Is it wrong to play with yer thumb?

Headless Llama · #1 11-21-2009, 07:41 PM

I play mostly with my fingers. But sometimes I play with my thumb. Is there anything "wrong" with it?

MonkeyBass · #2 11-21-2009, 07:44 PM

As long as you don't hurt yourself why not?

I like the thumb for palm muting effects. Stick the palm on the bridge saddles and thump away!

GianGian · #3 11-21-2009, 07:46 PM

Not really. It is just really slow, but if it works for you, fine. It is interesting because it sounds a bit softer right?

rosanne · #4 11-21-2009, 07:55 PM

Do you use your thumb along with your fingers or by itself?

**pringlw** · #5 11-21-2009, 07:56 PM

Victor Wooten often does it....

Dark Horse · #6 11-21-2009, 07:56 PM

Nope. I do it on slower moving lines when I need a big FAT sound.

If it sounds good, it IS good.

PBass101 · #7 11-21-2009, 07:57 PM

Sometimes Cliff Willians would just use his thumb for long periods in AC/DC concerts.

So I guess it's okay!

Headless Llama · #8 11-21-2009, 07:57 PM

I play things like "hey baby" with my thumb, and I play "phantom of the opera" with my fingers. Sometimes I switch between the two styles on the same song. Like "beer drinkers hell raisers" I Play with both. I guess I'm just wierd!!

rosanne · #9 11-21-2009, 08:01 PM

I've never tried playing with my thumb. Seems like it would be slower than with fingers. Is it? Also, do you have as much control over the dynamics with the thumb?

jarrhead · #10 11-21-2009, 08:03 PM

I use it to strum sometimes. Gives a warm tone when your fingernails aren't freshly clipped.

Headless Llama · #11 11-21-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosanne

I've never tried playing with my thumb. Seems like it would be slower than with fingers. Is it? Also, do you have as much control over the dynamics with the thumb?

Well, I guess that 1 thumb is slower than 4 fingers

But it isn't necessary to play "fast" all of the time.

About dynamics, I have pretty good control over my technique, so I would have to say that it does not affect the tone as much as one would think.

My main reason for asking is that I know that there is some stereotype of bassists using there thumb.

basslinejam · #12 11-21-2009, 08:28 PM

I have practiced a lot to get my thumb playing down, both muted and unmuted. The muted technique I use for dynamic, slower tunes mostly, but even more uptempo stuff is doable if you build the facility. I've found that I can cop a little better swinging 8th note feel with my thumb than my fingers and the notes are more distinct. It also keeps me from overplaying on stuff that should be deep down rootsy.

I have a modified fingerpick technique for walking shuffles too. I guess the more techniques the merrier! At a session a few weeks ago I was thumb plucking / finger picking a line for "Bright Lights, Big City" and the engineer thought I was using a pick, so you can get that option too. As you can tell, I'm really into it. #;>)

I play a Precision with foam and Labella 760FM's.

rosanne · #13 11-21-2009, 08:34 PM

hmmmmmmmm. Interesting. Maybe I'll try it.

Jimmy Reed +1

Fergie Fulton · #14 11-22-2009, 02:12 AM

No not at all, and ultimately it is one of the ways to develop great speed, chords, picking, and it is a great position for the wrist.
Look and any classical guitarist style to see the point and listen to any banjo picking to hear the point, and for both...Jeff Berlin.

basslinejam · #15 11-22-2009, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosanne

Jimmy Reed +1

rich007 · #16 11-22-2009, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Headless Llama

I play mostly with my fingers. But sometimes I play with my thumb. Is there anything "wrong" with it?

no disrespect to anyone but the guy means strumming with his thumb,not thumping or slapping ,someone even mentioned vw (yes he uses thumb but he slaps it up and down......what this persons doing is a problem guys i do it so i know where he comes from........unfortunatley i suspect you find yourself playing most tunes on the e and a strings along the neck,rather than using the usual 4 strings and scales

,i,ve wasted years doing this and am now finding it very hard to change styles....speed is an issue when it comes to fills,funky triplets ect.....i still use thumb for u2 with or without you bassline,but its a case of a bad habit...and once thier bedded in thier hard to change.........just my opinon i,m no jaco,......respect to all...........

hasbeen · #17 11-22-2009, 07:02 AM

Marcus Miller does it, Anthony Jackson, Chuck Rainey....... it is a staple technique.

I find it especially helpful on reggae and Motown tunes. When I do it, I tend to mute with the edge of my hand/palm....slightly resting on the strings, back towards the bridge.

**Rune Bivrin** · #18 11-22-2009, 07:23 AM

I'd say Paul McCartney and Sting are excellent examples of bass players that have shown thumb playing to work quite well.

Stinsok · #19 11-22-2009, 07:39 AM

Didn't Leo Fender have thumb playing in mind for the electric bassist?

Headless Llama · #20 11-22-2009, 07:41 AM

I appreciate all of the input here. I do move up the neck, and I also use all 4 strings to their fullest. Try playing hey baby on 2 strings

For me its a matter of comfort. Especially when learning a new song. Like "southbound pachyderm". I played it with my thumb (yes droning notes too!) I now play it with fingers.

I play songs like "hysteria" - Muse with my thumb, and it sounds really good. I do lack the facility to play it with fingers though. So I guess it is wrong if it is looked at as a shortcoming. But someone else said as long as it sounds good, its ok.

I tend to use my fingers more when I play my fretless than the fretted. And they are both Warwick Corvettes, so that throws me for a loop.