Playing Chords Without Use of Thumb

johnnysmash

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I am looking for ideas, suggestions as to how to play all chords on ukulele without using my thumb. Using my thumb to form chords causes great pain and without surgery it cannot be corrected according to the doctor. He even went as far to say that it was only a 50-50 chance of surgery solving the problem.

So far I plan to try getting my baritone ukulele set up properly. That may help some. I am also wondering if I play it as an electric, it has a plug built in, would I need less pressure to sound the notes? I have also considered playing on a tenor as well since it is slightly smaller and might compensate enough for me to reach some chords that presently cause pain. I could play on both, depending on what worked best.

At present I play most chords with the base of my thumb pressed against the neck. However, when I have to reach three or four frets to get a note sometimes I have pain.

I am open to any and all suggestions. Thank you.
 
I assume that it is the counter pressure of the thumb behind the neck that causes the pain. One way to avoid that is by placing the ukulele on your lap with some support for the neck so your fingers press straight down. Jeff Healy did this with guitars, and of course all the lap steel instruments have square necks and are designed for this. Though the lap steels are played with a steel/slide and not so much with fingers.
 
You could finger the chords with your other hand, i.e. play in a left-handed position if you're a righty.

Have you thought about getting a second opinion on the surgery? I tore a ligament in my left thumb that made doing almost anything painful (including playing the uke). The first surgeon I consulted said he couldn't do a satisfactory repair. I got a second opinion, had surgery 16 months ago, and my thumb works great. Both docs were hand specialists.
 
If I had surgery, it would be much more than just the thumb. I have broken C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6 disks due to old age. I will be 80 in May 14th this year. To do surgery on only the thumb would not cure the problem because much of the pain comes from the cervical area. I do not want surgery, especially since there is no 100 percent chance of success. All three doctors do agree that therapy off and on can help control the pain as can avoidance. Only one recommended surgery to fix the problem. I was told by the doctor who recommended surgery to keep my chin up off of my chest. Too turn my body instead of my head. That I should wear my neck brace as much as possible. All three agree that if I do not aggravate the injury that I will have very little pain. They are correct about that. Back in November I used my thumb and played guitar all I wanted. I ignored the pain until one night I found myself sitting on the edge of the bed screaming in unbearable pain. I just recently completed therapy and acupuncture. Two months of every day for about two hours plus and insurance does not want to pay for the treatment. However, the treatment did reduce and finally stopped all the pain. Therapy consisted of some serious massage to the effected area followed by acupuncture, followed by a thing that pulls your head and releases over and over for about thirty minutes. For the last month I have been avoiding using my thumb and holding my head up correctly. Very little pain, however, I want to play a lot on ukulele and maybe tenor guitar plus I play piano so I want to learn how to do so without hurting myself.

I have thought of playing the ukulele flat like a lap steel and just fingering by pressing down. I have not yet tried it. I play mostly chord melodies and some finger picking.
 
There is something called a uke chord changer at ukechordchanger.com that might help you. I have back pain from scoliosis along with shoulder bursitis that flares up. I swear by turmeric supplements and hot pepper cream along with a tens unit (inexpensive on Amazon). All help with pain and inflammation. I hope you can figure out your situation. It’s so frustrating when our bodies get in the way!!
 
I started a reply that I trashed, because it was focusing on things like use of heat, cold, topical products, and so on. I don't think you're asking about that type of thing, now that I look back at your post.

Have you tried different ukuleles with different necks? For myself, I do find that makes a difference. If you have access to a store with a few different ukuleles, you might have a chance to try thicker vs. thinner necks, wider vs. narrower necks, radius vs. flat necks, and so on.

The weight of the ukulele might also make a difference for you. Just one more thing to experiment with, if you can. There are some very lightweight ukuleles, and some that are a heavier build.

Since your neck is also involved, you might experiment with different straps, (or no strap at all, though that might be harder on your thumb?), and see if that makes a difference. There are some versions of straps that would allow you to not have pressure on the neck, IIRC. I think there is a way to use a uke leash that avoids the neck, and there might be one or 2 other straps that would accomplish a similar goal.

Have you looked into something like Alexander Technique? I haven't tried it, but know some professional musicians who find it very helpful to avoid pain.

Do you have less pain with finger picking than chord melody style? Maybe the style of playing will make a difference for you, too.

I hope that you find a solution and can play without pain.
 
I'm learning to play lap steel. It's no uke, but a total blast and a half for me as I discover how it works. If I ever was up against such circumstances as you, I'd certainly take it up full-time as a bittersweet compromise. Best of luck.
 
Boy, that's a tough go. :( Hope you get it figured out. I have no advice.
 
Johnny, I have some ideas with regards to the required technique for playing either thumb-free or with the absolute minimum amount of thumb pressure. They're too long-format to be appropriate for the forum, but I'd be glad to share them with you at no cost via Skype. PM sent.
 
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Johnny, I have some ideas with regards to the required technique for playing either thumb-free or with the absolute minimum amount of thumb pressure. They're too long-format to be appropriate for the forum, but I'd be glad to share them with you at no cost via Skype. PM sent.

Hello, Thank you for your offer. Sorry for taking so long to answer. I am not ignoring you. I have just been busy. I am suppose to be retired but, but, but. Oh well, life goes on. I have skype and need to learn to use it. My wife has to slow down long enought to each me more computer and skype. I was never introduced to cell phones, computers, etc until I was in my late sixties. I just turned eighty and still prefer pen and paper for communication. I just picked up my birthday present yesterday in Bangkok. A Melokia Tenor Ukulele, solid Arcacia Wood. gCEA. Not sure yet but I think that g will change to a G. My old brain does not recognize that ping where there should be a low mellow sound. I will let you know when I get up and running on skype.
 
Johnny,

Congratulations on the new 'ukulele. I was glad to read in the other thread that you were finally able to locate a good instrument within your budget. I've never played a KPK/Melokia myself, but the general consensus on UU is that they provide excellent value.

Low G versus high G....I have two 'ukuleles specifically so I can tune one low G and the other high G....now I just need another two ukes to keep in slack key tunings. :music:

Johnny, if you would prefer, I could look into posting a private or unlisted youtube video and PMing you once it's up.
 
Johnny, if you would prefer, I could look into posting a private or unlisted youtube video and PMing you once it's up.

That sounds good if not too much trouble.

Question, is it possible to play a tenor tuned C G E A? So far, my old head just does not care for the higher pitch note on the 4th string. I have already put a classical guitar string on the 4th string to change the g to G. I think I have played guitar too long. I like the lowest sounding note on the bottom.

I tried strumming and it sound OK with the g and with G. However, to play chord melodies and fingerpicking the Gg sounds out of place to my mind.
 
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