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Thread started 07/31/15 7:58am

Replica

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Is his guitar strap height practical or just for show?

What do you think about his guitar strap height? Do you think it's within the practical height, or is it just for show? And do you think it affects his style of playing?

Personally I think he is using his thumb alot more than he would if he had it higher. In some styles it's probably smart thing. But in more advanced classical or jazz, he would maybe have more trouble with the range and precision maybe? I'm not an expert. What do you think?



[Edited 7/31/15 7:59am]

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Reply #1 posted 07/31/15 1:05pm

iZsaZsa

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I think it's mostly to keep the guitar from hitting the floor, and for good looks, but now, Prince is an expert and I don't see how a strap would help or hinder him from playing anything he hears even with the "wrong" fingers. But I don't play so I don't know. lol
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Reply #2 posted 07/31/15 1:19pm

iZsaZsa

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This is practical (he's soloing) and for show.
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Reply #3 posted 07/31/15 1:45pm

novabrkr

It's probably for style. I never really thought about it until you pointed it out.

I don't know, maybe playing funk riffs for longer periods of time is easier in that position? You know how some of those that are played higher up the fretboard can wear you out over time? I don't really play guitar live and only do it occasionally myself, but to me it feels more natural to "shake" my hand rapidly up and down when the guitar isn't placed that high up.

[Edited 7/31/15 13:45pm]

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Reply #4 posted 08/01/15 1:02pm

Replica

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For his thumb over grip technique that he loves so much, moving around alot, doing cool moves with the guitar, I can see that keeping it a bit low is practical for him. I find it fascinating that he is using that grip so much more than most people, when his hands can't really be that big.

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Reply #5 posted 08/01/15 1:14pm

iZsaZsa

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It's natural to grab it that way? Like, a teacher would have had to remind him to keep his thumb behind the neck, no?
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Reply #6 posted 08/01/15 1:40pm

Replica

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iZsaZsa said:

It's natural to grab it that way? Like, a teacher would have had to remind him to keep his thumb behind the neck, no?

For muting and some chords, it's required to use the thumb to be able to do them at all. And some chords you can probably choose to use the thumb instead of the index finger. Jimi did it all the time, even though alot of people even today say it's bad technique. I believe it's because of the chance of getting injured.

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Reply #7 posted 08/01/15 3:48pm

iZsaZsa

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I only kind of looked at google and saw maybe 2 pictures without his thumb out. lol I guess he's not worried and just badass.
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Reply #8 posted 08/01/15 6:00pm

steakfinger

Replica said:

iZsaZsa said:

It's natural to grab it that way? Like, a teacher would have had to remind him to keep his thumb behind the neck, no?

For muting and some chords, it's required to use the thumb to be able to do them at all. And some chords you can probably choose to use the thumb instead of the index finger. Jimi did it all the time, even though alot of people even today say it's bad technique. I believe it's because of the chance of getting injured.

I am a player and throwing your thumb over the side is no more or less dangerous than not doing it.

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Reply #9 posted 08/01/15 7:05pm

Aerogram

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The strap heights are that way so his guitar hangs exactly where his family jewels also hang.

Sounds like he's just fine, so I wouldn't worry about that small concession to showbiz.

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Reply #10 posted 08/01/15 8:10pm

kidmelody2012

its for show but he has mastered the thumb over as i imagine his guitars have skinny ass necks cuz he so small

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