Floating Thumb vs. Movable Anchor

[MO542]

I was wondering if you guys could discuss the pros and cons of both techniques (Floating thumb and Movable anchor.) If you do one or the other, why you like it as opposed to the other technique.

I know a lot of people get the two confused, so let me define (as I understand it.)

Floating thumb:
The thumb rests/lays (not anchored) on the string above the one you are playing

Movable anchor:
The thumb is anchored on the string above the one you are playing

[spindizzy]

MO542,

You deffinition is from my viewpoint accurate. I would start with reading the various threads on the subject both here and in Todd Johnson's forum. The sticky thread here has much that can confuse as well as enlighten but there are a number of different viewpoints presented that will at least catch you up on the technique discussion to date.

Todd has instructional DVDs that are designed to promote and teach this technique and is a very thoughtful proponent of the style. He is also one heck of a nice guy who in these forums give up comment and instruction that he could easily force folks to get from him only through the sale of his DVDs. This generousity is, from my viewpoint, an example of how bass players are one of the most giving communities in music.

As you begin to participate in these threads I am certain all your questions will be answered and you will be able to contribute as others do to the further understanding and development of the technique we all need in our tool kit.

Good luck, have fun and at the end of the day be the best you can be.

[natselection]

i think a major pro for floating thumb is that the strings don't tend to ring while your playing since your thumb mutes them when they aren't in use. i think the anchored thumb looks way less comfortable...i used to use that technique when i was learning and my teacher shifted me over to floating thumb. the position for floating thumb is alot more natural for the shape/structure/countour of your hand than the anchored thumb and its easier to play with after you learned it. just my opinion

WOOPS, just read the threadstarter's post again...i was referring to the anchor where your thumb rests on the pickup...but it could als apply here

[heath_the_great]

on my jazz, i rest my thumb on the b string in between the pickups, thats my favourite place to play, but when im using the b ill rest my thumb on either the bridge or neck pickup, i use a jaco style string muting technique with my 3rd and 4th fingers on my right hand, unless im really playing fast then ill mute with only my 4th and play with 3 fingers

i watched myself play in a mirror a short while back, its looks rather goofy using all digits on my right hand, but hey, it works really well and my hand doesnt get tired

[haxality]

Originally Posted by heath_the_great

i watched myself play in a mirror a short while back, its looks rather goofy using all digits on my right hand, but hey, it works really well and my hand doesnt get tired

Post a video!

[heath_the_great]

Originally Posted by haxality

Post a video!

if you say so

[tZer]

Lot's of discussion about these technques. Here are a couple of threads you may find useful.

Floating Thumb sticky thread...

More on the floating thumb and movable anchor techniques...

[heath_the_great]

incoming!....if these help at all, if not...sorry

http://www.dailymotion.com/heath_the_great/video/213680
http://www.dailymotion.com/heath_the_great/video/213691
http://www.dailymotion.com/heath_the_great/video/213711
http://www.dailymotion.com/heath_the_great/video/213723
http://www.dailymotion.com/heath_the_great/video/213750
http://www.dailymotion.com/heath_the_great/video/213778

thats all of em

[Akami]

Huge plus to floating thumb is that you can play anywhere along the strings as opposed to having to keep anchored to the neck or the pickup.

I actually do both depending on where I'm playing.