Floating Thumb Question

Smedz · #1 10-13-2010, 12:24 PM

I recently switched to the floating thumb technique but i'm having alot of trouble getting a good attack on the strings while keeping my thumb "Floating". i've been anchoring my thumb since I started playing and because of that i was always able to get a nice leverage ont he strings so I was always able to get a good attack. Let me know if you have any info on how to correct this problem or any technique options are greatly appreciated.

Skitch it! · #2 10-13-2010, 01:26 PM

My version of floating thumb is just switching between anchoring strings (E and A on a four string) when you have to play patterns/whatever out of a three string range, so I'm just swapping anchors, not completely floating. To be honest I've skipped the floating thing for 4 finger technique which I'm working on at the moment. I've found it really is effortlessly efficient if you can get with it, both techniques need a more 'rigid' wrist action to get more attack on the string due to lack of anchor, it's not an easy technique to get down imo, if you've recently started it is tricky. If I had to choose I'd go straight to 4 finger (being thumb, index, middle and ring, the hair band on the headstock end of things helps muting a little. Imo having that technique down is the way forward for me to get more fluid.

I should add that my 4 finger works from thumb, ring, middle, index, I find the hand motion more natural this way, if you grip something your fingers seem to lead from the ring, up through the rest, so approaching 4 finger I lead with the thumb to ring and back, sometimes lead with the ring finger? Just a thought on 4. there are a few different ways to approach.

m_bisson · #3 10-14-2010, 02:14 PM

I do the same thing as skitch. Just change where I anchor.

kesslari · #4 10-14-2010, 02:28 PM

I truly float, and like it that way.
What do you mean "good attack"?
I like to play with a light touch (to me, that's a good attack), and floating works well for me.
If I need to really dig in ala Marcus' fingerstyle sound, I will anchor (typically on a string).

Skitch it! · #5 10-14-2010, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesslari

I truly float, and like it that way.
What do you mean "good attack"?
I like to play with a light touch (to me, that's a good attack), and floating works well for me.
If I need to really dig in ala Marcus' fingerstyle sound, I will anchor (typically on a string).

I agree, you will gravitate to what is 'you', I found if I'm going to float, might as well bring the thumb into play as an extra picking digit, I'm not finding this technique easy to get down, but it's getting there. Learn 'em all or at least partially, none of it will 'hurt' your playing.

OPBASSMAN1994 · #6 10-14-2010, 02:42 PM

anchor on the string above what you play, and upstroke while plucking on the E string, or anchor on the pickup for the E string. remember to keep your wrist straight, arm up, and keep your plucks nice and powerful. Also, think of economy of motion. Go from one string down on another. Listen to Rush's Malignant Narcissism, Show Don't Tell, etc. Geddy does it a lot.