Left Hand

Shoehorn · #1 08-23-2006, 12:18 AM

Oh hey everyone,

I just had a really cool experience at jazz camp. I totally got rid of the bad habits in my left hand just by trying to play a major scale without my thumb on the back of the neck. I immediately noticed how many more muscles were working to press the strings down. IT WAS SO COOL! for about half a second I thought "I'm gonna play like this always!" But of course I didn't. That does lead me to a rather noobish question: what role does the thumb of the left hand play exactly? just as a sort of anchor for the rest of your hand?

thebassclef · #2 08-23-2006, 12:25 AM

Just tried the exercise you explained, And I think it'll make a great finger workout. Maybe, Just MAybe, I'll even learn to play with a floating thumb, but I'll still use my thumb to anchor and help relieve some presure.

So I guess the answer to your question is an Anchor and added strength.

iamlowsound · #3 08-23-2006, 08:49 PM

It is used as a guide, as far as I know. I try to not push hard.

lowsound

j-bass-kreep · #4 08-23-2006, 11:42 PM

I don't use the thumb when practicing , it is a great way to gain strenght in fingers and relieve some pressure . When you gig it'll be much easier to play and your endurance will improve.

joebingo · #5 08-26-2006, 07:46 AM

wow, that's really wierd - went through the major scale at my normal speed but without the thumb, about 10 times, and now my arm feels really wierd - that, along wiht the wooten double slap (really hard, i think i my thumb is too chubby) is now going to weave it's way into my practice sessions!

ukbassboy · #6 08-27-2006, 02:05 PM

Yeah, I picked up that tip off here a while ago and it really does help. I even do it sometimes during the slower songs in our set just to remind me not to strangle the neck. I also try to alternate scales and fingering exercises - one thumb on the neck, one thumb off the neck.