My daughter was born the same way. She is 6, I showed her your playing and she was so stoked. I was so stoked! Thanks for sharing and putting your best self out there for the world to see. Thank you!
Да, очень хорошо, что есть такие достойные, сильные люди,! Они демонстрируют всему миру, что внутренней стержень человека способен снести любые преграды и проложить путь к мечте.
Django Rhinehart, missing fingers Jerry Garcia, Tony Iommi, partially missing fingers, Cedell davis had almost no use of his left hand but figured out how to play slide with a butter knife. If she wants it bad enough she can do it.
That's an issue of mob mentality. If you've went through a similar experience where you're the only one who sees a different side to things, you're way smarter than the rest. It's okay if you fall into the social pressure of following others. We were just kids after all. However, this says a lot about sociology. It becomes repulsive when you realize humans are still pretty unintelligent.
It is not a hand, IT IS THE CLAW OF HEAVY FUCKING METAL!!!! Also you play better than most guitarists I have seen. So yes, it is a gift, A GIFT FROM THE METAL GODS!!!!
I never even noticed your hand because your playing rocks so damn hard and so well, it's not a disability. It's true. It's an enhancement! Love from 🇨🇦
My sister has the exact same hand. Same stories about being bullied and being looked down upon. When she hit puberty she decided to hide her sorrows about her hand behind alcohol, weed, drugs. I'll show her this video, along with your other work, hopefully it will inspire her.
I hope your sister luck with overcoming drugs, its so awful what certain kids go through because they’re different, causing them to get into bad habits too.
People often turn to drugs if they feel they have nowhere else to go. Make sure you contact her at about once a week just to remind her that you're there, and that she has someone she can turn to if things go bad.
Hell yeah! Vulnerability is a hell of a ride. Open you up to criticism but that exposes the weaknesses of others much more than your own. It also opens you up to all the best stuff.
well.... YOU COULD DO IT You just need to commit to chopping off your wrist LOL No ? ... You're gonna bitch out huh ? Ok, well then he's 10x the musician that you are LOL
@@shimrrashai-rc8fq Sorry.... who are you talking to ???? your comment doesn't seem to connect to anyone's comment and since you didn't address to anyone , obviously you're talking to the O.P. but... again, your comment doesn't make sense relative to his comment so... Who are you talking to ???
The childhood aspect is tough. Kids are relentless emotional wrecks. As an adult, a lot of people would give up the fingers on their left hand to be as born with the talents you have. Sometimes constraints can fuel creativity and help you come at things from a different technical perspective.
Yeah, that's true. It's such a sensitive time in our lives and some of those emotional dents can be pretty tough to correct later. Thanks so much for the kind words, really means a lot!
@@Mauro-ot2ux Eh, no, that's not uncommon inspirational trope, it's completely false. Some people obviously have way, way, more talent for given thing and it's not even debatable. Some people train martial arts for their whole lives, and are mostly meh at it, for example. While Cyril Gane started it for fun, from scratch, at 24 years old and is undefeated pro, fighting for undisputed UFC title of the world today.
I'm 62 and started learning guitar a year ago after a heart attack made me realize I needed to do something I've always wanted to. The kid that teaches me (32, kid to me) noticed I was starting to feel like I just couldn't learn how to play. He introduced me to your videos. All I can say is... What an inspiration! Thank you for putting me back on the right track.
I was being treated for anxiety and depression by an old school small town doctor several years ago. He asked me about hobbies and I told him I was learning guitar. He said he had always wanted to learn but never did. I said it’s not too late. He said yeah actually it is. He then went on to tell me that once a person is 60 and older they can no longer learn new skills. Only get better at the skills they already have. Needless to say I haven’t seen that doctor again.
This is way better then any other masculine motivational video, finally someone who can feel motivational without having to say "never give up" 10 times in a single paragraph.
Well, I subscribed to this channel not because of curiosity about your hand, but because, as a musician, I could recognize your talent right away. I'm sorry (and angry) to hear about the taugh times as a child and teenager. Thank you very much for sharing. Beyond your amazing music skills, I find your courage and determination are an inspiration.
As a professional musician, nothing blows me away more than watch someone play left handed with a guitar still strung for right handed. There is only one way to make that work - passion. Keep kicking life's ass, bro - you inspire many.
Honestly, i noticed that before i ever noticed the hand, and then i was even more blown away. Sometimes a deformity isn't a deformity, it's a gateway to pushing oneself to heights never thought achievable. Mad respect.
@Armament Armed Arm i think you might be oversimplifying it just a bit. You're assuming he was already learning it one way from the start, which may not be true as we don't know exactly how he learned. Also you make it sound like he just turned a tab book upside down and read from right to left, bottom to top. Which could be possible, but again we don't know that. It's also counter intuitive to how one normally reads things from left to right, top to bottom. Again, we don't know that, we don't even know if he learned using tabs to begin with. One last thing to think about is the strumming order, normally going from lower strings to higher strings. Which, depending on the song of course, has an effect on how the chords' sound. It's all case dependent and doesn't really matter in the end. He can pick up an instrument attuned for a right hand player and play it with ease in his own way. That's impressive enough.
@@oniviper - I know nothing about guitars, but us humans in general are adaptable. I may be left handed, but I use a keyboard and mouse, a game pad, and an arcade stick just like a right-handed person would ... because that's how I learned. The only kind of retraining I've ever done was switching from a personal touch typing style to proper, 10-finger touch typing. Took a few weeks to get back to my previous typing speed, but it was much easier than expected, and even though I only trained in English, I could also touch type in Greek (my first language) afterwards. Human brains, man! So adaptable! 😛
@@AlkisGD "Human brains are adaptable." Absolutely my dude. Short hand about guitars, right hand players strum with their right hand, finger the frets with their left hand. Low strings at the top, higher strings at the bottom (visually). Left hand players mirror this, strum with their left hand, finger the frets with their right hand. Visually, low strings at the top, higher strings at the bottom. For anyone that learns a song by tabs, it'll follow this standard. But that doesn't mean everyone is restricted to these standards. Just which is "common". As an example, i grew up playing violin (in orchestra) . Everyone is taught the same (right handed), no one is allowed to play left handed (competition rules, just the way it is i guess). Non of these rules mean jack outside of an "organized competition", so anyone is free to string their instrument how ever they feel fit, regardless if it fits the "music sheet". My point is, this dude learned guitar outside the "norm". Which even you demonstrated on different scales. All i'm saying is it's impressive to do so against conventional means. Which is impressive in of itself.
As an albino with alopecia I can totally relate to being seen as an outcast and a freak. Yet I managed to front several bands, though I haven't done half of what you have. You are an inspiration, bro, and your talent is amazing! I greatly enjoy your videos. God bless!
Horrible. I know how cruel children can be from first-hand experience, so I know that you went through horrible times as a young person. I pray that you have not let it make you bitter, or keep you from finding real friendships and even love. God bless you, my friend. I’ll rooting for you.
Are you familiar with Johnny or Edgar Winter, two musicians from the classic rock era? Edgar played keyboards & sax (he had a huge instrumental hit called "Frankenstein") & Johnny was one of the premier guitar players. Both sang. And both were albinos. All people cared about was how well they played. I don't remember anyone even bringing the subject up.
@tomk4590 Of course! I got a lot of Johnny and Edgar comments when I was a teenager and still had hair and grew it out long. They've always been an inspiration to me. I got to see Johnny live twice. Love the And album.
From what I’ve seen and heard of you, your hand is absolutely no disability, it seems to me that it’s made your ability better and more distinctive. It’s impossible not to be in awe of your ability and sense of fun (fun matters!). Now if you get a chance to do a Laibach or Sisters of Mercy inspired song or two that would be great.
Guy is missing fingers but he got something way more worth a lot of people nowadays miss: a big heart in the right place. Thx man, you are a big inspiration!
I think I'm not the only one to say that when I watch your videos I don't see your hand, I see your talent. Your videos really sound like the original bands. It's just amazing
Just watched 3 of his vids before this one popped up in the recommendations. Genuinely hadn't noticed it before. Otu's talent dominates the screen, not his birth enhancement.
you can actually see their hand too. it's not something that should be ignored, it's something brilliant that should be embraced and loved! see their hand! it's a great hand! it's a hand that's aided this person in making brilliant art and making people happy! :)
@@davewalkden7248I wasn't subscribed before, but like you I simply watched the videos for his musical creativity and enjoyed it for his talent. It's been more than 5 videos that I've seen over the last couple of months and it was only about five minutes ago that I noticed his hand after someone else pointed it out to me in another comment. Before then the closest I came to realising was noticing that he was playing left handed.
This guy is talented. I’ve been enjoying his takes on what if such and such song was made by such and such. I just enjoy music, and as such really enjoy this channel. His story is sad but the bullies who bugged him growing up will never be as cool as him
Dude, you’re not weird, abnormal or a freak. What you are is awesome! Your passion for creativity, positivity and talent are what people notice and admire about you. Keep being you 🙏🏻
I mean he is abnormal, you can't really change that, It's not like having a left hand like that is normal, I'm not saying anything bad about him though
@@christophermoore6110 I usually get blasted on youtube for saying stuff like this even though it is true, you just made my day a little better, thanks man. Its not every day people don't scream at me.
Hey Man, As someone who's suffered from cerebral palsy since birth, my left hand has limited mobility and muscle wastage, I just wanted to thank you for all you're doing. I'm also a musician and I find your approach and zeal for life so inspiring!
Hi, random internet stranger here. My son has this condition, do you have any suggestions on how to encourage use of his left arm and hand? He goes to physical therapy and plays video games (with limited help from his left) but outside of that it seems like he doesn't want to use it. I don't want to force it, but at the same time I don't want him to grow up, have limited use of his left arm, even for someone with the condition, and regret not sticking with it.
OH FUCK DUDE I JUST REALIZED YOURE THE GUY WHO MADE THE STONER METAL JAMS! You have no idea how influential those videos were for me at the time. I was in college and playing in a two piece band like that and stumbling on your videos changed the course of our jams. This video was a trip. Your talent and creativity is an inspiration. So glad you're still out here doing the damn thing. Also never noticed your hand in those videos, just thought you were holding the pick funny lol. You're awesome.
Dude. Thank you. You posted this 2 years ago, but I needed to hear this right now. I was born completely able-bodied, yet I still struggle with telling myself I can't do certain things. You're an inspiration.
I tried to play guitar for decades. I don't have anything physically wrong with me, I just lack musical TALENT. Super impressed. Musical talent is unrelated to that; my body neither helps nor hinders me. STILL can't do it.
Fine example of not letting a disability or birth defect keep you from achieving goals. You are very inspirational, and I'm happy this showed up in my recommendations
@@toamaori having a disablity or birth defect isn't a bad thing, you don't need to say he doesn't have one because he's happy and doing well, you can have both things y'know
Ehh also people don’t ‘let’ disabilities keep them from achieving greatness or whatever. Society bars us from access to the same resources that non disabled ppl have.. this kind of sentiment is such a backwards compliment. It insults everyone whose ever born different or with a disability. We are great. We are probably way better than you at a lot of things. This world is just exclusive. Some people have the resources to overcome that, and some ppl don’t. But most all of us try bc we deserve to exist & achieve just the same as anyone else. We aren’t less. And the only thing we need to overcome is people like the OP who blanketly assume disabled people ‘let’ themselves be defeated by disability. If you ask me, it’s abled bodied people who most often take shit for granted and are lazy bc they tend to exist in a world built for them….
Also, I agree disability isn’t a dirty word, (and it’s insulting to act like it is), but also everyone’s entitled to use the word they most identify with. ..
Being disabled isn’t inherently bad. I’m physically disabled (though it is not readily visible to an untrained observer), and we are not to be pitied simply because we are disabled. Nor are we always prevented from achieving what we want because of the disability. I understand your sentiment, but please don’t treat disability-especially acceptance of one’s disability-as inspiring. We are not here to lift your spirits. Please just be happy we’re doing well, and be hopeful for us and yourself in turn.
I've watched a number of your videos, including this one, and I just now noticed that you play the guitar upside down, with the higher strings above the lower strings. That's really cool and unique!
Imagine knowing this dude in school, knowing him for years, and then him finally feeling comfortable enough to show you his hand and you just being totally blown away by the fact that you never knew because how good he was at hiding it
What you thought was a hindrance as a child actually was your strength. You’ve accomplished more than most with a pair of “normal” hands. You should be proud of yourself. You’re an inspiration.
His hand isn't his strength. That's just demeaning. I refuse to accept that. His strength is in his character, in his fighting spirit and his willingness to overcome struggle. Not in a birth defect. Why can't we just respect his character instead of pretending his birth defect was in any way advantageous. If anything, people like him should serve as an inspiration and encouragement.
I dont know why youve put normal in double quotes. Yes not having a birth defect and having two hands with four fingers and a thumb is normal. Scientifically speaking it's completely normal Not saying that he should be ashamed or anything, but pretending like whats normal isnt is stupid too
@@DefectivePieceofChalk I actually paid attention to the context of his video. He is saying that it hindered him in early life and people said weird things to him about it. He finally realized that he is talented even with the defect. From what I gathered from his video, dealing with all that, hiding his hand all the time, being embarrassed about it, seeing himself as different and eventually breaking through that barrier, actually made him a stronger person later in life, so, in a way, it IS a strength.
Yes. It's like clever contractors who turn mistakes into "features". The lemon/lemonade thing. This is a kind of more wholesome version of the Iraq war vet who returned home without his face intact. He enjoyed spooking kids in the supermarket and laughing about it, sort of as a way to help the kid be less frightened. Anyway, this guy's an incredibly good musician and entertainer.
I was also born with an abnormal left hand, and after hearing you describe how you used to hide it and avoided people noticing is something I feel every day, and im trying to work on self confidence, and seeing you overcome this really helps.
You got this, mate. What matters isn't the hand you've been dealt, in your case quite literally, but in how you play it. Don't look at what you can't do, focus on what you can do.
You are a fantastic musician no matter how many fingers you have or don't have! My wife was born with similar birth defects due to her mom taking Thalidomide. Both hands, both feet and blind in one eye. She taught herself how to type and worked for a bank for nearly 30 yrs until carpal tunnel became unbearable and she retired. You have a great attitude and used your differentness to have a successful career. You are an inspiration.
as someone who was ruined by misophonia and lost all confidence, thank you for bringing back hope. edit 30/11/2023 - the hope is lost again. i'm sorry this comment could not remain an inspiration but it's gotten worse than i could ever have possibly imagined.
Hey I've had misophonia on and off for some time (linked to other physical and psychological factors, I think). So I'm just here to let you know I hear you. So many people have no understanding at all of what it is like. I realize that I'm very fortunate that I don't experience it permanently, so I cannot say that I understand fully what you're going through, I can't imagine what that must be like. What helped me immensely was intermittent fasting and some psych meds. Maybe there's something that can help you too, though I know you've probably had a thousand suggestions and comments like these.
Well. I've added a new word to my vocabulary. I have sensory processing issues, some of them involving specific sounds, but not to the point that I've actively sought out a diagnosis. When I was growing up, my issues would have been considered behavioral rather than pathological. I was able to mask and cope. Fortunately. I sympathize. I know the pain.
I went to school with a guy that had a similar hand. He was a great dude and I never noticed him let it slow him down. Love your music and thank you for putting this message out there to others
Man, if this isn’t the strongest motivational thing I’ve seen or heard, I can’t name others that come close! While the internet is overflowing with “motivational gurus”, “life coaches”, and whatever else - so obviously full of crap - this video is genuine, hugely inspirational, and proof how far dedication and hard work can take you. Better than any course, textbook, or seminar. Thanks a lot for sharing! Easily deserves to be among the most watched videos on TH-cam.
Dude I'm 43 years old and I watch you and hear your story and I have to say you are pretty darn incredible. I'm nowhere even close to as talented as you are. Very well done sir!
I've loved your videos and especially the PASSION you put into channelling bands like Maiden. It's what we all feel when we crank it up in our bedrooms. ROCK ON!
As a disabled person, I wish I could upvote you a lot more than once. You've made the most of your abilities. Watching one of your music videos I didn't even notice your left hand until near the end. You are an incredible musician, far better than I'll ever be & I have 2 complete hands. You're a perfect example of "never judge a book by its cover". Every single person alive or who has ever lived has had something wrong with them, whether it be physical or mental, insignificant or a major deal, noticed by others or internalised. We need to have the strength of character to overcome these "defects" & make the most of ourselves. It's not always easy but it's incredibly rewarding. Why lock away talent?
Dear Angela, although I don't know you and althoug I'm more or less "normal", I ask you never to talk about a "disability" but to talk about a "special challenge". It's a question of mindset. YYou can be the winner over a challenge - with everything that is important for you - and that is the only value that really counts. You don't need to be "best musician of the world" to be ... You don't need to be "cool" to proove your world No particiular sign to be compatible with.... (loosely based on prince) Every courage and strength for you that you need to overcome your challenges. thoughts shape words shape actions shape habits shape character. Take care of thoughts and words.
@andreasmaugg7717 Interesting concept, but have you thought how that sounds? You are telling a disabled person what to call themself? I know you are coming from a place of kindness, but it's incredibly patronising. That, by itself, is unkind. You're telling me that I am wrong in how I see myself, how I've struggled to manage to rationalise & accept my illnesses in order to survive. The definition of disabled in the English language is "having a physical or mental condition that limits their movements, senses, or activities." That describes me perfectly, I have several chronic illnesses, any one of which will shorten my life, but put them all together & it's catastrophic for a human body. For over 10 years I have been confined to my bed, unable to lift my head off the pillow without fainting, unable to move my legs, sometimes unable to move at all. Sometimes I can't speak. At all times I struggle with loud sounds, bright lights, even someone wearing perfume or showering in something that triggers a fit, nausea, vomiting or fainting. For my own sanity I've had to accept how limited my life has become, because when I fought it I kept getting depressed. The only way for me to survive was to accept my limitations & learn to live with them. I've had to stop all my old hobbies, because I simply can't do them. Instead I've found new things that occupy my mind & give me pleasure from the confines of my bed. You remind me of my Dad. He thought he was being supportive by saying he admired me for being so strong, managing to stay happy & how he'd have killed himself if he'd been bed-bound for so long. He was basically saying that he found my life to be pointless. I don't, I know my own value. I know how I will leave a positive impression after I'm dead because I'm filling my limited life with meaning. I am disabled, but that's only part of me. Disability is only a word, it's not something to be ashamed of. It's not a negative word. It's simply an adjective, not something that defines your whole life nor the only part of you that matters. It is what it is. It's not how I want to be but I'm not embarrassed to be this way, so why hide it? It's not even an important piece of information about me, in fact most people I deal with on a day today business don't even know I'm disabled, or they do but it's not important to how they view me. When people talk about me it's Angela, my teacher, or my friend Angela, or my daughter, or my counsellor, or my translator. It's never Angela, the disabled woman. As for being a "winner over a challenge", I cannot win with this. There is no cure, there is no treatment, only medication to keep me alive & to minimise the physical, never-ending pain. If I look at it as a battle that I need to overcome, I'll be chasing an impossible dream, wasting my limited energy fighting for something that cannot happen with current human knowledge. That is a sure way to make me miserable & to leave me with poor mental health. Maybe one day there will be a cure, but that's for the future & I suspect I'll be long gone by then. I cannot win with regard my condition & one day it will be end of me, but until then I want to make sure I enjoy life in any way I can. I'm not going to play mind games with myself, tricking me in thinking everything will turn out perfect, because it won't. I'm a realist but that doesn't stop me from making the most of my life. I'm not afraid to say I'm disabled because, in my mind, I've already won the game, achieving what I'm achieving despite being as I am & knowing exactly what is happening to me. I will never let it grind me down, nor will I let it force me into looking for euphemisms to describe myself. 🙂
Angela, I'm sorry to have said the wrong words. You obviously know how it was ment and I hope you can keep it as that - the helpless trial to help someone feeling better.
@andreasmaugg7717 Andreas, I fully agree with your last sentence. 🙂 For some, taking ownership of a word that CAN have negative connotations makes it become a powerful tool. For me, acceptance of reality led to me being able to continue living, because fighting against it & trying to focus on fighting my poor health, always trying to find ways to get better, simply make me more ill. I've had to learn to roll with it, but it was a hard lesson to learn & took years. It had left me feeling a lot happier & with less danger of falling into depression. There's an expression in English, horses for courses. It means that 1 idea can have 2 different meanings & outcomes to different people. For you, the word disabled is a negative, holding people back. For me, it's acceptance, able to face my demon head on & learn to live with it. Both are valid arguments & we all have to find a way to live at peace with our reality. We do what works for us. 🙂
You make me want to cry from pain that the world can be so cruel to a tender young mind, and cry with joy for my faith in humanity that you didn't let it stop you from anything. You sir, are cool AF.
I have a hand defect too, but I got this from a fatal car accident. My wrist got crooked and this happened when I was 17. 28 years later, and I'm still playing guitar when I write songs and play bass for a bar cover band. I agree, these are not deficiencies, but enhancements. It boosted my will to overcome challenges and struggles that most people take for granted given they have complete, healthy limbs. The more I succeed in life, the more people won't take notice. Thanks for speaking up! More power to you! Keep inspiring people with your awesome works!
Dude! I am so grateful you popped up in my suggestions. I was born with cerebral palsy. And in my case, that means I am in a wheelchair and my left arm has spasms and I have a hard time with coordination. I started playing the piano in lockdown. My progress is really slow. And I'm barely cording to accompany my singing. But I am glad I started. After almost 40 years of hearing that I will never be able to play anything. This was a very complicated way of saying. Thank you for being out here. Your presence is so encouraging to me.🖤
I attended a wheelchair bodybuilding contest a few years back. I was expecting a pity party, but what I saw was mind blowing. These guys that had no use of their legs were absolute monsters. I couldn’t believe it. After that night, I could never come up with an excuse to not go to the gym, or to not do anything that was hard. You’re an inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
I watched a powerlifting meet once and this guy with no legs comes out to bench. His attempt was something like 250lbs or so I thought... I was like oh huh that's not bad for having no leg drive.... then I realize its freakin kilos... uhhh whoa
THIS is the type of content that should be shown in school, to show our children the potential of the mind to overcome obstacles. Thanks for uploading this and may you have the life you desire. Uplifting content right here.
Your channel just got recommended to me a few days ago. I lost my thumb and 2 fingers on my left hand in 1985. They were able to rebuild the fingers but they are very scarred and the fingertips are made from skin from my leg. I'm right handed and have been using excuses about my left hand being uncomfortable while trying to learn guitar. Seeing what you do has inspired me to go back to guitar lessons. I'm going to do it, and it's because of your videos. Thank you sir!
The body is very adaptable - I had a pin in my wrist and my forearm on a cast for 6 months. I didn't let it stop me - gym, driving, relationships (made for a cool story - actually the cast and pin outlasted two relationships lol) - my left hand (non dominant) took most roles of writing, typing (somewhat) and using the mouse. 15 years later I can still swap a mouse into my left hand (same button configuration) without a problem. If I could do that, you can too. Probably more too, I have no musical/instrumental ability. Go you!
You are a living testament to how someone can take a handicap and turn it into a strength. Keep it up Otu, you are an amazing artist and creator. Keep doing what you are doing. You are very talented and an inspiration to many.
Most musicians out there (myself included) wish we had a tenth of your talent. I’m sorry kids treated you like that growing up. You have an inspiring story, sir.
And so then how can this inspire other kids who may have the same (or worse) disability but also _don't have_ that talent? How is it going to help them? Why don't we somehow get to a similarly huge audience a diversity of people with similar disabilities and varying talent levels?
@Shimrra Shai It can inspire them to realise that confidence exists within oneself and beyond cruel words from others. Practise with intent and with a healthy frame of mind, that will certainly help develop whatever talent they may have no matter how meagre. There are a lot of negative people out there, you for example. If there's any more mansplsaining required then just let me know.
As a fellow guitarist and metalhead, I know I won't be able to be as talented and skillful as you are with my age and daily routines. I salute you, man. You're an inspiration to many. I work as a Kindergarten teacher and I have unique students as well. And deep down, I know what they are now is not what they will be in the future. Keep doing those crazy cover songs with amazing arrangement, man. You're awesome!
Oh you won't? How can his not having a "proper" (scare quotes are there to _criticize_ the judgy idea of "normalcy") hand be less of a disability to him doing that than your little things are to you? What does that say about disability and what does that say about achievement and limitations? What does it say about other circumstances with people with similar disabilities who don't get as much? Maybe it means we shouldn't judge, and they should also get just as much exposure on youtube.
@@shimrrashai-rc8fq Dude. Relax. What I meant with "won't" is that I don't even have the time to hold a guitar for half-an-hour with my daily routines. I did not judge his "improper" hand. As a matter of fact, I salute him for focusing on what he is really interested in from a young age. Which I could never do because I got distracted a lot. So, no. No judgment at all. And at my age, catching up with my guitar skill is not really a priority. Nowadays, I play guitar only to relieve myself from stress.
@@amplifiedhyperventilatingf8374 I did not say you judged it. I wrote that post hastily though because this video was really stirring up my issues hard and maybe my emotion clouded the message / caused it to come across wrong. Thanks, yes and your explanation makes sense! Good for you. Then I suggest what you need to do is make sure you are equally excellent at the things you have the most opportunity and inclination to practice.
@@amplifiedhyperventilatingf8374 Sure. But remember, as I was trying to say, don't necessarily think it has to be the guitar - because what I'm really thrusting at is the same _level_ of excellence _translated_ to _whatever else_ you find intersects your talent and passion the most.
I am a left handed guy trying to learn Bass and when I saw your videos for the first time I just thought: Cool a left handed dude who is playing a whole lot of instruments. Then I saw you playing right-handed instruments upside down and I was like "damn, I couldn't do that". Then and only then I saw your hand!
I, as a finnish expat living in Norway and trained in classic music, love that you've mastered the First Violin Concerto of Sibelius (or at least what you show for half a second - not important, that you chose this piece is, what's important, shows your understanding of things!), that even many violin masters of our time shy away from.I admire your way to overcome your limitations and how you turn them to your strength - keep on doing the good work!!
Not born with a disability, but I lost my right arm 21 years ago. Been a drummer for 40 years though....and I still am ! 😎 Anything is possible if you really want to do it! 💪🏼 You are awesome and an inspiration! 🤘🏼
Another Rick Allen i see Mate.. You have my eternal respect and so does Rick I'm a guitarist, Been that way since i was 14 (i'm 49) Haven't lost my arms but if i did ..... Fucking Goddammit i'd use my electronics skills and fucking build a new one so i could continue playing ............. I mean... i'd never resort to being a left handed player LOL but yeah, i'd totally build a robotic arm, Probably Arduino based and i'd keep playing :P i think you get to a point as a musician when its' clear that quitting is no longer an option and not even something you would even consider
I have to leave a comment, it's not the same as you but my son has confidence issues due to his hidden disabilities, and believes he can't achieve as he's at a disadvantage compared to his peers....he is absolutely awestruck at how talented you are and how you play the guitar, drums ect with your enhancement, that he is now trying to do new things and push himself more out of his comfort zones..I had to leave a message to say thank you you don't know us but by sharing your story it really does help others and proves that life really is what you make it you just need to try xx
Otu, this brought tears to my eyes. Dude, you are an inspiration. I can't imagine what it must have been like for you growing up, but I empathize with your struggle of feeling different and not fitting in. I had no birth defects, but I have still always been different somehow. At age 61 now, I still don't have my hands completely around it. I confess that I was wondering what happened to your hand--not out of pity but from empathy. As you said--we all have our struggles, but if I knew you, I wouldn't ask, or at least not until I felt I had earned enough trust for you to share that. People are naturally curious, but some people are just disrespectful a-holes. They make themselves feel better in their own shitty lives by belittling and trying to put down and shame others. I'm 61 now, been married 27 years, raised two boys, served a 20 year Navy career and then a follow on career. And I envy you your raw talent--as you said, it is your superpower. You have more musical talent in your left pinky finger than I have in my entire body. I believe and I think you have said you believe, what God shorted you on your left hand, I submit he more than made up in your talent and your spirit of perseverance. Despite what must have been a very difficult upbringing, you have come out of it with a positive can-do/WILL-do-or-FORGET-you spirit (that's the polite version). My son likes Slayer and other metal, and my wife likes the B-52s, so I'm going to share these videos with them. Rock on man!
OMG.... this completely blindsided me in the best possible way. I did NOT expect to be hit with an inspiration speech like THAT. I really really commend you for sharing your positivity like that. Thank you Utu!
You're probably one of the most ambitious people that I've seen. Nevermind, you're the most ambitious. Keep doing with what you're doing, one day you will play the Sibelius violin concerto :)
You are a shining example of "anything is possible, no matter the barrier in front of us". Thank you for being an inspiration for many others who think their physical, mental, or emotional issues should hold them back. You sure showed them! 😊👍
Man you are an inspiration.i’ve played guitar since I was 8 years old I’m now 51 and in the past few years my guitar skills have diminished because of some some injury to my hand, you have inspired me to fight through.God Bless you brother never stop.
May I say, good sir, that you’ve become a hero to me. Thank you! You. Are. AMAZING! I’m inspired and uplifted by your dedication to your art and craft with an indomitable, positive spirit! As a fellow musician/artist and music teacher, just stunning. I’ve never heard someone with such a wide-range of talent!
Honestly, I’ve never even noticed your hand. I was just concentrating on your awesome guitar playing and singing. I will be honest, what holds me back so much is my severe depression and anxiety. Stay awesome! 🔥🤘🏻❤️
I know a guy with the same deformity, he is unhappy with himself, never made nothing in his life, and I need to show him this video. You, sir, RULE! It's not about an ability or disability, it's what you do when you put your mind and a bit of effort to it. You are playing this game of life on a higher difficulty level.
You should definitely do that! You, and Otu, may already know the story but when future Black Sabbath guitarist lost finger tips on his right hand (the fretting hand for him as he played left handed) in a factory accident naturally he was really down and didn't think he could play again. But his boss played him a record of legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, who had lost the use of the ring and little fingers of his fretting hand, and the rest as they say is history!
You re not weird man, you are a rock legend. Amazing what you achieved instead of just victimizing yourself. I am a recent, but proud fan of your work. All the best!
Hey man, I just discovered your channel through reddit and I watched 5 or 6 videos before realizing that you were in the low 100s views, it's criminal for you not to be much much bigger! I am just happy to have discovered this gem! In a couple of years, I'll be saying that I have been following this channel since it had 3k subs. Amazing work!!
Great vid and videos man :) My aunt was so disabled from birth, she could hardly talk, could not walk, could not even wheel herself around, but i tell you what, no one i ever met had a bigger heart than she did :) You are so right, everyone has a talent, even know she could not do much, she showed heart and fight all her life, Docs said she would not make it past her teens, she showed them at making it too almost 70 :) Never give up and do your best with what you have.
You are truly inspiration, and as a fellow musician, I have to give you mad props for being able to learn and play instruments, you are awesome and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise
Django Reinhardt was in an accident at 18 that left his left hand (the fretting hand) severely burned, and afterwards he was only able to use the first two of his fingers. So he simply invented a new and completely unique way of playing the guitar, far surpassed his previous skill, and became one of the greatest and most successful jazz guitarists of all time. I highly recommend his music by the way, his playing is delightful and brilliant.
"But in the end, the only person who's gonna decide this fate, is you" - a little louder for those in the back! Just found your videos the other day, and I'm bingeing them, and having a blast! Keep them coming, you have a lot of talents!
Your honesty is uncommon, disarming, BRILLIANT and breathtaking. The only true handicap in life is a bad attitude. You embody that phrase. BRAVO and well done, sir
I honestly didn't notice until about 5 videos in and other than noticing I didn't think about it other than that's just how you're built. I highly respect you making a video like this and taking something that was an insecurity to you and turning it into a really beautiful, inspiring and positive message for hundreds of thousands of people to see.
You are just an amazing person. I watch all of your videos with my jaw on the floor watching your multi instrumental awesomeness. Your ability to completely recompose older songs and play them with all the instrumental nuance, vocal mimicry and musical style of other bands is a one of a kind talent. You're hysterically funny, and You and God only know how hard you've worked over the years to become such an incredible musician and composer. I will not say you're "gifted" as learning an instrument doesn't come from a gift.....but years of hard work, discipline and practice. You're one of the most inspirational people I've ever encountered and you truly are a blessing and a gift to the entire world. You're AWESOME Otu. The sky is the limit for a man of your MASSIVE talents. Keep doing what you're doing as you probably have no idea of how many smiles YOU put on the faces of people all over the world. I'm just one of them.
I am so glad you have not hidden your hand for a long time. Keep it out for all of our sakes. I knew a guy with a hand like that at high school. I remember shaking his hand when I met him the first time. He mentioned a few years later how he appreciated the gesture.
I like that in your videos you don't hide your hand, Otu. It tells people that it's no biggy, and it isn't. You're still outgoing and confident, regardless of your birth enhancement, which I love to see. (Not to mention entertaining, funny and a bloody awesome musician.)
I literally just found your channel through this video popping up on my recommendeds. I gotta say man. Going back through what you have done, I have an absolutely huge amount of respect for you. You're an inspiration. I appreciate you and I look forward to all the wonderful content I will be seeing as I watch all the videos I have missed not being a part of this community sooner.
Let's go! Loved this vid - used your tutorials to go about buying my midi keyboard, interface, etc almost a year ago. Really appreciate your content and this video is no exception
Hats down to you my friend, you are definitely a positive roll model and I love your creative twist on music. Being different is a good thing. Keep up the good work!!
I had a childhood friend who was born with no left hand from the wrist. He plays amazing guitar. I'll always be in awe of how people use what they got.
*You are incredibly skilled. I love your videos. I mean no insult, but your left hand reminds me of the top of Gandalf's staff. (Which is the coolest staff I've seen). Very druidic.* ❤
I’m so happy to hear your story and how you became so successful by not letting this difference drag you down, but finding new ways to do things. The most creative and talented people are the ones who have to overcome their own challenges.
This is so inspiring, brings tears to my eyes. After I saw all these amazing versions of songs where you're singing and playing instruments...you are a revolution! I bet this channel will grow to one of the biggest ones if you just delight us fans, and keep doing what you do! Im a massive fan and so is my whole family!
My daughter was born the same way. She is 6, I showed her your playing and she was so stoked. I was so stoked! Thanks for sharing and putting your best self out there for the world to see. Thank you!
:)
It is love and insperiting to be retarded and stil make good. Good bless your doughter and this legend ❤ sory for my bad english
Да, очень хорошо, что есть такие достойные, сильные люди,! Они демонстрируют всему миру, что внутренней стержень человека способен снести любые преграды и проложить путь к мечте.
This warms my heart
Django Rhinehart, missing fingers Jerry Garcia, Tony Iommi, partially missing fingers, Cedell davis had almost no use of his left hand but figured out how to play slide with a butter knife. If she wants it bad enough she can do it.
Kids can be cruel. You became stronger. Everyone loves comeback stories. You have done more with your life than most people. Proud of you sir!!
Kids can be utter pieces of shit lol
That's an issue of mob mentality. If you've went through a similar experience where you're the only one who sees a different side to things, you're way smarter than the rest.
It's okay if you fall into the social pressure of following others. We were just kids after all. However, this says a lot about sociology. It becomes repulsive when you realize humans are still pretty unintelligent.
@@HaotoAnimeOnPiano the problem with human beings as some would rather be comfortable than smart
@@tylermccandless925 True. Some people prefer to feel validated like that. It's pathetic.
@Haoto 葉音 - Anime on Piano it's The Human Condition. we do also have a choice to be better keep being better and have a good day
It is not a hand, IT IS THE CLAW OF HEAVY FUCKING METAL!!!! Also you play better than most guitarists I have seen. So yes, it is a gift, A GIFT FROM THE METAL GODS!!!!
For real. I've been playing for a long time, but this guy blows me away. Too much mass in my picking hand?
"I am Iron Claw!"
\m/
It's no coincidence his hand is in the shape of horns 🤘🏻😈
I never even noticed your hand because your playing rocks so damn hard and so well, it's not a disability. It's true. It's an enhancement! Love from 🇨🇦
I had not birth enhancements and growing up was still hard. My hat’s off to you for your immense resilience!
My sister has the exact same hand. Same stories about being bullied and being looked down upon. When she hit puberty she decided to hide her sorrows about her hand behind alcohol, weed, drugs. I'll show her this video, along with your other work, hopefully it will inspire her.
How'd it go?
I hope your sister luck with overcoming drugs, its so awful what certain kids go through because they’re different, causing them to get into bad habits too.
People often turn to drugs if they feel they have nowhere else to go. Make sure you contact her at about once a week just to remind her that you're there, and that she has someone she can turn to if things go bad.
An old friend of mine from high school is in the same boat. Same birth defect and has turned to drugs and little self esteem.
Hope your sis' is doing OK. Be there for her.
Thank you for having the courage to be vulnerable.
Of course! Thanks for watching and for the kind words too : )
@@moonicproductions Welcome, and please keep up the content and the great work.
@@bluntphunk absolutely, will do!
So agreed
Hell yeah! Vulnerability is a hell of a ride. Open you up to criticism but that exposes the weaknesses of others much more than your own. It also opens you up to all the best stuff.
Dude, you're 10 times the musician I'll ever be. Enormous amounts of respect.
music is not ab competision. its ab having fun and enjoyng music. never dought ur self
Same
well.... YOU COULD DO IT
You just need to commit to chopping off your wrist
LOL
No ? ... You're gonna bitch out huh ?
Ok, well then he's 10x the musician that you are
LOL
@@shimrrashai-rc8fq
Sorry.... who are you talking to ????
your comment doesn't seem to connect to anyone's comment
and since you didn't address to anyone , obviously you're talking to the O.P. but... again, your comment doesn't make sense relative to his comment
so... Who are you talking to ???
absolutely this!
Your left hand is an enhancement. Your talent is off the charts!
The childhood aspect is tough. Kids are relentless emotional wrecks. As an adult, a lot of people would give up the fingers on their left hand to be as born with the talents you have. Sometimes constraints can fuel creativity and help you come at things from a different technical perspective.
Yeah, that's true. It's such a sensitive time in our lives and some of those emotional dents can be pretty tough to correct later. Thanks so much for the kind words, really means a lot!
The thing is, you’re not born with those talents. You’re born completely talentless. What talents you develop are entirely your own merit.
It’s not talent, it’s vision, ambition, dedication and a lot of hard work
@@Mauro-ot2ux Eh, no, that's not uncommon inspirational trope, it's completely false. Some people obviously have way, way, more talent for given thing and it's not even debatable.
Some people train martial arts for their whole lives, and are mostly meh at it, for example.
While Cyril Gane started it for fun, from scratch, at 24 years old and is undefeated pro, fighting for undisputed UFC title of the world today.
@@lscibor I have been an artist for over 10 years and I can say you are dead wrong.
Talent does not exist. Hard work does.
I'm 62 and started learning guitar a year ago after a heart attack made me realize I needed to do something I've always wanted to. The kid that teaches me (32, kid to me) noticed I was starting to feel like I just couldn't learn how to play. He introduced me to your videos. All I can say is... What an inspiration! Thank you for putting me back on the right track.
So instead of selling your soul you will just sell some fingers to the devil? hehe jokes aside keep it up! From one internet stranger to the next!
I mean yeah, there's always a chance that a particular instrument just isn't for you.
I was being treated for anxiety and depression by an old school small town doctor several years ago. He asked me about hobbies and I told him I was learning guitar. He said he had always wanted to learn but never did. I said it’s not too late. He said yeah actually it is. He then went on to tell me that once a person is 60 and older they can no longer learn new skills. Only get better at the skills they already have. Needless to say I haven’t seen that doctor again.
Cheeers for that!!! You´re great!
If you want, put up some videos. Need some inspiration. I want to learn again.
This is way better then any other masculine motivational video, finally someone who can feel motivational without having to say "never give up" 10 times in a single paragraph.
Me fighting my abusive father after hearing nickeh30 say "Never back down never give up"
Are you intimidated by masculinity ? embrace it or go hide inside a liberal group
Touché
Easy twinkle toes.
I want to give up 10 times a day lol
Well, I subscribed to this channel not because of curiosity about your hand, but because, as a musician, I could recognize your talent right away. I'm sorry (and angry) to hear about the taugh times as a child and teenager. Thank you very much for sharing. Beyond your amazing music skills, I find your courage and determination are an inspiration.
As a professional musician, nothing blows me away more than watch someone play left handed with a guitar still strung for right handed. There is only one way to make that work - passion. Keep kicking life's ass, bro - you inspire many.
For real
Honestly, i noticed that before i ever noticed the hand, and then i was even more blown away. Sometimes a deformity isn't a deformity, it's a gateway to pushing oneself to heights never thought achievable. Mad respect.
@Armament Armed Arm i think you might be oversimplifying it just a bit. You're assuming he was already learning it one way from the start, which may not be true as we don't know exactly how he learned. Also you make it sound like he just turned a tab book upside down and read from right to left, bottom to top. Which could be possible, but again we don't know that. It's also counter intuitive to how one normally reads things from left to right, top to bottom. Again, we don't know that, we don't even know if he learned using tabs to begin with. One last thing to think about is the strumming order, normally going from lower strings to higher strings. Which, depending on the song of course, has an effect on how the chords' sound. It's all case dependent and doesn't really matter in the end. He can pick up an instrument attuned for a right hand player and play it with ease in his own way. That's impressive enough.
@@oniviper - I know nothing about guitars, but us humans in general are adaptable. I may be left handed, but I use a keyboard and mouse, a game pad, and an arcade stick just like a right-handed person would ... because that's how I learned. The only kind of retraining I've ever done was switching from a personal touch typing style to proper, 10-finger touch typing. Took a few weeks to get back to my previous typing speed, but it was much easier than expected, and even though I only trained in English, I could also touch type in Greek (my first language) afterwards. Human brains, man! So adaptable! 😛
@@AlkisGD "Human brains are adaptable." Absolutely my dude. Short hand about guitars, right hand players strum with their right hand, finger the frets with their left hand. Low strings at the top, higher strings at the bottom (visually). Left hand players mirror this, strum with their left hand, finger the frets with their right hand. Visually, low strings at the top, higher strings at the bottom. For anyone that learns a song by tabs, it'll follow this standard. But that doesn't mean everyone is restricted to these standards. Just which is "common".
As an example, i grew up playing violin (in orchestra) . Everyone is taught the same (right handed), no one is allowed to play left handed (competition rules, just the way it is i guess).
Non of these rules mean jack outside of an "organized competition", so anyone is free to string their instrument how ever they feel fit, regardless if it fits the "music sheet". My point is, this dude learned guitar outside the "norm". Which even you demonstrated on different scales. All i'm saying is it's impressive to do so against conventional means. Which is impressive in of itself.
Life is too short to not do epic shit and "fitting in" is the same thing as "giving up". Godspeed Otu!
That's right, couldn't have been said better. Thanks man!
As an albino with alopecia I can totally relate to being seen as an outcast and a freak. Yet I managed to front several bands, though I haven't done half of what you have. You are an inspiration, bro, and your talent is amazing! I greatly enjoy your videos. God bless!
Horrible. I know how cruel children can be from first-hand experience, so I know that you went through horrible times as a young person. I pray that you have not let it make you bitter, or keep you from finding real friendships and even love. God bless you, my friend. I’ll rooting for you.
Are you familiar with Johnny or Edgar Winter, two musicians from the classic rock era? Edgar played keyboards & sax (he had a huge instrumental hit called "Frankenstein") & Johnny was one of the premier guitar players. Both sang. And both were albinos.
All people cared about was how well they played. I don't remember anyone even bringing the subject up.
@tomk4590 Of course! I got a lot of Johnny and Edgar comments when I was a teenager and still had hair and grew it out long. They've always been an inspiration to me. I got to see Johnny live twice. Love the And album.
@@TheConfessionsLI Cool. I didn't know how old you were. I would have loved see J.W. live!
@@tomk4590 I'm 53. Saw him in the 80s and 90s
From what I’ve seen and heard of you, your hand is absolutely no disability, it seems to me that it’s made your ability better and more distinctive. It’s impossible not to be in awe of your ability and sense of fun (fun matters!). Now if you get a chance to do a Laibach or Sisters of Mercy inspired song or two that would be great.
Guy is missing fingers but he got something way more worth a lot of people nowadays miss: a big heart in the right place.
Thx man, you are a big inspiration!
As well as a metric shedload of talent.
I think I'm not the only one to say that when I watch your videos I don't see your hand, I see your talent.
Your videos really sound like the original bands. It's just amazing
Just watched 3 of his vids before this one popped up in the recommendations. Genuinely hadn't noticed it before. Otu's talent dominates the screen, not his birth enhancement.
you can actually see their hand too. it's not something that should be ignored, it's something brilliant that should be embraced and loved! see their hand! it's a great hand! it's a hand that's aided this person in making brilliant art and making people happy! :)
@@davewalkden7248I wasn't subscribed before, but like you I simply watched the videos for his musical creativity and enjoyed it for his talent. It's been more than 5 videos that I've seen over the last couple of months and it was only about five minutes ago that I noticed his hand after someone else pointed it out to me in another comment. Before then the closest I came to realising was noticing that he was playing left handed.
This guy is talented. I’ve been enjoying his takes on what if such and such song was made by such and such. I just enjoy music, and as such really enjoy this channel. His story is sad but the bullies who bugged him growing up will never be as cool as him
Thank you for this video. I needed this today.
Dude, you’re not weird, abnormal or a freak. What you are is awesome! Your passion for creativity, positivity and talent are what people notice and admire about you. Keep being you 🙏🏻
Dude, I’m sure you mean well, but he is by definition abnormal. That doesn’t stop him being awesome though obviously
I mean he is abnormal, you can't really change that, It's not like having a left hand like that is normal, I'm not saying anything bad about him though
@@EarthButNotFlat yeah, reminds me of people who say, “you’re not fat, you’re beautiful” not a very tactful thing to say.
@@christophermoore6110 I usually get blasted on youtube for saying stuff like this even though it is true, you just made my day a little better, thanks man. Its not every day people don't scream at me.
@@EarthButNotFlat np
Your work is a gift and you are an inspiration. Thank you for choosing triumph over tragedy. The rest of us are blessed for it.
Hey Man,
As someone who's suffered from cerebral palsy since birth, my left hand has limited mobility and muscle wastage, I just wanted to thank you for all you're doing. I'm also a musician and I find your approach and zeal for life so inspiring!
Hi, random internet stranger here. My son has this condition, do you have any suggestions on how to encourage use of his left arm and hand? He goes to physical therapy and plays video games (with limited help from his left) but outside of that it seems like he doesn't want to use it. I don't want to force it, but at the same time I don't want him to grow up, have limited use of his left arm, even for someone with the condition, and regret not sticking with it.
Hi - sure I have a few! I'll get back to you in long form soon
I actually didn't even notice your hand for the 1st couple videos. What you've done with your talents is inspiring. So glad you posted this.
Same here, and when I did, I was even more impressed
same
me either!!
OH FUCK DUDE I JUST REALIZED YOURE THE GUY WHO MADE THE STONER METAL JAMS! You have no idea how influential those videos were for me at the time. I was in college and playing in a two piece band like that and stumbling on your videos changed the course of our jams. This video was a trip. Your talent and creativity is an inspiration. So glad you're still out here doing the damn thing. Also never noticed your hand in those videos, just thought you were holding the pick funny lol. You're awesome.
Holy crap, that stoner doom metal jam is the fucking bomb.
Yep, we didn’t see the hand! We saw the talent!
I'm 55 and a musician, dad, worker, etc. After an anxious weekend feeling like a failure, I needed to read this today. Thank you Otu. You ROCK.
Dude. Thank you. You posted this 2 years ago, but I needed to hear this right now. I was born completely able-bodied, yet I still struggle with telling myself I can't do certain things. You're an inspiration.
I tried to play guitar for decades. I don't have anything physically wrong with me, I just lack musical TALENT. Super impressed. Musical talent is unrelated to that; my body neither helps nor hinders me. STILL can't do it.
success is 2% talent and 98% hard work
go for it
My father was born with a hand like yours, and yet he has become one of the best guitarists I’ve heard. Way inspirational dude!
Fine example of not letting a disability or birth defect keep you from achieving goals. You are very inspirational, and I'm happy this showed up in my recommendations
cosidering all that he's done with his left hand, there's absolutely no disability or defect anywhere, except in those who would ridicule him....
@@toamaori having a disablity or birth defect isn't a bad thing, you don't need to say he doesn't have one because he's happy and doing well, you can have both things y'know
Ehh also people don’t ‘let’ disabilities keep them from achieving greatness or whatever. Society bars us from access to the same resources that non disabled ppl have.. this kind of sentiment is such a backwards compliment. It insults everyone whose ever born different or with a disability. We are great. We are probably way better than you at a lot of things. This world is just exclusive. Some people have the resources to overcome that, and some ppl don’t. But most all of us try bc we deserve to exist & achieve just the same as anyone else. We aren’t less. And the only thing we need to overcome is people like the OP who blanketly assume disabled people ‘let’ themselves be defeated by disability. If you ask me, it’s abled bodied people who most often take shit for granted and are lazy bc they tend to exist in a world built for them….
Also, I agree disability isn’t a dirty word, (and it’s insulting to act like it is), but also everyone’s entitled to use the word they most identify with. ..
Being disabled isn’t inherently bad. I’m physically disabled (though it is not readily visible to an untrained observer), and we are not to be pitied simply because we are disabled. Nor are we always prevented from achieving what we want because of the disability. I understand your sentiment, but please don’t treat disability-especially acceptance of one’s disability-as inspiring. We are not here to lift your spirits. Please just be happy we’re doing well, and be hopeful for us and yourself in turn.
I've watched a number of your videos, including this one, and I just now noticed that you play the guitar upside down, with the higher strings above the lower strings. That's really cool and unique!
Imagine knowing this dude in school, knowing him for years, and then him finally feeling comfortable enough to show you his hand and you just being totally blown away by the fact that you never knew because how good he was at hiding it
What you thought was a hindrance as a child actually was your strength. You’ve accomplished more than most with a pair of “normal” hands. You should be proud of yourself. You’re an inspiration.
LOL, no it wasn't his strength. A disfigured hand is not a strength, don't talk nonsense out of your ass.
His hand isn't his strength. That's just demeaning. I refuse to accept that. His strength is in his character, in his fighting spirit and his willingness to overcome struggle. Not in a birth defect. Why can't we just respect his character instead of pretending his birth defect was in any way advantageous. If anything, people like him should serve as an inspiration and encouragement.
I dont know why youve put normal in double quotes. Yes not having a birth defect and having two hands with four fingers and a thumb is normal. Scientifically speaking it's completely normal
Not saying that he should be ashamed or anything, but pretending like whats normal isnt is stupid too
@@DefectivePieceofChalk I actually paid attention to the context of his video. He is saying that it hindered him in early life and people said weird things to him about it. He finally realized that he is talented even with the defect. From what I gathered from his video, dealing with all that, hiding his hand all the time, being embarrassed about it, seeing himself as different and eventually breaking through that barrier, actually made him a stronger person later in life, so, in a way, it IS a strength.
Yes. It's like clever contractors who turn mistakes into "features". The lemon/lemonade thing.
This is a kind of more wholesome version of the Iraq war vet who returned home without his face intact. He enjoyed spooking kids in the supermarket and laughing about it, sort of as a way to help the kid be less frightened.
Anyway, this guy's an incredibly good musician and entertainer.
I was also born with an abnormal left hand, and after hearing you describe how you used to hide it and avoided people noticing is something I feel every day, and im trying to work on self confidence, and seeing you overcome this really helps.
❤❤
You got this, mate. What matters isn't the hand you've been dealt, in your case quite literally, but in how you play it. Don't look at what you can't do, focus on what you can do.
Absolutely love your voice. Love your uniqueness too :)
You are a fantastic musician no matter how many fingers you have or don't have!
My wife was born with similar birth defects due to her mom taking Thalidomide. Both hands, both feet and blind in one eye. She taught herself how to type and worked for a bank for nearly 30 yrs until carpal tunnel became unbearable and she retired.
You have a great attitude and used your differentness to have a successful career. You are an inspiration.
as someone who was ruined by misophonia and lost all confidence, thank you for bringing back hope.
edit 30/11/2023 - the hope is lost again. i'm sorry this comment could not remain an inspiration but it's gotten worse than i could ever have possibly imagined.
Thanks so much, I'm so happy to hear that this was helpful. Have an awesome day : )
Hey
I've had misophonia on and off for some time (linked to other physical and psychological factors, I think).
So I'm just here to let you know I hear you. So many people have no understanding at all of what it is like.
I realize that I'm very fortunate that I don't experience it permanently, so I cannot say that I understand fully what you're going through, I can't imagine what that must be like.
What helped me immensely was intermittent fasting and some psych meds.
Maybe there's something that can help you too, though I know you've probably had a thousand suggestions and comments like these.
I deal with misophonia as well, it’s not an easy thing to live with and is poorly understood.
Well. I've added a new word to my vocabulary. I have sensory processing issues, some of them involving specific sounds, but not to the point that I've actively sought out a diagnosis. When I was growing up, my issues would have been considered behavioral rather than pathological. I was able to mask and cope. Fortunately.
I sympathize. I know the pain.
I went to school with a guy that had a similar hand. He was a great dude and I never noticed him let it slow him down. Love your music and thank you for putting this message out there to others
Your left hand is what gave a heart and essence to your channel!
Man, if this isn’t the strongest motivational thing I’ve seen or heard, I can’t name others that come close! While the internet is overflowing with “motivational gurus”, “life coaches”, and whatever else - so obviously full of crap - this video is genuine, hugely inspirational, and proof how far dedication and hard work can take you. Better than any course, textbook, or seminar. Thanks a lot for sharing! Easily deserves to be among the most watched videos on TH-cam.
Dude I'm 43 years old and I watch you and hear your story and I have to say you are pretty darn incredible. I'm nowhere even close to as talented as you are. Very well done sir!
It's absolutely admirable that it hasn't stopped you from becoming a great multi instrumentalist.
I've loved your videos and especially the PASSION you put into channelling bands like Maiden. It's what we all feel when we crank it up in our bedrooms. ROCK ON!
As a disabled person, I wish I could upvote you a lot more than once. You've made the most of your abilities. Watching one of your music videos I didn't even notice your left hand until near the end. You are an incredible musician, far better than I'll ever be & I have 2 complete hands. You're a perfect example of "never judge a book by its cover". Every single person alive or who has ever lived has had something wrong with them, whether it be physical or mental, insignificant or a major deal, noticed by others or internalised. We need to have the strength of character to overcome these "defects" & make the most of ourselves. It's not always easy but it's incredibly rewarding. Why lock away talent?
Dear Angela,
although I don't know you and althoug I'm more or less "normal", I ask you never to talk about a "disability" but to talk about a "special challenge". It's a question of mindset. YYou can be the winner over a challenge - with everything that is important for you - and that is the only value that really counts.
You don't need to be "best musician of the world" to be ...
You don't need to be "cool" to proove your world
No particiular sign to be compatible with....
(loosely based on prince)
Every courage and strength for you that you need to overcome your challenges.
thoughts shape words shape actions shape habits shape character. Take care of thoughts and words.
@andreasmaugg7717 Interesting concept, but have you thought how that sounds? You are telling a disabled person what to call themself? I know you are coming from a place of kindness, but it's incredibly patronising. That, by itself, is unkind. You're telling me that I am wrong in how I see myself, how I've struggled to manage to rationalise & accept my illnesses in order to survive.
The definition of disabled in the English language is "having a physical or mental condition that limits their movements, senses, or activities." That describes me perfectly, I have several chronic illnesses, any one of which will shorten my life, but put them all together & it's catastrophic for a human body. For over 10 years I have been confined to my bed, unable to lift my head off the pillow without fainting, unable to move my legs, sometimes unable to move at all. Sometimes I can't speak. At all times I struggle with loud sounds, bright lights, even someone wearing perfume or showering in something that triggers a fit, nausea, vomiting or fainting.
For my own sanity I've had to accept how limited my life has become, because when I fought it I kept getting depressed. The only way for me to survive was to accept my limitations & learn to live with them. I've had to stop all my old hobbies, because I simply can't do them. Instead I've found new things that occupy my mind & give me pleasure from the confines of my bed.
You remind me of my Dad. He thought he was being supportive by saying he admired me for being so strong, managing to stay happy & how he'd have killed himself if he'd been bed-bound for so long. He was basically saying that he found my life to be pointless. I don't, I know my own value. I know how I will leave a positive impression after I'm dead because I'm filling my limited life with meaning.
I am disabled, but that's only part of me. Disability is only a word, it's not something to be ashamed of. It's not a negative word. It's simply an adjective, not something that defines your whole life nor the only part of you that matters. It is what it is. It's not how I want to be but I'm not embarrassed to be this way, so why hide it? It's not even an important piece of information about me, in fact most people I deal with on a day today business don't even know I'm disabled, or they do but it's not important to how they view me. When people talk about me it's Angela, my teacher, or my friend Angela, or my daughter, or my counsellor, or my translator. It's never Angela, the disabled woman.
As for being a "winner over a challenge", I cannot win with this. There is no cure, there is no treatment, only medication to keep me alive & to minimise the physical, never-ending pain. If I look at it as a battle that I need to overcome, I'll be chasing an impossible dream, wasting my limited energy fighting for something that cannot happen with current human knowledge. That is a sure way to make me miserable & to leave me with poor mental health. Maybe one day there will be a cure, but that's for the future & I suspect I'll be long gone by then. I cannot win with regard my condition & one day it will be end of me, but until then I want to make sure I enjoy life in any way I can. I'm not going to play mind games with myself, tricking me in thinking everything will turn out perfect, because it won't. I'm a realist but that doesn't stop me from making the most of my life. I'm not afraid to say I'm disabled because, in my mind, I've already won the game, achieving what I'm achieving despite being as I am & knowing exactly what is happening to me. I will never let it grind me down, nor will I let it force me into looking for euphemisms to describe myself. 🙂
Angela, I'm sorry to have said the wrong words. You obviously know how it was ment and I hope you can keep it as that - the helpless trial to help someone feeling better.
As an able-bodied person I am also unable to upvote his video more than once ;)
@andreasmaugg7717 Andreas, I fully agree with your last sentence. 🙂
For some, taking ownership of a word that CAN have negative connotations makes it become a powerful tool. For me, acceptance of reality led to me being able to continue living, because fighting against it & trying to focus on fighting my poor health, always trying to find ways to get better, simply make me more ill. I've had to learn to roll with it, but it was a hard lesson to learn & took years. It had left me feeling a lot happier & with less danger of falling into depression.
There's an expression in English, horses for courses. It means that 1 idea can have 2 different meanings & outcomes to different people. For you, the word disabled is a negative, holding people back. For me, it's acceptance, able to face my demon head on & learn to live with it. Both are valid arguments & we all have to find a way to live at peace with our reality. We do what works for us. 🙂
You make me want to cry from pain that the world can be so cruel to a tender young mind, and cry with joy for my faith in humanity that you didn't let it stop you from anything. You sir, are cool AF.
I'm glad you never lost your creativity. It can be easy to lose it when surrounded by bullshit. You're really strong
Thanks so much for the kind words! : )
How can one man have so much talent? Well done Otu, your versions of hit songs are astonishing.
I have a hand defect too, but I got this from a fatal car accident. My wrist got crooked and this happened when I was 17. 28 years later, and I'm still playing guitar when I write songs and play bass for a bar cover band. I agree, these are not deficiencies, but enhancements. It boosted my will to overcome challenges and struggles that most people take for granted given they have complete, healthy limbs. The more I succeed in life, the more people won't take notice. Thanks for speaking up! More power to you! Keep inspiring people with your awesome works!
You survived a fatal car accident?
@@GG-ow3ke Maybe the other people involved did not
Never give up...the most crippling disability is lack of confidence.
Dude! I am so grateful you popped up in my suggestions. I was born with cerebral palsy. And in my case, that means I am in a wheelchair and my left arm has spasms and I have a hard time with coordination. I started playing the piano in lockdown. My progress is really slow. And I'm barely cording to accompany my singing. But I am glad I started. After almost 40 years of hearing that I will never be able to play anything. This was a very complicated way of saying. Thank you for being out here. Your presence is so encouraging to me.🖤
You have a group of us in Ireland who just found you and are blown away by your insane talent. We bow down to you sir!
I attended a wheelchair bodybuilding contest a few years back. I was expecting a pity party, but what I saw was mind blowing. These guys that had no use of their legs were absolute monsters. I couldn’t believe it. After that night, I could never come up with an excuse to not go to the gym, or to not do anything that was hard. You’re an inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
I watched a powerlifting meet once and this guy with no legs comes out to bench. His attempt was something like 250lbs or so I thought... I was like oh huh that's not bad for having no leg drive.... then I realize its freakin kilos... uhhh whoa
I have, I couldn't afford the gym dues.
My arms got so weak when I was in a wheelchair. Super impressive bodybuilding right there!
ooo them arms!! back and shoulders!!!! don't forget the torso ..hot stuffss!! lol
THIS is the type of content that should be shown in school, to show our children the potential of the mind to overcome obstacles. Thanks for uploading this and may you have the life you desire. Uplifting content right here.
Your channel just got recommended to me a few days ago. I lost my thumb and 2 fingers on my left hand in 1985. They were able to rebuild the fingers but they are very scarred and the fingertips are made from skin from my leg. I'm right handed and have been using excuses about my left hand being uncomfortable while trying to learn guitar.
Seeing what you do has inspired me to go back to guitar lessons. I'm going to do it, and it's because of your videos. Thank you sir!
The body is very adaptable - I had a pin in my wrist and my forearm on a cast for 6 months. I didn't let it stop me - gym, driving, relationships (made for a cool story - actually the cast and pin outlasted two relationships lol) - my left hand (non dominant) took most roles of writing, typing (somewhat) and using the mouse. 15 years later I can still swap a mouse into my left hand (same button configuration) without a problem. If I could do that, you can too. Probably more too, I have no musical/instrumental ability. Go you!
You are a living testament to how someone can take a handicap and turn it into a strength. Keep it up Otu, you are an amazing artist and creator. Keep doing what you are doing. You are very talented and an inspiration to many.
Nothing and I mean NOTHING but mad props to you and what you have accomplished. You are, without a doubt, inspiring tons of people.
Most musicians out there (myself included) wish we had a tenth of your talent. I’m sorry kids treated you like that growing up. You have an inspiring story, sir.
And so then how can this inspire other kids who may have the same (or worse) disability but also _don't have_ that talent? How is it going to help them?
Why don't we somehow get to a similarly huge audience a diversity of people with similar disabilities and varying talent levels?
@Shimrra Shai It can inspire them to realise that confidence exists within oneself and beyond cruel words from others. Practise with intent and with a healthy frame of mind, that will certainly help develop whatever talent they may have no matter how meagre. There are a lot of negative people out there, you for example. If there's any more mansplsaining required then just let me know.
As a fellow guitarist and metalhead, I know I won't be able to be as talented and skillful as you are with my age and daily routines. I salute you, man. You're an inspiration to many. I work as a Kindergarten teacher and I have unique students as well. And deep down, I know what they are now is not what they will be in the future. Keep doing those crazy cover songs with amazing arrangement, man. You're awesome!
Oh you won't? How can his not having a "proper" (scare quotes are there to _criticize_ the judgy idea of "normalcy") hand be less of a disability to him doing that than your little things are to you? What does that say about disability and what does that say about achievement and limitations? What does it say about other circumstances with people with similar disabilities who don't get as much? Maybe it means we shouldn't judge, and they should also get just as much exposure on youtube.
@@shimrrashai-rc8fq Dude. Relax. What I meant with "won't" is that I don't even have the time to hold a guitar for half-an-hour with my daily routines. I did not judge his "improper" hand. As a matter of fact, I salute him for focusing on what he is really interested in from a young age. Which I could never do because I got distracted a lot. So, no. No judgment at all. And at my age, catching up with my guitar skill is not really a priority. Nowadays, I play guitar only to relieve myself from stress.
@@amplifiedhyperventilatingf8374 I did not say you judged it. I wrote that post hastily though because this video was really stirring up my issues hard and maybe my emotion clouded the message / caused it to come across wrong.
Thanks, yes and your explanation makes sense! Good for you. Then I suggest what you need to do is make sure you are equally excellent at the things you have the most opportunity and inclination to practice.
Thank you. Maybe when I'm all settle in life and have more free time, I might catch up a bit. Cheers!
@@amplifiedhyperventilatingf8374 Sure. But remember, as I was trying to say, don't necessarily think it has to be the guitar - because what I'm really thrusting at is the same _level_ of excellence _translated_ to _whatever else_ you find intersects your talent and passion the most.
I am a left handed guy trying to learn Bass and when I saw your videos for the first time I just thought: Cool a left handed dude who is playing a whole lot of instruments.
Then I saw you playing right-handed instruments upside down and I was like "damn, I couldn't do that".
Then and only then I saw your hand!
I, as a finnish expat living in Norway and trained in classic music, love that you've mastered the First Violin Concerto of Sibelius (or at least what you show for half a second - not important, that you chose this piece is, what's important, shows your understanding of things!), that even many violin masters of our time shy away from.I admire your way to overcome your limitations and how you turn them to your strength - keep on doing the good work!!
Not born with a disability, but I lost my right arm 21 years ago. Been a drummer for 40 years though....and I still am ! 😎
Anything is possible if you really want to do it! 💪🏼
You are awesome and an inspiration! 🤘🏼
Another Rick Allen i see
Mate.. You have my eternal respect and so does Rick
I'm a guitarist, Been that way since i was 14 (i'm 49)
Haven't lost my arms but if i did ..... Fucking Goddammit i'd use my electronics skills and fucking build a new one so i could continue playing .............
I mean... i'd never resort to being a left handed player LOL
but yeah, i'd totally build a robotic arm, Probably Arduino based and i'd keep playing :P
i think you get to a point as a musician when its' clear that quitting is no longer an option and not even something you would even consider
@@martinkuliza wow im starting to realize how old my guitar is...
I found the Def Leppard drummer!
Cool, fly.
Without a device.
Wow. Keep on keeping on. That's fucking awesome that you don't let it stop you.
I have to leave a comment, it's not the same as you but my son has confidence issues due to his hidden disabilities, and believes he can't achieve as he's at a disadvantage compared to his peers....he is absolutely awestruck at how talented you are and how you play the guitar, drums ect with your enhancement, that he is now trying to do new things and push himself more out of his comfort zones..I had to leave a message to say thank you you don't know us but by sharing your story it really does help others and proves that life really is what you make it you just need to try xx
Otu, this brought tears to my eyes. Dude, you are an inspiration.
I can't imagine what it must have been like for you growing up, but I empathize with your struggle of feeling different and not fitting in. I had no birth defects, but I have still always been different somehow. At age 61 now, I still don't have my hands completely around it.
I confess that I was wondering what happened to your hand--not out of pity but from empathy. As you said--we all have our struggles, but if I knew you, I wouldn't ask, or at least not until I felt I had earned enough trust for you to share that. People are naturally curious, but some people are just disrespectful a-holes. They make themselves feel better in their own shitty lives by belittling and trying to put down and shame others.
I'm 61 now, been married 27 years, raised two boys, served a 20 year Navy career and then a follow on career. And I envy you your raw talent--as you said, it is your superpower. You have more musical talent in your left pinky finger than I have in my entire body. I believe and I think you have said you believe, what God shorted you on your left hand, I submit he more than made up in your talent and your spirit of perseverance. Despite what must have been a very difficult upbringing, you have come out of it with a positive can-do/WILL-do-or-FORGET-you spirit (that's the polite version).
My son likes Slayer and other metal, and my wife likes the B-52s, so I'm going to share these videos with them.
Rock on man!
OMG.... this completely blindsided me in the best possible way. I did NOT expect to be hit with an inspiration speech like THAT. I really really commend you for sharing your positivity like that. Thank you Utu!
I really appreciate it and thanks so much for the kind words as well as for sharing!
@@moonicproductions Sorry, I just realized I spelled your name wrong, Otu. :)
@@EternalSilence4ever it's all good! : )
You're a fucking legend and you never cease to inspire me. You're amazing, mate.
Thanks for the kind words Elijah!
You're probably one of the most ambitious people that I've seen.
Nevermind, you're the most ambitious. Keep doing with what you're doing, one day you will play the Sibelius violin concerto :)
Thanks so much for the kind words! Haha, now that's quite the goal : )
You are a shining example of "anything is possible, no matter the barrier in front of us". Thank you for being an inspiration for many others who think their physical, mental, or emotional issues should hold them back. You sure showed them! 😊👍
Man you are an inspiration.i’ve played guitar since I was 8 years old I’m now 51 and in the past few years my guitar skills have diminished because of some some injury to my hand, you have inspired me to fight through.God Bless you brother never stop.
Wish you power and success, mate!
Man if I had 1/10th of your musical ability, I’d be 10 times the guitar player I am now. Truly inspiring stuff
I just binged a lot of your videos, and I didn't notice it until this one. That's a testament to how good your music is. I was just enjoying the jams!
May I say, good sir, that you’ve become a hero to me. Thank you!
You. Are. AMAZING!
I’m inspired and uplifted by your dedication to your art and craft with an indomitable, positive spirit!
As a fellow musician/artist and music teacher, just stunning. I’ve never heard someone with such a wide-range of talent!
Honestly, I’ve never even noticed your hand. I was just concentrating on your awesome guitar playing and singing. I will be honest, what holds me back so much is my severe depression and anxiety. Stay awesome! 🔥🤘🏻❤️
I know a guy with the same deformity, he is unhappy with himself, never made nothing in his life, and I need to show him this video. You, sir, RULE! It's not about an ability or disability, it's what you do when you put your mind and a bit of effort to it. You are playing this game of life on a higher difficulty level.
You should definitely do that! You, and Otu, may already know the story but when future Black Sabbath guitarist lost finger tips on his right hand (the fretting hand for him as he played left handed) in a factory accident naturally he was really down and didn't think he could play again. But his boss played him a record of legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, who had lost the use of the ring and little fingers of his fretting hand, and the rest as they say is history!
You re not weird man, you are a rock legend. Amazing what you achieved instead of just victimizing yourself. I am a recent, but proud fan of your work. All the best!
Hey man, I just discovered your channel through reddit and I watched 5 or 6 videos before realizing that you were in the low 100s views, it's criminal for you not to be much much bigger! I am just happy to have discovered this gem! In a couple of years, I'll be saying that I have been following this channel since it had 3k subs. Amazing work!!
Wow, thanks so much for the kind words man, it really means a lot to me. Cheers!
You don''t need to explain. You are an inspiring artist.
Great vid and videos man :) My aunt was so disabled from birth, she could hardly talk, could not walk, could not even wheel herself around, but i tell you what, no one i ever met had a bigger heart than she did :) You are so right, everyone has a talent, even know she could not do much, she showed heart and fight all her life, Docs said she would not make it past her teens, she showed them at making it too almost 70 :) Never give up and do your best with what you have.
You are truly inspiration, and as a fellow musician, I have to give you mad props for being able to learn and play instruments, you are awesome and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise
Django Reinhardt was in an accident at 18 that left his left hand (the fretting hand) severely burned, and afterwards he was only able to use the first two of his fingers. So he simply invented a new and completely unique way of playing the guitar, far surpassed his previous skill, and became one of the greatest and most successful jazz guitarists of all time. I highly recommend his music by the way, his playing is delightful and brilliant.
Tony Iommi lost two parts of a couple of fingers and went on to become a doom god.
You are awesome! Loved your Rammstein version of "You Spin Me Round"!!!
"But in the end, the only person who's gonna decide this fate, is you" - a little louder for those in the back!
Just found your videos the other day, and I'm bingeing them, and having a blast! Keep them coming, you have a lot of talents!
Your honesty is uncommon, disarming, BRILLIANT and breathtaking.
The only true handicap in life is a bad attitude. You embody that phrase. BRAVO and well done, sir
Well said my friend.
I honestly didn't notice until about 5 videos in and other than noticing I didn't think about it other than that's just how you're built. I highly respect you making a video like this and taking something that was an insecurity to you and turning it into a really beautiful, inspiring and positive message for hundreds of thousands of people to see.
What a video man, short but straight to the point!
Well done!
Thanks so much Edgar!
I didnt even notice this and I've watched so many of your videos! You are incredibly talented. Thank you for sharing this part of your story.
You are just an amazing person. I watch all of your videos with my jaw on the floor watching your multi instrumental awesomeness. Your ability to completely recompose older songs and play them with all the instrumental nuance, vocal mimicry and musical style of other bands is a one of a kind talent. You're hysterically funny, and You and God only know how hard you've worked over the years to become such an incredible musician and composer. I will not say you're "gifted" as learning an instrument doesn't come from a gift.....but years of hard work, discipline and practice.
You're one of the most inspirational people I've ever encountered and you truly are a blessing and a gift to the entire world. You're AWESOME Otu. The sky is the limit for a man of your MASSIVE talents. Keep doing what you're doing as you probably have no idea of how many smiles YOU put on the faces of people all over the world. I'm just one of them.
Accept, adapt, overcome, succeed. You're truly an inspiration and I love your music.
Simply amazing, musical genius. BTW your singing is just insane!
Keep it real dude, you are a big inspiration for me and many.
I am so glad you have not hidden your hand for a long time. Keep it out for all of our sakes. I knew a guy with a hand like that at high school. I remember shaking his hand when I met him the first time. He mentioned a few years later how he appreciated the gesture.
I like that in your videos you don't hide your hand, Otu. It tells people that it's no biggy, and it isn't. You're still outgoing and confident, regardless of your birth enhancement, which I love to see. (Not to mention entertaining, funny and a bloody awesome musician.)
Thanks so much for the kind words, it means a lot!
I literally just found your channel through this video popping up on my recommendeds. I gotta say man. Going back through what you have done, I have an absolutely huge amount of respect for you. You're an inspiration. I appreciate you and I look forward to all the wonderful content I will be seeing as I watch all the videos I have missed not being a part of this community sooner.
Lol, I got in my recommend as well
His story is rather inspiring
Let's go!
Loved this vid - used your tutorials to go about buying my midi keyboard, interface, etc almost a year ago. Really appreciate your content and this video is no exception
Thanks so much Kevin, really appreciate it!
Don't know what to say except, holy shit dude you're an inspiration.
Hats down to you my friend, you are definitely a positive roll model and I love your creative twist on music. Being different is a good thing. Keep up the good work!!
I had a childhood friend who was born with no left hand from the wrist. He plays amazing guitar. I'll always be in awe of how people use what they got.
*You are incredibly skilled. I love your videos. I mean no insult, but your left hand reminds me of the top of Gandalf's staff. (Which is the coolest staff I've seen). Very druidic.* ❤
And let's not forget that some big stars in the music industry succeeded with only half a brain. Truly an inspiration for all of us 🙏
LOL! Really-- out loud!
Lmao
"you're killing me, Smalls." 🙂
Entire musical genres were formed around this deformity. That truly is inspiring.
Like Kurt Cobain.
You’re awesome bro. I’m glad you regained your confidence and achieved success. Take care!
You're such a massive inspiration to me and the whole world! Thank you very much for sharing your story with us!
Beautiful! You are a beautiful soul! Thank you for sharing this kind message!
You are an example for many! Keep on rocking my dude!
I’m so happy to hear your story and how you became so successful by not letting this difference drag you down, but finding new ways to do things. The most creative and talented people are the ones who have to overcome their own challenges.
This is so inspiring, brings tears to my eyes. After I saw all these amazing versions of songs where you're singing and playing instruments...you are a revolution!
I bet this channel will grow to one of the biggest ones if you just delight us fans, and keep doing what you do! Im a massive fan and so is my whole family!