Using thumb to fret E string?

[JoeNage]

Hi all,

I've been playing a couple years, mostly self taught. I recently got a teacher, who is way better than I'll ever be, but I notice he has a pretty different left hand technique than the one I've been using.

In particular, he will use the thumb of his left hand to fret the E string at times.

I always keep my left thumb on the back of the fret board, and hold my fingers in a 'claw,' attempting to cover one fret with each finger.

For some reason, I believe this is 'proper technique.' Should I stick with the way I've been doing it? (My teacher has not instructed me to use my thumb to fret.)

Thanks

[robertusf]

Ritchie Havens on Bass?

[gjbassist]

That is not typical left hand technique at all! The thumb is supposed to stay on the back of the neck as you are doing. I have seen many guitar players and some bass players who bring their thumb off the back to where it curves around above the fret board. I have never seen anyone actually use their thumb to fret a note. IMO it is sloppy technique.

[Billnc]

Originally Posted by JoeNage

.

(My teacher has not instructed me to use my thumb to fret.)

Thanks

and somehow I think that is a good thing.

[theundecidedone]

^^ that is a very good thing. my bass teacher does that occasionally for guitar, but never bass. he pretty much showed me the 'traditional' left hand form, (thumb on the back of the neck) and told me to do whatever allowed me to hit the notes.

don't worry about changing technique. if you're playing the music right, then your method is correct!

[FretlessMainly]

Originally Posted by gjbassist

That is not typical left hand technique at all!

Agreed that it is not typical.

Originally Posted by gjbassist

The thumb is supposed to stay on the back of the neck as you are doing.

Supposed to? Are we creating art or building a bridge here?

Originally Posted by gjbassist

I have never seen anyone actually use their thumb to fret a note. IMO it is sloppy technique.

I've done it on occasion (on bass) over the years when the need presented itself. Any port in a storm/use the tools available to you. Resourcefulness needn't be confused with sloppy.

As far as guitar goes, I do it all the time on chords such as D/F#, FMAJ7, etc. Now I can play voicings of these chords without my thumb, but certain voicings are richer if I use all four fingers plus my thumb. It's actually a bit challenging at times, but certainly not sloppy.

[Ric5]

It is improper technique ... But I still do it. Some famous players like Geddy Lee do it sometimes.

[Bassamatic]

I have never seen this, but I do use my thumb to mute the E string once in a while.

[Joe Nerve]

Originally Posted by gjbassist

That is not typical left hand technique at all! The thumb is supposed to stay on the back of the neck as you are doing. I have seen many guitar players and some bass players who bring their thumb off the back to where it curves around above the fret board. I have never seen anyone actually use their thumb to fret a note. IMO it is sloppy technique.

And if works for the guy, then great. I agree that we're not building bridges - we're creating art. Jameson had some pretty rotten technique if I remember correctly. It didn't stop him from putting out some awesome stuff.

[SMILEYSIXX]

I'll be damned if my thumb EVER leaves the back of the neck.

[Rthm]

YouTube - Louis Johnson Slap Bass Lesson chunk 2 xvid

found it! skip to around 3:20, where he talks about how he frets the E with his thumb in order to change keys.

just something to add, thought it was interesting.

[Session1969]

It's a technique that some blues/funk players use. It's how they learned and it works for them ! A buddy of mine played that way but it's too uncomfortable for me.

[Billnc]

I do not have a hitchhiker thumb so I couldn't do it if I wanted!

[jabsys]

I often play with my thumb around the neck so it's over the E string to mute it, never considered actually using it for fretting.

[Jhengsman]

Originally Posted by gjbassist

That is not typical left hand technique at all! The thumb is supposed to stay on the back of the neck as you are doing. I have seen many guitar players and some bass players who bring their thumb off the back to where it curves around above the fret board. I have never seen anyone actually use their thumb to fret a note. IMO it is sloppy technique.

I'm new to bass but aside from classical world where it is not "proper" technique and wide fretboard players it is very common in the guitar world. Especially among those looking for a different option then using their first finger which they may place somewhere else.

[Billnc]

Originally Posted by Jhengsman

I'm new to bass but aside from classical world where it is not "proper" technique and wide fretboard players it is very common in the guitar world. Especially among those looking for a different option then using their first finger which they may place somewhere else.

I was taught "proper" technique from jazzers.

[Chris K]

Originally Posted by Session1969

It's a technique that some blues/funk players use.

… incidentally, to be able to squeeze and hit hard, and I've only seen it on 4-string.

Left hand technique is complicated and risky. Check out my health pages, link below.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

My personal philosophy, if its comfortable for you and you like it... do it...

But you may find using your thumb to play the E string will slow you down...

While we are on the subject, while playing high up on the neck with your left hand, use the side of your pointer finger to play down low on the E string

[tk421]

i do it on guitar all the time - but never on bass. i can fret a .052 with my thumb, but a .105 is a bit thick.

[Fresh Cream]

Originally Posted by SMILEYSIXX

I'll be damned if my thumb EVER leaves the back of the neck.

+1
That is so true


But I think this probably has something to do with the rabbath technique, I've read places that he often uses his thumb extensively, especially when playing high up the fingerboard. This is a double bass method I think though, but I think it has some use on electric bass.

I however, definitely wouldn't recommend this. I think it would lead to weak left hand technique, but meh, just my 2 cents.

If you're playing in a way that feels comfortable and it's going well I'd stick with that.

Happy playing!