Giving myself a new excuse to get new telecaster

broadcasterbroadcaster
edited November 2013 in Root
Heh , certain parts of Mr. Sandman requires the use of thumb on the 5th string.
Im very near convinced I need a new telecaster with a smaller neck...

someone please pull me from the dark side ;)

Comments

  • ruger9ruger9
    5th string? Really?? I use a thumb on the SIXTH string frequently, but the 5th string?
  • RyanRyan
    I thumb the sixth all the time for big chords, but I think the fifth would be hard for me on any size neck. But hey, however you can rationalize a new guitar...rock and roll :)
  • JimCampilongoJimCampilongo
    edited November 2013
    The 5th string is a tough reach and most folks have difficulty - I don't think a smaller neck is the problem - I think it's about hand size, shape and agility. Sorry if it seems hard, that's a tough one!
  • broadcasterbroadcaster
    After a month , I did manage to overcome the 5th string feat. Halfway through the song...whew..
    Must....not.....give..........up....
  • floridaskaterfloridaskater
    edited December 2013
    I always like an excuse to get a new guitar! This thumb question stuck in my brain this week...I tried out all my guitars thinking bout this.
    Then I just happened to be watching a Thom Bresh instructional Merle Travis style video and he discussed how Merle would wrap his thumb over the top two strings. He also mentioned how Merle and Bigsby came up with his replacement neck to fit Merle's "unorthodox" style. His neck width is about the same as a typical strat, and I bet it's radiused more than a typical Martin (if that's a word). Here's a link to the specs at Martin on the reissue: http://www.martinguitar.com/guitar-care/care-guide/inactive-models/item/565-d-28m-merle-travis.html
    My guitars that allow me to grab the top two strings with my thumb are skinnier at the nut, thinner, and have a smaller fretboard radius. Makes sense. This question got to me because I have had some pain in the base of my index finger in the back of my hand from doing barre chords too much this year. Lately I have been playing alternate chords avoiding barre chords and using my thumb. And the funny thing is what I'm finding is I notice quite a few players also avoid the barre chord fingerings...Merle did none according to Thom Bresh, and many Gypsy Jazz fingerings also avoid barre chords. According to Thom Bresh Merle said that anchoring the thumb and not using the index finger for barring allowed him to play melodies with the index finger.
  • broadcasterbroadcaster
    a lil late but thanks for sharing!
  • weelieweelie
    (Old thread, but who isn't. )

    I have always been able to do the thumb-over thing. That's how I first learned (on classical guitar, 56mm nut) to play the open G chord (3x0003). With my shortish but thin fingers.

    Yeah, Merle plays the "C7"-shape fretting both E and A strings on 3rd fret with thumb, I can do it but I don't enjoy it. But the only real obstacle I found in trying to play gypsy jazz style, and stuff where I also need to reach or play more than on string with some otehr finger as well, like: http://www.jazzpartout.com/Kuvat/G6.jpg But of course one can play around these in many ways...
  • ruger9ruger9
    On a tele, I can do the thumb-over thing. Actually, on any 1-11/16" nut I can. But, I have a REALLY hard time on a couple acoustics I have owned, with 1-3/4" necks. You wouldn't think 1/16" would make that much difference, but it does with me. (Of course the neck profile also plays a role, but I have yet to find a 1-3/4" neck guitar that is comfortable for me, with one exception: Taylor.)
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