I've lately had some pain in my left thumb after playing a lot of bar chords. I often have my thumb pointing to the left while doing bar chords and I press down on the neck for more leverage. I have rather large hands, so I kind of slant my fingers to compensate and have more control. If there is a way to easily put less pressure on my wrists when I play, I would really appreciate it. I'm only 21 years old, so I have a long life ahead of me. I don't want to have issues that prevent me from playing my guitar in the long term.
Bar chord thumb placement
- Thread starter mexstrat
- Start date
PFDarkside
of the Forum
Re: Bar chord thumb placement
A lot of people with large hands have done the "Hendrix" barre chord over the years...
Barring that
using less pressure and force is always better. I understand, I squeeze too hard too, but it's usually best to use as little pressure as needed to cleanly sound the note.
A lot of people with large hands have done the "Hendrix" barre chord over the years...
Barring that
using less pressure and force is always better. I understand, I squeeze too hard too, but it's usually best to use as little pressure as needed to cleanly sound the note.Re: Bar chord thumb placement
I might want to try that. Thank you. I just need to be careful not to push my thumb too much when fretting, but it probably is better for my thumb/wrist area than pushing on the neck while my thumb is sideways. It would require some major habit change, but my joints might thank me later. I'm guessing that once my thumb gets a nice callous, Hendrix chords should feel normal.
A lot of people with large hands have done the "Hendrix" barre chord over the years...
I might want to try that. Thank you. I just need to be careful not to push my thumb too much when fretting, but it probably is better for my thumb/wrist area than pushing on the neck while my thumb is sideways. It would require some major habit change, but my joints might thank me later. I'm guessing that once my thumb gets a nice callous, Hendrix chords should feel normal.
PFDarkside
of the Forum
Re: Bar chord thumb placement
If you are interested in the technique, here are a few videos demoing it from Anthony at Texas Blues Alley:
If you are interested in the technique, here are a few videos demoing it from Anthony at Texas Blues Alley:
MetalManiac
Li'l Junior Member
Re: Bar chord thumb placement
a bar chord is different from a pub chord, which is also different form a tavern chord. FWIW i also do the 'thumb over' technique.
a bar chord is different from a pub chord, which is also different form a tavern chord. FWIW i also do the 'thumb over' technique.
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: Bar chord thumb placement
I have always tried to have my thumb at the bottom of the neck in a classical style. I taught the thumb should be right below the curve of the neck. It is not always possible when you are "digging in." Your thumb should move around like the rest of your fingers depending on the application. Like others have said with some chords the thumb needs to be over the neck. No style is the correct on just find what is comfortable for you.
If you are having pain issues, you might also want to consider the length of your strap. That is a huge factor in your overall hand position. Hung low looks cool but is not the best approach to the instrument.
I have always tried to have my thumb at the bottom of the neck in a classical style. I taught the thumb should be right below the curve of the neck. It is not always possible when you are "digging in." Your thumb should move around like the rest of your fingers depending on the application. Like others have said with some chords the thumb needs to be over the neck. No style is the correct on just find what is comfortable for you.
If you are having pain issues, you might also want to consider the length of your strap. That is a huge factor in your overall hand position. Hung low looks cool but is not the best approach to the instrument.
Re: Bar chord thumb placement
With my strap too high, my shoulders hurt and my posture is messed up. With my strap too low, my wrists hurt. I've found a happy medium. I sometimes lean back while playing bar chords to eliminate any extra wrist pressure. It's a good ab exercise as well.
With my strap too high, my shoulders hurt and my posture is messed up. With my strap too low, my wrists hurt. I've found a happy medium. I sometimes lean back while playing bar chords to eliminate any extra wrist pressure. It's a good ab exercise as well.
Kamanda~SD
New member
Re: Bar chord thumb placement
90% Of my bar chords are done the 'hendrix' way. Much more comfortable for me.
90% Of my bar chords are done the 'hendrix' way. Much more comfortable for me.
JB_From_Hell
Jomo's Nimions
Re: Bar chord thumb placement
Make sure your guitar is setup properly, as well. Maybe go with lighter strings and lower action to facilitate relaxing your left hand.
Make sure your guitar is setup properly, as well. Maybe go with lighter strings and lower action to facilitate relaxing your left hand.
Kamanda~SD
New member
Re: Bar chord thumb placement
+1 to that. Even if its just stripping down that voicing I find it is usually much better in a band situation
+1 to that. Even if its just stripping down that voicing I find it is usually much better in a band situation
Chickenwings
Alnico 6/8
Re: Bar chord thumb placement
Have a look at classical technique. Bar chords all day long.
The thumb goes on or below the line of the skunk stripe and behind whichever fret your second finger plays on. Nothing touches the neck of the guitar anywhere apart from your fingertips and pad of the thumb (and the side of the first finger if it is barring).
Feels weird (usually because we become comfortable with counterproductive habits) at first but it works if you stick with it and try to constantly be aware of good hand positioning rather than just slipping back into the same old habits.
There is a really good book where you can get some useful tips on efficient left hand technique called "pumping nylon". It doesn't cover everything but it does cover the big stuff.
Have a look at classical technique. Bar chords all day long.
The thumb goes on or below the line of the skunk stripe and behind whichever fret your second finger plays on. Nothing touches the neck of the guitar anywhere apart from your fingertips and pad of the thumb (and the side of the first finger if it is barring).
Feels weird (usually because we become comfortable with counterproductive habits) at first but it works if you stick with it and try to constantly be aware of good hand positioning rather than just slipping back into the same old habits.
There is a really good book where you can get some useful tips on efficient left hand technique called "pumping nylon". It doesn't cover everything but it does cover the big stuff.
DrNewcenstein
He Did the Monster Mash
Re: Bar chord thumb placement
Neck thickness also plays a role, as does backshape. But overall, you have to look at the setup. The nut could be too high, the frets too low, the strings too thick.
While full 6-note Barre chords are not always needed in a band situation, when you're on rhythm and it's a clean/acoustic picked passage, then you have to hold those chords, and it becomes a real workout.
Alternatively, you can try open tunings where 1 finger does most of the fretting.
Neck thickness also plays a role, as does backshape. But overall, you have to look at the setup. The nut could be too high, the frets too low, the strings too thick.
While full 6-note Barre chords are not always needed in a band situation, when you're on rhythm and it's a clean/acoustic picked passage, then you have to hold those chords, and it becomes a real workout.
Alternatively, you can try open tunings where 1 finger does most of the fretting.
