Forums > Offbeat > Bad Habits
Jump:
Forums > Offbeat > Bad Habits
Code of Conduct   Search
Original message:56 days 21 hours 35 minutes ago
+ 3  
Member: Fred Kraus
2977
WebCred
I have a few bad habits when I play. I try to keep my fingers parallel to the frets, but often I lapse back into playing lazy handed, I also tend to wrap may thumb completely around the neck instead of keeping the ball of the thumb in the center of the neck, which reduces reach. Some habits just won't die.
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
"The cruelest lies are often told in silence" -Robert Lewis Stevenson
Reply:56 days 21 hours 11 minutes ago
Member: duane
    + 5  
741
WebCred
Hey.. I've got so many bad habits it's now a style :-)

Reply:56 days 20 hours 59 minutes ago
Member: Xarkzila
    + 3  
2353
WebCred
I've ALWAYS wrapped my thumb around the neck. There's a reason... I play 12 strings and I learned mostly on my 1928 Stella. It has a neck that's 1 15/16" at the nut. Since it's pretty much impossible to barre on a 12 with a neck this wide, I learned to use my thumb to make up the difference. Still do.
My gear recommendations:
  
"The music industry is a cruel and shallow money trench. A long plastic hallway where theives and pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side..."
http://www.cleargravy.com
Reply:56 days 19 hours 34 minutes ago
Member: ibzRG
    + 3  
2015
WebCred
I wrap my thumb all around too. It actually increases my reach and my strength and leverage for bending. I have small hands and my priority is to keep my wrist straight at all cost (except for some chords). This is a habit I have no intention to get rid of.
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
  
My status
Reply:56 days 19 hours 11 minutes ago
Member: Richey
    + 2  
931
WebCred
I watched Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix and they keep their thumbs wrapped around the neck. When I do it, I feel sloppy.
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
  
Reply:56 days 13 hours 35 minutes ago
Member: Jack Hanlon
    + 1  
385
WebCred
Hendrix had giant hands, so when he played he would use his thumb in chords. Unless you have incredibly large hands, I wouldn't pick up the habit.
Jack
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
  
Jack
Reply:56 days 18 hours 35 minutes ago
Member: Fred Kraus
    + 3  
2977
WebCred
I was always told to keep the ball of your thumb on the top part of the neck radius. It's supposed to allow your fret hand to swivel left and right easier, but I have to admit wrapping the whole thumb around seems natural. You hear so many things it's hard to sort it all out. I guess it comes down to whatever feels best to the player. Maybe some of the music instructors could weigh in on that one.
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
  
"The cruelest lies are often told in silence" -Robert Lewis Stevenson
Reply:56 days 17 hours 55 minutes ago
Member: eds1275
    + 6  
466
WebCred
In classical technique, it is considered very bad form to do so. Paul Gilbert does it, and his technique is amazing. I do what I need to to play a song.
Reply:56 days 17 hours 37 minutes ago
Member: dcunning30
    + 3  
2231
WebCred
There's a whole catalogue of technique involving wrapping your thumb around the neck. I've even seen players use the thumb to press against the wound E string. Personally, I usually keep my thumb behind the neck. I believe I get more dexterity this way. But then again, I play 7-string guitars and I play classical guitar, so it makes sense to me.
My music recommendations:
Reply:56 days 17 hours 26 minutes ago
Member: G_Barber
    + 5  
326
WebCred
Whatever gets the job done is what I say about it. :)
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
  
Reply:56 days 17 hours 7 minutes ago
Member: pickabass
    + 2  
330
WebCred
I never use my pinky, except when it is absolutely necessary.
My gear recommendations:
  
Capos are for weenies
Reply:55 days 15 hours 10 minutes ago
Member: Seth Stoxen
    0  
7
WebCred
i probably use my pink too much, especially when i play bass. for some reason when i play guitar i almost never use my middle finger unless in chording. that stupid finger never wants to cooperate
Reply:56 days 16 hours 58 minutes ago
Member: RuiOlasBrandon 's
    + 2  
411
WebCred
Sometimes I use the pick with 3 fingers.. (thumb, index & mid finger).
And I used to use the pick in a reversed way (the picking part upwards).
But I don't do it anymore, though.
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
  
Hey, I'm stupid!
Reply:56 days 15 hours 18 minutes ago
Member: Savva_Rhythm
    + 3  
351
WebCred
this isnt quite a habit, just something that always goes wrong:
while i play, the pick slowly tilts, so eventually i feel my finger in the strings. i jus gotta hold it tighter :P

as for my thumb, i remember seeing a vid where the dude had his thumb over the top, but i couldnt do it.
but the other day, i found myself doing it naturally lol. i think as you get better, you do it naturally
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
  
To Live Is To Die
Reply:56 days 4 hours 5 minutes ago
Member: Erk
    + 2  

308
WebCred
I used to have the same problem with the pick slipping around in my fingers. I use 2mm thick picks and my fingers would get fatigued trying to hold onto them. I found that if I drilled a few holes in them, they were much, much easier to hold.
My music recommendations:
"Nobody understands me, but my guitar."
Reply:55 days 23 hours 25 minutes ago
Member: Richey
    + 3  
931
WebCred
I used to have a bad habit of tilting my picking hand so that my index finger hit the strings along with the pick. I played several shows, which were always more vigorous than practice and by the time the show was over, I had a nasty abrasion and my finger bled all over the place. When I wasn't playing shows, it would wear my fingernail down so that it was shaped funny. I would have a callus on the side of my index finger of my picking hand. I don't seem to do that as much any more but I also went to thinner picks. I don't know if that is correlated or coincidental.
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations: