- This topic has 3 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 12 months ago by .
-
Topic
-
Hello. I am a beginner and I just wanted to ask a question. In every guitar book that I have bought and every video lesson I have watched it says that you NEVER, EVER place your thumb on or over the fretboard. Yet, when I see pictures or videos of great guitar players, almost all of them have their thumb hanging over the fretboard! (Including the lessons on this site!) I am so confused. Is that the trick to being a great player? Apparently, Jimi Hendrix even used his thumb to play notes on the low E string. I find playing this way extremely difficult since I always mute a string with my fingers when holding the neck like a baseball bat. Also, in all the books I have read it says to play the strings with your fingers hitting the notes straight on or perpendicular to the fretboard. Again, it appears that when I see experienced guitarists playing, their fingers are on an angle. How in the heck are they not muting any strings?!?! It is taking me so long to play a stupid E major without muting a string. I am curling my hand so far forward my elbow is coming under the neck. I get massive wrist pains too. Which way should I play? Which way is right? Please don’t tell me whichever way is comfortable for me, since it is all uncomfortable for me right now. Anyone tried the way it actually says in the books? I don’t want to develop any bad habits so what is correct?
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.