a question

[icarus88]

Why do some bassists place their left thumbs on the E string?

 

[shawshank72]

Why do some bassists place their left thumbs on the E string?

from what I always understood it was for muting so there was no movement from the open string.

 

[shawshank72]

Also easy access to hit an E while plunking other notes.

 

[red_rhino]

All of those reasons, and it's also less of a stretch when playing notes on the G string. Hand span and comfort vary a lot between individual players.

 

[Derek Kay]

Some bassists eg Sting actually fret the E string with a thumb-over.
He makes it look easy, anf probably helps him while he's singing

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Why do some bassists place their left thumbs on the E string?

One thing to note is that doing this is generally considered bad technique.

 

[JonathanPDX]

One thing to note is that doing this is generally considered bad technique.

Victor Wooten does this all the time, or at least he used to before his distonia really progressed.

Being able to reach around with the left thumb to grab a note helps a lot with chords, especially if you don't have massive Jaco mitts.

 

[Killing Floor]

I’ve never rested my left thumb on the string but I do use my left thumb on lower string on some guitar fretty magic sometimes.

 

[chris_b]

Use every tool in the box.