Double Bass How does thumb position exactly work?

[Portphilia]

Still being an amateur doubler, I was never explained the concept of thumb position. From what I understand, switching to thumb position on the G string with the thumb on the high G means that the thumb becomes the open string. That being said you can move your left hand fingers into positions such as: index on A; middle on high Bb; ring on high B natural and this functions as I position, but in thumb position... yes? That being said, to shift higher into thumb position, does one anchor the thumb on the high A and move into higher positions utilizing the thumb as if it were an open A string and positioning the fingers in similar fashion? I'd be truly grateful if somebody could shed some light for me.

 

[powerbass]

I have just started practicing in thumb position so I am not the most qualified to answer your question. The switch to thumb position naturally occurs because the neck heel forces you to move your thumb up onto the strings when playing in higher positions - your whole hand is now on top of the finger board. You you can use the thumb to anchor your position or not, it depends. If you do use your thumb you have the option of playing 4 notes using thumb, first, second and third fingers chromatically oriented. (some folks may get five notes using all the fingers). I have an Eb neck so I can stretch w/my 4th finger and get an F# (on G string) without going into TP. You don't have to use the thumb, it can rest on the strings then you will be using your first, second and third fingers etc. If you use your thumb on the high G on the G string you would ascend chromatically with your fingers - index finger would play a G#/Ab etc.

 

[Sam Sherry]

I was never explained the concept of thumb position.

This is a classic "don't just rely on the internet" moment. Nevertheless . . .

From what I understand, switching to thumb position on the G string with the thumb on the high G means that the thumb becomes the open string.

True, but you're not required to place your thumb at high G.

That being said you can move your left hand fingers into positions such as: index on A; middle on high Bb; ring on high B natural and this functions as I position, but in thumb position... yes?

True that you can. False that you must. Part of the fun of thumb position is that you can cover more real estate without shifting as much if you want to and if it's musically appropriate.

For example, investigate this notion: A on the A string (thumb), C on the A string (2nd), E on the D string (1st), G on the G string (thumb), B on the G string (2nd), C on the G string (3rd). Now see how it sounds playing downward over C major, A minor, F major, D minor etc. Now explore the same drill a half-step up with thumb on Bb. Now a whole step below with thumb on Ab.

Scope out Michael Moore, among many others, for great music making liberal use of thumb position.

Hope this helps.

 

[Portphilia]

Ah, thanks for the tips. Are there any books you'd recommend for new players who want to explore thumb position?

 

[ahsbass6]

Since the thumb is no longer behind the neck, it is used as a "reference" point. Obviously, as you shift higher the thumb goes with you hand. Do not think that you must keep the thumb at the G.The same is true of cello. Simandle Method for Double Bass Vol II is often used for thumb position.

 

[Portphilia]

Ah, I have the Simandl method number I, does number II explain all the positions in thumb position?

 

[robgrow]

The book "Progressive Repertoire for the Double Bass Volume 1" by George Vance has some fairly easy exercises in thumb position to help you get started. This is something that you really need a teacher for however, and you aren't going learn on the Internet.

 

[Portphilia]

Yes, I know.. Unfortunately the extra money I have left over each month goes towards payments for the instrument I'm trying to learn. /: I will be going to college in the Spring, but I'm not sure how much instruction on double bass I'll getting anyway, since I'm not trying to be a performance major.