Originally Posted by: cheaviagI'm having difficulty reaching the low (number 6 string) on the low end of the neck with the thumb vertical on the back. I've tried it with the thumb in hte middle of the neck, down the bottom of the neck and I just end up with a LOT of wrist pain.. what am I doing wrong ?
It sounds like you've got the right idea.
The function of your fretting hand thumb is to provide pressure opposing the force of your fingers fretting notes. So, depending on which strings & frets you are currently fretting your thumb needs to move around in order to maintain that opposing pressure. I call it an axis of power. It essentially means to move your thumb around to best oppose your fretting fingers for maximum efficiency.
So, the default, or starting position, for beginners is on the back of the neck. That's to teach beginners not to palm the neck & to learn to position their thumb for leverage & opposing force. From there you can move it around as necessary depending on which notes you are playing.
I explain in depth here.
https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=12188&s_id=605
But there a few other things that might help.
1. Reach more of your fingers around to the strings.
2. Stay a relaxed as possible in your posture. Your entire body!
3. Tilt the neck up & away from you a little bit in order to make a more natural arc for your arm, wrist & hand to form.
I cover some of this in these lessons.
https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=13958&s_id=1141
Hope that helps!
