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#1
10-06-2017, 03:49 PM
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string spacing and technique advice sought
I have 3 small bodied Martins,each has different string spacing,2 and 3/16,2 and 1/4 and 2 and 5/16.
I'm finding some discomfort and soreness in the thumb of my fretting hand with the newest guitar which has the 2 and 5/16 inches spacing. I play combination of finger style ,strumming and leads.Use a lot of chord inversions up the neck and barre chords too. Maybe it is just a matter of getting used to the wide string spacing...but any advice on how to deal with this would be appreciated.Thanks! 
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#2
10-06-2017, 04:04 PM
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String spacing at the bridge is not cause of thumb discomfort. Look elsewhere.
__________________
Derek Coombs Youtube -> Website -> Music -> Tabs Guitars by Mark Blanchard, Albert&Mueller, Paul Woolson, Collings, Composite Acoustics, and Derek Coombs "Reality is that which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." Woods hands pick by eye and ear
Made to one with pride and love To be that we hold so dear A voice from heavens above
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#3
10-06-2017, 04:17 PM
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go to know, rick-slo...
thanks Derek
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#4
10-06-2017, 04:24 PM
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Nut width, String spacing and neck profile are fundamentally important (IMHO)
These dimensions were designed for different playing styles - essentially, the thinner the neck and string spacing the more it is intended for rhythm/strumming, rather than more intricate soloing and or finger picking etc.
__________________
Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom!
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#5
10-06-2017, 06:03 PM
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Quote:
When performing vocals my 000-18 Martin with the narrower neck and spacing seems easier to play.On those occasions,I don't even look down at the fingerboard. Playing ragtime instrumentals the wider spacing helps reduce unwarranted string muting etc and I think demands more precise technique...
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#6
10-07-2017, 04:05 AM
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Quote:
 Neck profile probably has more impact on thumb comfort, but the issue (as I think you're hinting) is probably more to do with poor position and/or excess tension.
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"There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." - Leonard Cohen.
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#7
10-07-2017, 04:14 AM
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Since it's the thumb of your fretting hand, I'd check the depth of the nut slots on the offending guitar. The slots may be high, causing you to apply more thumb pressure than usual on the back of the neck when barre chording or otherwise anchoring.
__________________
2017 Alvarez Yairi OY70CE - Sugaree c.1966 Regal Sovereign R235 Jumbo - Old Dollar 2009 Martin 000-15 - Brown Bella 1977 Gibson MK-35 - Apollo 2004 Fender American Stratocaster - The Blue Max 2017 Fender Custom American Telecaster - Brown Sugar Think Hippie Thoughts...
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#8
10-07-2017, 06:52 AM
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Thanks,
Most likely my own technique is at fault. I have had major back issues with surgery twice and it affects my left side. Will have to concentrate on relaxing more. Stepping down to 00 sized guitars has helped.
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#9
10-07-2017, 01:03 PM
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You mentioned playing ragtime. Do you wrap your fretting hand thumb around the neck to fret the 6th string on those Ragtime Tunes?
It took me awhile to get used to wrapping my thumb around the neck without causing thumb discomfort on my guitar with a 1 and 3/4 nut and a 2 and 5/16 saddle spacing. Now that I'm used to it, it doesn't cause much discomfort unless I play for a long time, regardless of the neck profile.
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#10
10-07-2017, 05:15 PM
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Quote:
I think it's a matter of accommodation to the neck
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#11
10-08-2017, 03:12 PM
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Your discomfort is probably not in the string spacing or nut width, but in the shape of the neck and how it fits in your hand. How the neck displaces your thumb is mostly likely the problem.
As an anecdote, I've got several Stratocasters and have been quite happy with them all, even though each neck/nut is a bit different. Then along came the new, shiney Fender American Professional Strat. I went to try it out and within 30 seconds my hand (thumb) was tired and within 2 minutes my hand was cramping. It was the new shoulder of the Professional model that was pushing my thumb in a way that wasn't right for me. I suspect the OP's issue may be similar.
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Assuming is not knowing. Knowing is NOT the same as understanding. There is a difference between compassion and wisdom, however compassion cannot supplant wisdom, and wisdom can not occur without understanding. facts don't care about your feelings and FEELINGS ALONE MAKE FOR TERRIBLE, often irreversible DECISIONS 
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