Fair enough.

I wasn't really trying to say that there aren't any rules, either, just that we have to be a little flexible.

Ralph
The Storm Surfers

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

i'm just happy when i play something and it sounds good.

btw, the hendrix stuff is the only time i find myself playing with my thumb. the rhythm to 'purple haze' comes to mind. i see videos of him and i'm thinking holy s#@t, look how big his hands are.

www.surfintheeye.com

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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.

I'm not pretentious. My views just differ from yours, therefore I'm an asshole. If I said my views differ from yours because I was trained or hold a degree in an area that involves the topic(or even doesn't) then that would be pretentious.

Also, you are a pat on the back type person, I am a put a band-aid on it and get back out there type of person.

JakeDobner
If I said my views differ from yours because I was trained or hold a degree in an area that involves the topic(or even doesn't) then that would be pretentious.

Uh, no. That would mean that you are actually qualified to talk about the subject. If your doctor tells you that you have a broken arm, he isn't being pretensious. If he tells you in addition that you are a putz because you went to State U. while he went to Harvard, then he's pretensious.

JakeDobner
Also, you are a pat on the back type person, I am a put a band-aid on it and get back out there type of person.

I'm not sure what this means. In any event, I thought you were a rip the band-aid off despite no one asking you to type of person. But maybe I'm just confused.

Sean

CaptainSensible

JakeDobner
If I said my views differ from yours because I was trained or hold a degree in an area that involves the topic(or even doesn't) then that would be pretentious.

Uh, no. That would mean that you are actually qualified to talk about the subject. If your doctor tells you that you have a broken arm, he isn't being pretensious. If he tells you in addition that you are a putz because you went to State U. while he went to Harvard, then he's pretensious.

JakeDobner
Also, you are a pat on the back type person, I am a put a band-aid on it and get back out there type of person.

I'm not sure what this means. In any event, I thought you were a rip the band-aid off despite no one asking you to type of person. But maybe I'm just confused.

Very true on both accounts. My mental facilities are slipping. I'm mistyping everything.

zak
Ok...my last post was what you'd call "pretentious" - for the record I know "bedroom" guitarists that could probably smoke anyone on this site without even trying to.

Maybe even more pretentious than telling someone who you've never seen performing that their technique is poor.

"My classical guitar instructor told me..." ranks right up there with "my luthier said..." when it comes to prefacing an absurd statement on a message board.

However I'd say "precious" is worrying about what is or isn't proper hand position.

Oh, man. I thought that last exchange was our way of letting a dead dog lie. Perhaps not.

I can't believe I have put myself into a position of arguing in support of something I a) don't care about and b) don't do myself. My only point was that my understanding is that, objectively, proper technique, regardless of the style of music, is that one should keep one's thumb behind the neck of the guitar. Granted, there are exceptions to this rule, but typically this is considered proper technique. Now, I have never had a single guitar instruction class in my life, but from what I've read and from what I've been told by other guitarists (rock guitarists, mind you), is that technically proper technique is to generally keep your thumb behind the neck.

For whatever reason, you seem to be conflating the means with the ends. Again, this is why I referenced the golf analogy. But, whatever.

Sean

kilometers
Oops, I did not mean to start a debate. I was being a bit ironic about the way that I play. Anyone that knows me can attest to the fact that I am a stickler for "proper finger position" and play with my chin damn near resting on the body of my electric guitar.

I may be a newbie to the forum but am used to getting my head verbally kicked in and my jokes scoffed at.

Cheers
-km

I can attest to that, especially the latter statement

FYI: Kilometers is the other guitarist in the TomorrowMen

* UhOh, I just f'd up. I thought I was posting a reply, but I mistakenly edited this post. Oh well, sorry Miles.

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Stormtiger

My only point was that my understanding is that, objectively, proper technique, regardless of the style of music, is that one should keep one's thumb behind the neck of the guitar.

What Century did that advice come from? Same one as the Spanish Inquisition I'll bet. Same one that said you must write with your right hand, not the left.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSe38dzJYkY&feature=related

Sean