hand position

[devolve_creator]

i currently use both classical (thumb behing neck) and hooked (thumb hooked over neck) while playing, iv seen that allot of virtuosos rarely ever use the hooked position, micheal romeo steve vai ect, lately iv been trying to play in classical position and find it allot harder to bend or use vibrato. is there any players that only use classical? can anybody tell me when i should/shouldint be using it? i seem to play in hooked postion far more than i should,

[Malcolm]

I have just read an article on some forum about V neck and C neck guitars and how they lend themselves to the thumb position you spoke of. Seems the V neck allows the neck of the guitar to slide down deeper into the "V" of your thumb / index finger and thus makes the thumb over position easier.

So........ I suspect the type of guitar you have would play a part in answering your question.

[Bert S]

Well, it really depends on what you are playing. The classical position works for playing in modes, neo-classical style (shredders). You gain speed and allow your pinky to be used effectively, especially on your upper strings. If you watch different players and the genre of music they are playing you'll see how the hand position is influenced by the what they need to do on the fingerboard.

If you watch a blues or straight rock player you will see the thumb hooked over the top or the neck, players like Eric Clapton use this position exclusively and the advantage is that you are in the position to make the big bends and bending vibrato on the strings needed for the sounds he wants. It lends itself to pentatonic scales and great expression.

My advice is to put your thumb where it needs to be, let the music be your guide. Hope this helps!

[Jacko]

I've never really thought about where my thumb is positioned on the neck. Like Bert S put very well, 'let the music be your guide'

[delicious]

petrucci use thumb over neck from time to time so does satriani and marty, Vai actualyl does it alot from what ive seen. It's probably more natural to play it that way except when you need to make some stretches for scale runs and stuff.

[DemonSorcerer]

From my point of view, the thumb behind the neck position works great for big intervals and stuff....4ths and stuff...also 4 notes per string scale sequences and that sort of stuff...alson it works great for legato playing....

The other hand position you mention works great for bends and a nice vibrato requires that position in my humble opinion....for example, try to bend your E string with your thumb behind the neck....it just doesnt feel right...

David