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Ezee G
g)

Registration Date: 08-26-2003
Posts: 3,517

thumb placement

Is it wrong to have a "grabby" thumb when you're playing? I've read in books that you are supposed to have your thumb pressed firmly along the back of the neck of the guitar when holding chords, but I find it extremely uncomfortable, and hard to get the chords right. When I'm playing my thumb is usually hanging off the side a little, so that I could grab the E string (which I do when I'm playing chords like D, so that I dont strum the E) Is this bad technique? Or is there really a right way to place your thumb for the best playing? And the next question is whats the best way to play chords that are only 5 string? Does it just come with practice? I always find myself stumming the E by accident.

06-13-2005 16:57

birdcat $posts[username] is a male

Registration Date: 06-12-2005
Posts: 15
Location: Texas

Yeah, I also don't use 'proper thumb placement'. First pic is how yer supposed to, the second is how I do it, more or less.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v43/birdcat/Untitled-1.jpg

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06-13-2005 22:29

Anti Bluz $posts[username] is a male

Registration Date: 08-26-2003
Posts: 515
Location: crazy bagman = pwnage

most bluz jazz and steal string guitar is supposed to be held like in the 2nd pic there, lots of Gibson guitars tend to have fatter necks because the players prefer to hold ther guitar like that

but flamenco and think classical too, hold it like in the 1st pic. flamenco and classical guitar have thinner necks, more suited for fretting the guitar that way.

personlay I try to keep my thumb square in the middle of the neck like in the 1st pic. I realy notice you get a lot more stability and reach. I realy don't see the sense in holding it the other way???? although to each his own.

06-14-2005 07:13

chronowarp $posts[username] is a male

Registration Date: 04-13-2005
Posts: 19
Location: WA

A firmer thumb grip allows easier barring, and fretting on the low E with your thumb if necessary.

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When you're doing the hot tear dropping major progressions, don't forget the Dorian.

06-26-2005 07:55