using thumb to hold E string for chord

[friendo]

is this common or is it a bad habit?


it feels awkward making this shape:

F
G|--2-|
D|--3-|
A|----|
E|--1-|

...when i use my index finger to hold the E string. it feels much more comfortable when i use my thumb.

should i just get used to holding it with my index finger?

[fenderfunker]

It is supposed to be a no-no, but it hasn't held back Stanley Clarke.

[friendo]

is there a reason why this is looked down upon? i cant seem to think of a reason. its wayyy too comfortable

[Chewiem]

bah, just do it, all the big names in unique technique did things that were frowned upon and when people actually heard them they were blown away and ate there words. i highly doubt that slapping was accepted instantly when it was pioneered, hell even the electric guitar was hated by the blues purists, but these things changed. you would have been using your thumb and index finger as a standard way of plucking a couple decades ago, just do whats comfortable for you.

[fenderfunker]

Electric bass is still fairly new, and when I started in the seventies, 'experts', quite rightly, were encouraging us to have good habits that were, supposedly, going to help with speed, dexterity blah blah. As with everything, it is questioned and dispensed with if not necessary. If it gives you an edge; do it. I never used to, but I do now.

[Kevin.Kevin]

i just find It's not as accurate or strong as the index finger. Might come from playing guitar as well, as a barre chord is basically the same shape you are outlining. But using my thumb never felt as good, or was I able to get as good a tone out of the strings.

ALso instead of playing that F in there on the D string, try rocking some 7ths or 6ths on those chords. It will make life so much more interesting.

[kr0n]

Originally Posted by friendo

is this common or is it a bad habit?


it feels awkward making this shape:

F
G|--2-|
D|--3-|
A|----|
E|--1-|

...when i use my index finger to hold the E string. it feels much more comfortable when i use my thumb.

should i just get used to holding it with my index finger?

Holding that with index should be very easy. Near straight index finger and very curved middle for the A and pinky for the F on D string. That's how I'd it, trying to hold it with my thumb decreases the reach for my pinky so much it is near useless.

[mccartneyman]

No reason not to use the thumb for a chord. I'd discourage you from not keeping your thumb anchored on the back of the neck when not playing a chord, but I see many players who have a "flying thumb" and it s doesn't seem to hurt them.