Quick question to Todd regarding floating thumb

[j-bass-kreep]

Hello , I'm pretty much a beginner ; I've played for 4 years but I'm really just starting to play correctly .

I started to practice your floating thumb technique about two months ago however I'm having problems changing from string to string . The problem is that when I'm playing sometimes I sweat and the body of my bass gets really sticky and I can't slide my arm as it should .

Should I slide my arm up and down the body or just bend my wrist ? Any tips would be greatly apreciated .

Please excuse my poor spelling .

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by j-bass-kreep

Hello , I'm pretty much a beginner ; I've played for 4 years but I'm really just starting to play correctly .

I started to practice your floating thumb technique about two months ago however I'm having problems changing from string to string . The problem is that when I'm playing sometimes I sweat and the body of my bass gets really sticky and I can't slide my arm as it should .

Should I slide my arm up and down the body or just bend my wrist ? Any tips would be greatly apreciated .

Please excuse my poor spelling .

Jbasskreep,

Hey, you're spelling is pretty darn good!! It's infinitely better than my Spanish!!!

Here are a couple of possible solutions.

1. Wear a long sleeve shirt or wristbands etc.

2. You might want to invest in my "Technique DVD" and fine tune your knowledge of the "floating thumb" technique etc. You don't want to start bending your wrist etc. It would be a good investment in your musical career.. I know the guys on TB can vouch for my DVD.

Let me know what you decide!!

Keep up the good work!!!

I'm here to help.

[j-bass-kreep]

I think I will get a wrist band , now I just have to find one that won't scratch the black finish on my bass. Thank you for the quick reply . Now I know I don't have to bend my wrist .

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by j-bass-kreep

I think I will get a wrist band , now I just have to find one that won't scratch the black finish on my bass. Thank you for the quick reply . Now I know I don't have to bend my wrist .

Get one of those sweatband/wristbands that the tennis and basketball players use.

Good luck,

[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!!

[j-bass-kreep]

great videos , thanks for sharing .

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by j-bass-kreep

I think I will get a wrist band , now I just have to find one that won't scratch the black finish on my bass. Thank you for the quick reply . Now I know I don't have to bend my wrist .

Make sure you check out my floating thumb video on my YouTube.com channell.....

Go to www.youtube.com/user/toddjohnsonmusic and check it out!!

[Dis]

This question is also for Todd. I have been using the floating thumb tech for some time and am impressed with the results, but it doesn't seem to work for all situations. For example when you move back and forth between 2 strings quickly (bouncing around), or playing arpeggios. If you only play 1 or 2 notes on a string and then move to a different string and do the same, this can cause a lot of hand movement and really slow down your playing. Are their times when you play more than one string away from your anchor?

[Dis]

This question is also for Todd. I have been using the floating thumb tech for some time and am impressed with the results, but it doesn't seem to work for all situations. For example when you move back and forth between 2 strings quickly (bouncing around), or playing arpeggios. If you only play 1 or 2 notes on a string and then move to a different string and do the same, this can cause a lot of hand movement and really slow down your playing. Are their times when you play more than one string away from your anchor?

[Filip St.]

Yeah I would also like to know an answer on this question... I presume that in those cases your fingers move to reach the other strings but the thumb stays where it is...

[SmittyG]

I'm sure Todd will chime in as well, but the way you worded this question made me wonder something: Are you sure you are using a floating thumb technique instead of a movable anchor?

With a movable anchor, the thumb uses the string above the one being played just like it was the top of the pickup, as a leverage point. As you change strings, your thumb has to move anchor points up and down.

With floating thumb, the side of your thumb rest across all the strings above the one you are playing. In other words, hold your hand flat across all the strings like you are silencing them all; now leave your thumb just as it is but curl your fingers to play the highest string. That is the position your hand stays in as you lift from your shoulder to move the whole system up and down the strings.

If you are using proper floating thumb technique, there is no way to reach for a higher string and NOT have your thumb come along. Unless you are doing something really weird with the wrist, which should stay straight and flat.

And I am one of those who can speak for the benefits of Todd's DVDs and his "Technique Builders" one especially. I turned around over two decades of bad habits and totally changed my approach to the instrument, and gained a mess load of speed in the process, by studying Todd's approach to the bass. I highly recommend it to everyone wanting to take his fluid and ergonomic approach to heart.

[DocBop]

For me on rocking between to adjcent stings like root and 5th below. That my thumb float above the low string and when I go to the higher string the thumb floats down to the low string. Coming back up the thumb floats up and I finger mute the higher string. For me that is pretty minimal movement.

As for arpeggios crossing strings the thumb floats up and back, no anchoring. I would say to get used to this work on decending arpeggios with floating thumb. Coming down you thumb is pretty much going for a ride and your hand moves back, floating back. Watch your right hand you will see how the thumb takes care of it self. Once you have descending and see the mechanics of it now work on ascending. Not that different you just need in the beginning to focus on your thumb so it doesn't catch the next higher string as your hand move up. Do it slow and little by little you'll stop thinking about it the thumb will be taking care of itself and floating along. Floating is good.

Now can I get a cheeseburger for every time I said floating.

[j-bass-kreep]

I'd just like to mention that it's been a year since I starterd practicing this technique. It's helped my playing immensely. I like brigth strings and a lot of mids in my sound, if I didn't use this technique I'd have this annoying ringing from all the strings. Now my tone is nice and clean but still aggressive, all the notes just speak with authority without overpowering the band.

I still have a long way to go, sometimes I get tired at the end of the 3 one hour sets we play at my cover band and I start anchoring . When I start moving around a lot I find it helps if I anchor. But still I always recommend your DVD and youtube channel when someone asks me about the way I play.

I'm planning on buying a 6 string bass further on, and I know I'm on the right track with your floating thumb technique thanks again.

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Dis

This question is also for Todd. I have been using the floating thumb tech for some time and am impressed with the results, but it doesn't seem to work for all situations. For example when you move back and forth between 2 strings quickly (bouncing around), or playing arpeggios. If you only play 1 or 2 notes on a string and then move to a different string and do the same, this can cause a lot of hand movement and really slow down your playing. Are their times when you play more than one string away from your anchor?

Hi,

First off....let me apologize for being so slow....I was on the road for 3 weeks....then had 5 days of vacation on the California central coast!! But, I'm back for a few weeks......

So...........

Smitty G pretty much summed up my response......(thanks SmittyG!)....

You asked..."Are their times when you play more than one string away from your anchor?"......

My answer: It's possible....but I don't actually "anchor"....I "move the mechanism". I move my right hand (the mechanism) when I go to different strings. It does cause hand and arm movement......but it doesn't slow me down (although I've been working on this for 17 years too... )....but what it does do is fix my ringing string problem.

Eventually speed will come.....REMEMBER, this takes time....it won't happen in 5 minutes or 2 weeks.....It takes time to learn or re-learn the muscle memory involved. Make sense???

I've been hearing guys talk about how they can't play fast....or play octaves fast with this technique.... and they've been working on it for 15 minutes.....well DUH!!! Try giving it 6 months or a year.....BUT....THE MAIN THING IS THAT IT CLEANS UP YOUR PLAYING BY STOPPING THE RINGING STRINGS. Fast is overrated.....playing "CLEAN" is where it's at....at least in my humble opinion.

In fairness to everyone.........You may have to combine techniques for a while to cover your gig responsibilites etc....But over time I would think you'd want to be working towards "cleaning up" everything you play.

Patience my friends......PATIENCE!!! It just takes TIME, EFFORT....and CONSISTENT APPLICATION!!

Cool......

[fettbass]

Hi Todd. I also have started to adopt the floating thumb technique, and it really has helped clean up my 5 and 6 string playing. However, I'm still a little confused with what to do with my thumb when I'm playing my lowest (B) string. I've seen videos of John Myung and other 5 and 6 string players resting their thumb on the pickup for that string, but I'd really appreciate your input. I'm trying both ways (resting on the pickup and trying to not use the thumb to anchor there) but I run into difficulties when trying to do 3 finger tremello picking on the b string without any sort of anchor. Your advice would be MOST appreciated. Thanks!

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by fettbass

Hi Todd. I also have started to adopt the floating thumb technique, and it really has helped clean up my 5 and 6 string playing. However, I'm still a little confused with what to do with my thumb when I'm playing my lowest (B) string. I've seen videos of John Myung and other 5 and 6 string players resting their thumb on the pickup for that string, but I'd really appreciate your input. I'm trying both ways (resting on the pickup and trying to not use the thumb to anchor there) but I run into difficulties when trying to do 3 finger tremello picking on the b string without any sort of anchor. Your advice would be MOST appreciated. Thanks!

Fettbass,

Feel free to anchor your thumb on the pickup while doing your "3 finger tremolo" on the B....why not??? You shouldn't have a ringing string problem...You could say the same for the "E" string as well....BUT....I would make this the exception.

In reality, you're free to play any way you want....The "floating thumb police" won't give you a ticket if you we're to anchor every once in a while... The important thing is to "CLEAN UP THE RINIGING STRING PROBLEM"....and the floating thumb fixes a bunch of problem in one fell swoop!!!

Remember also.........it just takes time to incorporate this technique. It's also got everyone "re-thinking" how they play and really taking a look at what they do.....and that's a good thing!!! This helps rid us of the "oh, I just play the way I play" mentality. Make sense???

Have fun!!

[Dis]

Apparently I was using the moveable anchor. I have switched to the floating thumb and need a few things cleared up. With this technique I am having problems keeping the bass in the right position. My right fore arm usually holds the bass in position for me, but in the vid it explains that the elbow should be held up further. At some point the fore arm is nolonger touching the bass holding it in position. Is this to far up, is the fore arm not suppose to touch the bass. If not what holds it in place. Under further examination, it looks like Todd is actually using his palm to touch the body of the bass for sure while playing the E and the A string. At this poing his fore arm doesn't touch the bass (as far as I can tell). When he moves to the D and G strings the camera moves in a position where all is not viewable. I've been banging this out for 7 months, 3 hours a day trying to arrive at the optimal right hand technique(going nuts). If I can just get the exact mechanics down, it will not take long to perfect it. It also looks like he is not exactly playing with the side of his thumb on the strings. It seems that he is some how applying some force against the bass (and strings) and causing his thumb to touch some what on the back side since you can not see his thumb nail while playing. I also noticed that while playing his index finger seems to touch his thumb after each stroke. Any observations, or insight would be appreciated. Thanx Dis

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Dis

Apparently I was using the moveable anchor. I have switched to the floating thumb and need a few things cleared up. With this technique I am having problems keeping the bass in the right position. My right fore arm usually holds the bass in position for me, but in the vid it explains that the elbow should be held up further. At some point the fore arm is no longer touching the bass holding it in position. Is this to far up, is the fore arm not suppose to touch the bass. If not what holds it in place. Under further examination, it looks like Todd is actually using his palm to touch the body of the bass for sure while playing the E and the A string. At this point his fore arm doesn't touch the bass (as far as I can tell). When he moves to the D and G strings the camera moves in a position where all is not viewable. I've been banging this out for 7 months, 3 hours a day trying to arrive at the optimal right hand technique(going nuts). If I can just get the exact mechanics down, it will not take long to perfect it. It also looks like he is not exactly playing with the side of his thumb on the strings. It seems that he is some how applying some force against the bass (and strings) and causing his thumb to touch some what on the back side since you can not see his thumb nail while playing. I also noticed that while playing his index finger seems to touch his thumb after each stroke. Any observations, or insight would be appreciated. Thanx Dis

Hi Dis,

The forearm should stay in CONTACT with the body of the bass.

Try this......Extend your RH out a bit...pretend you're grabbing a door knob....That's the basic look for your RH OK??...Now....Drop your arm in front of the bass.....now pull it up to where your RH is resting on the strings. Your thumb should be touching the strings and serving as your mute....your forearm should be resting on/and in contact with the body of the bass....Cool so far??

This is the basic "mechanism"....or postition.

Now.....if your "drop" your elbow...you'll notice that your thumb will come off the bottom strings ever so slightly.....Make sense??

So.....Don't Do That!!! Ha!

Keep your forearm in contact with the bass....let it "rest" there. Use just enough of your "shoulder muscle" to keep the elbow from dropping.

Now move the mechanism.....This should help....I hope!!

FWIW....(and it might be hard to tell from the video).....but my forearm is in constant contact with the body of the bass. My thumb is muting strings....It's that simple.

FWIW....my thumb lies a little to the side...that's just the way I'm made....it naturally lies on the side a bit, but it's DEFINITELY and CONSTANTLY in contact with the string. Cool?? I'm am not applying any real "force" to hold my thumb down. It's actually VERY relaxed.....

Bottom line: I really admire your dedication and your diligence. Stick with it.....TRY NOT TO OVER THINK THIS!!! I KNOW I could clear this up for you in person in less than 5 minutes....and would be happy to do so!!!!

Remember....just relax.....this should be a "relaxed" technique...OK? Keep the forearm straight...but in contact with the body.....use just enough of the shoulder muscle to keep your elbow from dropping and removing your mute. Then move the mechanism. It's really that simple.....

I sincerely hope this helps.

Keep up the good work.....You've got it surrounded......and let me know if I can be of further service.

[Dis]

Todd, this explains very well all of my questions. I think that it is really awsome that you are helping people with their bass skills. I will put this into full force and report back in a couple of weeks to let you know how it is going. Thanks again for your help!!

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Dis

Todd, this explains very well all of my questions. I think that it is really awsome that you are helping people with their bass skills. I will put this into full force and report back in a couple of weeks to let you know how it is going. Thanks again for your help!!

Dis,

Hey, my pleasure. I'm happy to help!!! Keep up the hard work!!!