Bobknowsbass asked:
I really like the new forum!
Any advice/suggestions for moving into the thumb position? Is there a definite "transition point" i.e. octave of the open string or before/after? Any ways to get around intonation problems when you play in the higher register? Thanks!
Excuse the pun, but the "rule of thumb" is that thumb position, under it's various names, begins at the octave harmonic, and continues up the fingerboard.
In practice, thumb position can be extended down quite a bit below that. In fact, I have seen players employ an extended thumb position as low as the first "B" on the "G" string. Sometimes, you need to cover more ground and an extended thumb position can help you to do that while avoiding a shift, other times, you may be leaving a traditional thumb position only momentarily. In cases like this it may make more sense to keep your thumb over the string in an effort to avoid changing hand positions for just a few notes.
In this clip, there are several moments where Edgar Meyer employs an extended thumb position.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV-65UMPMMA
You can address intonation the same way that you would on any other part of the bass; by practicing scales, arpeggios, shifts, double stops, long tones etc.. If you are using the bow, you will need to move the bow closer to the bridge as your hand moves closer to the bridge. Keep your fingers relaxed and arched, do not let them collapse, and you'll feel comfortable up there in no time. I'm a fan of George Vance's Progressive Repertoire series, because it develops the higher positions along with the lower ones. Those books are worth a look.
As with any issue regarding technique, it would be a good idea for you to spend some time with a teacher. That is the only way to be sure that you're heading in the right direction and developing solid fundamentals and good habits.
Best of luck!
