John Mayer's style and CTS

[QuattroDore]

Playing some of john mayer's stuff with the thumb wrapping around the neck (this is also SRV's and Jimi's style), are any of you guys worried about developing carpal tunnel? I don't have long fingers so my wrist is fully flexed up against the back of the neck, which is textbook on how to get carpal tunnel.

Aside from this, this post is breaking my cherry on this board. I've basked in the glow of all your brilliance for quite awhile.

Thanks

[gravedigger]

Playing some of john mayer's stuff with the thumb wrapping around the neck (this is also SRV's and Jimi's style), are any of you guys worried about developing carpal tunnel? I don't have long fingers so my wrist is fully flexed up against the back of the neck, which is textbook on how to get carpal tunnel.

Aside from this, this post is breaking my cherry on this board. I've basked in the glow of all your brilliance for quite awhile.

Thanks

Welcome! what took ya so long!

yeah John Mayer definately got that style from SRV. I wouldn't worry about getting carpal tunnel, unless you play 19 hours a day everyday. I only use my thumb on Mayer songs if I absolutely have to. a few of his chords that he uses a thumb for, I use another finger. I'm used the Dave style of the thumb braced on the neck. I use the flat palm technique for Love Soon, though. don't worry about though, just play.

[cave_cricket]

Aside from this, this post is breaking my cherry on this board. I've basked in the glow of all your brilliance for quite awhile.

Welcome. We hope to hear some of you brilliance.

Peace,

[madtadder]

Playing some of john mayer's stuff with the thumb wrapping around the neck (this is also SRV's and Jimi's style), are any of you guys worried about developing carpal tunnel? I don't have long fingers so my wrist is fully flexed up against the back of the neck, which is textbook on how to get carpal tunnel.

Aside from this, this post is breaking my cherry on this board. I've basked in the glow of all your brilliance for quite awhile.

Thanks

Welcome! what took ya so long!

yeah John Mayer definately got that style from SRV. I wouldn't worry about getting carpal tunnel, unless you play 19 hours a day everyday. I only use my thumb on Mayer songs if I absolutely have to. a few of his chords that he uses a thumb for, I use another finger. I'm used the Dave style of the thumb braced on the neck. I use the flat palm technique for Love Soon, though. don't worry about though, just play.

I always use my thumb whenever i can because otherwise my thumb starts to get weak and stuff. like for an open chord like this:

Code: Select all

e-0-
B-0-
G-3-
D-4-
A-4-
E-5-

...i use my thumb. using your thumb can open up your other fingers to fill in high notes a lot of times. i'm not scared of carpal tunnel because, i dunno, i don't think of things that far down the line.

[gcom007]

I'm really varied in how much I use my thumb...there are times where I go nuts with it, and times where I'm very restrained. the so-called proper way calls for one not to use their thumb, but I think it can be beneficial at times as well as a detrement at other times. Analyze all your options when choosing how to fret a chord and find the one that flows best in the changes, and like Ken said, don't worry about carpal tunnel unless you play a ton...although...I had to have an EMG test for carpal tunnel last summer because they thought I had it...hmmm, just be careful...if it's extremely painful, don't do it.

[Easy E]

I don't even bother trying to use my thumb because I've got little girl hands, just thought I'd let you all know