Is the floating thumb going to slow me down cross string?

tegnoto89 · #1 02-10-2009, 02:06 PM

I've been using floating thumb for a while and I'm really frustrated with how it's slowing me down on cross-string leaps (like the verse in jaco's live "birdland").

It's like my thumb doesn't have time to land on the string before I have to move back to the first. Should I just keep working it (probably, haha, but any thoughts are welcome)?

kesslari · #2 02-10-2009, 02:10 PM

Not sure what you mean "land on" the string.
My thumb rests on the top of the string. So rather than "switching anchors", I'm just sliding across the top.
I find it easier and faster to play cross-string passages then when my thumb is anchored, because I can move my whole hand as a unit.

tegnoto89 · #3 02-10-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Not sure what you mean "land on" the string.
My thumb rests on the top of the string. So rather than "switching anchors", I'm just sliding across the top.

Is that how the floating thumb is generally done? I picked my way up off of Jack Bruce when I was just starting; I thought it was more just anchoring your thumb on the string below.

Nick Kay · #4 02-10-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tegnoto89

Is that how the floating thumb is generally done? I picked my way up off of Jack Bruce when I was just starting; I thought it was more just anchoring your thumb on the string below.

Nah, that'd be a movable anchor. Similar, but not quite as effective as the floating thumb. Your thumb should just lay across the strings, instead of planting on any of them.

McHack · #5 02-10-2009, 03:13 PM

At first, it may... but, in the long run, you'll be better off & much more accurate.

unclejane · #6 02-10-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tegnoto89

I've been using floating thumb for a while and I'm really frustrated with how it's slowing me down on cross-string leaps (like the verse it jaco's live "birdland").

It's like my thumb doesn't have time to land on the string before I have to move back to the first. Should I just keep working it (probably, haha, but any thoughts are welcome)?

In my case, there was a vast improvement in crossing strings, actually, rather than making it worse, particularly going up. Before adopting the FT it was pretty much hopeless on my 5 and 6 strings.

As others have said it sounds more like you have a moving anchor type technique, which may or may not be hindering you (tho I've seen lots of good players use that technique without problems). With the FT, the thumb just slides over the strings.

Watch Todd Johnson's video on the FT, it's on youtube. Its the best video I've seen that describes it. He's also got a string crossing exercise vid as well that is helpful also.

LS

Prozactrooper · #7 02-10-2009, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclejane

Watch Todd Johnson's video on the FT, it's on youtube. Its the best video I've seen that describes it. He's also got a string crossing exercise vid as well that is helpful also.

LS

Mighty oath, probably one of the best video instructors i've come across too

HaVIC5 · #8 02-10-2009, 11:02 PM

It depends. I think a lot of people are correct in saying that for the majority of passages, floating thumb will help out a lot with string crossings, but not definitely not all. There are things I've found where constantly moving the arm back and forth repetitively actually makes things more difficult. For example, I've never been able to get disco 16th octaves as clean and consistenty as I can do them with fixed anchor as soon as they get up to about 120. Maybe its just me and my shortcomings, I dunno, but believe me when I say I've put the shed time into that one.

Jake of Bass · #9 02-11-2009, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaVIC5

It depends. I think a lot of people are correct in saying that for the majority of passages, floating thumb will help out a lot with string crossings, but not definitely not all. There are things I've found where constantly moving the arm back and forth repetitively actually makes things more difficult. For example, I've never been able to get disco 16th octaves as clean and consistenty as I can do them with fixed anchor as soon as they get up to about 120. Maybe its just me and my shortcomings, I dunno, but believe me when I say I've put the shed time into that one.

For that one I'd say it would be harder as you're moving a much larger muscle group in very small, very quick movements. Anchoring the thumb considerably reduces the muscles used and thus the economy required takes precedence, IMO.

DaveF · #10 02-11-2009, 03:40 AM

Just use a pick like I do.

No, seriously...

spindizzy · #11 02-11-2009, 07:35 AM

For disco octives when using the FT technique use your thumb to make the lower octive strike and either your index, middle or ring for the upper octive.

FT should free you to use your thumb in news ways not just hanging around in a new place.

Spin

McHack · #12 02-11-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveF

Just use a pick like I do.

No, seriously...

No hiding! Honestly, I think as bassists we need to be able to pick, too.

tegnoto89 · #13 02-11-2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

For disco octives when using the FT technique use your thumb to make the lower octive strike and either your index, middle or ring for the upper octive.

Never thought to try that. I'll definitely give it a go -- thanks!

Quote:

Just use a pick like I do.

No, seriously...

I tried that and it worked, but the sound wasn't as I wanted it to be. It was too legato. Thanks everyone for the input!