left thumb position

[psychoguy88]

i've read on some beginner guitar books that the left thumb should be placed roughly vertical behind the neck, rather than having it peek over the fingerboard. does that really matter? some chords seem easier to play with a fuller grip, rather than just have the fingers on the neck.

 

[Marteenz]

i've read on some beginner guitar books that the left thumb should be placed roughly vertical behind the neck, rather than having it peek over the fingerboard. does that really matter? some chords seem easier to play with a fuller grip, rather than just have the fingers on the neck.

Actually...in my point of view,just do what you feel comfortable...for example ,lennon mcCartney put his left thumb at the peek instead of the normal vertical way...so,i think you should do what you feel comfortable..haha

 

[opposite_youth]

yeah, that depends... during solos after 12 fret some would like to place the thumb vertical to the neck for easy access. at times different techniques requires u, eg like sweeping all the 6 string, to place the thumb vertical to the neck.

Cheers...

 

[jkambing]

well i'm no expert, but i dont really think there's a right or wrong. though it should be taken into account there certain left hand techniques (or right hand ones, but since we're talking about the left hand techniques) that can slow down playing or make it harder.

 

[theunknown]

very subjective per se. you comfortable, you do. if not, the other way. i dont really care. it comes naturally.

 

[metal_hand]

its a recommended way for better technique...depends really...i mean, you wouldnt tell michaelangelo batio to play with his thumb over the neck and you wouldnt tell bb king to play with his thumb strictly behind the neck right?

really depends on what style of music you play and how you feel most comfortable while playing mate...i play both ways....when playing fast, im playing with my thumb behind...when im playing slow and the vibrato is being pulled into play alot, the thumb may spill slightly over the neck...just make sure you dont do it cos it looks 'cool'...hahah

hope i helped...peace!

 

[Aki S. Ian]

just look at jason becker's picking style,
its so awkward yet its his style and his comfortable with it.

so basicallyt what im saying is, its your style you do what you want. just as long as your comfortable with it. no use playing something that your not comfortable with and only causing injury..

 

[Ikiru]

I try to keep it at the back, especially for playing the higher strings, but when doing songs with bendings or solos and even sometimes chord, you'll end up gripping the neck anyway.

If comfortable you do lor, if you think it's awkward then don't. If you feel that along the way you're developing weird habits with the thumb, then try changing position.

Can play can already lol.