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Fretting Hand Thumb
Hey TAC Family!
Hoping for some feedback on a potential issue with my fretting hand thumb.
I have a tendency to allow my thumb to slide up to the top of the neck pretty much all the time, not just to mute the low E string.
Most of the info I’ve seen suggests we all have our own anatomy, and it’s normal to have different thumb positions from one person to another. So there is no “ideal” thumb position.
Also, that it is normal for the thumb to move around while playing.
However, I am concerned I am building a bad habit.
Can the thumb rest towards the top of the neck all the time? Or is this something I need to correct?
If so, do you have any practice strategies, drills, or tips to get this moving in the right direction?
Thank you!
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12 Replies
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Hi there – I’m no expert nor a doctor, but from what I’ve read/heard/watched what matters most is that you are keeping your wrist at a good angle and position. I have kind of a stubby thumb so I’ve never done the ‘reach over’ for chords and just work hard on my barre chords to make up for my anatomy. My thumb sits basically in the middle of the neck and I try to keep it pointing up towards the sky but sometimes it drifts to pointing towards the headstock. If you have a long thumb and long hand – it probably doesn’t matter much where you have it as long as it’s allowing for your wrist to be in a good position and for you to be comfortable playing!
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This reply was modified 3 years ago by DiscostewLA.
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Thanks for your feedback!
I noticed today this is a bigger issue for me with chords. If I’m playing single notes, my thumb shifts back down toward the middle of the neck.
I like your focus on the wrist position! I will spend time + effort focusing on that aspect of my hand position.
I’ve been considering hanging a mirror on the wall across from where I practice most often so I can see my hand and fingers. This would give me a better view of the wrist as well.
Thanks again, DiscostewLA!
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This reply was modified 3 years ago by
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Hi @trevor_finally_learns_guitar – The thumb typically stays centered to the chord you’re playing. It acts as an anchor and it helps keep your fretting fingers curved correctly while playing chords, and it will also allow you to transition to the next chord faster too.
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Great advice and information.
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Hi @trevor_finally_learns_guitar it’s a great question, fretting thumb position. It’s a good thing to be able to use your thumb to fret a note, like in the D/F# chord (D major with F# in the bass, fretted with thumb). This is probably the preferred way especially on narrow neck/nut guitars. If that’s the playing position that suits you and the type of guitar you play, and you’re not getting tendonitis- it’s all up to each person.
But keeping the thumb in the center of the neck (opposing the middle finger-they would touch if there were no fretboard in between them) helps your hand position be more favorable when trying to cleanly fret the more difficult/stretchy formations.
This is a really good example of the benefits of a 1:1 in person teacher- they can help you play in the most ergonomic way that suits your abilities and playing styles. That’s another decision/factor that is also quite unique to each individual. 🤩
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Hey – me again. Just wanted to post some of the videos I used as resources when I was trying to figure out where to put my stubby thumb on the neck. You may have come across these in your own research but just in case – I’m not sure if I can post YT video links here but I’ll try. I thought these had some good insights. Distill what you will. Then drink it. 🙂
Is this the perfect thumb position (Paul Davids)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRtJQ99IBCA&t=93s
Guitar Thumb Position – Justin Guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQuHqY83mD0
Guitar Compass Thumb Placement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2tlZr9ZXjU
“Tomas Michaud” – Is There a “Best” Thumb Pisition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rLI3EtTy8o
Rock on!
🤘
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This reply was modified 3 years ago by DiscostewLA.
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This reply was modified 3 years ago by
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Thank you for all of your insights and resources! This has been extremely helpful.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this question!
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Great resources…I have no idea whether I have big hands or not, but my thumb always wants to wrap the neck, which I believe contributes to “buzzy” chords.
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Hey Gordon!
One or two of the videos talk about that. My thumb tends to drift towards the top of the neck, especially when playing chords.
When I try to move it towards the middle of the neck it feels extremely uncomfortable. Painful at times.
I’m going to keep working on my posture, strength + flexibility and trust this will improve over time. I don’t appear to be doing the big no no’s mentioned in the videos or the discussion above.
Glad you found this discussion helpful! Go luck on your guitar journey as well!
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At least it’s good for muting the low E. (This will come in handy for Hendrix chords, lol)
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Hi @trevor_finally_learns_guitar great discussion going on here! I find my thumb is always moving. If my thumb gets stuck so does my playing. The biggest help I can give you: eradicate tension from your playing. This will allow your thumb to go where it needs to go in order to give you the sound you want to hear.
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Thanks Jeff!
I spent a little more time on stretching ahead of my practice today. Then tried to focus more on a relaxed playing position in my shoulders and wrist.
This helped me to feel more comfortable in general, but continued to struggle with some fretting positions.
I suspect this is a matter consistent practice and working on my strength, flexibility + posture.
Thank you again for your thoughts 🙂
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