Playing while recovering from shoulder surgery

[AfterGlo MA]

Hi. I need to have rotator cuff surgery at the end of October and it will keep my right arm in a sling and entirely out of commission for 8 weeks+. Playing guitar is a big part of my life and happiness, so I am pretty bummed about it. My question to you all is whether anyone has been through this and found a helpful way to use this time. My fretting hand will be fine, but I won't be able to hold or strum the guitar at all. I've already thought about focusing my practice time more on understanding theory, which is a weakness for me - but I know that if the exercise is too intellectual it is unlikely to be very motivating when what I yearn to do is play (I'm one of those emotional performers, as opposed to a strong technical player).

Mostly, I just want to feel like I can use this time to get better and develop some new fretting skills, rather than as complete down time. Let me know if you have any experience or suggestions to offer. Thanks!

 

[ivers]

How about practicing some 'Holdsworth legato' (for lack of a better term), meaning that you hammer everything and pull off nothing?

I'm not a legato player, but learning (sorta at least) to play like that with the fretting hand has helped with cleanness and articulation when alternate picking too.

 

[AfterGlo MA]

Thanks. Maybe that will be helpful. Anyone else ever been through this and know what to expect?

 

[AfterGlo MA]

Wow. Fully recovered, I'd say. Sounds like yours was a long and (hopefully) more complicated journey than mine will need to be. It's great perspective and I appreciate your sharing it.

Interesting idea , the Uke. I was thinking there might be some small stringed or "tined" instrument I could use to keep my right hand fingers nimble while in a sling position. Maybe it'd give me a chance to advance my finger style skills, which are minimal. I guess the truth is I'll need to experience the experience and find my way - like much of life.

Thanks - Steve

 

[Lucidology]

How about practicing some 'Holdsworth legato' (for lack of a better term), meaning that you hammer everything and pull off nothing?

.

Oh yeah that's right ...
HE once described pull offs as that 'meow' sound he can't stand ...
lol