Practicing with no thumbs.

[Mysteryman]

Just something to try when you are playing triad chords. When you play in any key dont use your thumbs on the black notes. It will force you to use the weaker fingers.  You will actually become more efficient in certain keys.

[Shadow_]

I find this true too. Although i didnt know it was any discipline then(or now) but it makes a noticeable difference. Good stuff MM

[musallio]

Wow!!!
I just had 2 read this...when I saw No Thumbs, i looked @  my thumbs and thot how dependent on  them i am

yeah, i know from the outset how much class this will add to my playing..
(funny how I'm already trying to type without using my thumbs..feels weird...especially when hitting the space bar key).

[Mysteryman]

You can really see an example of what I mean by efficiency if you play your major chords up chromatically but only use your thumbs for the white notes.

Ex. RH fingering
CEG   DbFAb   DF#A   EbGBb   EG#B   FAC
135     234      135      234      135     135 

[Fenix]

Y'know thanks to this, playing a Bb maj triad is now so much easier. It always felt so awkward when i had to play the triad with my thumb.

[chevonee]

Wow this is really uncomfortable which means that its really going to help me. Thanks Mysteryman

[T-Block]

Notice that Mysteryman said this will get you used to using your weak fingers.  He didn't say that you should always play this way.  Once your weak fingers get stronger, then you can play the chords anyway you like.

[amandaag]

Notice that Mysteryman said this will get you used to using your weak fingers.  He didn't say that you should always play this way.  Once your weak fingers get stronger, then you can play the chords anyway you like.

great   

[Mysteryman]

Notice that Mysteryman said this will get you used to using your weak fingers.  He didn't say that you should always play this way.  Once your weak fingers get stronger, then you can play the chords anyway you like.

You are very perceptive.  When you play in certain keys later on your brain will tell you which fingers to use at that moment.

[musallio]

You are very perceptive.  When you play in certain keys later on your brain will tell you which fingers to use at that moment.

Hahahaah
I'm so glad i came across this.
Earlier today i was practicing those cool chords& was trying to play them without the thumbs!!! it proved impossible.
But I tried 2 avoit them where I could & i found myself using the #"4" finger alot, which i hardly ever use.

Thanx 4 the sound advice..I could already feel the progress  coming.

[B3Wannabe]

Sweet stuff!

[bighops2000]

this is what i need to do BADLY. I'm worthless without thumbs.  and it causes me to fall behind on runs and makes it very difficult to switch chords. another weakness is I tend to neglect my pinky since I have long fingers that can hit the top note without the use of my pinky.

[musallio]

this is what i need to do BADLY. I'm worthless without thumbs.  and it causes me to fall behind on runs and makes it very difficult to switch chords. another weakness is I tend to neglect my pinky since I have long fingers that can hit the top note without the use of my pinky.

Wow man!
I wish I had long fingers like U..I always use the pinkie 4 those high notes.

[T-Block]

i found myself using the #"4" finger alot, which i hardly ever use.

And that's the whole point of what Mysterman was saying.  Most poeple don't use their 4th finger, I think I overuse mine, LOL.  Once you really get playing good, you will find that your 4th finger will prove to be just as vital to your playing as your thumbs.

[Mysteryman]

If you see some of the great players on this site and the youtube posts you will notice they use all of their fingers. Check out that Richard Tolbert clip in the organ room.

[musallio]

Thanx Mysteryman & T-Block..I really am starting to use my 4th finger now..It's a weird but good feeling