Left hand thumb positioning problems

JJBass30 · #1 02-05-2009, 05:57 PM

I checked the newbie links and searched and couldn't find anything sorry if this has been discussed before...

So, I just started learning upright Ive been playing electric for awhile and the one problem that I've been having that I can't find a solution for is keeping my left hand thumb under the 2nd and 3rd fingers. It always manages to slide away from were it should be, what I am looking for is exercises or advice on how to keep it were it is supposed to be

jallenbass · #2 02-05-2009, 06:30 PM

Are you talking about your index and middle finger? It should be opposite of those two.

JJBass30 · #3 02-05-2009, 08:06 PM

Yeah sorry I wasn't clear on that, I understand where it is supposed to be. My problem is that as I play it will immediately starting moving upward until its wrapped around the neck which is not the way it is supposed to work.

JtheJazzMan · #4 02-05-2009, 08:40 PM

sounds like a strength issue, if your hand is wanting to collapse. you have to be patient with such things, it will come with practice.

scale exercises in sharp keys and flat ones like Ab Db Gb will give your left hand a good workout

thedbassist · #5 02-05-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJBass30

Yeah sorry I wasn't clear on that, I understand where it is supposed to be. My problem is that as I play it will immediately starting moving upward until its wrapped around the neck which is not the way it is supposed to work.

Well, I find that I get on top of the string when the pad of my thumb is on the left side of the neck, not the middle. Also, I play with my thumb behind my first finger and find it very comfortable. But then again, I follow(for the most part) the Rabbath method so the main reason this is advantageous is because you can pivot a half step up or down in pitch without moving your shifting.

JJBass30 · #6 02-06-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JtheJazzMan

sounds like a strength issue, if your hand is wanting to collapse. you have to be patient with such things, it will come with practice.

scale exercises in sharp keys and flat ones like Ab Db Gb will give your left hand a good workout

thats probably it, haha yeah when I actually get to those scales.

Thanks for the help