shclandler - Posted - 03/18/2010:  02:00:18

Hey Everyone,

I've been having a problem for a while: my thumb goes too deeply into the strings while playing the banjo. Also, when it comes up out of striking the string, it goes high up into the air. I didn't used to have this problem, but lately it seems to have gotten worse. Any advice on how to better control the arc that the thumb travels when playing?

Josh

banjologist - Posted - 03/18/2010:  02:48:54

Try playing for a time without a thumb-pick, to maybe get the thumb in the 'habit' of not flailing around as much. Also ask jam players for opinions & suggestions re the wrist & arm angle.

RatLer - Posted - 03/18/2010:  04:23:27

Normally, I play clawhammer style. But I started out Scrugg's style. I still like dabble with it. I've always had the same problem with my thumb digging in too deep and even getting hung up in the strings. Recently, someone advised me to arch my hand more. I haven't gotten hung up in the strings since.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 03/18/2010:  05:48:17

Are you trying to play your songs faster than you used to? If so, that could be part of the problem. The thumb isn't ready for the increased speed and it just doesn't know what to do.

So..... IF that's the problem, slow down, watch your thumb as you pick and consciously try to just barely hit the string and follow through, keeping the thumb under control at all times. Eventually, your brain and fingers will get together (it's known as muscle memory) and your thumb won't flail around and you will be able to increase your speed slowly but surely.

thetexan - Posted - 03/18/2010:  11:05:36

Hi schlandler,

Here is what I recommend you do. This, as you stated, is a control problem. Your muscle memory in the brain is the controlling point.

You have to retrain your muscle memory. Heres how.

Begin by playing VERY softly. This will allow you be be deliberate which is essential to being precise in your strokes which is essential to performing correctly which is essential to retraining and reinforcing muscle memory.

Use short, well placed, deliberate strokes. As to the thumb, the same applies. If you are digging in too deep then you have lost the 'feel' of where the thumb needs to be in relation to the string. Banjologist's idea of playing without a pick seems to be a good drill for rediscovering that thumb/string relationship and feel. But if you dont use a thumbpick I would suggest, to avoid confusing muscle memory, also not using finger picks durring those pickless exercises, and only for a time.

Use the system you will ultimately use....picks....for the majority of the drills. Pick deliberately and softly and increase power and volume slowly.

tex

Roll Player - Posted - 03/18/2010:  11:22:31

Has your right hand position gotten too low? That is, maybe the palm of your hand is too close to the head. Try adjusting your hand position a bit higher. I also agree with playing a bit slower and softer to correct the problem.

Are you reading tab while playing? If so, this could take away some attention from your right hand mechanics and allow some bad habits to creep in.

pstroud1 - Posted - 03/18/2010:  12:28:20

As above I agree with playing very softly at first.
It also helped me a lot to learn to use the thumb al the way over to the first string at times, it takes some control to learn that.

shclandler - Posted - 03/18/2010:  17:08:41

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I play with an arch to my right wrist, and I'm not reading any tab, just have the metronome going and trying to keep with that as precisely as I can. I will continue to work on playing softer (this has been part of my agenda for a while) and focus on keeping the thumb in better control. Of course, playing softer doesn't give me the tone I'm used to getting, but hopefully that will go along with accuracy? Thanks again,

Josh

Heesman - Posted - 03/19/2010:  08:15:25

I am going to jump on this thread if that is ok as this topic is quite timely. I too am having a problem with my thumb arcing up and away from the springs when hitting the fifth string. During inside rolls I have no issues.

So, any people out there that have successfully fixed the fly away issue?