John Mayer reveals why he had to relearn how to play the guitar this week

On Aug. 1, John Mayer will take the stage in Las Vegas.

He’ll perform with Dead & Company as part of the group’s 30-show Dead Forever — Live at Sphere residency.

But as Mayer revealed in an Instagram post, he’s had to relearn how to play the guitar before taking the stage after injuring his finger.

“Last Thursday I injured my left index finger,” Mayer wrote, admitting he slammed it in a truck door. “The first thing that went through my mind was ‘I really need that finger in a week.’”

As Mayer explained, “I need all my fingers, but the left index is the team captain of my fretting hand.” As a result, Mayer revealed he had to learn how to play the guitar without that finger.

“I have spent every day practicing guitar using the other three fingers and I think I have it sounding pretty good,” he admits, saying that his left index finger will “heal just fine, but will be out of commission for a while.”

“I’ve always felt like every part of me belongs to these shows, and it’s my responsibility to return to the stage each night without screwing up the equipment, and I’m sorry for the misadventure here,” Mayer apologized.

Despite his injury, the musician said that “the power of the music and the love for these shows will prevail!”

Many people drew comparisons to late guitarist Jerry Garcia, who would have celebrated his 82nd birthday Aug.1.

“It’s Jerry’s bday today and since you’re channeling his spirit it’s only fitting that you have a missing finger,” a fan wrote. “Heal well sugar!”

“Miracle finger! Playing with 9 like our birthday boy did,” another wrote.

“On Jerry’s birthday nonetheless. Good luck!”