Is it bad form to fret with the thumb?

[Tupac]

I've been trying for a while, and I can't seem to be able to properly mute on Get Up and Jump without playing the fretted notes on the E string with my thumb. I know Flea doesn't, but what he does seems a little excessive...

[Infidelity]

Louis Johnson does it.. IMO there are no right or bad form if it works for you it works.

[Johnny StingRay]

I do it on my SR5........ and I've been playing for over 30 years. If you watch some of the scenes in "Blues Brothers" you'll see Donald "Duck" Dunn using his thumb. Not bass, of course, but Jimi Hendrix had such big hands that he used his thumb a lot, too.

I agree with Infidelity.......if it works for you and doesn't cause any physical discomfort or lead to carpel tunnel or something like that then there is no right or wrong.. If you think about it, when the first electric bass was made, wouldn't the first person to play it be the "expert" on electric bass technique??? Who's to say what they did was right or wrong? Right?

When the first hollow log was beaten on to create rhythms, who is to say their technique was right or wrong??

[Tupac]

Originally Posted by Johnny StingRay

I do it on my SR5........ and I've been playing for over 30 years. If you watch some of the scenes in "Blues Brothers" you'll see Donald "Duck" Dunn using his thumb. Not bass, of course, but Jimi Hendrix had such big hands that he used his thumb a lot, too.

I agree with Infidelity.......if it works for you and doesn't cause any physical discomfort or lead to carpel tunnel or something like that then there is no right or wrong.. If you think about it, when the first electric bass was made, wouldn't the first person to play it be the "expert" on electric bass technique??? Who's to say what they did was right or wrong? Right?

When the first hollow log was beaten on to create rhythms, who is to say their technique was right or wrong??

True, but over time people find more efficient ways that sound better and are physically healthier, which get thrown in the category known as "proper technique". But still, interesting point.

[James Judson]

This came up a while ago and I hadn't really thought about it. I use the thumb over the top on guitar all the time so I've been paying attention to my bass playing. I can now say (with confidence) that I never use my thumb to fret my bass.

What is the right way??

What ever works for you!!!

Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

[Fergie Fulton]

Yes there are certain rules but the apply depending on the starting points of the pysicallity of the player. For some it will be desirable, even nessesary at times for others it will be a no no.
Strange....music is for the ears so if it sounds right and works for you then it is more than likely right, never noticed on any of my records of anyone using their thumb or an in-correct technique

[vyse933]

Yes.

[Liam Wald]

Originally Posted by vyse933

Yes.

And Yes.
Although I saw a guy play bass with his feet on Johnny Carson show.