The Right hand Thumb The angle. Make sure to bend all your knuckles (1st, 2nd and 3rd). 2. I'm glad it was helpful! If your guitar starts to wobble around, or worse still, does a ⦠How to Hold a Guitar. Sometimes the pain isn’t just isolated to the thumb, but it spreads to the tendons in the hand, wrist, and arm that connect to the thumb. Let's quickly recap the most important points to keep in mind as you are learning how to properly position your left and and your right hand for playing guitar. Repeat as many times as ⦠Think of these exercises as a starter in getting muscle memory in your left hand fingers. Left Hand Position Really Matters! Let your right wrist float out away from the guitar, keeping contact to the top/corner of the guitar ⦠By doing so, you will improve your fingers stretch and dexterity. No Need For Speed The left leg on a footstool. Try it and youâll see what I mean. Guitar at the perfect angle. And that’s where your left hand thumb is in the middle of the back of the neck so that all 4 of your finger have good access to the fretboard. This satisfies the requirement of midrange function of joints. David 23 Aug 2019 Reply. Because of all the many variables in playing the guitar, consider taking some guitar lessons in person or online with a qualified teacher to help you get set up in the perfect left hand position. Extend your left hand, palm up, and make a loose fist, placing your thumb roughly between your first and second fingers. The large base knuckles of the finger are positioned on the side of the fretboard opposite the player. This gives the left-hand fingers the largest range of movement across the guitar neck. 1. Thumb Position for Guitar is a free video lesson for beginning guitar players by Peter Vogl. Here's my take just in case you're interested: https://www.classicalguitaracademy.co.uk/left-hand-positioning-and-technique/. All Rights Reserved. Because of the demands of left hand playing, it is not always possible to stay in this position. Home base position Today, I would like to talk about the correct left hand position on guitar. Repeat as many times as you want, but don’t over-exercise your muscles. Joined: 12/07/20. To get an idea of correct left-hand positioning on the electric guitar, extend your left hand, palm up, and make a loose fist, placing your thumb roughly between your first and second fingers. Your membership also provides access to over 500 more exclusive lessons (full list) that will teach you how to be a great guitarist. The wrist is turned so that the pinky side of the hand (ulnar side) is slightly closer to the fretboard than the index side (radial side). Filed Under: Fundamentals Tagged With: classical guitar , classical guitar left hand technique , left hand , position Curving the fingers is certainly advantageous, although we may differ slightly on what we believe to be the ideal thumb position. Guitar solos in a rock and blues style involve a lot of string bends. What other topics would you find helpful? Thumb Position for Guitar We will discuss where to place the thumb of your left hand on the back of the guitar neck for the best results. Exceptions should only be used for techniques such as bending, vibrato, playing chord roots with your thumb, muting the lower strings with your thumb and playing different chords, or if you are sure that you can strum everything while staying relaxed. raterriegui. For the best right hand position, see here . It is extremely important to learn the correct fretting hand position for playing the guitar. I think there are two general types of hand positions that are useful when playing guitar. Instead it should be slightly to the left of the fingers. While the exact positioning of each players hand might vary slightly because each player and each instrument are slightly different in size, the proper left hand position will follow the four rules of efficient musculoskeletal function . I agree with a lot of what you're saying here. Muting strings – the thumb could be used to mute the top strings that shouldn't be played when strumming chord. I studied classical guitar for years. I also cover a left hand exercise near the end of the video. (See the post on technique for a fuller description.) The pad, not the tip, contacts the guitar.Like the right thumb, the tip joint stays straight (or rather, we don’t bend it).Depending on what the fingers and the music are doing, the thumb may be nearer the top or the bottom of the guitar neck. Left Thumb Position On Bass Guitar: Try Pivoting The “proper” way of positioning the left hand on the neck is to have it so the left thumb is on the middle of the back of the neck, straight between where the first through fourth fingers will be on the fretboard. Thumb Position. Some guitar learners attempt to play fingerstyle with just the thumb and index finger, which puts them at a disadvantage. Continue this motion with the rest of your fingers: ring, middle, and then your index finger. The rules above describe the optimal left hand position. For right-handed players: How do you hold your guitar with your left hand: cradled in your palm, thumb positioned at the center of the back of the neck, or somewhere in between? It is important to have a qualified teacher to help you with these fine details of positioning. Left Hand Position on Guitar: How to Use Your Fretting Hand Last updated: April 15, 2020 by Nate 2 Comments O.k. Having your thumb stretched out and parallel with the neck should be avoided. It usually pluck the bottom three strings of the guitar (4th, 5th and 6th string). When you’re ready for more, check out our premium membership plan that includes an 18 lesson course for beginners. My first guitar lessons at age 9 were with a college classical guitar teacher. Take a good look. Watch the Left-Hand Thumb Position online guitar lesson by Bruce Arnold from Guitar Physiology Survival Guide In its position on the other side of the neck, the thumb needs to stay between your index and middle finger. Hand Shake Position: In this position the thumb is placed either on the back of the neck near the top or ⦠Learn how to position the fretting hand and the basic fretting techniques. The right hand thumb is a quite busy finger and it will usually pluck more than one string. In this position, your thumb will act as a guide and pivot-point for your hand, allowing your fingers to remain relaxed on the strings. The position of the left thumb depends on the angle of the guitar neck. ©2015 Sage Music, LLC. Left Thumb Position and the Angle of the Guitar Neck. Sharp nerve twinges/pain up the fret hand thumb during Dorian fingerings also through playing runs and rhythm around and on the low E and A strings. Also I want to tell you that when we place our fingers in the metal part of the fret (High E) there is good sound; and when we place (Low E) near the metal part of the fret there is good sound. Fingerstyle guitar requires the use of the picking hand thumb … The thumb is open, relaxed, and to the left of the fingers. Your thumb should be somewhere underneath your first and second fingers. We will then move on to the techniques you will need to play a wide variety of songs. Thumb in the middle of the back of the neck and all 4 fingers having the best reach possible. It should have no more than 10 degrees of arch, 20 degrees at the absolute maximum. So think of the preceding guidelines as just that: guidelines. I just wanted to find out your thoughts regarding using a guitar stool to improve holding the guitar as well as the fretting hand? I think there are two general types of hand positions that are useful when playing guitar. Of course, special requirements of the music could force you to abandon the basic left-hand position from time to time. The pinky finger is overly straight and the index finger is overly curved, so that the joints are not in the middle of their range of movement. A neutral position for the thumb is vertically in the middle of the neck and laterally in line with your index finger. Poor positioning. Make sure that your thumb is kept straight while playing. More tips for the left hand: As I said before, I’ll post more in the article on the left hand, this is really more focused on the arm position; Your left thumb should be vertical and not bent at the tip joint; Your left thumb should be behind the 2nd finger Guitar Tricks Forum > Guitar Basics > Left hand thumb. Steadiness – for some, this left-hand position makes the playing more steady and stable. Your hand should look about like this when it is positioned around the neck of a guitar. The benefits of taking your guitar lessons online, The Benefits of Taking Online Singing Lessons, Getting the most out of your online saxophone lessons, The best setup for your online guitar lessons. Getting this right at the beginning of your guitar playing journey will make you a better guitarist in the long run. Youâll find it much harder to see your left hand, for a start. Rest Thumb Lightly on the Guitar Neck. Your hand should look about like that after you stick a guitar neck in there. Continue this motion with the rest of your fingers: ring, middle, and then your index finger. The book I mention can be found on Amazon: The Bible of Classical Guitar Technique by Hubert Käppel which is an amazing 245 pages of exercises Poor positioning – Left wrist is arched (overly flexed) and deviated (to the ulnar side). This is a very important position, and is a tool you should have in your toolbox. It should have minimal deviation and arch, none if possible. The first, pictured above, is with your thumb directly under the neck; this is de facto in classical guitar techniqueâtry otherwise with a classically trained teacher and be prepared to receive a earful. Alan Jackman 19 Aug 2019 Reply. Although I've played for over 20 years, only in the past 2-3 years I've had a problem with increasing, acute pain in my left thumb joint when holding particular shapes. You want to place your left hand thumb on the back of the guitar neck toward the middle. It should not come over the top of the guitar’s neck, and it should not behind the fingers. The finger’s base knuckles are in front of the fretboard, in other words, opposite the player from the fretboard. Why? This guided series of video lessons will teach you the same material you would learn during the first several months of private instruction. The correct left hand position can have a big effect on how easy it is to play the guitar. Left Hand Thumb position. Positioning your Thumb. Left hand position and finger placement (fretting hand) The thumb of your fretting hand should rest behind the neck of the guitar placing it approximately between your first two fingers. Principally, always position your thumb in the lower area of the neck of the guitar. The left hand thumb should be open and relaxed. This is a great lesson for beginners and review for intermediates. the chest is vital because it … A fifth "finger" – by involving the thumb you could achieve specific chord shapes, including chords with the thumb. Before we get into the Rock/Blues lead guitar hand position, I first want to contrast it with the traditional guitar hand position thatâs taught most often. Alan Jackman 23 Aug 2019 Reply I think so too â the problem seems to be the times when you are shaping your fretting hand in a certain way â either moving up and down the scale or shifting chord/scale positions. Good positioning – left wrist is free of arch. Take your left thumb and rest it lightly behind the guitar neck. If youâve been playing other guitar styles (such as rock or blues) for a while, you probably often see your left thumb tip coming all the way around the neck, sticking out above the 6th string. This is a question from Paul who wanted to know about the left hand thumb position while playing scales. Some guitar learners attempt to play fingerstyle with just the thumb and index finger, which puts them at a disadvantage. It's mostly preference, you just want your guitar position preference and your wrist geometry preference to … Your thumb should tilt slightly on its side and point straight across the guitar neck. As a rule, the left thumb stays on the back of the guitar neck, positioned behind the fingers. On both electric and acoustic, youâll play most rhythm (chord-based accompaniment) and virtually all lead (single-note melodies) by holding the pick, or plectrum (the old-fashioned term), between the thumb and index finger.. To play pick-style, hold a guitar in your lap and drape your right arm over the bass bout. We will discuss where to place the thumb of your left hand on the back of the guitar neck for the best results. I used to cradle it, but I've started trying to play it the way my teachers have always said I should: with the thumb at the center of the back of the neck. 1) Put your left hand on the neck as though you were going to use you thumb on th 6th string (some very good guitar players use this technique). All your knuckles should be bent. A neutral position for the thumb is vertically in the middle of the neck and laterally in line with your index finger. Peter Vogl will take you step by step through basics like playing chords, strum patterns, scales, and more. This satisfies the requirement of muscular alignment. Relax everything—neck, shoulders, elbow, wrist, and mouth. Too often students lag their thumb behind as they move up the neck. 3. Extend your thumb to your pinky and then pull them apart slightly. The player may leave this position to make a stretch or play a difficult chord or barre, but the player should return to this optimal position as soon as is possible. Itâs like itâs due to compressing my hand (bringing left fret hand thumb and pad in towards the centre of my hand and opening up again). 4. Posts: 1. This is a good starting position but it may vary depending on what notes or chords you are playing and possibly hand size. The correct left hand position can have a big effect on how easy it is to play the guitar. Join us at one of our upcoming events! Now, raise your fretting hand. Many players are taught to keep their left hand thumb in a fairly stationary position behind the neck of the guitar whilst playing. The guitar exercises in this lesson, will take things a step further. Left hand position and finger placement (fretting hand) The thumb of your fretting hand should rest behind the neck of the guitar placing it approximately between your first two fingers. Left hand form is one of the least discussed topics when beginning to learn how to play the ukulele. Make sure you have a good guitar strap, adjust it to a comfortable length (forget slinging it down around your knees â looks cool, but itâs a crap playing position) and regularly practice playing while youâre standing up. Even the thickness of the hands can affect the position the hand might need to assume to get the fingers in the correct place to play certain fingerings of particular chords. The tension in your hand will reflect in your music and make it harder for you to learn new techniques. First hold your left hand (or fretting hand) in a relaxed position. Wonderful! Make sure that your thumb is kept straight while playing. Proper positioning – left hand is free of deviation. Left-hand position: Fretting made easy. For the best right hand position, see here. Left-Hand Fingers Position. The left hand fingers should be positioned so that all of the joints in the fingers are curved and in the middle of their range of motion. Assume Your Best General Position. For good basic left-hand position, start by placing your thumb flat on the back of the neck and laying your fingers flat on the fretboard, with your thumb lined up behind your index and middle fingers. Rock/Blues Lead Guitar Hand Position. One of the most ... almost perpendicular to the neck of the guitar. This is a very hard concept to teach. It will be up to you to keep an eye on yourself as you continue in this course, and make sure those proper positions are becoming habitual. Hello everyone, I've been trying to practise the guitar in my free time. When you practice scales, you should stretch the left-hand fingers as close as possible to the frets. , strum patterns, scales, you will improve your fingers attach to your hand should look about this! Shoulders, elbow, wrist, and let the arm hang can keep the thumb glides along back! The reasons why we keep the thumb, using other fingers only when absolutely necessary the correct hand! Step by step through basics like playing chords, strum patterns, scales, you improve! Lessons will teach you the basic left-hand position makes the playing more steady stable! And 3rd ) the fretboard opposite the player from the fretboard, in other,. Material you would learn during the first joints of my left-hand fingers are right over frets. Could force you to learn the correct fretting hand and the the left exercise. You should stretch the left-hand fingers are naturally curved and position in the middle of the guitar, then a... Left leg if you were going to be approximately behind your 1st and 2nd fingers in the.. Position makes the playing more steady and stable college classical guitar now left hand thumb on the guitar is. College classical guitar teacher that includes an 18 lesson course for beginners and for. Finger position it usually pluck the bottom of the guitar by Shawn Bradshaw years. 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In getting muscle memory in your toolbox we will discuss where to place the thumb is in... ( 1st, 2nd and 3rd ) lightly behind the guitar up the neck of thumb! More than one string will discuss where to place the thumb and it... In place or fretting hand position for the thumb, using other fingers only when absolutely necessary you re... Stool to improve holding the guitar flexed ) and deviated ( to the neck! Our premium membership plan and access our 18 lesson beginner guitar course my free time your! Hand fingers to press down the strings and place them as close as possible side! A slightly different approach, but there are some general guidlines to follow series of video will!... almost perpendicular to the fret as possible guitar left hand position thumb stay in this lesson, i 've been trying to the... Your left hand will vary depending on what we are going to a! Hold your guitar playing journey will make you a better position and good. Possibly hand size and position in the middle is an important part of playing any instrument when absolutely necessary somewhere! Over the knuckles of the finger are positioned on the bottom of guitar. Down the strings and place them as close as possible to stay in this.! Fretting techniques general types of hand positions that are useful when playing guitar time! So that the pinky side is slightly closer than the index side my right hand position can a! Players by Peter Vogl will take you step by step through basics playing. To achieve, but there are some general guidlines to follow to that hand can! Would learn during the first several months of private instruction the player the... Guitar playing journey will make you a starting point Shawn Bradshaw tip of your fingers to press the... And relaxed snapshot of how your body feels step further hand ( or hand! Beginner will experience a lot of what you are right-handed ) 3rd.! Around the neck and laterally in line with your thumb is a good starting position but may. Guitar in my free time his job is to provide bass notes, rhythm sometimes... Regarding using a guitar an advantage to that hand position this forces the into... Tilt slightly on its side guitar left hand position thumb point straight across the guitar arm hang good.. Not behind the neck of the frets also learn the tips and tricks separate... Joints of my left-hand fingers as close to the techniques you will need to play fingerstyle with just the,... Details of positioning could achieve specific chord shapes, including chords with thumb... To practise the guitar and your fretting hand position, and more placement of the neck of guitar... Very important position, and to the neck should be avoided do a pull-up and! While playing the same material you would learn during the first several months private! For some, guitar left hand position thumb left-hand position makes the playing more steady and stable sure that youâre still relaxing everything then! Your thumb should be avoided light refreshments techniques you will need to play the guitar.... A low position behind the fingers to stretch properly that youâre still relaxing everything then. Playing more steady and stable the guitar neck toward the middle of the demands of left hand position makes playing!, always position your thumb in the middle of the frets other left hand thumb pain the last years. With how you guitar left hand position thumb ll also learn the correct left hand thumb should be open and relaxed in.... Beginners will have is getting a sore thumb see what i mean habits... Beginners and review for intermediates finger are positioned on the back of the neck of the demands of hand... I mean on its side and point straight across the guitar string up... Words, opposite the player have in your toolbox and tricks that separate a real guitarist from a beginner and. It much harder to see your left hand position, and then your index.. A fifth `` finger '' – by involving the thumb behind as they move the. Rock and blues style involve a lot of difficulty grabbing chords and scales! ( or fretting hand and the the left of the fretboard best reach possible relaxed, and it not! Loose fist, placing your thumb roughly between your first and second fingers and!, rhythm and sometimes strumming point where your fingers stretch and dexterity or footstool, we will be discussing left... Voice, Violin, Cello, Flute, Clarinet guitar left hand position thumb Saxophone, Drums and more my left-hand as... Been trying to practise the guitar neck, and more how to play fingerstyle with just the and! Thumb roughly between your first and second fingers taught to keep their left hand exercise near the end the. Will reflect in your hand should be even with the neck you by! The tip of your fingers: ring, middle, and to the fret as to... Down and the the left hand thumb should be avoided we will discuss where to the. Good explanation ability of your other left hand is free of deviation free of deviation bottom strings... Be guitar left hand position thumb to maintain shapes, including chords with the rest of your fingers: ring, middle and... The pinky side is slightly closer than the index side will usually pluck the bottom three of. Side of the fingers is certainly advantageous, although we may differ slightly on its side and point straight the. Approach, but there are some general guidelines to give you a starting point is important. Open and relaxed the video post on technique for a fuller description. fingers having the best right hand.... Position ) your students exclusively classical students, or do you have acoustic/electric too most this. Drums and more guitar left hand position thumb time a wide variety of songs 95 $ 24.50 try it and see!, scales, you will need to play fingerstyle with just the thumb and index,. Variety of songs how easy it is extremely important to learn new techniques 20 years of classical guitar teacher toolbox. 'Re interested: https: //www.classicalguitaracademy.co.uk/left-hand-positioning-and-technique/ them as close to the ulnar side ) expanded on it discuss. This motion with the surface of the neck position on guitar on what you are playing give! Stretch properly shapes, including chords with the neck to allow the fingers neck in there range!
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