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Old 06-20-2021, 12:56 PM
Cecil6243 Cecil6243 is offline
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Default Tears in Heaven Clapton's use of the thumb

Clapton untypically uses his thumb on the 6 string notes in this song but all the tutorials I see want to avoid that. Why? It seems to make more sense to me as the transition to the high notes on the high strings seems easier using the thumb on the 6th string. At least what I have see so far learning this song.

Thoughts?
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Last edited by Cecil6243; 06-20-2021 at 01:02 PM.
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Old 06-20-2021, 01:06 PM
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cliff_the_stiff cliff_the_stiff is offline
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I think different techniques.
in Conventional position you really don’t need it, but it’s more comfortable to change if you often use the CAGED position, so the thumb is incorporated.
I prefer the thumb, for the hook and the bridge.
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Old 06-20-2021, 01:40 PM
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I find if I use my thumb then it restricts the dexterity of my fingers on the other strings, so I only use it for the first note of the progression.
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Old 06-20-2021, 08:11 PM
Cecil6243 Cecil6243 is offline
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I find if I use my thumb then it restricts the dexterity of my fingers on the other strings, so I only use it for the first note of the progression.
Different strokes for different folks. I'm just the opposite.
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Old 06-21-2021, 06:40 AM
Bob from Brooklyn Bob from Brooklyn is offline
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I'm not really a thumb guy myself. You can get it done either way. Watch the unplugged version. He plays barre chords at some points.
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Old 06-21-2021, 09:29 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cecil6243 View Post
Clapton untypically uses his thumb on the 6 string notes in this song but all the tutorials I see want to avoid that. Why? It seems to make more sense to me as the transition to the high notes on the high strings seems easier using the thumb on the 6th string. At least what I have see so far learning this song.

Thoughts?
Hi Cecil

Totally depends on your thumb (how long it is) and how you approach fingerings.

James Taylor plays a few chords with self-invented fingerings. I don't play them that way just because he does. To me they appear awkward, and unruly, but he handles them just fine.

I have a friend who has such large hands, he can fret notes on the A string with his thumb. Mine barely grabs a fret on the low E up to the 5th fret, then no more.

I think you should figure out what is best for you - not what is best for Clapton.




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Old 06-21-2021, 06:27 PM
Cecil6243 Cecil6243 is offline
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Originally Posted by ljguitar View Post
[size=2]Hi Cecil

I think you should figure out what is best for you - not what is best for Clapton.
Oh for sure, but I think you misunderstood my post. It was not so much that I emulate Eric's use of his thumb, but I thought it seemed to work better for me than not using the thumb.

As always thank you for your thoughtful response!
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Old 06-22-2021, 05:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cecil6243 View Post
Oh for sure, but I think you misunderstood my post. It was not so much that I emulate Eric's use of his thumb, but I thought it seemed to work better for me than not using the thumb.

As always thank you for your thoughtful response!
Hi Cecil

Thumbs up!!!




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Old 06-22-2021, 09:06 PM
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Hi Cecil

Thumbs up!!!




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