RULE OF THUMB

It's been said that humanity's problems began when we our paws evolved into hands -- in particular when our thumbs became opposed and we were finally able to pick things up and (shudder) start making things. Over the millennia since, Mankind's record as manufacturer has been rich and varied to say the least. Being clever, we've wound up with the incredible technology some of us enjoy now; being aggressive and frightened, we've created an terminal arsenal; aspiring to a higher level, we discovered music and invented the guitar.

Cool.

Don't neglect the thumb. Thumb Rules.

I'm right handed, so my left hand thumb works the fretboard, my right hand thumb takes part in the picking. Until a couple of years ago, I used my fretboard thumb, as many players do, curled around the neck to grab bass notes on the 5th and 6th strings. Jimi, of course, was the master of this technique, and what's good enough for Jimi... For years and years this 'grip' was part of my playing repertoire. I was more than an alternative, it was engrained as the the way I approached certain chords and passages. I was also aware that this was considered bad practice, but I poo pooed it.

What I didn't realize was that every time I used that technique, I was damaging my thumb. It's an unnatural thing to put your thumb through. It puts pressure on the inside, over and over again, year after year. I was often advised against it by more schooled players, but it wasn't until I simply couldn't do it -- because it hurt like hell -- that I eased up on my poor old thumb. Initially I panicked. I thought Shit, I won't be able to play anymore, and I even seem to remember mentioning my concern in an early Newsletter. But what I thought was the onset of arthritis was just 30 odd years of wear and tear and disrespect for my thumb.

Now, I keep it directly behind my index finger, pretty well in the center of the back of the neck. For the design of our hand, it's the best place for it to be. That's where you get maximum squeeze, best leverage.

My right hand thumb has always had a good work out as I have never played with a flat pick. I hate the things. It has a few functions, the main one of course being picking bass notes. I use the outside edge usually. If I want a really metallic bass note, I'll turn it squarer and use my nail, which is only slightly past the end. If I want to accent a bass note I get underneath the string, lift and twang. When I put the video together, I noticed when I viewed the footage that I often upstroke the thumb, something that had crept into my playing without me even realizing. I also continually use my right hand thumb to mute the bass strings. If there is no note being played, the string is choked. This eliminates any unwanted harmonics coming into the picture.

Gaining independence of the right hand thumb is what we're all after as guitarists. It should be able to operate on it's own. This is of course achieved through practice. I plan soon to post some lessons to facilitate the process. I know it's easy to say "gain independence", harder to do. Hopefully, I'll be able to steer you in the right direction. Keep in touch with my site.

Don't forget the book/video give-away contest at my site. Once you digest this package, you'll know THE TRICK to keeping track of all things musical on the fretboard. Also I'm throwing in a free CD of the home-recorded slide instrumentals, collectively known as 'Rough Diamonds'. Drop in for a visit at http://www.lorange.kirk.net and check out my other site http://www.guitarforbeginners.com for a fresh, plain English look at the theory behind it all.

My tune 'Storm a Comin' is still top ten at http://Mp3.com/kirklorange -- good old mp3.com. Hey, here's something you can do: Go and click the "Play all tunes" link. You'll earn me 2.33 cents! But only if you like electric slide guitar.

All the best from Capo Lane, Tamborine Mountain, Australia.

Kirk
http://www.lorange.kirk.net
http://guitarforbeginners.com
http://mp3.com/kirklorange