Does anyone have any advice for an older beginner electric guitar player who uses a wheelchair?

Question

I just found this forum and figured I would ask a question that has hindered my progress in playing the guitar for quite some time. I've been struggling for awhile now with finding a correct way to hold my electric guitar while sitting in my wheelchair and even sitting in a bed. I had been bed bound do to health issues for awhile now, but am now able to begin sitting in my wheelchair. I have struggled trying to learn while sitting in bed with little success. I am hoping to have better luck in my wheelchair. My chair does have arm rests but they can come off.

I feel I will have to raise the neck of the guitar to prevent my wrist from folding into an awkward and painful position, but for whatever reason as soon as I place my hands around the neck, my thumb always wants to turn sideways pointing towards the headstock. When I correct my thumb position it feels very strenuous. Is this a normal feeling for someone learning the guitar? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

Having the guitar on its strap is the first consideration. Then, it's in the right position l-r on your body. How high it is, is up to you, and needs experimenting with. The angle of the neck is somewhat a personal choice, and doesn't have to be horizontal. If it fits better pointing upwards, so be it - but downwards isn't a good idea.

Your thumb? Well, you actually don't need it much - a lot of players think they do, but even for barre chords, there's little need to press hard on the back of the neck with that thumb. Unless your guitar isn't well set up with a reasonably low action, and not-too-tight strings.

EDIT: it occurred to me that the guitar doesn't have to be played as most of us do. There are several players who rest it on their lap, and play in a similar way to a lap steel guitar. Some playing using hammer-ons with both hands, in roughly a 'piano-playing' style, if that makes sense. You could consider learning (re-learning?) to play thus. It's another feasible option. Google Jeff Healey.

Answer 2

1. I know the problem of the thumb. One solution is: I don't use it. Or if it's needed you keep the neck down just for those chords.

2. Then your question reminds me to the difficulties I have to use the tablet when I am in bed. There are some I-pad stands that could also be useful for the keeping the guitar on the board of the wheelchair. google: Ipad stands

3. I'm trying to play my Euphonium solos for euphonium playing with the right hand the volves of the instrument and with the left hand the accompaniment by chords on the piano. There I need not only one brace but two or three. Maybe this could be a solutione also for keeping the guitar in a special position.