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Thumb click and other thumb stuff
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ToddK
Posts: 2961
Joined: Dec. 6 2004
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Thumb click and other thumb stuff
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So i have no trouble getting a nice bright click from my thumb. The issue im having is this. Ya know how some people have those fingertips that taper to the nail? Well, i dont have that. I have a rather large gap between where my thumb tip ends, and the nail begins. I use a straighter thumb angle for classical, but for flamenco, i have a hard time not letting the thumb bend backwards. I have that back bending thumb thing, sort of like Vicente Amigo's thumb. Anyway, i find im getting the click sound everywhere, on all thumb notes. Sometimes i want to round the tone out, but without having to straighten my thumb, because i find this inhibits my finger rest stroke. I notice, just about everybody i see playing flamenco, when not doing just pulgar, seem to use the side of the thumb. I cant seem to do this and get a good tone. This is because i dont have enough nail coming off the side of my thumb. So when i try to play off just the side, it ends up sounding thin and funky. Basically, the only way ive found to not get the click, is to concentrate on hitting the thumbnail directly on the string. If i hit flesh first, it slides across and i get the click. Im starting to think this all may be due to my limited practice time, which is hindering me from getting a callous on my thumb. Could that be what i need? Should i blast alot of thumb work on purpose to build up a big, hard callous on the thumb? Any thoughts on this??
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Date Nov. 2 2009 1:42:13
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Ron.M
Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland
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RE: Thumb click and other thumb stuff (in reply to ToddK)
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quote:
Could that be what i need? Should i blast alot of thumb work on purpose to build up a big, hard callous on the thumb? Well, you need some kind of callous or thick skin there, Todd, otherwise it's painful to play from the side. I'd be careful about "blasting a lot of thumbwork", as that can lead to a blister, which then takes days to clear up. Then when it comes away, you're left with fresh, sensitive new skin and have to start all over again. I'd say just normal practise, and stop and change position if it begins to feel burny. cheers, Ron
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Date Nov. 2 2009 4:55:32
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Ricardo
Posts: 14875
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
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RE: Thumb click and other thumb stuff (in reply to ToddK)
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quote:
Im starting to think this all may be due to my limited practice time, which is hindering me from getting a callous on my thumb. Could that be what i need? Should i blast alot of thumb work on purpose to build up a big, hard callous on the thumb? Any thoughts on this?? yeah you need the callous, and it will come and go as Doit said. No need to over do it (doit lol), but sometimes, cuz I play a lot and sometimes when drinking and partying you dont' think, and I end up with a little blister. I just put glue on it, the same glue I put on the nails, and you dont' feel any burning. That glue is amazing stuff, they call it "second skin" or "liquid bandaid" now adays. Also I am with some other guys....WHY would you want to NOT click????? Unless you mean for playing classical which I see your point. And right there for example is the heart of the problem of trying to play both styles proficiently. Somethin has to give, tone or technique gets sacrificed. Ricardo
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CD's and transcriptions available here: www.ricardomarlow.com
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Date Nov. 2 2009 20:16:53
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mark indigo
Posts: 3625
Joined: Dec. 5 2007
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RE: Thumb click and other thumb stuff (in reply to kozz)
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quote:
I read that you said to let the nail grow and the part "left over" needs become filled with callus. I've attached a picture where below is how my thumb is now, and my questions is, should I let it grow as in the picture on top of it? When it gets hooked nowadays, I file that part of the thumbnail away, is that wrong? i dunno if there is a "definitive" answer to this, but mine is filed away (on the left side of the thumb) MORE than yours is in the bottom picture. The length of the nail on the right side of the thumb is as long as the top photo, or a bit longer. For what it's worth (and i don't consider myself to be a great expert) when i play arpegio/tremelo i play with with thumb almost parallel to strings, or 5-15 degree angle, and use callous only, but when i play pulgar/alzapua i play with the thumb pointed more towards the strings, it's not 90 degrees, but 40-50 degree angle, and i use the nail (also same with abanico etc.)
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Date Sep. 8 2010 20:51:41
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