Wondering how to pluck the string as a fingerstyle guitarist with an opposing thumb? Here's how to get the most out of that special digit.
For most guitarists that use a pick, the thumb is simply the digit that you use to press the pick against the other fingers to hold the pick steady while you strum the strings.
But for fingerstyle guitarists like us (and perhaps those rebels who do hybrid picking) the thumb offers a unique way to sound the strings, beyond what the other four fingers can do.
Because the thumb sits there on its own, it allows us to do some special techniques beyond simply doing a plucking motion.
The thumb is also a powerful digit, so if you get the plucking motion right, you'll have some serious volume on your hands.
So let's start with the basics and get you plucking with your thumb the right way.
How Does the Thumb Pluck the Strings for Fingerstyle Guitar?
If you are just starting out with fingerstyle, you'll want to stick to using the thumb only to play the bass notes. Those are the three lowest (or thickest) strings: the sixth, fifth and fourth.
Bend your wrist slightly, using proper plucking hand technique, and make sure the movement to pluck the string with the thumb engages all the joints. The tip of your thumb should end up next to your index finger when you've completed the motion.
What If The Sound is Too Soft?
One common error that some fingerstyle guitarists make is to have a movement that's too weak with the thumb. Or, perhaps you aren't engaging with the string or digging deep enough with your plucking motion.
Some guitarists will attempt to compensate for weak technique by using a thumb pick, but this is a mistake. Only use a thumb pick when you're able to make a loud and clear sound; we'll cover how to use a thumb pick properly later.
For now, the best way to start using the thumb is to practice simple arpeggio patterns, with the thumb using the bass strings. Once you have practiced plucking the same string with the thumb, you can practice hopping from one bass string to the next.
How Is The Thumb Used When Playing Fingerstyle Guitar?
Generally, the thumb plays the bass notes, either on their own or as part of a chord. But your thumb isn't limited to just being the bass player.
However, the thumb is allowed to pluck all the strings. In fact, if you're playing a three-note-per-string scale pattern, you'll be using your thumb across all of the strings, from thickest to thinnest.
You'll also use the thumb to pluck the string when doing special techniques such as cascading harmonics or palm muting. You'll learn both those techniques in my online course, Play Fingerstyle Guitar Now!
Should I Use a Thumb Pick to Play Fingerstyle Guitar?
Although a thumb pick can make it easier to do certain techniques like Travis picking, I prefer to grow my thumb nail longer than my other fingernails instead of using a thumb pick. If you are serious about trying a thumb pick, choose several different varieties as they are not the same.
Some thumb picks are flexible, allowing them to do things such as sweep picking or fast alternating movements. Other thumb picks are made of metal and are suitable for playing repeated notes with the thumb.
The thumb slips on to the tip and extends at 90 degrees away from the finger. This type of pick is commonly used to play Travis picking, often without the use of any other finger picks.
I believe a thumb pick can be dispensed with, by growing your thumb nail long enough to pluck the strings comfortably.
What Are Some Special Techniques You Can Play With Your Thumb?
Ah, I knew you weren't going to settle for being a simple bass player. Right, if you're looking to spice up your thumb technique, you can learn to do these special techniques that involve the thumb.
Remember that one of the most important aspects of fingerstyle guitar playing is thumb independence. Before moving on to advanced techniques, become proficient at playing a bass line with your thumb while your fingers play melody and/or harmony.
Alzapúa
Flamenco guitarists have developed an advanced use of the thumb called alzapúa which is performed entirely without a thumb pick. It's essentially a strumming pattern where you play a triplet motion, or "down-up-down".
The difference between regular strumming and alzapúa is the isolation of the string when you strum. When performing the downward movement, you pluck only a single string, whereas the up movement is a brush across the strings.
Flamenco guitarists will also use the thumb to play melody lines across the bass strings, using rest stroke, which is not commonly found in other styles like Classical guitar.
Travis Picking
A true fingerstyle guitar fan has most likely heard of Travis Picking. This style is named after Merle Travis, a famous country musician renown for his picking technique.
Travis picking involves playing a sort of Alberti bass accompaniment entirely with your thumb, while the fingers play the higher melody notes. The melody can be something simple like "Freight Train" and the drive comes from the bass line, which is muffled.
The difficulty with this technique involves the thumb switching between several strings as you play. This difficulty increases as you increase the tempo up to breakneck speeds.
Some fingerstyle guitarists influenced by Merle Travis include Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel and most famously Danny Gaton, who used Travis picking to show off his skills as well as for for arpeggios moving up and down the neck.
If you want to improve your thumb picking technique, you'll get a huge boost by being able to play the bass strings without looking.
