Members h3nG Posted July 30, 2003 Members Posted July 30, 2003 so i was searching the forum for answers on the 'proper' way to do the barre chords...then i ran into this post: "Bad habits of guitar playing" , where '555' response was: # 1 all time bad habit....grabbing the neck...thumb wrapped around like you've got a baseball bat in your hands. as a 'self-taught' learner, i kept with what most guides recommended..."place the fingers [in which i thought included thumbs] into the position that feels most comfortable since everyone's fingers are not the same" now that i think about it...it makes sense to have the thumb in the middle and not wrapped around the neck. when i was practicing the barre chords, i intuitive switched the placement of my thumb to the proper way. i dont want to double post, so i'll get rid of these two questions quick... 1. is it worth spending the effort to switch to the proper thumb placement? i possess about 5 months worth of skill and can perform (somewhat) quick switches between most of 20-something basic chords. when i attempted to switch (or more like quick experiment), it felt as if my abilities were dwarfed considerably. so should i just suck it up and "restart" or is the thumb issue is overrated and probably not worth the effort? i mean a lot of internet guides i read didn't mention anything about the thumb. (and as if the barre chords arent frustrating enough...) 2. barre chords...................ive read waaayyy too many suggestions, mainly just because i didn't want to form some costly bad habits. a. should i worry about one chord at a time? or make sure i achieve a position for teh barre finger that can keep ALL the strings down. right now i can do both B and F, but i have to reposition my barre finger to make the change.b. also does it really matter much of my index finger is say...a bone above the fret? or is that way to high?c. lastly, most people are saying to use the side of the index as to the flat. doing the side for me seems way too hard and painful...the natural position for me seems to be closer to the flat than the side....but little good has the 'natural feel' done me.... anyways, i am going to shut up now (finally)...and hopefully someone can offer some suggestions. if i had money for an instructor i wouldn't have to bug you all:D
Members MorePaul Posted July 30, 2003 Members Posted July 30, 2003 I'd say yeah - get that thumb on the back -- you abilities are drawfed, just becuase you are relearning a little.You'll find the (classically "proper") position will extend you span and will get your wrist in a neutral, relaxed position.The great thing is, you will find that you will still be able to cop the "thumb on top" grip when you want to...like if you need extra leverage on a bend or you want to "thumb" as bass note.The idea with "thumb on back" is you want to get the thumb generally on the back -- you will notice the thumb position changing as you go up the neck esp if you hold the neck more horizontally than a classically styled position...that position keeps the hand pretty neutral as you shift positions...but rockers sure don't think it's cool but even then, you have to fly the tumb to clear the upper bout anyway --- violin family instruments actually go into "thumb" position at that point and use the thumb to stop (finger) the strings.
Members MorePaul Posted July 30, 2003 Members Posted July 30, 2003 you may also want to get your guitar checked out...if the barre is WAY TOO painful, it may be a set-up problem. you could also switch to silk and steel strings (low tension steel strings - I assume you are playing steel strung) if you find it to be too much of a barrier. I mean, you want to be able to play standard strings, but if it is causing enough problems where you aren't progressing...then by all means do what you need to keep moving forward...the strength will come. the thumb position thing will help here too as it allows your thumb to exter pressure on the barre...you may have found weird pains in tendons in your palm (esp on in the web between thumb and index) if you aren't in good thumb position
Members F-holes Posted July 30, 2003 Members Posted July 30, 2003 More Paul is absoluting right about your thumb. Another thing to consider is the angle to which you hold neck of the guitar. Ideally,the angle you hold the neck should be about 45degrees(more or less). If the neck is sticking out like you are holding a rifle, you will be more likely to fall into the 'tennis grip'. This problem is also more likely to occur when the strap is holding the guitar down low. Best wishes in your playing!
Members Reeko2 Posted July 30, 2003 Members Posted July 30, 2003 I agree that Barre chords are easier with the thumb on the back of the neck. However, Many great blues/rock players use their thumb to sometimes fret the 6th string. SRV and Hendrix come to mind. Many times they also use it to mute the 6th string also, especially when strumming really hard. But this is not normally done for barre chords.
Members h3nG Posted July 30, 2003 Author Members Posted July 30, 2003 you've all convinced me to do it the proper way...wouldn't want to regret it after a couple years of playing. anyways, i did a little searching and came across this page (had to make sure i didn't screw up anything else)...http://www.cyberfret.com/first-fret/left-hand-position/index.php edeltorus, check out the link to find your answer. thanks again all! (link fixed)
Members Bluemusic Posted July 30, 2003 Members Posted July 30, 2003 I sometimes use my thumb to make some chords that you cant do any other way. The Wind Cries mary comes to mind. However 99.999% of the time its behind the neck. It makes it so much easier on your fingers. Plus you dont really wantto use the muscles in your fingers as much as the muscles in your forearm. I kinda just posted this because I need one more to make 1000!
Members Foobat Posted July 30, 2003 Members Posted July 30, 2003 i'd say whatevers comfortable, i end up switching between the two all the time, and i found that switching between the two really wasn't that bad or slow etc, except i end up with my thumb wrapped round most of the time, i'm a complette bender you see.. ha ha i'm so funny ........ i'll get my coat
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