Table saw accident, now learning how to play with just 1 fret finger..

[jschwalls]

Well, yesterday I came real close to losing my pinky, middle, and ring fingers on my left hand...

It was a Table saw accident that could not have been avoided ( unless I just didn't use it, lol )

I lost the tip of my ring finger.. destroyed my pinky and have multiple slashes across the top of my middle finger from the nail to the last knuckle.... lots of stitches and just plain nasty open wounds which the doctor said just have to close on their own.

Anyway the doctor told me that I would not be able to play for awhile.. I disagree..

When I got home I managed to play bass with just my index, even though I have the other 3 fingers all bundled and bandaged up ( looks like Mickey Mouse's hand ). There is very limited movement, but I was able to fret the notes...

I have figured out how to play some of our cover songs with a capo.. like... You Give Love A Bad Name and Billie Jean, making it so I don't have to shift as often...

I am using alot of open strings now, which I very rarely do...

So if any of you guys want to do a challenging exercise... tape your 3 fingers together and play all your usual lines with just your index only.. hahah it ain't fun.

Just felt like sharing my good/bad news.

thanks, JON

My first show is tonight

[jbo]

WOW! I'm really sorry to hear that! Will you eventually be able to use the other fingers?
Good luck tonight and I hope everything turns out ok for you!

[cbass1]

geez, sorry to hear that, I am in living fear of my table saw, but I am most afraid of my radial saw, the most dangerous tool in my shop. I almost lost a hand a month ago when the blade bound up on a piece and jutted out thank god I had control of the blade. I once broke my ring finger and middle finger on my fret hand (stupid beer and garage door) and had a gig the next night. That was tough. Anyway good luck, how did it happen?

[Dr. Feelgood]

What happened to you is probably my worst nightmare, I can't believe how well you are taking it... The fact that you've picked up a bass again is inspiring. Well done, my friend!

Learning how to adapt in any given situation is a skill few possess, and you seem to be willing to make the effort just to be able to groove again! You deserve to have everyone on TB shake your hand!

You say it could have been worse, I guess that's something you really have to appreciate! I really admire your courage. You're even playing a show! I hope that goes well for you!

I've read a fair few stories of how musicians overcome injuries such as yours. I figured I'd give you a few wiki links to some great musicians that have been injured, yet have managed to continue their art. I hope they inspire you to become greater still!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Django_Reinhardt

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Iommi

There are definitely more, but in my opinion, these two chaps overcame the worst to achieve the most!

Good luck! Keep on grooving!

[Nyarlathotep]

Wow. Hopefully you can play with the other fingers in the future.....

[BlackLake]

I hope everything goes well for you buddy....so sorry to hear about your accident.

I think it's awesome that you're getting right back on the horse again. Awesome.

I'd say take a little time away from the table saw though.

[J.D.B.]

Prayers for you, man! You're holding up well for just having that trauma. Give those wounds a rest and feel better sooner. Without that pinky, your technique is likely going to change quite a bit. Get well soon.
Josh

[jschwalls]

I was ripping down a piece of wood and 3/4 of the way through the cut it started to bind against the blade...my only option was to let go and back away QUICK..well the saw shot the wood back at me at an amazing speed..lol

The projectile wood is what caused the damage... so I am lucky that I didn't get the blade..

thanks guys...

I will have use of the 3 fingers in the future...

[Thor]

That is every musician's nightmare.

All the best for a speedy recovery.

Maybe start looking for a deal on a lefty.

Good luck.

[Marcury]

Heal quickly!

[tbrannon]

ouch... sorry to hear about your hand. I doubt you're gonna have any problem with things in the future (regardless of how those fingers heal). The fact that you started playing and adapting the very night of the accident tells me that you'll find a way, be it with 3 fingers, 2 or even 1.

I know this is a sick request, but pics?

[CTbass&birdsong]

Prayers...good luck... and thinking positive ,,for you !!!

[loend68]

Table saw accidents are way too common. As a finish carpenter for 10+ years I've seen way too many of them.......

Good luck, with that attitude you'll be back playing before the stitches come out!!

[jschwalls]

too funny... even I can admit that...

this is right when I got home and played for first time...
I was really appreciating my wife taking pics of me..

Just noticed all the blood splatters...haha

[alexclaber]

As a fellow woodworker you can imagine my pained expression right now. Ouch. Hope you heal as well as possible and glad it wasn't worse!

Alex

[locolobo85]

Listen to some D'Jango for encouragement. Who needs 5 functioning fingers?

[jgroh]

Yeah, wow, I would be crying right now and you are taking this so well! Good luck with your recovery man, I feel for you. And, for what its worth, I have just played around alot with using only 1 or 2 fingers on my fret hand I was surprised on how much I could still play. And, going forward if you can regain the use of 3 or your fingers, I would say you should be fine as far as playing goes.

[OtterOnBass]

Well, if it were me, I'd start playing left-handed. You can get away with plucking with a single digit (ala J. Jamerson.)

Get practicing, you're starting with fresh fingers.

[LeftyRickBass]

WOW!!!! Sorry to hear about your accident!!!! Like the others....I am VERY impressed that you got right back on the bass that night.

You ARE an inspiration!!!! Glad to hear that your hand will be alright.

LeftyRickBass

[winstonthecat]

Man...that is brutal. Good luck on your recovery, and keep us posted on how it goes.