Non-playing thumb technique

[TedAngus]

Non-playing meaning the non slapping, thumping, etc. thumb.

Look at this fella:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poQsJtc3tRw

Look at his left thumb. He plants that sucker on the E whenever he plucks with his right hand. I've been watching Marcus Miller, and he does it too (just not as much as the guy in the video).

Is this to mute the E, or is it comfortable for them? I've tried to pull this off, but I find it limits my hand mobility/flexibility to an uncomfortable degree.

Thoughts?

[PJSShearer]

Everyone and his dog will have an response to this one, but to me it is a technique flaw - rather than something you should try and emulate. Because, as you say, "it limits my hand mobility/flexibility to an uncomfortable degree".