If I want to play a D/F# chord, for example, I use my thumb for the F# on the sixth string. This is a chord that pops up, among other placed, in Leo Kottke songs, and what's good enough for Leo is good enough for me.

Ralph
The Storm Surfers

Be at one with the universe. If you can't do that, at least be at one with your guitar.

This post has been removed by the author.

Different guitars have different sized necks. Different players have different finger lengths, degrees of flexibility, etc. Different styles of music have different technical requirements. Trying to move technical ideas from one instrument to the next (even if they are both guitars) or from one style to the next can be problematic. There are times when it works extremely well and times when it is limiting.

Ralph
The Storm Surfers

Be at one with the universe. If you can't do that, at least be at one with your guitar.

99% of the time I use my thumb. I need all five fingers to play

Ryan
The Secret Samurai Website
The Secret Samurai on Facebook

zak
If your guitar is too high, you shouldn't be playing rock'n'roll.

I couldn't care less about classical technique. I don't play nylon string guitar, I don't play with my nails, and I don't sit cross legged with the guitar on my knee when I play. Segovia is not my idol. Electric guitar is not the same instrument as classical guitar. Don't shove classical guitar technique down an electric guitar player's throat.

Way to make a newbie feel welcome to the site. Nice.

Sean

CaptainSensible

JakeDobner
Pretentious- (RP) IPA: /pɹɪˈtɛnʃəs/

Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction; Ostentatious; intended to impress others

Creating an appearance of importance or demanding merit when undeserved

The sheer irony of this post is delicious.

Oh shit!

Science friction burns my fingers.

Stormtiger
Well, he did kind of ask for it, that is just terrible advice, unless you want to play Classical guitar. I took exception to the "horrible technique" remark, some of the best players I've seen use their thumb a lot. I studied classical too, it doesn't work for surf or many other styles.

I don't play like kilometers suggests one should, nor do likely most rock guitarists, but what he says about guitar technique is fundamentally true. So, regardless of the ability of the guitarist, if they use their thumb in making barre chords or play with it wrapped around the neck rather than behind, then they have poor technique. Period.

I just thought it was funny to see people get so exercised about being told that they factually play with poor technique. Other than the medical concerns he cites, the real question is who cares? I mean, if you have the funkiest looking swing in the world but you birdie every hole, are you really going to change your golf swing because you have bad form? No. So why get worked up about it?

Frankly, I'd rather be a great guitarist (which I'm not) and have poor technique than be a mediocre guitarist (which I am) and have great technique (which I don't). But there you have it. Of course, if you can sound great and have great technique, all the better, but most folks probably won't even notice anything besides what's coming out of your amp.

Sean

CaptainSensible
I don't play like kilometers suggests one should, nor do likely most rock guitarists, but what he says about guitar technique is fundamentally true. So, regardless of the ability of the guitarist, if they use their thumb in making barre chords or play with it wrapped around the neck rather than behind, then they have poor technique. Period.

I was working on a piece in which the composer specifically said in the instructional notes that the way to play a particular chord in that particular piece was to use the thumb. This was actually essential to allow the other fingers to be free for the next notes.

In other words, in that instance, in that song, it was good technique.

Ralph
The Storm Surfers

Be at one with the universe. If you can't do that, at least be at one with your guitar.

So, regardless of the ability of the guitarist, if they use their thumb in making barre chords or play with it wrapped around the neck rather than behind, then they have poor technique. Period.

Period! Oh brother, I love Dogma.

DNAdude
I was working on a piece in which the composer specifically said in the instructional notes that the way to play a particular chord in that particular piece was to use the thumb. This was actually essential to allow the other fingers to be free for the next notes.

In other words, in that instance, in that song, it was good technique.

Point taken. But I would still argue that an exception does not disprove the rule. In any event, my intent was not to suggest that one must always (or ever for that matter) follow what is generally considered proper technique (I certainly don't myself). My intent was merely to rib others for being so sensitive about their playing style. Who would have thought surf guitarists could be so precious.

Sean