Using the thumb when playing chords

[Kjetil]

Hi,I'm a beginner mandolin player from Norway. I did a search but didn't find a good answer, so here's my question:

When playing certain chords,like the two finger D chord or Em ,I'm using my thumb to push down the G-string. Is this something you recommand doing? I don't want to develop bad habbits from the start. At the moment this is the best way I can play a two finger D or Em. Any other finger just feels awkward. I'm pretty comfortable with my fingers when playing melodies, so the thumb-fretting only applies for chords.

Replies will be appreciated.

[luckylarue]

Jimi did it, so why not?

I do it on those chords. I don't hardly use them but thats what i do. I don't really know another way you could do it. It would be pretty hard if you ask me.

[b.pat]

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif


B.Pat

[Jasper]

Never thought of using my thumb for the D chord as you describe it. I learned to finger it with my index (first finger) on the G string and my middle (second finger) on the E string. To do this, you have to twist your hand upward toward the head stock so you don't step on the D string with that first finger which is on the G string. If you can get a copy of a basic Mel Bay mandolin book, it has pics of this. That's where I got it. Either way is a bit awkward, but I suppose both work. For my preference, I would rather support the neck of the mando with my thumb.

[Trip]

I use the thumb D major sometimes too, most will tell you that its a bad habit, but its allows me to hammer on accent notes on the E string....some folks might look at you funny, but I say "do what works for you" # # # #

StrangerStringBand.com (http://www.strangerstringband.com)

[soapycows]

I use my thumb all over the guitar, but I worked to change that habit when I picked up the mandolin, the main reason: carpal tunnel! When you use your thumb, your wrist is at the wrong angle, if you do it for years and years, you will develop carpal tunnel.

[Rroyd]

Another, less serious consequence of using the thumb is that as you switch to thumbless chords you have to reposition the hand, slowing down changes, where fingers-only chords require mainly finger movement. Using the middle two fingers to play the D you describe is easier and more comfortable than the first two fingers, mainly because of the length of the second finger.

[mando_pete]

Also, If your hands are small, using your thumb causes you to prorate your wrist which will contribute to carpal-tunnel syndrome.

In addition, if you use your thumb you will find it difficult to get up the neck smoothly as you play more advanced pieces of music. Your thumb should guide your hand up and down the neck

But, with that said, do whatever works for you as long as it isn't uncomfortable and the tune sounds good.

Good luck.

Pete

[creekwader]

I use my index and middle fingers as mentioned above. I was under the impression that thumbing your low string was really bad for you on any instrument, now I think I had the right idea. I'll pass on the carpal tunnel, thanks.

[John Flynn]

I agree that using the thumb is probably not optimal for those chords. The only chord I use my thumb on is an Esus4 and I only do it that way sometimes, as kind of a change-up. I use just my thumb to barre the G, D and A strings, leaving the E open. That probably isn't optimal either, but I tried it that way a long time ago and it just stuck.

[SternART]

I don't know if Jimi doing it, makes it acceptable......I'd be more open to the concept if Compton, Dawg, or Chris did it.
My thumb is mostly just along for the ride, but I sometimes use it on the back of the neck for leverage on up the neck barre chords.

[tjg]

If my memory serves me, I recall Roland White showing the use of the thumb on the D chord at a workshop.

[Baron Collins-Hill]

i play 0220 for Em chords, with just one finger. is there a better one?

[CraigF]

Using the middle two fingers to play the D you describe is easier and more comfortable than the first two fingers...
I find the opposite to be true for me. I tried it with middle two fingers. Just doesn't work for me. First two, no problem.

[Peter Hackman]

I'm trying to figure out what on earth that two-finger chord is.
I believe people tend to put too many notes in their chords -
I would NEVER play that 0220 e-minor chord (open strings!!).
I like to find interesting three-note combinations
allowing flexible voice-leading. In a D blues
I migh try things like 245*-435*-545*- a star indicating
a muted string.

[MandoNoob]

I wish I *could* use my thumb, particularly to fret 2nd on the G when playing in D ... the best Celtic player I know does this to great effect.

Sadly my left hand is too small to do this right... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

But I'd bet my hands are larger than, say, Josh Pinkham's so I'm not worrying about it overmuch http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Jasper]

I wonder...if you fret the G string with your thumb, does that allow you to still transition to a D7 without issue? As for the Em chord 0220, I play it 0223.