FREE Todd Johnson floating thumb video @ YouTube.com

[Erick Lam]

What is quickly?

[Joe Garage]

Originally Posted by Poop-Loops

Todd, quick question. What do you do with your thumb when you have to play the E (or just the lowest) string on your bass? I have been either resting my wrist on the body or my teacher said I can anchor it on a pickup. Neither is very comfortable, unfortunately. =/

And just "hanging" it in the air doesn't give me the leverage I need, so sometimes I'll end up pulling my hand in, instead of plucking the string.

I have the same problem. Where should I place my thumb when im playing the E string? Its not a problem when Im playing a 5 string bass, but on my 4-String jazz bass it just feels very uncomfortable leaving it hanging in the air.

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by lukaas

hey Todd,

On the mellow mood vid were you playing the walk and the comp at the same time?

L.

The first time through the song I play everything live... the 2nd time through I "loop" the bass line.... then comp and solo etc. until the "ending".... Not bad for an old guy! ...

But.... I'm capable of playing a bass line and comping too... Check out the first chorus of the video I did with Dewey Erney on "how high the moon"....

I hope that helps....

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by machine gewehr

I have a serious wrist injury in my plucking hand,I have to keep it straight and I thought I did.Man I thought I knew floating thumb.

Your technique is much better than my way,If I can adopt that It'll be awesome,thank you so much Todd!

You're totally welcome.... My pleasure!

Let me know if I can be of further assistance!!

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by K'Ching

That's not true. I always have a finger on each string. When I play the G-string, either one of the fingers on my left hand, or my right pinkie will always be touching the A-string.

I play in a disco/funk band, and i play a lot of fast octaves, so I think this technique would limit my playing a lot.

I'm not trying to diss the technique though. I'm just saying, it's not for everyone.

Let's say you play 4 consecutive notes on the G string.... then you'll have a ringing A string.... try it... let me know.

Like you said,....when you're playing octaves you're ok.... but not in the example I just gave you.... food for thought...

Just trying to help....

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Psychicpet

THANK-YOU TODD!!!!

You're totally welcome... I'm happy to help!!

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Vegiehead

Thanks so much for the link to those video's. Im the sort of person that cant learn without seeing what im ment to be learning.

Question though .. Do you use your thumb to play the E string at any stage? (Apart from slapping)


Thanks

I use my thumb to play bass lines and my index, middle and ring fingers to play chords when I do my "Bass and chords at the same time thing"....

Otherwise I use my thumb as a mute.....

Make sense???

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by bass349

Hi Todd,

I'd just like to point out that whilst the floating thumb technique is a good muting system, it's not the only muting method out there! I'm not trying to diss the technique, heck i even use it with most of my students because most of them find it easier, if they're beginners. (on a side note, i find that if a student has been playing for a while using the "thumb anchor" then they actually find the method i use a little easier)

Basically I use the technique that Patitucci uses and demonstrates in his instructional dvd. Using your thumb as an anchor (and effectively a mute) and the ring, and pinky (when needed) fingers to facilitate the muting of the other strings. Anybody who wants to check this out should get a hold of the Patitucci videos, i think it's on the first one if my memory serves correctly... in fact, you should get a hold of them even if you're not interested in his muting technique! great stuff..

Anyway.. just wanted to point out that the floating thumb isn't the ONLY muting technique out there, and there is a way (and an extremely valid method) of anchoring the thumb and muting the open strings..

all the best,
Andy

Hi Andy,

You're absolutely correct.... JP's method definitely works... I agree... If that works for you then great... My friend Scott Pazera does a similar thing and he's BRILLIANT!!!

I have that video....at least I used too.... (probably "loaned" it to a student and didin't get it back!)

BTW, I explain this in my DVD..... I mention it anyway....

In all honesty... The floating is is a more "ergonomic" method in my humble opinion....but.... it's just my opinion.

JP DEFINITELY gets great results with it.... and I'm sure you do too.

Food for thought....

Thanks for your positive input....

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Erick Lam

If you like Todd's video, take a look at where is comes from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89k93ekbsMQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HesBYzrR9e8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfz0bPi_vgM

Erik,

You're exactly right.... I had the "honor" of studying with Gary.... I even took over his classes at BIT when he moved....

He's the best....

The only difference is that I use 2 fingers instead of 3 like Gary.....

BTW, I give Gary all due credit on my DVD.... I'm not EVEN implying that I invented the technique.... I have refined it to the way I play...

I think this is the best place to start for anyone.... start there and make adjustments to your own individual style.

Cool..........

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Joe Garage

I have the same problem. Where should I place my thumb when im playing the E string? Its not a problem when Im playing a 5 string bass, but on my 4-String jazz bass it just feels very uncomfortable leaving it hanging in the air.

The thumb lays "just" a fraction off the bottom string... it takes a little getting used to.... but every technique does...

I don't want to sound "evasive" etc.... but what you see on the youtube.com video is not the "entire" picture of the floating thumb.... I go into much greater detail etc. on my DVD....

I hope this sounds right....

I want to help everyone with this technique, but I don't want to "throw the baby out with the bath water"..... make sense???

Thanks for understanding.....