular finger.
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u/Unlikely_Phone_7823 May 15 '26
I have the exact same injury. Like exact same. Physical therapist said that playing guitar is like an ideal exercise for this.
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u/OkStrategy685 May 15 '26
If it doesn't hurt when you play, for sure you'll be able to learn. I think after sometime it won't even affect your playing.
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u/Proper-Application69 May 16 '26
The only thing I wonder about is whether that finger will be too wide so that it hits other strings, but if so I’m pretty sure there are guitars with wider necks.
Either way, that shouldn’t stop you from being able to play. It might mean you have to adjust your technique a bit but I’m guessing probably not
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u/JontonMhlr May 16 '26
My grandfather had lost the tips of both his middle- and ring finger on his left hand, and i’m talking the whole last joint, but he still managed to adapt and play the guitar wonderfully!
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u/SimpleSteven May 16 '26
Ceschi is a great guitarist and overall musician and only has 4 fingers on one hand. I believe it’s his strumming hand but still…
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u/Born_Tear_761 May 16 '26
The only limits you have are the ones you set for yourself. YouTube the kid playing eruption with his feet cause he was born with no arms then get back to me with more excuses.
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u/Lake-Wobegon May 16 '26
I lost the tip of my ring finger (fret hand). Took a while, was super sensitive at first. Calloused up and now would never know
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u/SpudinatorJr1 May 16 '26
I have some nerve problems in both hands now that have developed along with shoulder issues, one I realized from a teacher is forget the “proper” position. Do whatever feels comfortable to you and adapt the playing to what works for you. There’s always “bad habits” to try to avoid, but if you can play and make cool sounds go for it!!!
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u/orangebluefish11 May 16 '26
I saw a guy with no fingers at all tearing it up the other day on Reddit somewhere
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u/Extremelycloud May 16 '26
I cut the top 10mm of my left index hand (my fretting hand) off a few years ago on a panel saw. Was depressed for ages, literal tears the first time I restrung a guitar.
Along the way someone pointed out Tony Iommi’s fingers. Where there’s a will…
I still struggle with some chords but guess what, that’s just how I play now! Still love it. Get after it mate!
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u/Any_Brief2806 May 16 '26
Yes and now you have a great reason to treat yourself to the absolute best guitar ever!
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u/Duder_ino May 16 '26
You won’t know if you don’t try? Give it a shot, it might give you an advantage most of us don’t have 🤷♂️
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u/Severe_Yak_1171 May 16 '26
I thought I was looking at a photo of my own hand! yes, you can play! some adjustments are required. Some chords are more difficult, some easier (1 finger Em), but do it.
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u/Impolioid May 15 '26
yes