Could someone explain to me how you use a thumb rest that is located below the first string? Just askin’
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Thumb rest
- Thread starter Don Sanders
- Start date
It was called a tug bar that was used to anchor the fingers underneath so the thumb was free to pluck the strings.
It's a reflection of how playing had progressed (or how the invention intended it to be played). Up to a a certain year they were below the G string and called tug bars because, as others have already stated, you anchored your fingers on the tug bar and played with your thumb. As music changed and the way bass players played changed/evolved the tug bar was moved above the E string and now called a thumb rest, for obvious reasons.
The only reason tug bars are still put on basses these days is more for cosmetics/nostalgia/vintage-correct reissues, etc.
The only reason tug bars are still put on basses these days is more for cosmetics/nostalgia/vintage-correct reissues, etc.
Well... there are a few of us old farts who actually do use them. I can play this P-Bass without using the thumb rest (when I use a pick), but playing finger style? Thumb rest makes it much easier for me...
Well all these answers make it clear to me why I didn’t know why it was located there because I’ve never played with my thumb. Thanks everyone for your input
No one really knows if anybody ever played with their thumb at all. People just got used to thinking it was supposed to be there. Even 10 years later when Ric came out with their 4000, they had a plexi tug bar that existed through at least 1972.
Some of the Guilds had them on both sides.
I read that Leo Fender stuck it there because there were only upright bass players at the time. It makes sense.
But upright players don’t use their thumbs on the strings.
Ya, but Leo thought they would like a tug bar there so they can use the thumb to pluck the string. It was early on, hit or miss.
devnulljp
Supporting Member
And still don't.
I have never ever (ever!) used my thumb like Leo thought I would. I do use my thumb (I player classical guitar for decades, so the pima thing is a habit), but I've nver hung onto a tugbar ith my fingers and plucked with my thumb.
Remember that the bass guitar was a revolutionary instrument when it appeared on the market. Despite his great intuitions, even Leo Fender couldn't imagine how the bass playing techniques would have evolved.
Back in the 50's bass players were supposed to play with their thumb, putting the other fingers on that bar and only later they started using their index and middle finger.
Back in the 50's bass players were supposed to play with their thumb, putting the other fingers on that bar and only later they started using their index and middle finger.
