Excellent topic! Not just rock, but highly accomplished virtuosi in
Ragtime (e.g., Dave van Ronk, who could get both 6 & 5), Country,
Bluegrass, Blues, and other genres. Don't know how widespread it is in
Jazz, though.
As a classical guitar trained lutenist, I still can't personally face
this technique; but then again I don't specialize in the 5 - 6 course
lutes for which this technique could be highly advantageous. Add a 7th
(or at least 8th course) -ballgame is over for this technique.
I would love to hear feedback from players who are successfully using
this technique.
Dan
On 10/1/2015 8:57 AM, G. C. wrote:
One obscure feature of plucking which has always fascinated but eluded
me is the technique of using also the thumb to play on the lower
strings. Supposedly mainly feasible on 6 course instruments and a
narrow neck, it has apparently been in vogue and an open "secret" for
the initiated since the days of Francesco at least (see famous painting
by Giulio Campi on the cover of Doug's History of the Lute if it indeed
depicts such a practice). I know that it is very common in Rock, (where
its so widespread, that it has to be meaningful somehow). To me,
(classically trained), it looks bizarre, and more like someone has
learned to play the wrong way. But it has to have at least some
advantages, as it seems to be so popular (at least among the rock music
pluckers). Not only for barrA", particularly chords where the index
presses on a fret in front of the fret that the thumb is stopping look
bewildering. Might there be an ergonomic/finger mechanical reason?
(Concert playing for hours so thereby avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome?)
Is there someone here who could explain the inner workings and/or
advantages of this technique in a simple way or point to a website, are
there any uses for it in lute-playing (skewed barrA"?), and does the
practice have a consensus name?
Best regards
G
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