Where to Put the Fret Hand Thumb

Let's open this lesson by saying that the importance of the fret-hand thumb is often exaggerated. Many teachers and methods seem to be urging correct technique here, but there is not only one correct way to use the thumb.

Specific Suggestions for the Thumb

Most beginners are encouraged to follow this advice:

• Position the thumb behind the guitar neck.
• The thumb is most often placed behind the index finger.
• Push the thumb into the neck to provide support to the fingers.
• Press the thumb so that a large amount of its surface area contacts the neck.
• In many cases, the thumb should not be floating about freely.
• In some cases, the thumb should float freely (to achieve a better angle of the hand and fingers.)

A Note about the Thumb

The thumb can play an important role in supporting the fretting hand. However, so can holding the guitar correctly. Holding the guitar properly can provide much support to the left hand. It is even possible to play guitar without the fret-hand thumb.

It's quite natural for most people to use their thumb to support their fingers when grasping objects, and most people don't have a problem with their thumb. So for many learners wondering what to do with their thumb, it may be better to make sure they're holding the guitar properly first.