Tips for Beginning Guitarists - Placing the Thumb

When you are first beginning to play the guitar, aside from knowing how to strum, the most important thing is to know the trick to playing clear chords.

If you have a diagram of guitar chords you'll notice that it tells you where to place your fingers but virtually no guitar books give you any insight on where to put your thumb. I've had students who try placing their thumb pointing down, pointing to the guitar tuners and wrapped right around the neck.

The very best position for your thumb is in the centre at the back of the neck perpendicular to the neck. Most people think that you are gripping the neck of the guitar. In truth you are squeezing the neck. There is a photo at: http://5-easy-guitar-lessons.com/holding-the-guitar.html


By placing your thumb in this position it forces your fingers to press straight down on the strings. By pressing straight down, it helps avoid the fleshy part of your finger touching the next string and muffling the sound. Also on the same page, look at the photo from the side and notice that the palm of the hand doesn't touch the neck or fingerboard at all. Only your fingertips and thumb.

Play close attention to this guitar tip and your chords will be clear and clean - just like a pro!