Thumb use on fretting hand

Jason · Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2003 1:08 pm Post subject: Thumb use on fretting hand

I was wondering if any of you guys use your thumb on the frets . . . I use it almost like a capo when playing in the upper range which is a technique I borrowed from string bass. It allows some pretty fast runs if you do it right - another method I use is to fret the E string with my thumb and use my other fingers to fret the upper strings . . . that's a good slap technique, although I can't do it real well since I have somewhat short fingers. I was wondering if you guys have any similar techniques using your thumb.

Pyke · Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2003 9:09 pm Post subject: Thumb use on fretting hand

I started trying this out when a piece I was playing called for it. But I found it messed up my positioning and my thumb was beginning to wander from the middle of the back of the neck which was a bad habit I had for months when I first began playing, so I stopped.

PYKE

BassoTron · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2003 3:00 pm Post subject:

I usually do not ever use my thumb. I have played string bass for a long time and thats a huge NO to ever bring your thumb over the top of the neck. And as he said it can lead to bad habits and embarrasing technique.

RabidBassist · Tadpole Joined: 20 May 2003 Posts: 20

I agree, using the thumb to fret is generally a bad idea. It leads to you 'gripping' the neck the same way most people hold a glass of water .I find it has a pretty bad effect on your fretting speed. It also makes it a lot easier to make the strings rattle against the frets. Wink

bassman80189 · Posted: Tue May 20, 2003 1:38 pm Post subject:

I agree, and the thumb is never used on Electric, but I disagree with Basso. On string bass when you get up into 8th position and such (way up on the fingerboard) the thumb is used.

BassoTron · Posted: Tue May 20, 2003 6:45 pm Post subject: You are right....

YEah ofcourse when you go to thumb position but how is some guy who doesnt even know how to use his thumb gunna care about thumb position on a string bass? Just givin him lamens advice. Anyways Keep your thumb positoned on the middle of the neck. A great book to pick up to learn good workouts and technique is Rufus Reid's The Evolving Bassist.