Left Hand Technique

Samuel

aRealGypsy wrote:

Well heres an amazing site http://www.serendipity-band.com/misc/ma ... toc-en.htm alotta stuff you can learn there check it out

I noticed that site seems to advocate more of a "baseball" grip, rather than the "thumb on the back of the neck" grip. From what I can tell, the thumb way is generally considered better though, is that right?

Also, I believe it says in either this book, or the Rhythm book, to try to keep your wrist straight. Is that a hard and fast rule, or do most people still have to bend their wrist when reaching for chords? I have some trouble trying to keep my wrist straight and reach all the notes, but it could just be that I need to get my fingers stretched out more...or maybe move the positioning of my arm. Elbow out and away from the body, or close in?

MichaelHorowitz

You do have to bend your wrist somewhat when playing with the thumb. But a lot of the time you should be playing in the classic position, all the Gypsies do too. Playing with a vice grip type of position all the time would really slow you down.

'm