John Mayer faced a major challenge last week when he injured the index finger of his left hand, which he had called “the team captain” of his fretting hand. This injury forced him to alter his guitar technique for Dead & Company’s final Las Vegas performances. The adjustment was crucial for the supergroup’s concluding shows, which began on August 1.
Footage from Mayer’s recent shows has surfaced, revealing how he has adapted his technique. Mayer’s injured index finger has necessitated a greater reliance on his middle, ring, and pinky fingers for fretting. Despite the adjustment, Mayer’s performance appeared unaffected by the injury. His ability to deliver dynamic solos and intricate rhythmic contributions suggests that his workaround has been quite effective.
Mayer’s resilient adaptation was evident in his performances, where his three remaining fingers handled the demands of his guitar work impressively. Even with the setback, Mayer’s solos, such as in “Bertha,” and his rhythmic playing in “Brokedown Palace” were executed with no noticeable compromise in quality.
His playing was also seamless in tracks like “They Love Each Other,” further indicating that the injury did not detract from his overall performance.
In addition to his altered playing style, Mayer’s choice of guitar during the shows was noteworthy. For the latter part of the residency, Mayer favored Brent Mason’s signature Fender Telecaster over his usual PRS Silver Sky.
The Telecaster, equipped with a Joe Glaser B-Bender, offered Mayer additional versatility and may have been more suited to his adjusted playing technique. The use of this guitar was a surprising choice, given its limited appearance in Dead & Company’s history.
As Dead & Company prepare to wrap up their live career with three final shows later this week, Mayer’s finger injury remains a concern.
However, based on the previous performances, Mayer’s adept adjustments and skilled playing suggest he will continue to deliver impressive guitar work, regardless of his injury. The upcoming shows will likely showcase Mayer’s ability to overcome physical challenges and close out the band’s legacy on a high note.
