Thumb Position

[t-bag]

When a + is placed above a note does it mean finger the note with the thumb? I’m used to a Q, and I have also seen an upside down Q for thumb. Also do you use harmonics in scales?

[llacnayr]

a + means to find the harmonic of the open string, REST your thumb on it and play all the way up the fingerboard.
The reason they do this instead of writing the notes in that high is because it's easier to read then way up on the music staff.

[neilG]

A "+" over a note simply indicates that it is to be fingered with the thumb. It's not an indication for a harmonic which would have an "0" over it. If it has both, then it's a harmonic fingered with the thumb.

[munk18]

+ = thumb
o = harmonic/open string
+o = thumb over a harmonic
(.Y.) = boobs

it is common to use harmonics when playing scales. however, fingerings can be very personal. for me harmonics help me with certain positions im shifting too.

hope this helps!

[David Potts]

Just to confuse you the "+" and Pizz means left hand pizzicato to a violinist?

DP