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Playing banjo with missing or nonfunctional fingers

Sunday, March 10, 2024 @10:07:19 AM

The March Issue of "Bluegrass Unlimited" magazine features an article about the bluegrass background of Grateful Dead rocker Jerry Garcia. What struck me about the cover is that the painting of the young Jerry seems to show that he has all five fingers on his right hand. Actually, Jerry lost most of his middle finder due to a childhood hatchet mishap. So he learned to play bluegrass banjo with his thumb, index, and ring fingers.

He is one of a group of professional banjo players who have overcome challenges of missing or non-functional fingers to have or continue successful musical careers. Many have developed unique styles because of their handicap and have added to the rich tapestry of bluegrass music.

I have played the banjo for a long time, but as I have moved into my 80’s, arthritis in my hands has threatened to limit my playing of the music that I love. As a result, my list of banjo heroes has adjusted to include banjo pickers succeeding to work through obstacles. These folks should be recognized for their contribution to bluegrass and their inspiration to folks like me who are dealing with their own issues.

My banjo heroes list includes Jerry Garcia, of course, but also Nick Hornbuckle, Tom Adams, Eddie Adcock, Dave Hum, Barry Abernathy, and Emory Martin (one armed banjo player touring with Uncle Dave Macon). I am sure there are many others.

These folks should be recognized for their contribution to bluegrass and their inspiration to folks like me who are dealing with their own issues.

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