Play the Guitar One Handed
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- I had a stroke when I was three that caused me to lose use on my left arm. While I still have my left limb, it is rendered pretty much useless to my daily activities. Thus, I've had to become innovative at preforming certain task. I always wanted to learn how to play the guitar and this video briefly covers how I have managed to do so.
I originally created this video for a school assignment. I decided to post it because I'm wondering if there is a want/need for this kind of instruction. I know how it feels to not be able to something that you really want to do and so my question is: Are there other people out there with just one working arm that would like instruction on how to play the guitar? I would be more than happy to create a mini course detailing some techniques.
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My son had a motorcycle accident 4years ago. He was in a coma 22 days and received a severe traumatic brain injury. He had to relearn to walk talk, eat swallow and lost the use of his left arm. He was very involved in the band and played the guitar. Unfortunately, he can’t play guitar anymore and it causes him great depression. This video made me cry, it is giving me hope that one day he will be able to play his guitar again. So thank you so much for your video and thank you for the huge smile. It’s on my face right now!
Oh wow! So sorry to hear about all that you guys have been through! Please pass along well wishes to your son! Hoping he can start to jam on the guitar again! My motto is: “Innovation is greater than limitation”. I believe he can totally still play! Thank you for writing into my channel! Wishing you and your family all the very best!
Hey mate, you're an inspiration. I had a stroke in my late teens and have residual weakness in my right arm(especially my hand). You've inspired me to pick up a guitar again after almost 15 years. You're a champ
Hey Mark! Right on man I’m so glad to hear that your going to start playing again! That’s great news! Let me know if you have any questions starting out!
I’ve watched and shared your video so many times! I’m an OT in a Neuro rehab center and your video has inspired so many of my guitar loving stoke patients who thought they’d never be able to play the guitar again!
Thank you for being a beacon of hope!!
Hi Heather, oh how blessed I am to hear this! Thanks for sharing, that is my whole goal in the creation of this channel... to show others with limitation that there still is hope and a way to overcome and play this wonderful instrument. Please let me know if any of your patients has any questions on technique or anything, I would love to assist however I can so they can learn guitar! All the best & thanks for reaching out 👍🏻
I had a stroke too, and only have use of one hand. I've missed playing guitar for so long. You're awesome!!! I'm going to start practicing now!!!
Hey Joshua! Awesome glad to hear that you're going to start practicing now! You can totally do it man! Rock on and if you have any questions along the way feel free to reach out!
@@OneHandedGuitar Hey, I can't belive it took me so long to find you here, One Handed Guitar-chap! I had a stroke 12 years ago and can hardly move the digits of my left hand now, so I abandoned guitar. But I have missed it sorely. Just on a whim, I keyed in 'instruments you can play with one hand,' hoping to find some substitute...and who should show up! So glad to discover someone doing great stuff with one hand! You got yourself a subscriber!!
YEAH!!!
@@OneHandedGuitar yoooooooo my dude!! I been playin for almost 17 yrs…then my stroke…then ignoring my guitar since…6 years into recovery, thinking that I may never play again…like ever…and at 4:30am on July 11, 2022…i clicked on your vid…i cant even express my gratitude dude…i wanna scream out of excitement and joy and tears and man, you have been an anfel in my life dude…God bless bro 🤙🏼 amd our nest days are yet to come!!
Same thing happened to me. I miss playing so bad at least I can do one hand organ but I sure miss playing my bird 🦅
Omg this should be on a trending page 😭❤
Well Thanks Rahul! Greatly appreciate that!
If you have one to share it to, please feel free to do so!
Blessings,
-Dirk
My son wanted to join the rest of the family in creating his own music. He had a Left CVA (stroke) at 4 y.o. Your inspiring video will be a great option for him. Thanks so much.
Hi David! I’m so glad to hear that finding this will open up some musical doors for him! As he starts to approach playing, if he has any questions I’d be glad to offer some assistance!
All the best! -Dirk
@@OneHandedGuitar Thank you Dirk, so generous. I’m an engineer and one time guitar player and I couldn’t think of a way to play as you do. Most creative.
My Man!!! After EVH died Ive been listening to so much guitar music and I ordered a cheap one from the internet after watching this video. I have cerebral palsy and cant use my left hand so this video is a godsend. Thank you so much for your help!! If you'll let me return the favor, I found out a while ago that there is such a thing as a one handed keyboard layout for the keyboard of a computer. It is called the Dvorak layout for either right or left hand. I can now type with just my right without looking at the keyboard and I can do so much faster than I could using the qwerty keyboard. It is very easy to change the layout of your keyboard in your computers settings after a simple google search for instructions. I hope this information helps someone as much as your video has helped others. Cheers!!
Hey Iron Condor,
So glad that you found the video and are going to start playing guitar!! Let me know how it goes for you and if you have any questions along the way!
Very cool tip on the keyboard by the way! I appreciate you passing that along, I'll have to check that out.
All the best! 👍🏻
Thank you....
I had a stroke at birth as well as a minor cerbral palsy. I can use one hand as a claw, but have no real motor skills in the hand. I stayed away from guitar, piano, and things like that because I just didn't think it was possible. I think I may give this a shot.
Awesome! So Glad to hear that you're going to try it out! You can totally do it! Let me know if you have any questions while getting started! Happy to help out!
same here i had an accident n brain stroke now i cant play my guitar again from tomorrow i will try again
@@jerifahmed2705 I hope that you are well on your way to playing guitar One Handed! All the best to you!
Dude, you're fucking awesome. Not just because you can do better than conventionally-abled people, but also because you have inspired probably hundreds if not thousands of other differently-abled people that feel like they could never play the guitar. There are at least a dozen people walking around playing the guitar who wouldn't have done so without your video.
Thanks so much! I greatly appreciate this comment and your support! Just hoping to spread the joy of the guitar! It’s definitely changed my life for the better!
This summer I going to get a guitar and learn. When I was born, I had a birth injury and I really can’t use my full arm especially my fingers. I love country music. Thank you for showing I can❤
Awesome! I’m so happy to hear you’re going to start in on the guitar journey! Let me know if you’ve got any questions as you begin. Thanks for writing and greatly appreciate your support!
34 today & 20 years post stroke, im so glad i found you! incredible stuff.
Thank you for writing in and a very late “happy birthday” to you! Nonetheless I hope that your 34th year has proven to be amazing thus far! I hope that you are enjoying your guitar journey as well! If you have any questions on technique don’t hesitate to reach out!
So I’ve been wanting to play guitar forever and come across your video I never thought it was possible thank you so much
Hi Brett! So glad to hear that you’re seeing it as a possibility now! You can do it man! Just keep with it and feel free to reach out with any questions.. I’d love to hear about your progress!
This video gave me cold chills and inspired me so much. I suffered a stroke at 9 years old and am now 23 with residual one-sided weakness and I’m so excited to give this a shot. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for writing in! Im very happy to hear that you’re going to give playing a shot! I hope your guitar journey is going amazingly!
i was stabbed in my right arm 2 days ago, which damaged a major nerve and muscles in my arm and my hand is currently nearly useless. it will take 6-8 months to recover fully, if it ever does. im a 16 year old guitar player and your video will help me to master my favourite instrument with one hand, as i learn to do many things one-handed. thank you so much for ths :)
Hey Jayan, wow, sorry to hear about your incident, I'm glad that you found the channel though! I hope it helps on your guitar playing journey! Let me know if you have questions along the way! All the best!
Wow, I was in an accident a couple of years ago and had really given up until today finding this video. You have given me hope and so much inspiration thank you 🙏
Hi Erin! So glad to hear you’re going to start on your guitar journey! That’s awesome news! Let me know if you have questions that come up along the way! All the best!
Your video made me tear up I had a cancerous brain tumor and the first biopsy on the left side of my brain made me have stroke like symptoms on my right side. I still don’t have much use of my right arm and hand. I so want to play the guitar
Hi there! I’m sorry to hear that you went through that, I hope that things are going good for you now! I believe you can definitely play the guitar if you want to. Let me know if you have any questions as you begin, I’m very happy to help! All the best!
I had a stroke at birth and don't have much mobility in my right arm. You're very inspiring!
Hi Poorya! Thanks, for writing in! I hope this helps you if you have a desire to learn guitar! You can certainly do it! Feel free to write with any questions you may have if you start playing. All the best! 👍🏻
My dad is so talented at playing guitar, I've always been amazed. But I was injured during my birth, leaving me with permanent nerve damage, and like yourself, although I have a left arm, it's pretty much useless. I've always dreamed of being able to play guitar like my dad, but accepted that it would never be a thing.
That being said, you have inspired me to try, thank you.
Hi Alannah, I'm so glad to hear you're inspired to play! I hope you've had great success with it thus far!
If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks!
Hows it going so far?
I had a stroke at 35 and my left arm is useless too. Thanks for the video
Hi Brian / Ginger! Thank you for writing in! I hope this video can help if you're wanting to learn! I've always had a deep respect for those who have suffered later in life strokes as I know the re-learning curve can be frustrating! Praying all the best for you in 2019. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions!
This is so inspiring! I had a stroke about a year ago at 18 years old and decided to pull out my guitar for the first time today. My left hand is very impaired and I was stumped trying to figure out what to do, so I'll definitely be trying this method! Thank you so much for this! 😊 Wishing you well!
Hi Gracie, that's awesome that you're giving it a shot! I hope it's working out for you and that you're succeeding with playing! If you have questions let me know. All the best!
You have no ideal what you just did for me.. I'm a 23 year old who has played guitar since I was 3. I lost my arm recently( October 5th 2021) and till I saw this video I couldn't make myself move and depression is an even worse problem I have but thanks to your video I have some hope. BTW it's my left arm that's gone too.. THANKS FOR YOUR VIDEO OF INSPIRING POWER!!
Hi Ricky! Thanks for writing in! I’m touched to hear your story! And hope that my channel gives you hope! I know you can keep playing man, especially with prior playing knowledge! It’s just a different approach now.. that’s all. Battle against that depression and rise above, you can do it. Feel free to ask for any pointers along the way! All the best -Dirk
I’ve got cerebral palsy and have been trying to figure out if it’s possible to play with one hand for years! Thank to you bud I can actually try and learn and play the songs I love!
Hey Bacode! So glad to hear that you're going to dive into learning guitar, that's excellent! Let me know if you come up with questions along the way, I'm happy to help! All the best!
I'm sorry I cried. I play a little piano and I wanted to try guitar because my roommate rented one for some event. I had a slight interest in jut knowing how to play it. I tried and I quit. The reason was I hated to know that I had to press down hard on the strings and make weird claws. I just gave 10 minutes in my entire life. But now after watching this, I am going to try it. I will learn how to play one song at least.
Hi Sarath!
Excellent man! How did it go trying the guitar out? Hoping this helped and that your rocking out now! Let me know if you have questions along the way!
Blessings,
-Dirk
I have cerebral palsy and it affects mobility on my left side but I know I love music. I’ve always been inspired by people like Jimi, and Robert Johnson. I chose to develop my vocals because I pretty much gave up ever being able to do it. I have been writing/singing for many years now, seeing the video has ignited inspiration In me that I may one day be able to accomplish my dream of being capable of playing the guitar, thank you.
Thank you for writing in, this is so amazing to hear! I totally believe you can learn if you want too! Let me know how your journey goes starting out, I’d love to hear some of your music!
same story here but my stroke was at 50 yrs old when I was just stating to get decent on acoustic guitar. I'm mad I sold my Taylor now after seeing this vid but might ask for a guitar for Christmas now LOL. Very inspirational bro! Remember survivors, focus on our abilities NOT our "dis" abilities :) God Bless us all!
Hey Chazz, awesome, I hope this has aided in your playing guitar again! I'd be curious to know how the technique is working for you and what you think about it, also if you got a guitar for Christmas and what kind? Rock on & all the best! 👍🏻
Your story is absolutely inspirational. Just amazing man. Amazing.
Thank you for the kind words Mr. Antimatter! Greatly appreciate that! Rock on!
You rock 😎 you have inspired me to buy and try guitar, I have been without use of right arm since I was 16, I'm 51 now and always fancied an guitar 🎸, have subscribed and will watch many times, thanks again 🌈
Hi Steve, awesome I'm so glad to hear this! I hope that you've been able to start playing and have unlocked the wonder of the guitar! Let me know what you think about the technique and how your playing is going! All the best! 👍🏻
I was born with erb's palsy, leaving my left arm almost completely paralyzed, I've always wanted to try to learn how to play the guitar or bass and this video inspired me to go for it. Thank you so much man, you're amazing, much love 🙏🏻❤️
Thanks so much really appreciate the kind words and hoping that your one handed guitar journey has been great thus far! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out, I’d be happy to try and help! All the very best!
I had a stroke in 2019 and have been trying to find something that's worth doing thanks for sharing this
Very happy to share! Sorry to hear about your stroke, and hope that you can start playing soon! It’s been such a great thing in my life and I wish the same for you!
@@OneHandedGuitar where do you even start?
@@nickstandridge528 It can be tough and a little slow going starting out, but I'm confident you can do it! I'd start with the hammer on's and pull off's. Just get yourself used to navigating around the fretboard with those.. then you can start to think about chords later on. Go ahead and grab a thumb pick too, those are good to start experimenting with for size and fit.
I had a stroke back in 2009 and aneurysm in 2016, which left me with left side weakness. I’ve always wanted to play the guitar 🎸 also, you just gave me hope that can achieve this goal!. Today is Oct 17 2022 and I’m going to get the ball rolling. Hope to be as good as you one day.
Hey there, thank you for writing in! It’s been several months since Oct. but I hope that you’re well on your way to guitar mastery! Let me know if you have any questions along the way! Would love to hear how it’s going! All the very best!
You’re very inspiring!! I played the guitar since I was fifteen years old. When I was 23 I began to observe some very odd events happen in my life. I began to randomly fall, or my feet would tilt inwards. One night I was waiting for a stair on the escalator and my foot dropped so the escalator caught my boot, so I went down the escalator the hard way. Well fast forward to 2014. The odd symptoms keep getting worse and at the time I couldn’t afford insurance. I couldn’t get a second opinion because that would cost too much so when I asked my doctor about the issues of falling down randomly and my feet always bending inwards. He asked me what I was doing when the symptoms were happening? I told him usually talking with coworkers and joking around. He told me ‘oh, it’s just your emotions and you’re too happy so that’s why you are falling down.’ So when I could afford insurance I had to get a new doctor and within a week I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis… not my emotions.
I only have function of my right arm and thought I would never play guitar again. Now I have hope with the tools you demonstrated and hard work I will play again!! Thank you for this gift!!
Thank you for writing in and for your kind words about my channel! I hope that it has helped! Sorry to hear about your multiple sclerosis, but hoping that you can once again know the joy of playing guitar!
Hi! I am a recreational therapist and I work with people who have brain injuries including stroke. This is a great video! I have a client who is very interested in learning how he can play with just use of his right arm due to a stroke. We came upon this video and he is very interested. I know that there are other people that would benefit from a course detailing your techniques. Thanks!!!
+Tobie Colgan Hi Tobie! Thanks for watching my video! I would love to help someone else learn to play like I have! I'll work on getting a few technique videos up for you guys to check out! Does your client have a guitar already? If not, just a standard right handed guitar is perfect, since (as you mentioned) they are right handed, as am I. I debated for a long time before I really started playing if a left handed guitar would be better for me. Turns out right handed was the way to go, great thing is they are usually a little cheaper and there is more selection vs. left handed guitars. Any other questions give me a shout! Happy to help how ever I can!
What a champ!! Dude....you're inspiring. I'm bout to purchase a guitar and jam one handed because of what you showed. I too suffered an AVM (like a stroke) when I was a child. Music is everything!
Hey Elliot, right on! Super glad to hear that your going to give playing a try! Let me know how it goes and if you have any questions as you progress, I'm happy to help! You're right, music is everything!
Rock on man!
-Dirk
I suffered an avm too when I was 13 years old :( cant do things I want to do so bad now anymore like playing guitar and singing again x
@@emmahowes6436 I hope this video inspires you to try the guitar. If you have any questions about technique etc.. I'd be happy to try and offer some guidance. All the best to you!
same here bro i had a brain injury last year and got brain stroke in my left leg and hand your video inspired me from tmorrow i will play my guitar again thank you i was searching one handed guitarist i got you
Hey Jerif! Awesome, I'm very happy to hear that your going to give playing guitar a try again! You can do it man! If you encounter any questions along the way let me know! I'm happy to help! Rock on man!
you are amazing, I had a stoke to, and I’m actually crying, because I’ve always wanted to play guitar
Hi Panda Baby! I'm so grateful to hear this video has helped to open the door into playing guitar for you! It's a truly wonderful instrument, that you can absolutely learn! If you have any questions come up feel free to reach out! All the best in this New Year!
One Handed Guitar thank you for commenting, I have a few questions, like do you have a AFO, or heard of the Botox treatment? I’m sorry, I’m just excited to know some people understand
@@brookelynbanana281 Hi Panda, No need to apologize. I am familiar with both and have had both. I had my stroke at a very young age (3) and wore an AFO until I was 12 or 13. I also went through a stent of a couple years where I received botox injections in my arm every few months in an effort to reduce the spasticity, which didn't really seem to work for me. However, back when I was doing Botox it was pretty new and I believe they have made many advances since then. The most effective therapy I received was called biofeedback therapy, doing that made it so that I can weight bare on my left leg and helped my balance a lot!
One Handed Guitar that is so helpful, I To had my stroke at a young age(5) but I can’t say much because I’m still only 16, and suffer with depression as well, your Chanel has honestly given me hope, you seem so sure of yourself, and that’s amazing
@@brookelynbanana281 Hi Panda! Wow 5 is young too! You know though, I've come to see having a stroke younger in life as a blessing compared to having it later.. we don't have as much to re-learn, cause we don't know as much at a younger age. This is not to say that it makes things much easier to deal with.. as having a stroke at any age is very very tough. All I can tell you is to never ever give up. this year in April will be 29 years since my stroke and there are still things that frustrate me where I think to myself: "If I only had use of my other hand this would be so much easier..." the key is to not stay in that mindset for long. Realize it, and own that feeling for a minute and then move on to what you have to be thankful for, there is so much.. but sometimes it's hard in the midst of everything else to see those things. Never give up trying to find them though, they are all around! I pray that 2019 is the year you can gain sureness in yourself and that depression is beaten & a confidence that you've never known before starts to grow in you!
This is so inspiring, thank you for taking the time to show us all that can be done using one hand. I can't use my left/fretting hand now because of carpal tunnel and a looming surgery. So I've been trying to figure out how I can still play and learn new skills with just my right hand.
Hi Susan! You are very welcome! Playing with one hand is definitely a possibility, you can do it! Hope that your surgery goes well and hope that you are finding the joy of continuing to play guitar! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out! 👍🏻
This is amazing man!!! Great video keep up the good work!!
Thank you Caleb, greatly appreciate that! Rock on!!
I found your videos very helpful. Thank you very much for sharing your experience and knowledge.
Awesome Bruno! I'm so glad to hear it was helpful, are you learning to play?
@@OneHandedGuitar Yes, I am always learning and that is thank to people like you that share their klowledge and skills with other people.
Thank you so much for sharing your video. You are an inspiration
Thank you! Greatly appreciate your kind words!
I have CP, which is Cereal policy which means I only have one years of my hand. It’s been a dream for me to play guitar as well.
Hi there! Thanks so much for writing in! I hope seeing this has inspired you to give guitar a try! Just remember that “Innovation is greater than Limitation” and we really can do just about anything we set our minds too! Wishing you all the best on your guitar journey, don’t hesitate to reach out if you’ve got questions.
You’re an inspiration, and thank you for sharing your story with the community, showing us that with enough determination we can do anything
@Xander Botha Hey Xander! Greatly appreciate that, you are absolutely right, where there is a will there is almost always a way! It may take some thinking outside the box, but I've always said "Limitation is just an opportunity for Innovation"... Be blessed in this new year! Thanks for checking out the channel!
Amazing technique, man, and inspiring story. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Hi Tao,
Thanks so much, greatly appreciate that!
Bravo man...I salute you
Thanks man! Greatly appreciate it!
Love your stuff you make the guitar sound beautiful
Thanks so much Paul! Really appreciate that!
You are amazing! Thanks for this video!
Thank you, greatly appreciate your kind words and for checking out the channel!
Very proud of you Mark! This was a great video.
Thanks so much! Glad that you enjoyed it!
Big respect...Huge .. i have no words ..Stay strong and creative ,you pass that great energy to us too... Cheers :)
Thank you so much Jan! Greatly appreciate your uplifting words! I will do my best! I think 2019 is going to be an amazing year!
Thats awesome, I have Cerebral Palsy from birth and my situation is almost identical with the arm / hand, I have been trying guitar for many years without success, I'm gonna try your techniques and see if they work for me, thanks
Hi There! I'm so glad you found the channel & reached out!
I really hope that my method proves successful for you in playing guitar. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about technique, I'd be happy to help!
All the very best!
-Dirk
You are really an inspiration God bless you
Hey Nicola,
Thanks for your comment, greatly appreciate that!
God Bless you too!
@@OneHandedGuitar Thx :)
Beautiful stuff
Thank you, greatly appreciate that!
Muy buena la técnica! Super util!
Thanks Nicholás! So glad to hear that it was helpful!
no words man no words... i have cp and i too have wanted to play guitar all my life
Hi Morris,
Awesome! I hope that you've been able to pick up playing utilizing this technique!
If you have any questions along the way don't hesitate to reach out.
Super inspirational! Keep it up!!!
Hey Ian,
Thank you! I appreciate that and I definitely will! Really hoping that others can try too if there in a similar circumstance and have always wanted to play guitar!
Wow.. I wish you could do more tutorials, and covers.. That would literally mean the world to me. I'm one handed (mild cp) and because of this, I'm going to attempt to learn
Hey DJ N8, Thanks! I'm glad to hear that you're going to learn it! Let me tell you that you CAN totally do it! If you can use your left arm, you would want to get a left handed guitar, and opposite if you can use your right arm. Other than that, you'll need a tight fitting Thumb-pick (I find Dunlop Thumb-picks to be perfect). Let me know if you have anymore questions along the way! Happy to help how I can. I'm working on getting other videos out as well, so stay tuned for that!
Do you have a Facebook?
Hey DJ,
I had remembered that you asked this, and to answer you, yes I do, you can see my newly created Facebook page here: facebook.com/One-Handed-Guitar-231492467363470/
Have you tried an electric guitar? I decided to challenge myself this morning to play guitar using one hand and decided to Google if anybody else has been doing it. I know it's up to artistic preference, but I found that you can get some really nice, fast legato work with an electric guitar and you don't need to press as hard if the action is really low. On a side note, I'm really proud of you. Keep shreddin' my man! 🤘
Thanks That guy! Appreciate your encouragement! Yup I've tried electric and really liked it! My playing style is slowly shifting more to electric, however I really like acoustic both for sound and keeping my fingers in good playing shape. I may have to break an electric out in a future video though!
It’s Jermey! I Was Born With Cereal Palsy It’s Only In My Left Hand. That’s Good You Found A To Play The Guitar Only Using One Hand!!! I’m New Here! I Just Subscribed And Turned On Notifications!!! God Bless You!! You’ll Learn New Songs You’ll Get It!! I Love You!🤗😘
Hi Jeremy! Thank you for your kind words and subscribing to my channel! Greatly appreciate that! Be blessed this new year and rock on!
I had a stroke when I was 9 and I'm always looking for challenges. Your my inspiration!!
Hi Jessica! Thanks for checking out the video! Challenges aren't hard to find when tackling certain things with a limitation. However, our biggest limitation is in our own minds and what we tell ourselves we may not be able do. I hope you keep looking for challenges and proving to yourself and others: Where there's a will there's a way!
Yes! Thank you so much for being one of my inspirations! I will be trying guitar soon! Yesterday I took the guitar out and one of the strings had to be restrung. Honestly I have no clue where to start learning the guitar...especially one handed. I'm trying to be a triple threat but honestly no one's behind me.
Anyways, your chords are so beautiful. Thank you 😊
Love this. I was born missing the lower part of my right arm. Just gave me hope. I've always wanted to play.
Hi Justin! Glad to hear that you are inspired to play! You can do it man, stick with it and remember with a little innovation and positive thinking you can achieve just about anything!
thanks for inspiring me bro! i played before my stroke 4 months ago and like you i lost my left side. hope you're well bro thx again!
Hey Chazz! No problem man! Glad to hear you're inspired and I hope that you'll pick up a guitar again! It's totally possible man! Wishing you all the best! Rock on! -Dirk
You’re an inspiration👍🏼
Thank you Diana! I greatly appreciate your kind words!
Fantastic 😊 great! Thanks a lot! You make it possible!!!!
Hi Heather! Sure thing, I hope this helps in your playing the guitar! Feel free to write with any questions you have along the way. All the best! 👍🏻
@@OneHandedGuitar fantastic!
wow thank you i also had a stroke and i was learning how to play before i had the stroke im gonna give this a try!
Awesome Danny! Glad to hear that you're going to try it out! Let me know how playing is going and if you have any questions along the way!
Awesome!
Hey Paul,
Thanks man, appreciate you writing in!
All the best! 👍🏻
This is too motivating ❤️
Thanks Roshan! Greatly appreciate that! It’s been fun learning it all and even better to show others with limitations that playing is still definitely a possibility for them 👍🏻
Huge respect big brother, you have solved my problems of how can I play the Guitar with only one hand because I have Little problem with my right hand finger limited movement so I used my left hand most of the time. so thanks u so much , keep doing the great work. You're a legend. God blessed u brother ❤️🤗😊💯
Hey Fayyadh! Wow thanks so much for your kind words! I hope my videos can be of assistance in your playing guitar! Let me know if you have questions along the way and wishing you all the best as you begin 🙏🎸
@@OneHandedGuitar Thanks bro and stays blessed 😇🤲🏻
I have a brachial plexus injury and can’t use my left arm but I’m definitely going to give it a try
Hi Sweet Talk! I'm so glad to hear you're going to try out playing! Let me know how it goes and if you have any questions as you start out!
Arm broke BPi
Mind blown 🤯
Teach me obi wan 🙏🏻⭐️@2:40 I literally cried
Oh subbed 👀
Right on! Glad to hear you enjoyed the video! The finger tapping stuff at 2:40 you mention is some of my favorite stuff to do! Looking forward to sharing more of that on the channel in the near future! 👍🏻
Praise Jesus, thank you for those tips in learning to play
Amen! 🙏 yes indeed all glory to God 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 no problem on the tips, definitely happy to help!
Thank you
800th subscriber. What a sick video
Hi Van! Haha yes, so awesome! Greatly appreciate your subscription! Hope you enjoy the channel!!
dude your awesome I had 2 strokes one on each side I saw this I was like and I was like wow you can
Hi April, Yes indeed you surely can! I hope that you've been encouraged to try out guitar! Where theres a will theres a way! Have you been able to start playing guitar, if so how is the technique working for you? All the best! 👍🏻
Hi Dirk your video is inspirational I always wanted to play a musical instrument but I never got round to it but at the age of 50 i suffered a major stroke which paralysed my left side in addition this I am plagued with a crippling nerve pain so I have decided to learn the guitar as pain therapy - thank you was deeply appriciated
Hi there LordQ,
It's great to hear that your giving the guitar a go! You'll have to let me know how it works as a form of therapy.. I think there is definite potential there! Best of luck to you, if you run into any questions about playing or technique along the way don't hesitate to send them my way!
Thanks Dirk will do as per your advice i have hot a 6 string right handed guitar, waiting for my thumb picks arrive
Hi LordQ,
Awesome, sounds like you'll have everything you need to get started with the arrival of your Thumbpicks! Those were the game changer for me, which connected all the dots!
Let me know how you progress, I'd love to hear about your journey with it!
-Dirk
Much Respect
Appreciate that Two Tracks! Thank you for checking out the video!
Very nice
Thanks Aditya! Greatly appreciate you checking out the video!
My inspiration
Hi Sweet Talk! Thanks so much, greatly appreciate that!
Thanks brother😇
Absolutely! Let me know if you have any questions on the technique/approach. Hope you enjoy the channel!
I had a stroke at 12 and lost use of my left hand. I started with the ukulele and have to play on my lap as well. It is such a daunting task especially when everyone says it's impossible. I recently started to pick up the guitar.
Hey OEF so glad you reached out man! Love what you’re doing over at your channel! You’re right about daunting.. I remember being completely stumped in my approach to the instrument back when I first wanted to start.. it took quite some time to really get a handle on it with tons of opinions to do this or that.. I tried them all and resolved to the way that I play now. I really love this approach because it keeps extra modified equipment (besides the thumb pick, which a lot of players use anyways) out of the equation. It’s a simplified approach in standard tuning.
Keep doing what your doing man, and let me know if you have any questions along the way! All the best!
-IndieDirk
@@OneHandedGuitar Thanks so much! I am looking into one of the half sized electric guitars, but haven't had the extra cash to pick one up yet. I am using a full size Epiphone acoustic and its difficult to keep it on my lap. But I haven't stopped trying yet.
Very cool.
Thanks Violet! Greatly appreciate that!
@@OneHandedGuitar My son sent me this video because my step son suffered a traumatic brain injury a year ago and doesn't have use of his left arm or leg. Before the accident, my son, step son, and husband used to play music together a lot. Dante was an excellent guitar player. His number one goal is to play guitar again. Your video is very inspiring and motivating. 🤘
@@VioletJoy Hi Violet! Wow, I’m sorry to hear about Dante’s brain injury and hope that he can regain the ability to play guitar! Thanks for writing in! If Dante has any questions on technique or anything don’t hesitate to reach out! All the best as he begins to approach playing again! Rock on!
love your video i also had stroke cant use fingers in right had so hard for me to play guitar i love to play but hard to with my fingers
Hi Fist Time, glad to hear that you found the channel! I hope it aids in your playing guitar! Let me know if you have any questions starting up. All the Best! 👍🏻
wooow very impressive
Thanks so much! You know what they say: "Where there's a will there's a way" :)
Cool. Make more guitar vids playing like this
Appreciate that man! I am steadily working toward developing a series which goes over in detail, my technique and how to play the way I do. So stay tuned for more soon!
I subscribed. Look forward to it.
Hi Dirk! I am a new subscriber from the middle east to your inspiring channel. I lost my three middle fingers of my right hand since I was 11 months old. I've always dreamed about playing guitar but never taken it seriously until a couple of months ago. I started to look for possible methods and techniques to play a guitar with one hand (left in my case). I've found a couple of good sources but your video with such a positive attitude and a great accomplishment inspired and motivated me the most. I am a mere beginner and I never been exposed to any musical learning of any sort, so I would like to know if you have any suggestions on the best guitar for a left/one handed beginner, and what are the recommended learning steps and sources to to get started?A bunch of thanks and best wishes for you :)
Hi Brave B! Glad to hear that you are starting to play, thats awesome! If you are able to use your left arm, I would recommend getting a left handed guitar if you intend to play in the style which I do. This way when you lay the guitar on your lap your thumb (strumming) will be down the neck from your fretting fingers. You want this set up, otherwise your thumb will be facing up the neck towards your tuning knobs and you won't hear any string that's fretted by a finger.. Hope that makes sense.. As far as make and model of guitar. There are a lot of good ones. I can't really give a recommendation there.. What I can tell you is that you want very low action, (Action: how far above the fret board your strings are). You want this to be low so that you don't have to press super hard to fret a note or notes. If you go too low with your action you'll hear a string buzz when played open (Open: A string played with no notes fretted). If you get a buzz when an open note is played thats not good. (Something to note: The Action on a guitar can be adjusted after purchase, I had mine adjusted to be as low as it could be) The other thing to look for when selecting a guitar is the tuners. You don't want a guitar that goes out of tune very quickly. Good tuners = good guitar in my book. There's nothing more discouraging, especially starting out, then to keep having to re-tune your guitar every song you play.
Best of luck to you Brave B! Thanks for writing, let me know if you have more questions along the way!
You rock.
Thanks David!
Just doing what I can with what I got! Appreciate you checking out my videos!
Amazing, but also quick question. Did you have to retune the guitar or anything to make a louder sound?
@Robotpanda89 Hey Robot! Good question, but nope, I just play the guitar in standard tuning, like most two handed players do. I've learned through some trial and error where to hit the frets to get the most out of the note being played, but honestly I think finger strength and muscle memory plays more of a roll in the loudness of sound than anything else as far as technique. The other factor to consider is the guitar itself.
Certain guitars resonate better than others do and thus have a bigger & fuller sound to them (this concept primarily applies to Acoustic guitars).
awesome, great stuff. i had a stroke 2 years ago and played very basic bass before that, so i'd like to have a go using your technique. i'm right-handed too - do i need to restring the normal right handed guitar to make it left? cheers.
Hi there! Thanks so much! Glad to hear you're going to give it a shot! So the way that I play everything is the same (no modifications to the instrument) It's just upside down and backwards on your lap. (Think of playing it as a piano). If you have any questions along the way let me know, I'm happy to help!
This is amazing! I have Erb's Palsy ( birth injury of my right arm). I always dreamed of playing the guitar but didn't think it was possible. Does this technique work with basic guitars? Or is there a particular guitar needed? Thank you for being a source of inspiration and hope! 🙏🏽
Hi Idara,
Thanks for your comment! Glad that you found the channel and even more glad that you're going to start playing guitar! There is so much joy in learning this instrument! The technique will definitely work with basic guitars. I developed it this way because I wanted a method that would allow me to pick up any guitar and play it without making any real modifications to it. The only thing you need to start is a tuned up guitar and a thumbpick. Let me know if you have any questions as you begin to dive in.
@@OneHandedGuitar thank you so much!🙏🏽
Respect
Thanks Masab! Rock on!!
Thank you so much for sharing! I had a stroke too when I was only 11 years old and can only use one arm I am 27 now and have never gone anywhere near a guitar as I just assumed I have no chance of playing. I have always been a huge fan of the way an acoustic guitar sounds so you have truly inspired me to try this! Just one question it's my left arm I am able to use so would I need a left handed guitar?
Hey Dan! So glad to hear that you found the video and are going to give guitar a try!! That’s amazing man! Yup, you’re exactly right! If you can use your left arm then you’d get a left handed guitar! Let me know if you have any other questions as you start your guitar playing journey! Very happy to help! All the best!
-Dirk
@@OneHandedGuitar thank you I really appreciate it! Just bought a guitar of amazon that should get here in the next few days along with the thumb pics you mention in the vid! So excited
@@danward7095 awesome! That is exciting to hear! Let me know how things go as ya hop into playing! All the best!
-Dirk
m8 i was just hear to learn how to play the balalaika one handed so I could show off and this I found this epic story!
haha Thanks man! Appreciate that! How did your playing one handed go?
its going great thanks!
Great man you are so inspiring! Have you tried the Oud? you can play it with one hand
Hi Hasan, Thank you, greatly appreciate that!
The Oud eh? I'll definitely have to check that out.. I've not heard of it before.
Rock on! -Dirk
So can you still play on the high strings? Tapping on them sounds hard[great job btw!]
Hi Jax, yup you sure can! It takes a bit to build up callouses on your fingers, but it's absolutely doable! Thank you for your kind words!
nice
Thanks so much! Greatly appreciate it!
God bless
Thank you & God Bless you as well Summer!
Hey, i was wondering if I can i use these techniques on Mexican music as well
Hey there! I’m not overly versed in that style of playing but the method should work for it.. if my limited knowledge of that style is correct it requires a bunch of wrist flexibility due to the quick and intricate strumming patterns.. that said, it might be slightly limiting on that front, but I think it could work okay with some practice.
Let me know how it goes and if you have any other questions starting out.
All the best!
-Dirk
Thank you so much very beautiful I lost my arm when was bady I would to electric guitar myself as well as but difference start with the guitar frist do you teach leason I live in Detroit .am also in a wheelchair so wouldn't be able to tackle stairs you have expired me on so many leaves please teach me .,,🤗
Hi Cynthia! So glad to hear that you are inspired by my video! I do have other ones up which will help you to learn some of the basics, but don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions along the way! Praying for blessing in 2019 for you!
@@OneHandedGuitar
Thank you I can't wait to see others and be looking in buying a inexpensive electric guitar it might take to get one have to do my research your playing is very smooth 🤗
@@cynthiacasey6631 Awesome Cynthia! I'm glad to hear that! An Electric guitar is a great way to start as the strings are a bit easier on your fingers! For starting out I would recommend looking at the Fenders Squire series. They are electric guitars that are aimed at beginners and honestly are a lot of fun to play.
Best of luck to you as you start out! Let me know if you have any other questions as you research the perfect guitar for you!
Hi! I was born with Spina Bifida, which left the left side of my body a lot weaker than the right side of my body. I found your video a couple months ago and loved it! I am currently trying to learn how to play guitar one handed. I am having trouble getting the hang of doing the different chords. I have tried to hold down the strings with my other fingers and strum with my thumb. So far, that hasn't worked out too well. Any suggestions as to what else I can do? Thank you so much in advance! :)
Hi Devin, It's awesome to hear that you've picked up the guitar! I know it can be very discouraging at first to attempt to play and not get the sound you're hoping for. My top recommendation would be to just keep with it and practice a lot! It took me months and even years to get there and I'm still learning all the time. However, outside of just pressing on I would like to ask if it's possible for you to strum with your left arm. I know you said its weaker, but if you have use of it, you may be able to do light strumming? Also, if this not an option, you could fret 2 or 3 fingered chords and pluck the strings with your index and/or index & middle finger(s). Two chords I would recommend starting with would be D Major and E minor.
I'm gearing up to release more videos and even start a course detailing my technique in detail, so stay tuned for that. Also, I wanted to include this link to a "One Handed Chord Chart" I've made. See the far right columns for what I've described above: "Modified examples for finger plucking"
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GJQYCWP3GuoF3D_3C_uVdMs4gi-hf-gJ3d6ZhOTCISA/edit#gid=0
Thanks Devin! Hopes this helps and let me know if you have any additional questions!
Thank you so much for replying to me! I am able to use my left hand a little, so I will practice strumming with my left hand. Also, thank you so much for the chord chart! :)
Hi Devin, No problem! Always happy to help! So, just to clarify here.. if you can use your left arm a bit for strumming I would recommend holding the guitar in a standard "two handed" fashion. You will just have more overall capability this way. At that juncture, you would fret the chords in the standard way. If you find you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask! I'm happy to help how I can!
What The Hell Derk I Didn't Know You Had A TH-cam Channel!!!
Just Subbed Brother!!!!
Stop By The Shop Sometime And We'll Rock Out!!!
Hey Pat! Hope you’re doing well man! I’ll have to come on by! Thanks for the sub!
Thank you so much for your videos! My daughter had a stroke at birth and now is unable to use her left arm and hand. She desperately wants to learn to play the guitar to be like Taylor Swift! Your videos have given her hope that she can learn to play. Do you have download chord charts for rt hand that I can print out for her to practice? Thanks!
Hi Sheri, this makes me so happy to hear! I totally believe your daughter can rock out like Taylor Swift! Where there's a will there's definitely a way! Currently I only have the left handed versions available in a downloadable format, however I'll work to get the right handed ones in that format as well so that she can start to practice. If either of you come up with questions along the way don't hesitate to reach out!
Thanks! -Dirk
Hi how do you play with one hand? I can't use my left hand due to a stroke when I was ten, but I am also blind, so I can't see what you are doing in your videos. Please provide more description and explanation.
Hi Tristen,
I use a banjo pick on the thumb of my working hand. Then I use my fingers to fret the chords. Hope this helps! Thanks for your comment, let me know if you have additional questions.
that is sooo coool
Thanks Breac! Greatly appreciate that! I just decided I wanted to learn and that nothing was going to stop me. Where there's a will there's a way!
hi! thanks for tour reply! thé left limb is affected
Hi Muriel, gotcha, in that case you would want a Right handed guitar. That is the same for me as well! So a right handed guitar and a thumbpick. Also, a note on the guitar. It can be either Acoustic or Electric (Electric is easier to learn on because the strings are easier on the fingers)
This could help me play guitar and trombone (which is a one handed instrument if you can restrain it to your shoulder) at the same time.
Is your arm totally unusable or does it just have very poor dexterity?
This is very true! I'd really to see that if you devise a way, that would be amazing 👍🏻
I have no use of my left arm. All the best as you dive into this! 👍🏻
@@OneHandedGuitar Ah