Thumb Over The Top

[redstrand]

I'm finding out that using my left thumb on the E string is more comfortable than trying to find a spot for it on the back of the neck. The rest of my hand falls a bit more comforatbly on the fretboard also. I do have a big hand with long fingers. I've watched a few videos and I see it used by pick and finger players.

Do teachers try to discourage the practice?

[JimmyM]

Yes, because it cuts down on the reach you'd have with your thumb on the back of the neck. Are there great bassists who put their thumb over the neck? Of course. But it's much easier to play difficult pieces with your thumb in the back because of the extra reach. You might not be doing it quite right. Have you had anyone who plays with their thumb behind the neck troubleshoot your technique yet?

[Asa Samuel]

it also depends how high/low you have it, if you have it down by your hips (like me) its easier to put your thumb over the top.

if you have it as high as hell then that would be extremely umcomfortable and you'd have to put your thumb on the back of the neck.

i have my bass down by my hips and play using both styles.

[redstrand]

I play down by the hip. My biggest problem is where I put my thumb while I play...figured it's stronger than my pinky...flipped it over the top and it is more comfortable.

Guess you would call it 0,1,2 fingerstyle.

[chaosMK]

If you need to use all your lh fingers, then it's easier if you have your thumb on the back of the neck. I've seen plenty of people play with their thumb on top, but they mainly play root notes and fret everything with the same finger or two.

[redstrand]

Well after popping in the Blues Brothers earlier...Who do I find playing that "E" string with a thumb???

Duck Dunn...that's inspiration for me...now if I could play 1/100th as good I'd be set.

[chicagodoubler]

Alot of the old cats played with their thumb because

a

they didn't have jaco yet

b

they played flatwounds with high action

c

they didn't have such thing as electric bass teachers.


If you take the time and money to get some lessons with the best teacher in your area, he too can show you a multitude of reasons to keep your thumb in the middle of the back of the neck...

[Deacon_Blues]

I agree with the replies, it's not a very good technique. It think it slows you down and makes it more difficult to use the ring and pinky. And, what happens if you want to switch to a 5 or 6-string bass? It could actually be a good idea to play a wide sixer for a while to learn to keep the thumb in the "correct" position.

[Vin_MM_Sabre_79]

... and now a quick word from our sponsor....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslkVhOoE2U&NR=1

[Vin_MM_Sabre_79]

Of course- I'd love to see him play it in F

[PilbaraBass]

Originally Posted by Vin_MM_Sabre_79

... and now a quick word from our sponsor....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslkVhOoE2U&NR=1

I can't believe this thread made it all the way to #9 before Louis Johnson was brought into it. I was expecting #2 or #3

As far as thumb over the neck...I do it a little on guitar when doing some strange things around G chords in the 1st position...but other than that...it's behind the neck where it belongs

[chicagodoubler]

Funny. I was just thinking about posting that video.

Possibly the greatest advocate for thumb over the neck was Hendrix, but he had huge hands. Alot of instructional material tells you to use the thumb for his tunes, but 90% of it can be done with just 1-2-3-4.

Nothing wrong with good technique. Of course, if you can play like Louis Johnson or Hendrix, I'm not going to complain about where your thumb is!

[PrimusNut]

If I am not mistaken, Chris Squire also used his thumb on the E string. I find nothing wrong with it. If it works for you, do it.