If only I had seen this years ago...

[savage]

Both of the professional guitar teachers I had in the past would always tell me to keep my thumb perpendicular to the neck of the guitar. They also both told me that other guitarists judge you by your technique and if they see you with your thumb hanging over the neck they know you don't know proper technique.

I just watched this and look after the 1:03 at how that thumb is all over the neck of the guitar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApaPbP0CT5M&feature=related

Nuff said.

proper technique is what works for YOU!
NOT what some teacher or some other players say.
try doing a jimi bend like on the first note of the solo in "machine gun"
with the thumb behind the neck
yeah right!

[sonicsamurai]

you should use multiple techniques depending on the style and speed you choose to play, often i'll change hand positions within the middle of a solo depending on whzt i'm doing, usually thumb over the back during more bluesy sections with doublestops, and a more classical hand postioin when employing speed techniques

[Endrik]

classical guitar teachers will tell you that you have to hold your thumb behind the neck all times and the guitar has to be on the left leg... then of course I saw Al Di Meola with classical guitar... thumb over the neck all the time and guitar on the right leg... blazing away some of the most amazing stuff I've ever seen/heard.

it's all about whatever works for you the best... I personally like thumb hanging over the neck because it looks cooler.

[Axewielder]

you should use multiple techniques depending on the style and speed you choose to play, often i'll change hand positions within the middle of a solo depending on whzt i'm doing, usually thumb over the back during more bluesy sections with doublestops, and a more classical hand postioin when employing speed techniques

+1...I switch positions and hang the thumb over the neck for creating wide vibratos, then switch back for speed runs

[phill_up]

Both of the professional guitar teachers I had in the past would always tell me to keep my thumb perpendicular to the neck of the guitar. They also both told me that other guitarists judge you by your technique and if they see you with your thumb hanging over the neck they know you don't know proper technique.

I just watched this and look after the 1:03 at how that thumb is all over the neck of the guitar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApaPbP0CT5M&feature=related

Nuff said.

I have heard bits and pieces of Wess Montgomery but that is the 1st time I have ever seen him play. I finally hot to see that picking thumb with my own eyes. I thought he was a white guy. Thanks for the JCF history-online