Understanding Thumb Position

Thumb Position is often seen as a challenge—the “hardest” part of the bass. This method simplifies and clarifies Thumb Position so any bass player at any level can navigate their way around the upper register. Learn the method endorsed by Francois Rabbath himself as the “New Frontier of Thumb Position.” Starting with a few simple scales and pivots, this method opens up the position so any bass player can navigate their way around it without shifting. Cole Davis’s method of Thumb Position has been taught at numerous colleges around the world. This method, rather than pushing the boundaries of Thumb Position, does the opposite: it makes Thumb Position extremely simple. Instead of using the 0-2-3 fingering for everything, this method opens up the fingerboard by using the thumb as a pivot finger, where any finger combination is possible. With 0-1-3 and 0-1-2 fingerings, all of Thumb Position becomes available—on all 4 strings! Understanding Thumb Position is the method that simplifies Thumb Position for any level of playing, making it possible for anyone to express themselves in the upper register of the bass. 

• Why it’s important to learn Thumb Position
• How to get around all of Thumb Position without shifting
• What makes Thumb Position harder to play?
• Plenty of simple exercises to open up Thumb Position
• And more! 

The companion book, Understanding Thumb Position, has sold over 2,000 copies and was recently featured by the International Society of Bassists.