View Full Version : left hand thumb position
Watching a Sam Bush video I saw that he had his left thumb pretty far back on the neck. Is it "wrong" to play with the thumb sticking way over the neck like I find myself doing especially when playing in the first position? I find that this allows me to play pull-offs and quick grace notes easier. I'm new to mando and would like to know if this is considered a "bad" habit that might restrict my technique. I've attached an image to illustrate what I mean, any advice welcome:
onlyagibsonisgoodenuff
May-23-2004, 8:17am
I'd say if it works for you, it's not a problem. If you find yourself developing some discomfort in the left hand, you could try it like Sam. The thing is, all humans are not exactly alike, so you have to go with what works for you.
Yeah, I just watched Mike Marshall on video there and he's playing pretty much with his thumb sticking right over the neck. So no need to worry I guess!
AKUS fan
May-23-2004, 9:47pm
Thanks for starting this topic, cam. I was wondering the exact same thing tonight when I was playin my mando. I hold mine just like you do in that picture. My left hand did start to hurt some, but maybe I'm just gripping too tightly.
Dave Hicks
May-24-2004, 6:20am
I tend to use the grip shown in the photo for chords, but I think it's easier (for me at least) to play single-note passages with the thumb behind the neck.
General rule: keep the palm away from the neck, but you know what they say about rules...
Watch your favorite 10 mando players. Chances are that none of them will hold the mandolin exactly the same and will vary from one extreme to the other. Do what feels best to you.
GVD
levin4now
May-24-2004, 6:59pm
My thumb barely protrudes over the edge of teh fretboard. I was told early on (in a book) that it should be almost exactly behind the mandolin, but then there is no grip. My thumb tends to help grip the neck against the first 'section' of my index finger.
I noticed in his video that Ronnie McCoury sticks a good section of his thumb over the neck. When I mentioned to my wife that he ought to paint a smiley face on it, my wife couldn't stop laughing /watching.
ADM