How possible to use thumb like Wes

[Electra11]

Hello I'm practicing my thumb to play all the solo like Wes. I'm 40 year old and just learned the guitar for less than 2 years. I've been practicing my thumb for a little while and beginning to think that it is may be possible for me afterall. I'm wondering how long would it take for most players to use their thumbs instead of using pick. Thanks so much for all reply.

[Swinger]

I remember Tuck Andres said, that you got to be Giant to use such technique and reach such result. I'm totally agree, you got to be just Wes Montgomery)) I hope you understand why you have chosen exactly this technique of picking, and forget about years)) May be you got to count lifes))) Good luck and all the best!

[paulkogut]

I gave up the pick in favor of the thumb a few years back and have been happy with the results. (You can check out Kanaal van paulkogutmusic - YouTube
most videos are with the thumb.) I recommend studying any of the available Wes Montgomery video footage and really paying attention to his left hand fingerings, he plays across the neck diagonally rather than sticking to CAGED box patterns, and I think that has as much to do with his 'sound' as the right hand thumb. John Abercrombie has been using the thumb for the last 20 or so years, he's well worth checking out. Other players I'm aware of are Jimmy Ponder and Jim Mullen. Good luck!

[Electra11]

Thankyou so much for the recommendation and introduce me to other players that use thumb.

Originally Posted by paulkogut

I gave up the pick in favor of the thumb a few years back and have been happy with the results. (You can check out Kanaal van paulkogutmusic - YouTube
most videos are with the thumb.) I recommend studying any of the available Wes Montgomery video footage and really paying attention to his left hand fingerings, he plays across the neck diagonally rather than sticking to CAGED box patterns, and I think that has as much to do with his 'sound' as the right hand thumb. John Abercrombie has been using the thumb for the last 20 or so years, he's well worth checking out. Other players I'm aware of are Jimmy Ponder and Jim Mullen. Good luck!

[paulkogut]

I hope that checking out those players helps in the development of your own thumb style. I've been lucky to play with John Abercrombie a handful of times. He plays with a lot of volume from the amp(s) and a light touch with the thumb. Wes played a big box L5 and heavy strings, but I've heard rumors that he modded his amps to be more sensitive so he could play with a lighter touch as well.

[bobby d]

What I don't get is how to get accurate upstrokes (with equal attack and volume) on singles strings using the thumb. Wes appears to be moving his thumb from the joint connected to the hand, with his hand anchored.

[paulkogut]

I never had a chance to see Wes in person, but from what I can tell from the videos, he uses the occasional upstroke to brush back a triplet phrase, but he's not doing any "alternate picking" in the Martino sense. It's seems to be all downstrokes, hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides.