Guitar playing with arthritic hands

MiloRose

As my arthritis has progressed my guitar playing has become more problematic, and is becoming impossible. I can no longer bend my index finger on my left hand so basic chords like C and G are impossible. The remaining three digits are painful and becoming less achievable. Barre chords are no longer possible because of the position my index finger is locked in. I am investigating using slides but not sure what route to take. Is there a chat room for musicians ? Exercises are no longer an option. Many thanks. MiloRose.

Brynmor

Hi @MiloRose welcome to the Online Community, great to have you here.

You say you are having real difficulty using the fingers in your left hand and this is causing major difficulty in being able to play the guitar. We don't have a specialist category for musicians with arthritis but I'm hopeful that some of our members have some useful experiences that they can relate to help you.

You may like to take a look at our section on Hand and Wrist Pain that includes some information on managing symptoms and also working with pain:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/hand-and-wrist-pain/

Do join in across the Community, ask questions, give advice or just call in to let us know how you are getting on. You will be most welcome.

All best wishes

Brynmor