technique questions

[spagdogg]

Hey, I've been playing guitar for about 8 months, and about a month ago I started really trying to perfect my technique so that bad technique wouldn't come back to bite me down the road. I've got a few questions about left hand technique that I've been wondering about for a while:

1. When I'm playing on lower frets, my pointer finger and pinky finger tend not to fret the strings with the middle of the tip of my finger. Instead, they sort've slant inwards towards my middle two fingers. I've been trying to correct this, but it seems when my hand is stretched out these fingers naturally point inwards instead of straight down. Is this normal, or is this a sign of some form of bad technique? I recently switched to playing classical style, and this helps nearly all aspects of my playing except this.

2. As far as thumb position goes, when I'm playing low on the fretboard, the side of my thumb, instead of the front of it, naturally touches the back of the neck. Is this good or bad, or doesn't it matter? This doesn't seem to really affect my playing, but again, I want my technique to be as good as possible.

Hopefully I was able to explain these questions so everyone can understand them. If not, just ask me to clarify and I'll try. Thanks!

[jcarley]

well to keep it short there are a lot of playing techniques, it depends on what kinda music you are playing, like you said you are now practicing classical which involves a lot of picking so your fnger strength does not have to be as strong as say baring a fret. build your finger strength up one step at a time, when i was younger i tried to do way to much at one time and ended up having to get surgery for cpt.... not fun

[wayward_blue]

Before I answer your questions I want to let you know that I have no factual knowledege on this because I am self taught and proper technique is something that I've also taught myself.

1st - my pinky does the same thing when I try and do stretches. I don't think it has anything to do with bad technique it is just the natural way your finger bends.

2nd - I don't think your thumb position matters either as long as it is comfortable and you are able to play cleanly. But if it is causing any pain in your hand or wrist you need to change immediatly!

Hope that helps!

[Sciaracastro]

actually, the thumb position is very important...the correct position lets your fingers stretch more and move better. you just need to get used to that position (i mean the back of the neck position )
anyway, i dont pay much attention to my thumb too, but if u just started playing guitar, try to get good habits