Breaking collarbone in first learning period

[lvrossem]

I have been slowly following along with the beginner's path on Scott's Bass Lessons (slowly bc of long working hours) and having a lot of fun with it, and some of the things I can play now actually sound like songs I know! However, I broke my collarbone last week, and I can't find a way to keep playing without a lot of pain. I'm scared that I will somehow "un-learn" all I've done during the coming period. I have no idea how fast this will heal and I haven't made it to a shoulder specialist yet due to busy hospitals. Anyone else had a similar occurence?

Edited 16 hours ago by lvrossem

[Homatron]

Sorry to hear of your injury and hope it isn't impacting daily life too much!

 

I've broken a few bones in my time on Earth (including my collarbone) and for me the key is to remember the physiology of healing, and not get frustrated and do stuff which would make recovery slower. It's normally 6-8 weeks for bones to knit back together, and perhaps a couple more months to get back to full strength*. 

 

There are lots of great bass skills to learn without picking up an instrument. Stuff like rhythm, ear training, active listening and various aspects of theory could keep you busy for a couple of months (or a lifetime!). It's likely there's materials on your learning platform for all of this.

 

Don't stress about forgetting what you've already learned. You may feel rusty after a few weeks away from the instrument, but it'll soon come back!

 

*I'm not a medical professional... seek a professional opinion.

[alyctes]

Things come back reasonably quickly, in my experience.  

 

But you need to talk to a doctor and a physio.

[itu]

If you are able to keep your instrument at your lap, use the healthier hand to exercise. It may open up new things from the fretboard, strings, or the instrument. Do also exercises in your mind. I know a musician who had to stay in hospital for two weeks. During that time she learned most of a big composition just by reading the music. She said later that the last 10 % came from the physical training with the violin. 

[neepheid]

Heal up first.  You'll remember more than you think when you return to the bass.  I didn't play bass for two years during lockdown, and nearly quit altogether but thankfully I got back on the horse and it all came flooding back.

 

Your bass playing will be fine and it can wait.  Don't compromise your recovery by trying to do physical things before you're ready.

 

I haven't ridden a bike for years, but I'm pretty sure I won't need my stabiliser wheels put back on...

Edited 4 hours ago by neepheid