Wrapping thumb around neck?

paf77 · #1 02-09-2010, 09:56 PM

I've heard that you're supposed to keep your thumb on the back of the neck for bass playing, but I find myself wrapping my thumb around the neck like you see a lot of guitarists do. Is this technically wrong technique? What's the correct technique with this? I've been wondering about this for a while.

Chunk-O-Funk · #2 02-09-2010, 10:04 PM

Depends.

Using the thumb over the neck can be a good technique as to deaden the E string.

Doing it because it's easier than the thumb on the back of the neck may become a bad habit and trip you up later on.

Really depends where you are technically, how long you've been playing, etc.....
Thumb behind the neck and one finger per fret is the "proper" way to learn. IMO.

Sideshow Aj · #3 02-09-2010, 10:05 PM

I do it cos it's comfortable. I'm not really fussed about the "proper" way of doing things.

Joe Nerve · #4 02-09-2010, 10:10 PM

Never noticed I do that till someone pointed it out here from seeing pix. It never held me back in any way whatsoever.

walker rosewood · #5 02-09-2010, 11:33 PM

Yes it's wrong. Wrong wrong wrong. Don't do it. Tighten that strap (raise the bass up) and learn the right way. It may feel more comfortable right now, but it will limit your range of motion, reach, flexibility, and overall skill of playing. It also put's unnecessary strain on muscles, which could lead to pain, carpultunel, or other health issues. Guitarists who do it are wrong too.

I'm serious, don't do it.

walker rosewood · #6 02-09-2010, 11:36 PM

In addition, the 'right' way is in fact one finger per fret, with your thumb on the center of the neck, underneath your second (middle) finger. At least that is your 'home' position.

4001 · #7 02-09-2010, 11:41 PM

Chris Squire frets a lot of E-string notes with his thumb.

CayceG · #8 02-09-2010, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4001

Chris Squire frets a lot of E-string notes with his thumb.

True. And I've tried doing it, but the guy must have some monster hands because I can't fret his chords the way he does.

When I'm playing the "Battle" portion of Gates of Delirium, I thumb the first C on the E string but everything else until I start the line over is fingers. Squire thumbs every low C. I have to do the two in the middle with my index.

4001 · #9 02-09-2010, 11:48 PM

He's got MONSTER hands. His basslines can be played the same way by not using your thumb to fret E-string notes though.
I think he learned that way, so it is natural for him to do that.

pasta4lnch · #10 02-09-2010, 11:59 PM

can't imagine wanting to do this on bass. I used to do it on guitar - like playing an open D/F# chord or something, but after learning the proper way to fret them I don't. its kinda annoying to do it now.

I do see some guys doing it, as w/ most "bad habits" the "right" way is usually right for a reason. . . ymmv - I cant imagine a scenario where it would completely hinder something.

billy ayers · #11 02-10-2010, 12:00 AM

If it's used as a string-muting technique, fine. But if you want speed and agility, it's a deadly habit to cultivate.
There isn't a single picture of Jaco anywhere, with his thumb hanging over the neck. His (double-jointed) thumb was always either in the classic "C" or on its way to the next position, and his fingers were arched like a pianists. And no one played faster or more accurately, for decades after.

not_jason · #12 02-10-2010, 12:20 AM

I have very large hands, and although I sometimes opt to play with my thumb on the back of the neck, I usually find it more comfortable for me to have it either over the neck or off-center on the back of the neck. There is no question that I get more force and precision in my fretting with my thumb on the center of the neck, but it also tires me out.

4001 · #13 02-10-2010, 12:31 AM

I don't care where you place your thumb.
If you can play the parts right, who cares?

2400 · #14 02-10-2010, 12:34 AM

Anyone wanna wager how long it takes until Fergie Fulton posts in this thread?

kr0n · #15 02-10-2010, 02:27 AM

For simple tunes that don't require much of anything, sure why not. Excessive shifting is the results and can look like you're wanking a big stick. Be that a good or a bad thing.

Or keep your thumb there behind, relaxed and enjoy the free movement of fingers and easy stretches.

I feel it constricts my fingers way too much. I can't do C major without shifting if I hold my thumb up there.

fearceol · #16 02-10-2010, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2400

Anyone wanna wager how long it takes until Fergie Fulton posts in this thread?

Was thinking that myself.

C'mon Fergie !! What do you think ?

Mekanic · #17 02-10-2010, 05:29 AM

I don't do it... hands are too small to be remotely effective with my thumb up there.

Fergie Fulton · #18 02-10-2010, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2400

Anyone wanna wager how long it takes until Fergie Fulton posts in this thread?

LOL. Did not realise i was becoming predictable. It is restrictive to a certain degree that is all. If you can do all you want with this technique it is indeed safe, no injuries are associated with this. By the very fact it has elements of restriction, and you need in most cases a straight wrist to do it, you may consider it the safest way to play.

I teach any beginner this way then expand it as they develop. Again by virtue of body mechanics you need to use the finger joints in line to allow the fingertips to fret the string, that means the stress loads are going through the joints, and the knuckles are under or behind the string. This again is a postition of safety as the joints are not being pushed on from the sides, which will cause problems but again in line.

If you have access to a spring loaded pen, take out the spring, push it down keeping the pressure through the spring. You will find it stable as the load are transfered correct. Do it again and move the top of the spring so the load is not outside the line, in effect travelling down one side of it. The spring bulges a belly as the load moves away from the centre, it beome un-stable, it is not long now before the energy will be release and the spring flies off. That is similer to how joint damage happens when they get out of line. Your skin, muscles and attachments are what stop it flying off the way it did, but the damage is done.

There are different types of joint damage, this is just one instance, the joints can be damaged when in line through wear and tear, but that is because playing an instrument is not the primary function of the hand, playing is a compromise, everyone has to make some sort of compromise. So if yours is thumb over the top then so be it.

Playing styles are personal to each player depending on
a/ The style of hand
b/ the health of the hand
c/ the flexability of joints.

Height of guitar is related to the reach of a player, long arms short arms and so on. This by virtue of body mechanics again can determine a players ability. The same applies to one finger one fret, not all have the capability to do this, so look to incorporating some Simaldl ideas if this apples to you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Simandl

As it is personal thing and a changing thing any questions drop me PM.

Here's one of me 33 years ago. No way i could do those positions now...no need to anyway. The fingers are not long, the light just highlights the full use of all elements involved for my hand to achieve that brief position. As said you can see the relationship to the knuckles which are in this instance in front of the neck, but the joints are in line which give them there appearence of length. This is not a position i would want to be in to often because of the stresses involved.

K'Ching · #19 02-10-2010, 06:38 AM

There really is no right or wrong way. As long as you're not hurting yourself, do whatever you need to do to make the bass sound exactly like you want it to.

I know for me that means sometimes wrapping my thumb around the neck, in order to have more strength to make bends and vibrato. Especially when soloing. It also helped me get rid of my carpal tunnel, which I got because I had a bad habit of bending my wrist too much using "proper" technique, because it forced me to keep my wrist straight.

Anyway I guess my point is that there's no reason to disregard the technique, because it can help you do some different things, just be aware that it's not limiting you.

Rudreax · #20 02-10-2010, 08:44 AM

As has been said, if it doesn't:

a) Hurt in ANY WAY whatsoever, and
b) Doesn't limit you at all,

It will work. Personally, I don't like to wrap my thumb at all (restricts where I can move my fingers, plus it looks weird to me) so I keep it behind the neck.