"Victor Wooten discusses his ongoing struggle with a health issue that has him feeling like a novice bass player despite his past achievements"
In a revealing deep-dive last year, bass guitar maestro Victor Wooten shared the secrets behind his unique playing style, which has been shaped by a 25-year battle with focal dystonia. This neurological movement disorder causes involuntary muscle contractions, specifically affecting three fingers on Wooten's fretting hand.
Despite the challenges, Wooten remains open about his condition and is not ashamed. He has adapted his playing style to accommodate the disorder, relying heavily on the use of fewer fingers. Wooten primarily plays with one finger and occasionally uses two if he can keep them straight, as the affected fingers involuntarily curl and pull the strings off pitch or fingerboard.
Wooten's struggle with focal dystonia has not dampened his spirits. He sees a "silver lining" in his condition, referring to the forced change in his playing style as a potential positive. This perspective is evident in his performances with the Wooten Brothers, where he focuses on being a bass player, not a soloist or trickster.
Wooten believes that one note at a time is enough to play a good bassline, as demonstrated in songs like Uptown Funk. This approach allows him to maintain a positive mindset and enjoy his music, despite the limitations imposed by his condition.
Wooten is currently seeking to regain his playing skills with professional medical advice and exercise. He is working with therapist Ruth Childs, who employs techniques aimed at reaching the deep-seated part of the brain causing the dystonia to help retrain or fix the neurological issue. This process requires Wooten's active effort and practice.
Despite the challenges, Wooten remains determined to recover from his focal dystonia to help other musicians facing similar struggles. He views his condition as a positive influence, helping him to focus on the fundamentals of playing. Wooten continues to inspire other bassists and guitarists with his resilience and determination.
In a recent interview with Charles Berthoud, Wooten provided a video demonstration of his condition. Despite the toll it has taken on his playing, Wooten views his focal dystonia as an opportunity to focus on the foundational aspects of his playing. He believes there is a cure for focal dystonia, despite others claiming otherwise.
Victor Wooten, the bass guitar player, is using his condition as a stepping stone towards a deeper understanding of his craft. His journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit's ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
- Victor Wooten's struggles with focal dystonia, a neurological movement disorder, have reshaped his bass guitar playing style.
- Wooten primarily employs the use of one finger to play, occasionally employing two if they can remain straight.
- Wooten views his forced change in playing style as a potential positive, seeing a "silver lining" in his condition.
- Wooten is undergoing medical advice and exercise, working with therapist Ruth Childs to regain his playing skills.
- Wooten's condition is an opportunity for him to focus on the foundational aspects of his playing, as demonstrated in his recent interview with Charles Berthoud.
- Wooten continues to inspire other musicians with his resilience and determination, using his condition as a stepping stone towards a deeper understanding of his craft.
