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Jon Boyes -> Pulgar technique concerns (Dec. 2 2003 10:49:58)
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Guys, I would appreciate your thoughts on positioning the right hand for apoyando pulgar falsetas. Up to now I've been using a classical guitar technique for rest stroke lines, or in other words, playing off the outside edge of the thumb in the same position as a flamenco player would play thumb rest stroke if he were playing an argpeggio on the upper strings, for example.
I've been playing around with positioning using a mirror, making comparisons with other players, and a couple of things concern me.
Lets say for the sake of argument that a default hand position has the thumb rested on the sixth string, pointing towards the headstock of the guitar. General consensus seems to favour a definite change of position for thumb lines, with the wrist having a pronounced arch to bring the thumb into contact with the strings at a much more pronounced angle, and with the tip of the thumb pointing more towards the players body, if you see what I mean. This facilitates that 'hammering' wrist action that gives us that satisfying twangy flamenco sound, yes?
Ok, whilst playing pulgar-only material, swinging from the wrist, I am not too worried about that arch, as I'm only really rotating the forearm, but if I start playing other stuff (eg P-I-P-I with I playing on the top string) in that position, I can sense the strain that the bent wrist is putting on things. Bent wrists are not good for the tendons that more through the carpal tunnel. This is my first concern.
Secondly, it appears from watching other players that either they have unatural shaped thumbs, or they are locking the thumb's middle joint inwards towards the palm in order to point the tip of the thumb upwards to facilitate the stroke (if you see what I mean). If this is the case, this also concerns me as it would seem to add tension into an already 'unhealthy' position.
What are your thoughts on these two issues?
Jon
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