What’s a guitarist’s most important body part? If you said fingers or hands, you better guess again!
On today’s episode, I’m sharing with you 10 musicians who overcame physical limitations to create and share the joy of music. All of these musicians, most of them guitar players, are incredible musicians, and you’d never know that they’d have a disability or limitation if you heard their music.
My hope is that, after hearing their stories and listening to their music, you feel inspired to play and share music with you and your fellow guitar geeks!
At the end of the day, if you’re struggling to play guitar, whether it’s physical or mental limitations, just remember to adapt your playing style to what suites you. It isn’t taking a shortcut to adapt. It’s finding an opportunity to create, have fun, and make music. This goes for those affected by an injury or even those who may just be having a bad day with hand pain or fatigue.
As always, you can catch Acoustic Tuesday at 10 am every Tuesday in these four places:
- Acoustic Life YouTube channel
- We Play Every Day Facebook Community
- Get show notes emailed directly to your inbox.
- Listen to audio-only below or in iTunes
Show Notes
10 – Django Reinhardt – https://youtu.be/ANArGmr74u4
9 – Phil Keaggy – https://youtu.be/3jcji2gYJkI – County Down
8 – Wesley Tuttle – https://youtu.be/WhuB0Wo-noE – Yodeling Boogie
7 – Billy Joe Shaver – https://youtu.be/KVSFxG0eXbc – Honkey Tonk Heroes (Copyright, site only)
6 – Roy Thackerson – https://youtu.be/eXInqxaW5PM – Guitar Boogie
The Story of the Fingerless Fiddlers – https://youtu.be/9pL8EdvKsKM
5 – Jerry Garcia – https://youtu.be/qx1LqnIJLj8 – Deep Elem Blues (Copyright site only)
4 – Barry Abernathy – https://youtu.be/XSHALha5IlI – Mountain Heart/Appalachian Roadshow
3 – Mac Rebennack (AKA Dr. John) – https://youtu.be/id1iPAzoSMc – Storm warning
2 – Hound Dog Taylor – https://youtu.be/KX9UG8rqRRQ – Wild About You Baby
1 – Andres Godoy – https://youtu.be/WSV8792o-dY – En Cada Segundo
Tony, check out Billy McLaughlin from Minnesota. He was a great guitarist who got dystonia and had to completely relearn guitar. I think you’ll be impressed. Thanks for what you do!
Hi Tony, another great show. While I don’t have any missing limbs or digits, as you mentioned at the end of your broadcast (and in the middle with Guitar Gratitude) there is great healing power in music. In the past couple of years I’ve noticed arthritis creeping into my left hand right near where the thumb joins the wrist. However, when I pick up my guitar and start playing the pain and inflexibility seem to float away with the music. Not that I’m a great player but I do love making joyful noise. Keep up the good work.
Hi Tony – Your 5 cheap blues guitars episode inspired me to add a Recording King Dirty 30’s “O” to the collection. I’m absolutely shocked by the quality and sound of this little thing – it arrived perfectly set up with great action and it makes those old Robert Johnson songs come alive! My new favorite couch toy! Hope it holds up – I can’t wait to hear it in a few years.
Molly Tuttle ?
Hi Tony,
Great list
You should also recognize Jeff Healey(RIP), blind guitarist and performer, I saw him several times he was incredible.
Thx Todd
Totally awesome show today! Every guitarist featured was a true inspiration and a good “kick in the butt” to stop crying about sore fingers. To my delight, one of my top 20 favorite guitarist, Audres Godoy had the #1 slot in todays show! His style and skills are pure magic. And let’s not forget todays “Trivia Answer”, making us all a winner….very cool!!! Thank Tony!!!
Molly Tuttle
Thanks for not forgetting Jerry
I don’t think I’ve ever been more inspired (or more ashamed at my own whining). I knew about Django & Jerry G, but none of the others.
Love the podcast. I have been following you since your days doing reviews at Music Villa. I felt todays show was very encouraging for me. I fell in love with the guitar as a kid. I played all through junior high and high school and had always intended to pick up the guitar again. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After it was surgically removed I was left with tremors and coordination issues on the left side of my body, including my left hand. Over the past twenty years, I’ve made multiple serious attempts at playing again. Unfortunately, each time, many months later, I saw no improvement and stopped. Acoustic Tuesday reminded me how much I love everything about this instrument. With the encouragement of my amazing wife, I started taking lessons again nine months ago. I think what she actually said was, “quit talking about your guitar and actually play me something!” Anyway, I’m working on it. I don’t know if I will ever play as I did when I was younger, but it’s awesome to have the guitar back in my life.
Thanks for all you do.
Guitar geeks unite,
Jason S.
Any thoughts on a mobile app? Then we could stream lessons to the bigger screen and see your pores lol
Tony,
Another stellar show! I really enjoyed hearing the stories behind the 10 artists that overcame their disabilities in order to play guitar. I first became aware of Phil Keaggy’s music in the early 70’s. He has long been an inspiration to me. Also, Billy Joe Shaver is someone i have known personally for years, and I’m glad to call friend. Billy Joe truly has an aura about him. Well into his 70’s he still puts on a great show and tells wonderful stories. A personal story I can share, is that several years ago, I was doing sound for him one night when he was in town where I live. We talked about him staying over night some time, and singing with me at Cowboy Church on Sunday. Well, a couple of years went by, and he was back in town doing a Saturday night show to a packed house in a local saloon. The show finished late, and Billy Joe didn’t leave until after 1AM. The next morning at church, someone tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Billy Joe Shaver is outside and he’s looking for you”! Billy Joe shared a little of his life’s story with the congregation, then together we sang his song “I’m Going To Live Forever” and “Amazing Grace”. And that, Tony, is the kind of guy Billy Joe Shaver really is.
Thanks again for a wonderful show,
Guy
Wow,amazing artist.thats to teach everybody,that yes we can do what we choose to,no matter what.you are a great teacher.thank you,Tony.😁💡👍🎤🎸
Hi Tony:
Did I miss the name of the fellow with no arms playing guitar only with his toes. I thought he was also a remarkable artist. Regards. TK
THANK YOU Tony! I This is so wonderful!! I have developed Trigger finger in my ring finger on my left hand and was feeling mighty blue. This has given me inspiration to continue my Acoustic Challenge.
Tony,
Thanks so much for spreading positivity. I’m new to playing guitar (5 months) and for the longest time I was intimidated by other guitarists, “They know so much more than me. They’re going to think I’m terrible and laugh!” You’ve shown me that is not the case. Your show and this community have given me so much encouragement. Last week’s show provided a much needed kick in the pants as I have been using my “small, lady hands” as a source for a weekly guitar practice pitty party. Barre chords?? No way! A big stretch up the fretboard?? Keep dreamin’. BUT those fantastic guitarists you featured last week showed me that I need to stop complaining and cut the excuses. If those folks can make it happen with missing fingers…or heck, NO FINGERS, I can keep on practicing and make it happen too!
All the best to you and the show,
Tracy
p.s. Even though I’m new, I’m on my way to building my own guitarsenal! My first guitar (Christmas present 2019!) was a Yamaha FS800. I was thrilled when you featured it as one of your best budget blues guitars! It really is fantastic. A week ago, I received my first electric, an Ibanez AM93. Looking for an acoustic-electric next!
Tony this episode couldn’t have come at a better time. I recently smashed my index finger on my right hand putting in a fence. I was really concerned that it would greatly effect my guitar playing. Once the stiches were removed I picked up my guitar with a great deal of apprehension. It did slow me down for a few weeks, but I’m back to where I was at before the accident. Thanks for a great show and keep up the great work. Aloha, Don
BTW Dr John unfortunately passed away last year.
Another musician who arguably belongs on this list is jazz guitarist Pat Martino, who had amnesia resulting from a brain aneurysm and then spent years completely re-learning how to play.