Broken Pinky Finger

[Low Commotion]

My pinky finger on my right hand doesn’t function properly and it sticks out all the time. I can’t pull it into my hand, in other words, it won’t curl up into my hand.

I’ve had two separate incidents in the past while working, The first incident I cut the tendon that pulls the finger in, so now my pinky stays straight. Years later, the second incident I broke a couple bones in my hand, so now my pinky bends back in the normal state.

These injuries haven’t affected my playing, but it looks weird when I play - my pinky sticks out and doesn’t naturally curl up along with my ring finger. For the most part this doesn’t bother me except when I see pictures or videos of me playing. In fact, for a number of videos, I taped my pinky to my ring finger so it wasn’t so obvious.

My main band recently won the local blues challenge and our band is off to Memphis in January for the International Blues Challenge. I think we would play a 25 or 30 minute set for each round, so it’s not a long time.

Should I be concerned for the competition in Memphis, and tape it or make something to keep my finger curled up? I wouldn’t want to lose marks for presentation. Or am I making a big deal out of something insignificant?

 

[CaptainHume]

I've never been in a competition blues band, though I've played my fair share of the genre, so I'll leave it to the competition pros to answer that part, but I imagine you should go with what is most comfortable, because that is what will make you play best. The blues ain't really about having the most proper technique or how you look. You're your own worst critic and and that extends to how you look on stage. If you sound good, I don't think anyone will have any reason to take points off because of your pinky sticking out.

It does bring some fanciness to the occasion!

 

[buldog5151bass]

No one will notice or care.

 

[PapaBearBass]

I played a gig after nearly slicing off the tip of my index finger. Threw some duct tape on it and called it good

 

[TOOL460002]

My pinky finger on my right hand doesn’t function properly and it sticks out all the time. I can’t pull it into my hand, in other words, it won’t curl up into my hand.

I’ve had two separate incidents in the past while working, The first incident I cut the tendon that pulls the finger in, so now my pinky stays straight. Years later, the second incident I broke a couple bones in my hand, so now my pinky bends back in the normal state.

These injuries haven’t affected my playing, but it looks weird when I play - my pinky sticks out and doesn’t naturally curl up along with my ring finger. For the most part this doesn’t bother me except when I see pictures or videos of me playing. In fact, for a number of videos, I taped my pinky to my ring finger so it wasn’t so obvious.

My main band recently won the local blues challenge and our band is off to Memphis in January for the International Blues Challenge. I think we would play a 25 or 30 minute set for each round, so it’s not a long time.

Should I be concerned for the competition in Memphis, and tape it or make something to keep my finger curled up? I wouldn’t want to lose marks for presentation. Or am I making a big deal out of something insignificant?

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Honestly I think it looks kind of erudite. Pinky out for high tea is the pinnacle of society. Rock that elegance buddy!

 

[Tassieviking]

Chop it and give it to the cat

 

[Tassieviking]

Glue a pick holder to it and place some picks in it.

Stick a big ring on it, it will look normal

 

[2saddleslab]

My band played the very 1st Memphis Blues Challenge. Not only did we not win but our van was stolen w/ all our equipment ['58 p bass, 65 Strat].

Happily the van ran out of gas, the thief ditched it in a corn field, returned to steel another vehicle, got arrested, and everything was recovered the next day [including the equipment]!

Btw, no one will ever notice your pinky.

 

[Low Commotion]

Thanks to all that responded. I won’t worry about it.

@2saddleslab - wow. That’s wild about your van. Glad you got everything back. We’re going down to have fun with no expectations. It’ll be a great experience.

 

[2saddleslab]

Thanks to all that responded. I won’t worry about it.

@2saddleslab - wow. That’s wild about your van. Glad you got everything back. We’re going down to have fun with no expectations. It’ll be a great experience.

It was quite the adventure. The night before you picked a number out of a hat to determine when you would have 10 minutes to do a soundcheck. I picked the last number. The next day you picked another number to determine when you would do your completion set. I picked the first number.

Honestly I hate musical competitions. Not the best way to cultivate or motivate younger musicians to form a band or unleash their talent. Who's better: BB, Freddy, or Albert?? There's room for anyone who will endeavor to persevere.

 

[Tassieviking]

Wrap a white bandage around it, some girls might think you are brave playing while injured and give you extra attention.