Keeping fretting thumb parallel to neck??

[martyneilan]

I played upright bass for a number of years before picking up bass guitar, and am largely self taught on e-bass. I find that I can play faster and more comfortably if I keep my left thumb (fretting hand) parallel to the neck and near the middle of the back of the neck (think "thumbs up" aka the late Billy Mays). The thumb is usually the equivalent of 1 fret closer to the nut than the index finger. If I try to play with my thumb perpendicular to the neck, and opposing my middle and ring finger, my hand seems to cramp after a while and my technique is slower. FWIW, I play around a 45 degree angle. Is this an accepted alternate thumb position, or just bad technique?

[camello]

Your thumb position is completely relative to the structure of the notes your going to play. If I'm playing something on the top of the neck and I'm playing all 5 five strings within the next two measures, you best believe that my thumb is: perpendicular, parrallel or aiming left, aming right not even pressing against the neck!

The thing is people have different techniques for mutting strings and many times I do that with my left hand. I try to maintain maintain all four fingers as flat as possible against the strings, and doing so will COMPLETELY throw off any "postures" your trying to look for with your thumb. I personally wouldn't worry about it.

ALSO!!! When I play in the upper register I'm holding the neck like its a cheesebuger!!

[fretlessman71]

I get my students to grab the neck like they're grabbing a ham sandwich. Nice, camello.

Seriously, though - try this...

Get a plastic bag and put a few paperback books in it. Okay, maybe a few more.

Hang it off the headstock so there's a rather noticeable weight shift to the neck.

Now, TRY TO HOLD THE NECK UP WITH YOUR THUMB. Make a "thumbs up" sign, and using the part of your thumbprint opposite your thumbnail, push up on the neck (use your bicep to hold it up).

Put your fingers on the strings and see how far you can spread your fingers out.

Doing this experiment will help you get a better feel for what different thumb positions can achieve. It's worth a try.

[JimmyM]

I think your thumb is fine. Sounds a little exaggerated compared to what I do (my thumb isn't quite as far ahead of my index finger as yours), but it's basically what I do.

[Lulz]

Parallel always, and don't angle the fingers, keep them straight.

[zeppelinfreak]

Parallel thumb is a great way to develop tendinitis. Thats how it happened to me.

Upright bass is a tough instrument because any flaw in technique can literally cripple you. Every one says your thumb has to be perpendicular for a reason, because it prevents injury. Plus, once you get used to it, your intonation is better

[JimmyM]

I thought we were talking about electric.

[Lulz]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I thought we were talking about electric.

Same, wut.

[Fergie Fulton]

Originally Posted by zeppelinfreak

Parallel thumb is a great way to develop tendinitis. Thats how it happened to me.

Upright bass is a tough instrument because any flaw in technique can literally cripple you.

This is not strictly true for an electric bass. The thumbs are the culprits in most hand problems. Lifes eveyday demands puts pressure on the hands, bass playing may show a problem without being directly responsable. I have found in numerous studies and interviews with players that the thumb is best when movable rather than fixed, this is called Neutral Thumb. In this the thumb is neutral to the neck of the guitar, the hands and arms. So let the thumb sit parallel, come over the top, use the classic C, etc.

It is about comfort, accessability, playability, and health. All good techniques should be pain free. Check out the link and look at the blog section Neutral thumbs for more info.

www.myspace.com/vintageprecisionbass