thumb position

[Tempus Fugit]

I am a perpetual beginner who has been putting more time into playing lately. I see contradictions between the different resources I am using. What seems most comfortable or natural from me is a hybrid of what I have read about. Is this a good way for me to position my thumb and become a better player or will it work against me in the long run?

Playing E string - thumb on pickup
Playing A and D strings - thumb on E string
Playing G String - thumb on A string

Thanks !

 

[fearceol]

There is no "right" or "wrong" way. It's up to each individual to find a technique that suits them. Having said that, there are tried and trusted SAFE ways to play the bass. The general rule of thumb (excuse the pun ) for safe technique is to have both wrists as straight as possible. With the plucking hand, the techniques that support this concept are the "movable anchor" where the thumb rests on the string above (or two above) the one being plucked. The other is the "floating thumb" where the thumb...well...floats !! It does not rest on anything. You appear to have opted for the former, which from the point of view of avoiding potential injury problems later on, is a good technique.

Hope this helps.

 

[two fingers]

What he said.

Welcome back!

 

[ba55i5t]

The floating thumb will give you more consistency and less pain in the long run. There is a sticky about it for a reason.

 

[David A. Davis]

The floating thumb will give you more consistency and less pain in the long run. There is a sticky about it for a reason.

Yes , yes and yes.

 

[Badwater]

That's pretty much the way I anchor my thumb when driving a fast pace groove. But other times, i'll move my hand to where the tone sounds best for the song. Because I only have one pickup, the floating technique is essential.

 

[Jrussblues]

If you have small hands that can't mute strings go ahead and start working on floating thumb. If you have larger hands then look and want to play fast then look more at anchored thumb.
Adam Neely - floating thumb
Billy Sheehan - anchored thumb
There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Good luck, I anchor for the most part.

 

[Clef_de_fa]

Most 4 strings players do that or simply anchor on the pickup ...

I feel like your way it will be easier to move to more strings if it is something that happen in your future

 

[natobasso]

I think whatever's comfortable for you is key. But I will also say any idle fingers should be used to help mute the other strings and get ready for musical passages, etc. As you play more this becomes more natural.