[agent0064life]

Hey all. Got another question for you. My fingers are double jointed (can bend the opposite way to a certain point), and was wondering if this would be an advantage or not, or if I would have to play certain chords differently. If you don't know what I mean, I have to press down the exact way or my fingers bend back the other way sometimes and rest the higher string. But at the same time, this could be useful in bar chords if I can develop enough muscle strength in my fingers to be able to do that.

Any double jointed guitar players here that could offer their opinion?

[solidwalnut]

Originally Posted by agent0064life

Hey all. Got another question for you. My fingers are double jointed (can bend the opposite way to a certain point), and was wondering if this would be an advantage or not, or if I would have to play certain chords differently. If you don't know what I mean, I have to press down the exact way or my fingers bend back the other way sometimes and rest the higher string. But at the same time, this could be useful in bar chords if I can develop enough muscle strength in my fingers to be able to do that.

Any double jointed guitar players here that could offer their opinion?

Well, I'm not double-jointed but I can tell you that that being so would certainly be advantageous! There is no 'right' way of making chords. The only 'right' way is possibly finger to fret assignments. Other than that---

Steve

[agent0064life]

Originally Posted by solidwalnut

Well, I'm not double-jointed but I can tell you that that being so would certainly be advantageous! There is no 'right' way of making chords. The only 'right' way is possibly finger to fret assignments. Other than that---

Steve

Well if I could prevent it from happening when I want to it would be.

[Bennett]

About the only disadvantage I could see would be if your hypermobility (or joint laxity) is associated with poor muscle control, thereby leading to joint instability.

If this were the case you might have difficulty when fretting individual strings where good joint control is important.

Otherwise, hypermobility -- and hyperextension in particular -- would be a great advantage especially for the dreaded A-shape barre chords.

[solidwalnut]

Originally Posted by agent0064life

Well if I could prevent it from happening when I want to it would be.

Ok. Well, be patient. You just started the journey. The old saying is that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I'm not suggesting you don't consider trying to control the double jointedness. I'm suggesting to not be in despair if you can't. You might find the advantages.

The guitar can be played by anyone with most any physical handicaps. The story of the famous Django Reinhardt is that he was terribly disfigured in a fire. He not only lost the use of two fingers but the main tendon that runs from his had to his wrist was melted so the hand was curled. But he became one of the most celebrated guitarists of the first part of the 20th century. It's an interesting story.

http://www.redhotjazz.com/django.html

Just be encouraged that you will prevail. You'll either find info to control it, or not! You'll learn to turn your particular set of circumstances to your advantage.

Steve