Floating Thumb Technique

[BulbousMoses]

My bass teacher is an advocate of the "floating thumb" technique...in other words, he doesn't anchor his thumb on the edge of the pickup or on a thumb rest. Just wondering what using this method does in terms of improving your bass playing?

[Russell L]

My hand floats, but not like most who use the standard floating thumb technique. My thumb kinda goes along the E-string. Anyway, no matter the variation, what does matter is that I can get different sounds by plucking the strings at different places along their length. It's like having an eq knob in my fingertips. Sounds that I can't find by turning knob can come closer to reality by finding the right place on the string to play. Sometimes my thumb lightly rests on the front pickup for awhile, too.

[MisterFabulous]

First of all, your thumb can mute the E string, A string, etc. The string below (above) the string you're playing fingerstyle simply becomes your anchor spot, which also includes the edge of the pickup if that's handy.

Another advantage to floating thumb is that you can play other places than just at the pickup, which gives you more tone options.

[BulbousMoses]

Originally Posted by Russell L

My hand floats, but not like most who use the standard floating thumb technique. My thumb kinda goes along the E-string. Anyway, no matter the variation, what does matter is that I can get different sounds by plucking the strings at different places along their length. It's like having an eq knob in my fingertips. Sounds that I can't find by turning knob can come closer to reality by finding the right place on the string to play. Sometimes my thumb lightly rests on the front pickup for awhile, too.

Cool..my teacher was saying that (once you master it), this technique will improve your speed and reduce fatigue...he's very big into the proper ergonomics when playing. I can see his point..the more efficient you are, the better you should be able to play.

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by BulbousMoses

Cool..my teacher was saying that (once you master it), this technique will improve your speed and reduce fatigue...he's very big into the proper ergonomics when playing. I can see his point..the more efficient you are, the better you should be able to play.

True. Just don't consider anything to be written in stone. Be flexible. I've never been one to go by strict rules, but I do try to be logical.

Also, try to play without gripping the neck too hard, or plucking the strings too hard.

[BulbousMoses]

Originally Posted by Russell L

Also, try to play without gripping the neck too hard, or plucking the strings too hard.

Yes, this is another thing he's mentioned. He told me that a lot of players grip too hard, etc and this leads to fatigue and eventually sloppy playing once your hand gets tired. Watching him play has been a real eye opener..very fluid. I now realize that many people appear to be fighting their instrument but it's really just poor technique.

[MuzikMan]

It allows you to access all of the strings with the same finger technique. In other words, you don't have to stretch your hand to play the higher notes. It also helps with fatigue because your hand and wrist are at a more natural position. FWIW if your hand gets fatigued it is good to raise your elbow so that your wrist straightens out. It may look and feel a little funny at first but it works wonders.

[dvh]

floating thumb techniqe

[BulbousMoses]

Originally Posted by MuzikMan

It allows you to access all of the strings with the same finger technique. In other words, you don't have to stretch your hand to play the higher notes. It also helps with fatigue because your hand and wrist are at a more natural position. FWIW if your hand gets fatigued it is good to raise your elbow so that your wrist straightens out. It may look and feel a little funny at first but it works wonders.

Good advice. My teacher spent about 15 minutes just getting me set up properly..by that I mean he adjusted my strap to get the bass hanging at the right playing height and observed how it looked and felt ergonomically..after these simple strap adjustments, it was amazing how much better I felt when playing...sounds silly but poor positioning can really screw up your playing..

[Old Joe]

I usually rest my thumb on the pickup on a 4 string. Once I got a 6 string I started floating my thumb to mute the strings I am not playing. Muting with my thumb and plucking at the strings just behind it. Don't know if this is the "correct" way to do it but it works for me.

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by MisterFabulous

First of all, your thumb can mute the E string, A string, etc. The string below (above) the string you're playing fingerstyle simply becomes your anchor spot, which also includes the edge of the pickup if that's handy.

Another advantage to floating thumb is that you can play other places than just at the pickup, which gives you more tone options.

+1 to this.

Another important advantage with the FT is that the wrist is straight, thus preventing possible hand and wrist problems like tendinitis and carpel tunnel syndrome etc., which can often be obtained by resting the thumb on the pick up.

[jazzin0927]

I like the comment Billy Sheehan made when asked about this which was that it's a ok when sitting down. But when your on stage you really need something solid to anchor too........

[Bassamatic]

I have been working on this, especially learning to play my 5ers. It is becomes natural after a while to use the string above the one you are playing, and I am getting faster and better at it. It's a natural for learning to play a 5 as the B sting is used instead of the pickup, so your fingers are in about the right place.then I find I am easily moving to the other strings as needed.

I really helps to mute the unused strings and makes a huge difference when playing a series 1/8 notes, for example. The sound is much clearer and more distinct because the upper string is muted and you can let your fingers hit it as a stop.

[groooooove]

Originally Posted by BulbousMoses

My bass teacher is an advocate of the "floating thumb" technique...in other words, he doesn't anchor his thumb on the edge of the pickup or on a thumb rest. Just wondering what using this method does in terms of improving your bass playing?

for 6 string basses its neccesary. when i only played 4 strings i used to not play a bass if it did not have a pickup that stuck out enough to use as a thumb rest.

its pretty easy to adapt too. the only real reason to do it (i think?) is to be able to easily play on an extended range instrument.

[dvh]

Originally Posted by jazzin0927

I like the comment Billy Sheehan made when asked about this which was that it's a ok when sitting down. But when your on stage you really need something solid to anchor too........

Not a problem for me...

Maybe he's referring to the other floating thumb definition which is not anchoring your thumb anywhere...

[chaosMK]

I tend to put my thumb on something... usually a string if I'm moving around. It's most natural and logical for me.

I've seen some guys play with their thumb levitating above everything... seemed difficult.