Just to follow up on this, I received some replies that were not also copied
to the list. The consensus is that classical guitar technique is not the
same a thumb-out, and therefore I will need to learn some form of lute
technique. Given this, the lute technique to learn is thumb-under..
I think I will try and use it from the very start, and also begin with new
but simple pieces, and even perhaps a different form of tablature.
Hopefully this will slow me down enough and I won't rush the process of
getting familiar with the hand position and the technique producing a
reasonable tone.
Thanks to all for the valuable advice.
regards,
morgan
----- Original Message -----
From: "morgan cornwall" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 3:51 PM
Subject: [LUTE] should i learn thumb-under technique?
Dear Individual and Collective Wisdom,
I am an amateur guitarist of about 25 years. I play fingerstyle
acoustic, electric, and classical guitar. Because of my other hobbies,
such as gardening, I gave up playing with nails some years ago and
strictly play with my fingertips.
Last year I commissioned a 7-course student lute from Stephen Harris
and Sandi Barber, and it is nearing completion. I intend to play
renaissance music on this instrument. I have wanted a lute for many
years so I am quite excited.
From following this list, reading lute tutors, searching the
internet, and watching footage of lute players I realize that there
aren't strictly thumb-under and thumb-out techniques, but all the
shades in between. Currently my technique is very rooted in classical
guitar technique, and my thumb never crosses under my other fingers.
I have limited time to devote to music, and limited time to devote to
learning lute technique. I am not in a rush to learn how to play, but
I would like to make the best use of the time I have. Given my
circumstances, would you recommend that I learn thumb-under technique?
Does it make more sense to use this technique from the start, or should
I focus on the other aspects of lute technique? If I don't learn
thumb-under from the get go, will this just be more to unlearn later?
Should I not even worry about using thumb-under?
Thank you in advance,
morgan
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