Beginner - Anchoring Thumb Questions!

Sounds like you're getting the hang of it. You won't hurt anything by touching the pickups. I usually move my anchor as I'm crossing strings, but the A string is my last anchor for. D and G. 3 anchor points for four string, 4 for 5 string, 5 for six string. Try not to cross more than two strings without moving your anchor, it can cause stress on your hands and wrist. You want to keep your wrists as straight as possible. People do it, but I don't recommend it.

 

I would recommend using the "Floating Thumb" technique (not to be confused with the "Moveable Anchor" where the thumb rests of the string above...or two above.. the one being plucked. This is also a safe technique). With the FT the thumbs does not rest on anything, but does what it says on the tin...it floats. Anchoring on the pick up causes the wrist to bend which in time can lead to injury problems like CTS.

With the FT, not only have you a safe and efficient technique and a straight wrist, but you also get to mute unwanted harmonics on unpicked strings.

 

You can always check out billy to see his approach.

 

Make sure you contact with the top surface of the thumb too. If you move up to the A string, the bottom surface mutes that and the top surface mutes the E string above.

 

Make sure to give it ample time (anything up to three months) before you come to a definitive decision as to whether it works ...or not.. for you.

 

I get asked this question a lot by my students. I have to analyze what I'm doing because it just comes so naturally to me now. What I focus on is muting the unwanted strings and making sure the only notes that are heard are the ones that are supposed to be heard. My thumb just naturally moves to various spots around the E string (sometimes below it), while the rest of the muting, generally, is handled by the fretting hand. Just keep experimenting, making sure your priority is a full, round, clean tone. That will dictate where your thumb goes.

 

I find that I am almost always anchored on my E string. I do a lot of muting with my fretting hand and my rest strokes take care of the rest. I dont play a 5 string often, but in that case I am usually resting on the E string and gently touching the low B.

 

As you are just startling your journey. Some of us use our thumb to sound the strings -- I came over from 6 string guitar and the pick came over as well. Found I liked the sound of just my thumb over the pick, so the pick went back into my gig bag.

When I do go finger picking thumb gets placed where ever fits and then index and middle do the rest. Not saying this is THE way, just something to take into account.

Good enough for Sir Paul, good enough for me.
paul mcmartney teaches bass - Bing video

Yes he is left handed.