O.D. - Posted - 11/09/2025:  08:50:52

Any advice on how to increase my thumb volume.
My index finger is significantly stronger than my thumb drone notes.
Also apparent on drop thumb notes
I suspect it could be the arthritis in my thumbs
Thanks
E

carlb - Posted - 11/09/2025:  10:01:53

I have three banjos and the thumb volume is different on each one. I also have arthritis, but noted the difference in thumb volume many years ago, before arthritis set in. It could be adjusted with you setup, maybe with a lighter or heavier string on the 5th string, or ???

O.D. - Posted - 11/09/2025:  11:30:30

Hey Carl
I had thought of that
I wonder what would be
effective, lighter or heavier.
Currently using the Ernie Ball frailing set,don't recall gauges.
Thanks for the reply.
E

boatymacboat - Posted - 11/10/2025:  02:38:52

As a beginner myself (who also has crappy hands!) I have also noticed my thumb notes can lack volume at times. This is especially apparent when I attempt to play faster. I find if I pay more attention to my thumbing I can mostly correct this issue.

In my view my problem is probably down to my technique/current ability. Could it also be in part be helped by some sort of set-up issue? Don't know.

Interested in other more experienced opinions...

Bob Buckingham - Posted - 11/10/2025:  07:16:20

quote:

---

Originally posted by O.D.

Hey Carl

I had thought of that

I wonder what would be

effective, lighter or heavier.

Currently using the Ernie Ball frailing set,don't recall gauges.

Thanks for the reply.

E

---

Your 5th is a  10  try an 11. Also make sure your attack is good with your thumb.

Jon Borcherding - Posted - 11/10/2025:  13:07:36

I'm a beginner at 3-1/2 years, so take this with a grain of salt. I struggle with regulating my thumb-string volume. The thing that seems to help the most is studying Lee Hammons' Walking in the Parlor and learning to play that double thumb pattern.

I think it's easy to blame the equipment, string gauge, etc. for issues we can better control with technique.  If your volume issue is happening on drop-thumb notes too, it's probably not a string gauge issue. 

You can't play the A-part riff of Walking In The Parlor without good control of your thumb.  

It helped me.  I hope it works for you too.

Mickhammer - Posted - 11/11/2025:  02:31:19

I'm thinking you're speaking about the volume of the fifth string?

In that case, I see the lower volume as a feature, not a problem. When I need it to be more present, I dig in a bit more, most likely by changing the angle of attack. But other times, I appreciate that the fifths string remains present without overwhelming the others - it's a drone string, after all.

Otherwise, it makes sense for the thumb to produce less volume when drop-thumbing, since you're most likely not using your nail. But again, for me that's a feature - when I need the note to ring out, I use a finger. If I want it as part of the rhythm, I'll use the thumb...

(I classify myself as an eternally early intermediate, so take my opinion with that grain of salt)