mps504 Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 Hi, Which neck shape would be better for playing jazz chords that require the thumb on the E string? Seems like a C might easier than a fatter U shape neck? Thoughts?
DetroitBlues Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 I had a U Shape Strat, it's hard on the hands if your doing bends. The C shape is a bit easier to get around on...
HANGAR18 Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 I've never heard "U-shape" before but I'm going to use it. Oh, and I agree with DB.
cobrafast1 Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 Every neck is a little bit different. There is no standard. Just play the guitar before buying to make sure it feels good and not awkward. Necks vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and even in the same model, each will have a different feel. Best to test play before buying, so you're not disappointed. Just my humble opinion from experience.
rockabilly69 Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 I had a U Shape Strat, it's hard on the hands if your doing bends. The C shape is a bit easier to get around on... For me too!
H Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 Doesn't the size of one's hands also have a bearing on the 'thumb-over' technique?
111518 Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 I guess I have to admit that the "U," "C," and "D" designations have never had much meaning for me. The guitars I tend to own --Heritage, Epiphone, Gibson, Fender-- seem to be all over the map, so, one manufacturers "U" might be another's "D." There are some chords I use a lot that require the thumb --esp. dom7b9 chords with the root on the 6th string. There's sort of a catch 22 on those type chords for me. If the neck is narrower, unless a baseball bat, then it's easier for me to get the thumb over, but, narrow necks also make it hard sometimes to fit the fingers where they need to be on the higher strings.
JeffB Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 I dont think theres a universal right or wrong answer. Might take a few purchases to figure out you preference.
Spectrum13 Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 It would be so much easier if everyone had the same size hands.
mps504 Posted November 5, 2013 Author Posted November 5, 2013 I have big hands, which helps. Unfortunately, I cannot try before I buy in this case, so was trying to make an educated case to avoid shipping back....which I hope is not the case. Most posts have leaned toward a C shape, but certainly hand size and personal preference, playing style do come into this. Thanks all for you input!
mps504 Posted November 5, 2013 Author Posted November 5, 2013 It is chords like an Amin7#5#9 that require the thumb and a bit of a strech where I think a fat shoulder (U/D shape) might be a problem.
Vanschoyck Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 Be extra careful using your thumb for chording. I gave myself a nasty carpal tunnel problem that way. Couldn't play for a while. Doing rock with my guitar slung low didn't cause a problem, but when I moved the guitar up higher, wham. Never used my thumb that way again.
ridethatbike Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 In my short years of playing guitar, I've found that there seems to be a lot of stuff in play when it comes to neck shapes. Anatomy of the hand has many variables, finger length, length of each digit, palm width, thumb length, flexibility, etc etc. Then the neck has not only the depth of the neck, but the width of the fretboard, radius of the fretboard, how much shoulder is on the neck, and then how it changes as you move up the neck. As you move up the neck, the angle of your wrist/forearm changes and your hand tends want to rotate as well, which interplays with the AOA you hold the neck at. So, uh, I guess that just means keep playing different ones until you find the one that works. Then copy it for all your guitars! ;-)
PunkKitty Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 It's all personal preference. I prefer thicker necks.
Billgelder Posted November 6, 2013 Posted November 6, 2013 Be extra careful using your thumb for chording. I gave myself a nasty carpal tunnel problem that way. Couldn't play for a while. Doing rock with my guitar slung low didn't cause a problem, but when I moved the guitar up higher, wham. Never used my thumb that way again. I also play mine low and don't use my thump. I like thick necked guitar just like my neck. Must be a dutch thing.
Vanschoyck Posted November 6, 2013 Posted November 6, 2013 I also play mine low and don't use my thump. I like thick necked guitar just like my neck. Must be a dutch thing.
rockabilly69 Posted November 6, 2013 Posted November 6, 2013 I dont think theres a universal right or wrong answer. Might take a few purchases to figure out you preference. This makes the most sense!
Blunote Posted November 7, 2013 Posted November 7, 2013 I'm pretty forgiving of necks, but am learning that I tend to like the C shaped ones best. My G&L legacy and PRS Mira both have that shape. I find them easier to get my hand around them for when I want to play my thumb over the top. At the same time they fill up my palm giving the feel of a fatter neck...YMMV>
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