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Thumb anchor movement?

#41
elmohoof said:
When I was at Berklee (1972) I had a teacher named Rich Appleman who I think is still there and he had a P bass that he put a hole in the size of his thumb to "anchor" it on that bass. He showed me that I could do the same on my jazz bass by resting my thumb on the left end of the pickup which i still do today without carving a hole in my bass
Click to expand...


elmohoof,

Good for you....Rich Appleman is a great player and teacher. You're blessed to have been able to study with him. I've always heard great things about Rich. Cool. :cool:

If anchoring works for you then terrific.......but....respectuflly...I think that there's a better way. Just my opinion.

I really wish I could demonstrate this for you in person.....I demonstrate it in GREAT detail on my "technique" dvd, but I don't expect you to drop $40 bucks just to "see" my side of the conversation.

This is the only frustrating part about hosting the forum.....It's far easier to show you something....than to type about it. I'm sure you feel my pain.

The problem with anchoring is that you'll have a ringing "A" string whenever you play on the "G" string.....unless you use your 3rd and 4th fingers of your right hand to "plug the holes".

.....it also puts your wrist in an "awkward" position.....it's carpal tunnel syndrome waiting to happen.

Plus,.....anchoring makes you have a "different range of motion" for every string combination. Not impossible to learn ....at all....just not as efficient as "moving the mechanism" with the floating thumb technique.....

Remember......this is just my opinion....that's all.....and I don't mean to discredit you at all....that's not my intent. Thanks for your patience and understanding.:)

I'm going to look into having a friend of mine take some of the floating thumb info off my dvd and make it into a couple of quick time movies, so I can post it and you (and everyone else!) can see/hear what I'm talking about. It might take me a little while, but I'll do it.

Thanks again for your input on this subject. I really appreciate your participation.
 
#42
Hi Todd,

Every teacher i've had insisted on anchoring the thumb. I tried the 'floating' thumb and found I liked it very much. It took care of ringing strings, and made string/finger positioning much more consistent. Pretty easy to adapt to. Think I'll be looking into your DVD soon.

Do you come 'out East' often (Philly)? I would be interested in a conference or something, sometime.

Peace,

John
 
#43
reddavid said:
Hi Todd,

Every teacher i've had insisted on anchoring the thumb. I tried the 'floating' thumb and found I liked it very much. It took care of ringing strings, and made string/finger positioning much more consistent. Pretty easy to adapt to. Think I'll be looking into your DVD soon.

Do you come 'out East' often (Philly)? I would be interested in a conference or something, sometime.

Peace,

John
Click to expand...

Hi John,

Hey, thanks for your note.... A lot of folks are taught the "anchor the thumb" method. It's the most common technique....but it doesn't mean it's the best technique. We have to keep in mind that the electric bass guitar has only been around 50 to 60 years......electric bass education has come a LONG way in the last 20 years or so.

I'm glad that the floating thumb technique is working for you. It's simple and logical.......and......it solves the ringing string problem!!! As you know, it doesn't take that long to incorporate into your playing......most folks can do it in 2 weeks to 2 months. That's a very reasonable time frame....considering all the problems it solves.

My DVD goes in depth into the floating thumb....plus I have numerous exercises to help you get REALLY comfortable with it. I think you'll dig it.

Right now I don't have anything booked in Philadelphia. I think the closest I'll be for now is Chicago. BUT....I'd love to come to Philadelphia and do a clinic or a performance. If you have any thoughts or suggestions on how we could put something together, then drop me a note off-list and we'll see what we can come up with.

Thanks again John.....

I'd better get going....I'm doing clinics in Sacramento this weekend......I need to get out the door.

Play slow!!
 
#44
Hey Todd,

I know for me, I've always floated my thumb using it to mute all the strings below where I'm playing by laying it across them. I think what may even be more important is the advice about playing volume or how strong you attack the strings. I try to use as light a touch as I can. I've found it increases speed and agility as well as allowing headroom for dynamics. At one time I even used light strings with ridiculously low action to force myself to use a light touch.
 
#45
I've heard of the floating thumb technique, but figured I was too anchored in my ways. (Alright, I should be severely slapped around for that one.) Since this discussion, I decided to give it a try--a serious try. It is coming along much easier than I expected. I do think the two week estimate was about right for when I should be able to reliably take this to the stage.

Todd, thanks again for all you share on here and I'm placing my order for your techniques DVD--I figure if I can learn this much from a few of your posts, I should be able to really pick stuff up from a dedicated lesson.
 
#46
bassjigga said:
Hey Todd,

I know for me, I've always floated my thumb using it to mute all the strings below where I'm playing by laying it across them. I think what may even be more important is the advice about playing volume or how strong you attack the strings. I try to use as light a touch as I can. I've found it increases speed and agility as well as allowing headroom for dynamics. At one time I even used light strings with ridiculously low action to force myself to use a light touch.
Click to expand...


Bassjigga,

You've got it right..........good for you.

It's all a process.....we're all just trying to make the bass sing. A light touch just allows you to have some head room with your touch. Volume pedals aren't necessary if you have this together.......unless of course you use them for effects etc. You know what I mean. (I don't want to anger all the volume pedal guys out there! Ha!:rollno: :D )

Keep up the good work......and thanks for all your positive input.

Well done!:)
 
#47
SmittyG said:
I've heard of the floating thumb technique, but figured I was too anchored in my ways. (Alright, I should be severely slapped around for that one.) Since this discussion, I decided to give it a try--a serious try. It is coming along much easier than I expected. I do think the two week estimate was about right for when I should be able to reliably take this to the stage.

Todd, thanks again for all you share on here and I'm placing my order for your techniques DVD--I figure if I can learn this much from a few of your posts, I should be able to really pick stuff up from a dedicated lesson.
Click to expand...


You got it Smitty!!!

I think you'll take to this like a duck to water. I think you'll be amazed how this will "clean things up" for you.

Keep me posted .........and thanks for your thoughtful order.

I didn't realize it was you when I sent your dvd out this morning!! DUH!!! I'm a little slow.......(a little???) Ha!:help:

Play slow!! :bassist:
 
#49
I have always felt a little self-concious to have a real bass player see me play because of the fact that even though I taught my girlfriend to anchor her thumb on the pickup, I've floated my thumb across the strings right from the start, for some strange reason.:confused:

Now she's frustrated because I'm telling her to change to your method, the one I'd tried my best to keep her from picking up from me.

I'm going to go ahead and get your DVD for her, but do you have it in Japanese?:ninja:


:hiding:

Anyway, you'll see my order here in a little bit. Thanks for the great attitude and support!
 
#51
:D
Akami said:
I have always felt a little self-concious to have a real bass player see me play because of the fact that even though I taught my girlfriend to anchor her thumb on the pickup, I've floated my thumb across the strings right from the start, for some strange reason.:confused:

Now she's frustrated because I'm telling her to change to your method, the one I'd tried my best to keep her from picking up from me.

I'm going to go ahead and get your DVD for her, but do you have it in Japanese?:ninja:


:hiding:



Anyway, you'll see my order here in a little bit. Thanks for the great attitude and support!
Click to expand...

Akami,

Sorry, ....but I don't have the dvd in Japanese!! HA!:D

Hey, I barely speak english! ;)

......and, you're on your own with the girlfriend.....I'm wisely staying out of it! ;)

Have fun!
 
#53
Got the DVD a few days ago.

As it turns out I seem to have developed pretty good technique & posture on my own (I have no formal training. I had an "intro to bass" video I got once. And a couple stu hamm vids that don't focus on general technique). Most of it came about from practicality and playing. (I enjoy razzing on my brother in law who likes to play with the bass down low, so he looks COOL)

I tried out the floating thumb, which wasn't too far from what I was used to doing - I'd anchor on the string above the one I was playing. the other strings would usually get muted with the heel of my hand. So the move to the float was pretty easy so far.. the only thing is when I play the E and coming up off. Gotta get used to that (my thumb seems to naturally plop itself ontop of my PU). The only thing I've encountered is it is rather useless when you are trying to do a chord, or perhaps let the root ring out while hitting the octave.

the exercise that is kicking my ass is the supportive fingering (I think that is what you called it) where you fret 12-15, leaving the "last" note ringing while bringing up each finger one by one, leaving that note ringing until the end. My ringer finger is scared to go alone, he desparately wants to take pinky with him :) However I think another couple of days and I'll get it.
 
#54
threshar said:
Got the DVD a few days ago.

As it turns out I seem to have developed pretty good technique & posture on my own (I have no formal training. I had an "intro to bass" video I got once. And a couple stu hamm vids that don't focus on general technique). Most of it came about from practicality and playing. (I enjoy razzing on my brother in law who likes to play with the bass down low, so he looks COOL)

I tried out the floating thumb, which wasn't too far from what I was used to doing - I'd anchor on the string above the one I was playing. the other strings would usually get muted with the heel of my hand. So the move to the float was pretty easy so far.. the only thing is when I play the E and coming up off. Gotta get used to that (my thumb seems to naturally plop itself ontop of my PU). The only thing I've encountered is it is rather useless when you are trying to do a chord, or perhaps let the root ring out while hitting the octave.

the exercise that is kicking my ass is the supportive fingering (I think that is what you called it) where you fret 12-15, leaving the "last" note ringing while bringing up each finger one by one, leaving that note ringing until the end. My ringer finger is scared to go alone, he desparately wants to take pinky with him :) However I think another couple of days and I'll get it.
Click to expand...

Threshar,

Glad the DVD is being good to you..

Watch the supportive fingering....that's a tough one. You need to master it......but don't hurt yourself in the process. There's a fine line between new, sore muscles ....and over doing it and hurting yourself. When in doubt, stop, stretch, shake it out......take your time!! Rome wasn't built in a day.

Tell yourself you've got 6 months to "totally" incorporate this into your playing. That'll take some of the pressure off. You'll probably do it in 6 weeks........the point is to take your time.

I'm here to help!

Thanks again for your support.....Keep up the good work!
 
#57
Hi Todd,

I've been trying to get rid of the habit of anchoring my thumb on the pickup (usually neck), because I feel it limits my access to the strings above E and A on my four-string and is the cause of unwanted string noise + some truly unnatural positions for my right hand. I watched that videoclip and read all the comments & tips above..

...no need to anchor that thumb anymore! :hyper:

Right hand's position is more natural, and "walking" from string to string came pretty natural right away too. Of course I need to train this much, much more to get it working smoothly and without thinking (especially the thumb's position when playing the E-string, which I do most with my current band) but I'm astonished how natural it felt right away.

Thank you! :)

p.s ...I just ordered your "Technique Builders" DVD. I was impressed with the technique above, and felt I could learn more. ;)
 
#58
Darn Todd I have to say I was thinking that you were executing the floating thumb the same way I am but based on your video we are not in complete sync on the subject.

What I notice from your clips, and this is not a criticism, is that your thumb is not in use for anything it seems but as a muting device.

Tell me that this is not true and that you have discovered the joys of the thumb as plucking device. My thumb indeed floats as yours does and when not needed for striking serves as one of multiple muting digits. However I am increasingly incorporating the now liberated thumb as part of my finger technique, particularly in solos. Using it that way has forced me to become adapt at muting in a variety of ways with the method dictated by the outcome I wish to have and the availability of that area of my hands. I use fingers on my left hand to mute specific strings when I am busy with my right, use my palm sometimes, thumb sometimes etc.

Again this really reinforces the concept of finding your own style. We can all benefit from the advice and techniques of other players but at the end of the day it must be our technique deployed to solve our problems and increase our ability to express ourselves on the instrument.

You play well my friend and I always enjoy another viewpoint on the instrument we both share a love for.
 
#59
spindizzy said:
Darn Todd I have to say I was thinking that you were executing the floating thumb the same way I am but based on your video we are not in complete sync on the subject.

What I notice from your clips, and this is not a criticism, is that your thumb is not in use for anything it seems but as a muting device.

Tell me that this is not true and that you have discovered the joys of the thumb as plucking device. My thumb indeed floats as yours does and when not needed for striking serves as one of multiple muting digits. However I am increasingly incorporating the now liberated thumb as part of my finger technique, particularly in solos. Using it that way has forced me to become adapt at muting in a variety of ways with the method dictated by the outcome I wish to have and the availability of that area of my hands. I use fingers on my left hand to mute specific strings when I am busy with my right, use my palm sometimes, thumb sometimes etc.

Again this really reinforces the concept of finding your own style. We can all benefit from the advice and techniques of other players but at the end of the day it must be our technique deployed to solve our problems and increase our ability to express ourselves on the instrument.

You play well my friend and I always enjoy another viewpoint on the instrument we both share a love for.
Click to expand...

Hi Spindizzy,

Hey, sorry I'm so slow in getting back to you. I've been blessed with an ABUNDANCE of work......DVD business....and getting my taxes done! Whew. Anyway.....I'm back!

What you see on that short clip is me playing a bunch of single note solos.....Cool. :cool:

But, I DEFINITLEY incorporate my thumb into my playing when I'm "playing bass and chords at the same time".......which I do A LOT OF!!! I also use the thumb when I play "chord melody solos" etc.

Like you, I sometimes play with the "palm mute" technique for some really cool bass line effects. I'll sometimes even use that technique in a solo or two......but sparingly.....as an effect.

You expressed it very well when you said, "Again this really reinforces the concept of finding your own style. We can all benefit from the advice and techniques of other players but at the end of the day it must be our technique deployed to solve our problems and increase our ability to express ourselves on the instrument". You've got it exactly right. :)

My main purpose is to get guys to realize that they have ringing strings..........most guys NEVER figure that out. If I can help fix that problem, then I've done a great service to mankind! HA!!!:D

So, it's seems that you and I ARE in sync on most of what we play. I DEFINITELY USE MY THUMB as a plucking device.......just not in that short video clip.

I'd love to see you play sometime so I can steal some of YOUR innovative techniques. Now we're talking!!!:hyper: :D

Keep up the good work my friend!

God bless,
 
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