I started playing bass in September of 2024 by taking Josh’s course and then progressing by choosing songs I like and learning the tabs. I was coming along rather well, but then I broke my middle finger on my fretting hand and have been in a splint for 6 weeks (comes off next week - yay!). Setback #1.
In late February, I’ll have a surgery on my fretting thumb to fuse two bones due to severe bone-on-bone arthritis. I’ll be in a cast for 6 weeks. Setback #2.
What I am wondering is if these prolonged periods of lack of playing will put me back so far that I may lose what I have learned. Obviously, I’ll practice as much as I am able based on how things look after next week, but I’m apprehensive about what I may have lost.
In my experience, you’ll be surprised by what you retain. I’ve have years of off and on and still remembered stuff, like the chorus of a song etc. Good luck with your surgery and recovery.
You’ll retain probably more than you think. Sounds like you can play a little between the two at least. Might be a good time to learn some theory, sight reading, etc while you heal. Oh, and stop breaking your playing fingers
While healing, helpful to review theory parts of course. I had hand injury early on and found just staying engaged helpful. Sometimes just wore my bass and worked fretting without plucking.
cheers,
IMO, it’s going to change your ‘muscle memory’, so you’ll be relearning how to position your fingers. However, it will be a slight change, as opposed to re-learning something with the opposite hand.
