Left thumb too low?

[chobbes]

While trying to do some chromatic scales on the E string, I discovered it's a lot easier to play and I can get a lot more power if I lower my left thumb against the back of the neck.

I had been putting my left thumb against the middle of the back of the neck like in Adam Nitti's pictures: http://www.adamnitti.com/images/less...er_03/fig2.jpg
but now the tip/highest part of my thumb is at the middle of the back of the neck (whereas before the middle of my thumb was at the middle of the back of the neck). Is that too low? Did that even make any sense? Thanks in advice for any help! This board has been a tremendous resource.

[jsingles]

how much lower??

if it feels comfortable for you it might be fine.

using the back of the neck in general is proper technique and ive always found it better. I use the very middle of the back though, not necessarily too low.

[chobbes]

Thanks for the quick response! Hmm...not sure how to describe...I guess if the middle of the neck is halfway...then around 1/8 lower. I only seem to need to go lower for the E string. Could possibly be an action problem on that string too...

[Ric5]

I wrap my thumb around and sometimes use it to fret the B string ... Geddy does that too

[Ric5]

The picture that is supposed to be here doesn't want to stick ... bummer ...

[Ric5]

[Ric5]

Entwistle

[mutedeity]

Originally Posted by Ric5

Not recommended as an example of good technique.

[mutedeity]

Originally Posted by Ric5

Entwistle

Or this.

[Ric5]

Chris Squire ...

[Ric5]

I say put your thumb where it is comfortable ...

[mutedeity]

Basically you want your thumb in a position where you are able to have as much dexterity with your fingers as possible and also be comfortable. You have to be careful dropping your thumb that you don't flex your wrist too much. As long as you keep your wrist fairly straight it shouldn't be a problem.

As far as the photos of Geddy Lee and John Entwhistle, I would never recommend people look at that as an example of good technique. People that do that often complain that they can't span more than three frets. Have a look at both of their hands in those pictures too. They are closed.

[mutedeity]

Originally Posted by Ric5

I say put your thumb where it is comfortable ...

I say you are not going to teach anyone good technique like that.

[Ric5]

[jsingles]

you can get away with playing bass however you want, but there IS a more efficient and safe way to use your hand muscles.

to the OP, that honestly sounds fine as long as it isnt hurting you.

[jsingles]

to ric5

sometime when i play my G string my hand revolves around the neck so my thumb is higher up and almost on the top, but then when i need to reach say.. my B string, youll find my thumb much further down, firmly on the back of the neck.

its not a huge mistake to EVER have your thumb up on top of the neck, but its not good technique to keep it there.

[Ric5]

Some great bass players use improper technique

[mutedeity]

Originally Posted by Ric5

You can go on posting your bass heros all day, it doesn't make what they are doing good technique. How many threads are there on talkbass about people having difficulty reaching across their fretboard, not to mention how many times I have had to correct this exact same problem as a professional tutor. The fact is that wrapping your thumb around the neck is something a lot of people get away with but it is not efficient technical application any more than wearing your bass around your knees is good for your back, even though some people think it looks cool.

[jsingles]

Originally Posted by Ric5

Some great bass players use improper technique

which doesnt mean they arent playing bass right.... but proper technique isnt "the way in which famous bass players play"

theres something to be said about preventing carpeltunel

[Ric5]

And I guess my technique is wrong as well ...