Floating thumb, do you use it?

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by sync00

How do you mute the higher strings? eg When playing the A string, how do you mute the D and high E strings? My inclination would be to use the left hand but I can't do that if I keep the fingers curved.

Sync00,

The left hand is the way I do it.

There's a "middle ground" there with the left hand.... you have to be a little "flexible".... the fingers don't stay in "one" position....there's a little "wiggle room" involved.... Find the happy medium and you'll be fine.

Again, this is one of those things I could show you in person, but it's next to impossible to show you in an email. Sorry about that.

Check out my hands on the DVD.....that will probably help. Plus, this stuff takes time......Don't be in a hurry.....if you can!!!

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Sean Baumann

I was playing a gig on Friday and I noticed that I have been floating my thumb, mostly, during live shows as well. I do sort of get my thumb tip stuck on a string from time to time, but I seem to be at least moving the mechanism.

Oh, and I caught myself planting my thumb on the B string/pickup during on song and it threw me off big time. I had to really concentrate to get it unplanted It was 8th note based rock, but it was a super super busy bassline and I just couldn't find the space to switch up.

Sean,

Sounds like you're making good, "normal" progress!!!!

Remember that it's EASY to mentally understand this stuff....but it takes time coupled with consistent practice and application to turn this stuff into muscle memory.

Make sense??

Hang in there. You're in good shape.

[Todd Johnson]

Hi Guys,

Go to my YouTube.com page www.youtube.com/user/toddjohnsonmusic and check out the "floating thumb" video I just uploaded.....

This has been a popular subject and this video should clear up a few things for some of you...

If you like what you see, be sure and leave a comment or two....or subscribe to my channel....

More videos to come in the "near" future!!...

Enjoy!!

[vicenzajay]

Just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for sharing your technique with us.

I play in three different musical projects - the church worship band (which I help lead), a local jazz group, and (talk about different) a local cover band (which actually pays quite well...better yet, the drummer is also a Christian). I only mention that to say that the sheer amount of playing has had me thinking for quite a while about strategies for staving off CTS. For much of the last year, I have consciously raised my right arm in order to keep my wrist in line with my forearm. It's made for some sore upper arms at times. My wife and I also talked about big "change" purchases (for something like a Barker vertical bass) as a way to head off future problems. Listening to Abe Laboriel talk about his fight with CTS this past October was also very enlightening (and has led me to start stretching and preparing my ligaments/muscles before service or any show).

However, your technique was revolutionary for me because it combines correct alignment with economy of motion (for the right hand mechanism).....so this past week I made a commitment to completely changing the way I play this instrument.

Yes - my shoulder (as I type) is a bit sore....but I'm already making progress towards making it "habit". I'm committed to it, so it will come.

Thanks again,
Jay

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by vicenzajay

Just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for sharing your technique with us.

I play in three different musical projects - the church worship band (which I help lead), a local jazz group, and (talk about different) a local cover band (which actually pays quite well...better yet, the drummer is also a Christian). I only mention that to say that the sheer amount of playing has had me thinking for quite a while about strategies for staving off CTS. For much of the last year, I have consciously raised my right arm in order to keep my wrist in line with my forearm. It's made for some sore upper arms at times. My wife and I also talked about big "change" purchases (for something like a Barker vertical bass) as a way to head off future problems. Listening to Abe Laboriel talk about his fight with CTS this past October was also very enlightening (and has led me to start stretching and preparing my ligaments/muscles before service or any show).

However, your technique was revolutionary for me because it combines correct alignment with economy of motion (for the right hand mechanism).....so this past week I made a commitment to completely changing the way I play this instrument.

Yes - my shoulder (as I type) is a bit sore....but I'm already making progress towards making it "habit". I'm committed to it, so it will come.

Thanks again,
Jay

Thanks Jay........great to hear from you....

Forgive me....I don't want to sound like a "Salesman" here.... but I would REALLY recommend you get my "Technique Builders" DVD.... It's chock full of a BUNCH of exercises that will help you to REALLY get rid of the wasted motion and inefficiency in your playing.... and ..... help you to really get your hands under control.

I just don't want you to learn some bad habits etc.... there are a lot of very "fine" adjustments that can...or should... be made.

If you already have the DVD, then please disregard this....

I'm here to help!!!...

[vicenzajay]

Originally Posted by Todd Johnson

Thanks Jay........great to hear from you....

Forgive me....I don't want to sound like a "Salesman" here.... but I would REALLY recommend you get my "Technique Builders" DVD.... It's chock full of a BUNCH of exercises that will help you to REALLY get rid of the wasted motion and inefficiency in your playing.... and ..... help you to really get your hands under control.

I just don't want you to learn some bad habits etc.... there are a lot of very "fine" adjustments that can...or should... be made.

If you already have the DVD, then please disregard this....

I'm here to help!!!...

Will do...

Take care - Jay

[Byron Santo]

I also use Floating Thumb. It puts the picking hand in the ideal hand position for muting and the five-finger technique. It can be used with rest strokes, free strokes, 4-finger plucking, etc. Then with the wrist being in a straight position allows the flexor & extensor muscles in the forearm which control the fingers to not be restricted by the bend of the wrist.

[badgrandad]

Todd,

My band's website was updated recently and a fan sent us some gig photos. I got a real kick out of noticing that I have started using the "floating thumb" when I actually play without even thinking about it (as opposed to the struggle I had practicing it initially). Let the fellow bassplayers know you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! I am attempting to attach the photos below (which is harder than learning the technique) Tim


edit- jeesh, maybe not! can anyone tell me how to get the image to show - I thought I copied the URL correctly.

HA! GOT IT!!

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by badgrandad

Todd,

My band's website was updated recently and a fan sent us some gig photos. I got a real kick out of noticing that I have started using the "floating thumb" when I actually play without even thinking about it (as opposed to the struggle I had practicing it initially). Let the fellow bassplayers know you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! I am attempting to attach the photos below (which is harder than learning the technique) Tim


edit- jeesh, maybe not! can anyone tell me how to get the image to show - I thought I copied the URL correctly.

HA! GOT IT!!

Way to go BadGrandad!!!!!!...

I'm SO proud of you..... I KNEW you could do it!!!!

I love it when I'm right!!!!

Hey, I'm coming to Texas in late March....Don't you live in Texas???

I'm doing an "artist in residence" thing at South Western in Ft. Worth.... Is that anywhere near you???

Let me know........

Cool........

[badgrandad]

Anything in Fort Worth is close enough. Let me know the specifics when you know (date, times, place you'll be) and we'll get together if at all possible.

[Sean Baumann]

Nice picture! Unfortunately all the pictures taken of me recently show my bad habbits! Someday...... heh

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Sean Baumann

Nice picture! Unfortunately all the pictures taken of me recently show my bad habbits! Someday...... heh

Stay with it Sean!! It'll happen......

[Norwegianwood]

What a fine thread this is!

I´ve been doing the floating thumb thing for quite a while now, and I have a couple of issues to adress.

I have a Sadowsky metro 4 string bass.
When I play on every other string than the E - floating thumb is second nature to me. Works very well. But when you guys hit the lowest string - does your right hand not touch the bass at all except with the fingertip?
I really find it hard to nail those funky grooves tight enough on that string

Also, while floating my thumb, I find it way easier play standing than sitting. When I sit, the bass slips out of position - especially when I play loose strings.It could be prevented by doing the classical guitar position, or having a tighter strap, I guess...But that´s kind of unpractical....any other suggestions?

[spindizzy]

Todd is better at explaining this stuff than I am but when I am playing my lowest string (in my case a B) I usually am using a thumb, index, middle approach to play the string or resting it lightly against the face of the bass just above the B string. I don't have any difficulty with strength or attack (of course I have played this way for over twenty years) so it is just a matter of practice.

Sounds like you may be wearing you bass a bit too low and not using a strap when you sit. I find that wearing the bass a little below chest high and always using the strap when I sit is key. Usually when I sit and play the strap carries the weight of the bass and it rest between my legs not on top of either. This also helps to get the right angle for me with the neck as this naturally raises the neck a bit more vertically (not quite upright style but not parallel to the floor either) and gives me a straighter left hand and helps with reach (which on a seven makes a difference at least for me).

I am sure Todd has some great advice for you though so I will leave mine as it is.

[Norwegianwood]

Thanks..!

Yeah, when I tighten it, the bass is hanging in the strap just as when I´m standing. That keeps it in place. But I really don´t dig having it that high when I stand. So changing between two different straps might be the solution, then....if Todd doesn´t come up with any other suggestions

I´m also looking forward to hear how he approaches the deepest thing.

And once again thanks for taking the time to help out - everyone. That´s what´s so great about this place...all the friendly and helpful people.

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Norwegianwood

Thanks..!

Yeah, when I tighten it, the bass is hanging in the strap just as when I´m standing. That keeps it in place. But I really don´t dig having it that high when I stand. So changing between two different straps might be the solution, then....if Todd doesn´t come up with any other suggestions

I´m also looking forward to hear how he approaches the deepest thing.

And once again thanks for taking the time to help out - everyone. That´s what´s so great about this place...all the friendly and helpful people.

Hey Norwegianwood,

I would recommend adjusting your strap so you're in the same position standing or sitting.... it makes A LOT more sense than swithching straps.....AND.... learning twice as much MUSCLE MEMORY!!! Make sense???

When I play my wrist/under side of forearm are in constant contact with the body. My thumb will kind of float or lay "just" off the lowest string.... then right back up on the strings to mute etc.

I hope this helps...........

[Norwegianwood]

Yes, that indeed makes sense....Guess it´s just my prejudices from the good old rock days that doesn´t wanna let go
(I don´t wear the bass on my knees, though, so it´s not that bad...)
But yeah, I´ll definately try tightening up that strap.

Oh, and good to hear your wrist is somehow in touch with the body. I found always avoiding that to be a little hard...it´s also a little easier to play on the E-string that way, I think...

Well, I guess in the end it comes down to the practise, so let´s get back to that woodshedding

Thanks again for the time....!