Health Update / Guitar Playing Future

It hasn't been fun, but I have learned some lessons. Please help support the channel by using my Sweetwater affiliate link: sweetwater.sjv.io/75D9DQ
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Chords of Orion - Ambient guitar is life
Bill Vencil - Guitars
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[@thatguyreiji1045]

I put down the guitar for about 3 years now. It was coping tool for me. I could get lost in ambient composition for hours, even just the sound of droning brought me peace. Nothing else ever came close to it. That yearning has surfaced once more. I miss that tool. I never planned to be famous playing guitar but just enjoyed the idea of creating music out of nothing. Glad to hear you're in good health. Keep on keeping on🙏🏾

[@brubakersflatcakes9755]

Good to hear you're back on it. Guitar has been the true love of my life. I could go on but I'll spare you. Cheers.

[@fergusryan1486]

Toning with the voice, perhaps? Our own inner resonances - using the best synthesiser ever designed by Nature... wishing you sweet harmony :)

[@modularcuriosity]

Thank you for this. 40 years ago I was in an accident which caused the loss of my right hand little finger and loss of motion in my right hand ring finger. That didn't stop me from playing. 12 years ago I shattered my left elbow. I now have a metal plate, 9 screws, and a prosthetic radial head replacement. It was tough, but I didn't stop playing. For the past year or so I've been dealing with depression and THAT has stopped me playing. Two massive physical traumas didn't do it. Mental trauma did. So thank you for reminding me that I should use my gift of music and take care of myself. Really, thank you.

[@flashpadxxx]

Im fiighting too...depression and generell anxiety... stay strong my friend

[@thesjkexperience]

I have a similar story. Died 7 years ago when an F150, drove over me, shattered my scapula, broke 9 ribs which punctured both lungs. My wife knows to hand me my favorite Strat when the storm clouds gather. Expressing the pain, or any emotion, is what our instruments are there for. Therapists every one of them! I wish you well!

[@mattlefler9854]

I"ve been there on the mental side. I'm kinda there now. I wish you the best.

[@BarryGrueter]

Bill, glad to know you are healing and I always want to play music. I'm 71 and got my first song released this week. Music is a passion of mine. Thanks for sharing yours with us all.

[@chris_bern]

Great! You are an example for many keep at it

[@jerrycharles66]

Barry, this is really encouraging. Glad you're pursuing your passion at 71. I still haven't released my first but am working on it!

[@cmd_f5]

anywhere we can hear the track? Always looking for new tunes :)

[@BarryGrueter]

@@chris_bern thanks 🙏

[@alanthorne3921]

My health is terrible with just sheer exhaustion due to vascular disease.I have hardly got the strength to plug in my guitar let alone normal day things.However I am due for an operation shortly which may or may not be successful.The worst case being I will just be the same and just gradually go downhill.But thanks to my vivid imagination I have everything from short concise songs to sweeping soundscapes in my head.I also have a synth app on my iPad which fiddle with in bed.I still get out and play small gigs playing a fretless bass with an acoustic trio locally.But I’m exhausted and fatigued after.I say to everyone life is too short get out there and do it before it’s too late.I know I should have.Your vid Bill was inspirational.I hope to bounce back and explore my latest purchases,a Strymon cloudburst,t c electronic thunderstorm and a new Mex Fender Strat that I bought six months ago.cheers

[@HewittH]

April 27, 2024 marked 40 years as a player for me! But back in 2019, I had a major surgery followed by six months of chemotherapy. At the end of that, the nerve damage (toxic neuropathy) was so significant that if I put my hand in my pocket, I couldn't tell you if there were coins in there, or a pick, or anything. It was terrible! I still feel a tiny bit of tingling in my palms but I can play again. I appreciate it so much. Things I used to think were uninteresting to play, I now bask in the joy they bring!

[@ChrisMHall]

Good to hear you are on the mend. A world without your guitar playing would be a poorer place. Wise words as ever Bill.

[@bluepedalsrock9271]

The ambient guitar story telling here was so compelling and powerful. I’m happy that you’re (slowly but surely) feeling better.

[@spork297]

this man is so unique and should be treasured at all cost.

[@mattsmith1809]

I had ulnar nerve transposition surgery a year ago for similar problems. It's taken me about a year but I'm playing the guitar every day now. You're absolutely right when you say don't take anything for granted. I hope your recovery goes well 👍

[@ChuckW]

Bill, I am so glad the cubital tunnel release is showing positive results. It is a long road. I had this surgery twice and the only cure is to keep going! From other injuries, I can no longer play drums, which was my main instrument, and your statement on appreciating gifts is incredible to hear! No truer words spoken. A lil PS - ADAPT and AMEND! If you reach the point of no longer being able to play, find a way to play. There's no rules. This is why I now play guitar. Was I supposed to give up, LOL? Sorry to hear your bad news man, but you sound well and I can't wait to hear years upon years more of your music :)

[@robbiejguitarist]

Been following your channel for a while, was very interested in this video as I too have (mild) cubital tunnel as well. No surgery, but does seem to have been getting better over the last couple of years. I'm left with a 3rd finger of my right hand that isn't quite functioning as I would hope, but playing music still gives me immense pleasure. Loved your message at the end.

[@brubakersflatcakes9755]

Glad to hear you're on the mend. That was a great story with your backing track. You are the Bob Ross of ambient guitar, and that's a good thing.

[@paulzodiacxl4238]

I’m waiting for cubital tunnel surgery in my fretting hand. It’s terrifying not to be able to play 6 string guitar. Your take on this is absolutely spot on. Enjoy every moment that you are able to play.

[@thesjkexperience]

Funny, I had a nerve test myself today. My feet are a mess, but acupuncture, massage, Rolfing have kept my hands in good shape. I have just a bit on my left thumb, But I was a ski racer and have "skiers thumb" where my thumb has been nearly torn off several times. It's starting to haunt me. Some days I play slide and that's WAY better than nothing! I have Viking heritage and have also avoided the trigger finger that runs in the family. Spend $50 a month to get your hands and forearms massaged. Your hands are athletes! Treat them as such and they will last longer. Hope you continue to heal well and can keep playing!

[@kotznr8793]

Damn!...this has touched me deeply....I'm realize now I'm wasting my gifts and my free time. So I have a good health now for playing instruments and sing, and it's time to play!!. Thanks for the advice!!

[@ANDYROBINSONFOLK]

good to know that you are making progress with your recovery. That sound you have there is just awesome. long may it continue.

[@burttheburger]

Damn Bill, that sounds like a guitar players nightmare. You will beat this in the butt and I hope you experience complete recovery!

[@scottcarpenter701]

My brother compressed his hand into his wrist (back in high school). He had pins, a halo ring around his forearm and hand.. When that was through, he re-started his playing. I'll certainly say: Its was as key in the therapy chain. glad to hear you're doing well!

[@ericskinner7355]

So glad you are doing better! I'm glad that you have also acknowledged that in comparison, there are people who are much worse off than you. I also like that you "tucked" these other doctors away, and found one that actually helped you! I have stories that will make someone lose their faith in our health care system.✌️

[@themotioncodemarc]

Hey there I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your Content over the years and still do of course. I will regale you a story and it involves a similar situation happening to me except it was with my fretting hand. I fell down on my wrist on an ice patch quite a long time ago and I was working at a pizza place. Now I didn’t think much of it at the time and went to the doctors about initially it but at one point I fell asleep on my arm and my hand was dead for over a year it literally made me incredibly depressed and eventually at one point I started looking up stretching exercises and basically did physiotherapy for myself and took me about seven years of unlearning bad habits and relieving strain. I was told I was going to need surgery I opted out of that and decide to keep doing that and I will gladly let you know that my hand is much better now. I am back to playing guitar and enjoying it like I used to when I was younger. Moral of my story is there’s not always just one solution and always stretch before playing folks.

[@stevewise3286]

Thank you, Bill, for modeling for us personal responsibility, initiative and persistence in directing your own health care. There is wisdom in the old phrase, "get a second opinion." The seventh doctor I consulted was the first willing to order the biopsy that confirmed I had cancer. Happily it was slow-growing and was surgically removed. Keep making music!

[@texanfournow]

You are awesome, with or without a guitar. I have had Type 1 diabetes for 60 years and also had open-heart surgery. I have been near death several times. I tell people, ask 1,000 doctors and you will get 1,000 opinions. Glad you found a good one. Meanwhile, I keep hacking away at my guitars, pedals, and amps. I love it, even if it annoys others.

[@englishcountryliving448]

Fingers crossed Bill. We need you back on full song. M.E knocked me off my perch. My channel is my way of focusing on the fight back. Take care!

[@georgesabitpol]

I have seen a lot of nerve inflammation since the roll out of some injections. Just saying. In any case, I wish you the best recovery

[@motosportadv8177]

Glad your operation went well and found a good specialist, scary things happen when we get old 😅

[@macsarcule]

Bill! I’m so glad you were able to learn what it was and get treatment! I had the very same thing, the nerve pinch was in my neck as you mentioned. My doctor recommended physical therapy and massage therapy. It was a long slow way back, it took almost a year for the numbness to leave and to rebuild the function in that “finger and a half.” Thinking of you, it can be a long haul and wishing you peace and patience with yourself. ✌️😌🎸

[@fredholland7525]

Thanks so much for sharing this. I have not had any physical issues for composing/playing music. I get into a "funk" where the desire is just not there. That is kind of common, but since my brothers death in 2021 it happens more often. I'm 64, and started watching your videos some 6 years ago. They are always a benefit, and today it is even more so. Thaks again for the knowledge, encouragement and wisdom you have been sharing. It means a lot.

[@giovannibonapace4250]

I don't take anything for granted one bit ... i feel blessed i can express through music ... yes we all have crosses to carry n everything is so impermanent .... 🕉️🙏🕉️

[@natashanyxx9486]

I have very intense pain in both thumbs from arthritis. I understand. Get well soon, Bill 💜

[@waynefelkey9821]

Sadly, I can relate. Very fortunately my physical medicine doctor found a solution. In my case it was the left hand. A drug regiment of LDN helped relieve most of my symptoms. I’m back playing at least an hour a day. Hang in there.

[@isolateddemon9438]

BEST WISHES.YOU'LL GET OVER IT.SIR IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE SOME TUTORIALS IN YOUR CHANNEL?THANKS IN ADVANCE👍🏻

[@qrstuvwxyz_]

Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you are healing! I was diagnosed with the same issue in my early 30s and took a couple of years to fully heal on its own. I had it in both hands and was very hard for me to not only play guitar, but work. I got bad hand cramps where the fingers would curl up which became quite painful. I did a lot of physio and exercises as I was not too keen on surgery, and eventually the feelings in my fingers came back. I still get numbness from time to time (and cramps) but not as bad. As you mentioned, can bring about depression!

[@wibblewabblewoo6249]

So glad to hear, I love your music! In Nov 2020 I broke my left elbow really badly and thought I might not play piano properly again. Fortunately, despite very restricted movement, I can now again (nearly!) play all of the Ravel I used to love playing, and no I don’t take it for granted (I’m atheist so I’m not thankful in the religious sense you are, but totally relieved and won’t take it for granted!) ☺️

[@MrRiverlord999]

A great video! I tore the biceps (97%) in May 2016. It took me a long time to recover and build up the strength in my arm and, even today. I can’t play so long in any session. The experience helped me be thankful and appreciate the gift that I have been given❤

[@markwalker2949]

Glad for you recovery! Had a rotator cuff issue that caused me to only play lap steel for a while. Physical therapy brought me back. You are right about using your gifts while you can! It can be along road back! Love your music.

[@DennyBob521]

I cant imagine after 43 years not being able to play. I pray for your recovery.

[@fergusryan1486]

Recommend T'ai Chi Chuan or Chi Kung as supportive exercise - the pathway down the arm across the percussion of the hand that you indicated is the 'Earth' meridian in Chinese medicine 5-element theory. If you find a teacher you resonate with this may be useful :) Following my neurosurgery I used visual observation of left hand chord shapes to help re-connect neural pathways and regain the use of my left arm. We may well be 'fragile' human beings as you say - simultaneously we are also infinitely powerful creators. Thankyou for your story and for celebrating the power and beauty of our creations ❤‍🔥

[@peptoattack]

I wasn't expecting your conclusions/advice. You're so right. I'll try not to take this ability for granted and avoid acting like I have 500 years ahead of me. Time to hit the studio. Oh and by the way, I hope you get to 100% of recovery!

[@4034miguel]

Even when you speak "aggressive" your voice is soothing and relaxing as your music. Hope we can continue learning from your videos and learning your music.

[@mikegourley411]

Glad to hear you are healing! I had a really bad dog bite 7 years ago on my pick hand. Couldn't hold a pick or have any real control for about 9 months. I started doing open tunings and just kept working in hopes of regaining control. Glad you kept going to different doctors until you got what you needed.

[@effdpaul1815]

I've been experiencing the symptoms from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Borderline) for over 30 years now. I've had to radically change my guitar and bass playing positions. After several trigger finger releases, I've had very strange symptoms when I work with fine motor movements of either hand ... feels like a string or wire is snapping over a nerve in certain positions. The nerves that you refer to can compress at the neck, elbow as you say, and the wrist (carpal tunnel). The nerve can compress in one or more of those areas. I think that I will have no choice to move forward with my situation soon. It's amazing that I've avoided the surgery for 30 or more years. Good luck on your convalescence and PT.

[@dillpring]

If you don't already, you should do some guided mediation recordings, your playing and voice are PERFECT for it. I feel you on the right hand woes, been dealing with a wrist injury for over two years now that stopped my visual art career in it's tracks, but it has pushed me back heavy into music, my first true love. I have to play modified and for shorter periods now, but I won't stop until I'm dead. If I became a quadriplegic, I'd play keys with my nose and control the computer with facial recognition software. I hope you keep seeing steady progress.

[@sterlingmcvay2469]

I appreciate this INSIGHT AWARENESS... , I'm getting older, having some 'issues', but I try to Stay Very Aware and I try to use Preventative Methods, as much as Realistically possible

[@antico.2757]

All the best to you Bill!

[@desmondtutu7916]

Wishing you all the best!

[@VirginiaWolf88]

I'm happy to hear that you are doing better Bill. It seems like you are doing great. Thank you for the update and the advice as well. I look forward to your future music and videos.

[@planzed.2]

I needed to see this man. Thank you. I have a deteriorating spine injury, mid 50s & this last winter was tough, I feel like a different person almost nowadays. Struggling to play for any length of time coz of pain in the spine & nerve pain/numbness/burning etc around my body. Getting lost in the music is really affected by it, like a simple thing of how your body might move when playing rhythm or keeping time, I can’t move the same at all & now my rhythm playing is awful 😂 I laugh but I definitely hit depression at times. I’m experimenting with ways to keep going with it though & this video hit at a good time. Thanks again & glad you’ve made improvements.

[@jmiller8051]

Great news! Appreciate the update and I hope your recovery continues to good health

[@seraphimipx2611]

all the best man! nothing is granted! glad to hear you are getting better!

[@tonepilot]

Glad to hear things are improving. This must be a relief.

[@ohmtronseedling]

glad to see you are on the mend! thanks for posting.

[@WithStringedInstruments]

I am glad to hear that you have significant improvement. I am currently experiencing a problem with my left ring finger known as trigger lock. Music has always been a big part of my life. It is painful but I still have mobility. I have an appointment with a hand specialist in two weeks.

[@kenfixes2908]

Great news! Glad you're on the mend..hope in the future you get better 🙏

[@djroeable]

I feel your pain ….I am in my late 60’s and have similar issues. viz: Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve damage) , Osteoarthritis and all sorts of other problems …mainly self inflicted in my younger years….BUT , I have found a really good practitioner of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, and bingo, it has really helped, and whilst I still have most of the above , it has not stopped me playing. I have had to adapt a lot , and change my style etc. but playing and music in general is my meditation .. I am not knocking conventional medicine etc, but I really have found ‘alternative’ therapies to help the most … Take care. Dave in the UK

[@BrentAdams]

Congrats on the improvements, and prayers for continued & complete healing.

[@charliebrown8167]

Glad things are getting better, good luck with your recovery! Thank you for sharing with us. Wise advice.

[@TheBiggerNoise]

Thanks for sharing; hope your recovery continues

[@stevesmith3990]

That's good to hear Bill, and a lovely message too - thanks.

[@woeskooma]

Incredible video. I needed it. Thanks.

[@smandez2023]

Love the “story telling” and how you expressed your various emotions through the guitar too. Isn’t that really what this is all about? So glad to hear you are getting better Bill! ❤

[@CraigAllenMusic]

Glad to hear this Bill!

[@RobsGuitar2319]

Praying for you! Love your videos, God bless you

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

Made me smile to hear you’ve made good progress, and that you’re adapting. Well done matey

[@samseitz9937]

So glad your hand is recovering! You have brought me so much inspiration over the years. I hope you continue to recover with much less frustrations

[@charlarge3555]

Glad to hear you’re doing better! Sending great energy and healing your way!🙏🏻🫶🏻

[@dykeneuk]

God bless you. You’re a huge encouragement.

[@CircleOfTheSeptagram]

Fantastic news. Congratulations!

[@whispereddusk]

Thanks for update, Bill! I am happy that you are getting better. Much love

[@RossBraccoMusic]

I’m glad to hear it. I enjoy your work and am currently working with the “Frippertronics” ideas you illustrated in another video. Best wishes for recovery!

[@michaelbradley8937]

Thank you very much Bill - I greatly appreciate your perspective and message!

[@randmockguitars4079]

Good to hear your recovering. Prayers that you get everything back to 100%

[@jacobpittman1996]

Thank you for your encouragement.

[@ralphblundell]

Appreciate your candour in sharing your journey, and your wonderful tones. Best wishes Bill.

[@cmd_f5]

Good stuff. Glad you're on the mend! I started really taking beter care of my hands after I had a few incidents in 2022. Wise words about appreciating the gift and life in general. I'm recording more than I have in years lately because it's all about snapshots of time and just writing and making art in general. I let my vocals go for a long time but might try getting back into it. In metal/extreme vocals, I wanna get more growls and shrieks down somewhere before I'm not able to make those sounds without it just resembling Gandalf yelling at a bus. lol. In short, time is the thing we can't get back, so embrace and try to do as much as you can (without stressing about it). And ambient guitar is so much fun.

[@deanallen927]

Good news, and thanks for sharing! Keep up the great work.

[@eddy.maldonado.r]

best wishes!

[@tomcrawford8509]

Much Love to you Bill. Hopefully your road to recovery is a swift one.

[@georgerichardson7728]

Good on you Bill

[@FJSHoldingsLLC]

So glad to hear that you are on the healing path. Hope it is a full recovery!

[@pasha811]

Bill, Thank you for posting. I am very happy you are on the path for recovering and I wish you a speedy one. Your music is a gift for you and for us listening. I wish you all the best and see you very soon on the channel!

[@FJSHoldingsLLC]

Glad to hear that you are on the healing path. We hope for your full recovery!

[@GeneLLynch]

Thank you for sharing your healing journey and giving us words of encouragement

[@harfenspieler]

Beautiful message! Hope you're doing better!

[@DrRussPhd]

Glad you are doing better, it sucks getting old. :).

[@Master_RoSSShi]

Thanks for sharing Bill. I’ll be praying you can recover quicker than expected. Glad you’re able to keep playing.

[@WIP_2024]

Thank you for a great video with a great message (and great playing).

[@karlcolon5299]

Sending prayers Bill. You got this my man. 🙏🏾

[@user-ci3hb4qo2u]

I am a 61 year old guitar player and have arthritis in my hands,but I still play even though I can't play like I did before, keep playing my guitar brothers and sisters !! Hint drop D helps!! 😮😊😊

[@Teleterry]

Your story is very motivational and for me, personally, very timely. I wish you all the best in your journey.

[@mojojeff]

Great to hear you are on the mend! 🎉🎉🎉

[@Micky-yo3ng]

Well said Bill, all the best with your treatment and thanks for the words of encouragement about guitar, music and life.

[@phillipjacksonguitar]

Great to hear that you're on the road to recovery, all the best.

[@widmer64]

Glad to hear you're doing well

[@Eduaro2U]

What an amazing story - a wonderful message - and a really excellent accompaniment as well. So, thanks for sharing your challenging story - and for making it such a positive story of upliftment and motivation. You certainly are playing a very positive part at making the planet a better place for which I'm sure there are a great many who thank you. And - what is that beautiful guitar?

[@bonOhm]

Good to know you’re doing better sir. You have such a positive calming energy that I always enjoy watching your videos. Cheers!

[@martincoles6824]

Thanks for the encouragement Bill, good to hear you're back behind that nice guitar - and it's a Squier!

[@ibuildstuffanddothings]

I've been praying for you, Brother Bill!!

[@JasonBrockStick]

BIG Thank You for this video, sorry to hear what you are going through :( The wisdoms you share, the encouragement you freely give (rooted from a humble positivity) I heard something very useful, very special. The amazing benefits and endless pathway's of Gratitude. Grateful you are now in recovery. Thank You and Bless You!

[@zeke1923]

Great message - quick and gentle healing to you!

[@patoconnell4777]

Great to hear the feeling in your hand is getting better, I really enjoy your guitar playing, and it encourages me to keep playing, and yes music is a great gift, thank you Bill,☘