Musical instument

[123everton]

I've always wanted to be able to play a musical instrument, but the only trouble is that I've got bad hands which means I only have the effective use of 2 fingers and a thumb on each hand (ring and little finger useless) any ideas?
Thank in advance.

[Mortartube]

Harmonica or penny whistle are good places to start.

Accomplished jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt could not use his ring or little finger on his left hand after a fire in the caravan he lived in and he was a world class guitarist.

You could probably play many aspects of the guitar if you were shown the usual way and adapted the technique as Django did. You could probably hold a plectrum in the other hand to pluck the strings with. That would not be easy, but might be something to work towards should you find that you like the harmonica etc.

Many accomplished musicians have overcome a hurdle to reach their goal.

How is your singing? Don't forget your voice is an instrument or do you fancy the drums. (do you have full use of both legs for bass drum and hi-hat?)

I would suggest that the harmonica may be the best place to start as you can make progress quite raoidly and it takes little investment initially (about �6.00 each. they come in different keys). You can play along with most things if you have the keys of A, C, D,G.

Whatever you choose, remember it is meant to be fun so enjoy it.

[Ethel]

The xylophone or glockenspiel should not present a problem for you. Patrick Moore is an excellent example of how to enjoy these instruments.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=703AFmOd80o&feat ure=related

And a classic piece of classical music (poor sound reproduction on this clip)

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=FSDTQXK9jds&feat ure=related

[123everton]

Thanks, I'm not a cripple LOL, don't fancy the drums though or the glockenspiel although I do feel the glockenspiel is the most cheerfrul musical instrument on the earth.

[mattie]

You can still play the guitar, you only need your finger and thumb to hold the plectrum, and although playing chords will be a problem, you can still play the melodies.

And you can play power chords which only need two fingers (and a thumb), pause was to pick up my guitar and check.

[123everton]

Thanks Mattie, I've seen some guitarists use like a sliding piece of metal on the neck, what's that for?

[terambulan]

Sliders are for a hawiian tone. Most guitar chords can be got with index finger running up & down guitar neck. Am, trying to find the web-site

Or play a saw!

[Mortartube]

Hawaiian guitar often uses a solid piece of metal, but there is a tube of metal or glass (often called a bottle neck as that's how they started out), This can be used to slide between notes on the fretboard and is often used in blues, country and rock. It slides over a finger and the finger behind it, (i.e furthest from the hand you plauck the strings with), is used to damp the strings from unwanted extra noise.

You can play wonderful things like this with a bit of practice.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=OUi9-jqq_i0

or if you want to multi task, you can use a spoon.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PECpA9a_2zQ

[saxy_jag]

If you can force the ring finger of your right hand to work a little, then most of the brass instruments are feasible. Or you could consider the trombone.

http://datadragon.com/education/instruments/br ass.shtml

[123everton]

Sax thanks but my 4th finger on my right hand is as straight as dog's hind leg, and on the left straighter but largely immobile combined with my little fingers they're useful only for gripping things.
As Terambulan knows I have a taste for Russian folk music (I know, I NEED a hobby, LOL) so some of their instruments, like that enormous triangular guitar like thing they use, don't ya just love my correct use of technical phraseology.

[johnny37]

Harmonica is a good idea. It can be played in many styles including pop and jazz. However, my preferred instrument would be an electronic keyboard. A good one allows you to pick out tunes and chords and program it in. A competent teacher should be able to teach you techniques that do not require all fingers. Best thing is you dont need anyone to accompany you.

I just thought i'd mention that Deff Leppard's drummer has only got one arm! He uses electronic trickery to compensate

[123everton]

Really?
I always wanted to play piano but thought I'd only get as far as chopsticks.
I don't fancy the drums.

[johnny37]

I forgot to mention Paul Wittgenstein the Austrian one armed pianist. (yes, really). He died in 1961.

Sorry to digress but I find his story incredible. You will find the electronic keyboard more to your taste!