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Using Your Left Hand Thumb 1

Using your left hand thumb to fret notes is a very useful technique to learn.

It can make certain changes much easier to achieve - in particular to get an F chord when playing in the open C, or open A minor, position.

This example is an introduction to the technique using an A minor run down - simply using your thumb to put an F note under an A minor chord ( making Fmaj7 )

NOTE - Your thumb does not have to come right round and fret the note from above.

You just approach the edge of the fingerboard at, roughly, a 45 degree angle ( see pic ) and touch the bottom string, fairly lightly , just below the 1st fret - this is largely a matter of experimentation to find the right spot to put your thumb to get a clear note- big hands and strength are not necessary for this.

The Tab