Quote:
Originally Posted by ekspain  Dear Pat
Pretty much all my bass life, I've had a bent thumb when holding the bass. Some people mention bending it, while others don't take any notice. I was wondering what your thoughts were on that, and if changing that would improve my left hand technique. I believe I've tried it and it felt slightly uncomfortable. Perhaps I didn't work on it enough.
Thanks
Ekspain |
BTW, it's Patrick (kinda an old guy for "Pat")
The thumb is the most useful and smartest of the fingers. Generally it is used most efficiently in the "relaxed" position (which for most people is slightly bent, or moderately straight - but not curved excessively in either direction) and SUPPORTED. Overall the hands work best when they do not contort TOO MUCH from their relaxed position. Use a relaxed position SUPPORTED throughout your playing. This does not mean that we never use EXTENDED techniques like pivots, stretching, contortions... it simply means that for the majority of time, we use rounded forms that are well supported (by smaller muscles in the hand and around the fingers). Think of "weight" rather than "muscular force" Weight should be supported by form. Your bass should be supported by your thumb that has a form that can support the weight of the bass without collapsing or contorting. In thumb positions also, your arm weight should be supported by the form of the thumb (and fingers). So, rounded... in a nut shell, but not overly bent.
Best!
PN
