‘There are basically two different positions for the left hand: one is with the thumb behind the neck, the other is withthe thumb hooked over the top ofthe neck. With your thumb behind the neck, your fingers can get a wider stretch—particularly on the lower frets and lower sounding strings. The second position offers more strength and control for string bending and works well for pentatonic scales, which will be the focus of this book. However, you should be aware of both positions and be able to switch freely between them. Thumb behind neck Thumb hooked over top ‘The standard way to hold the pick is between the thumb and first finger (as below). However, many guitarists hold the pick differently so there isn’t any clearly “right” or “wrong” way. Holding the pick Different right hand positions are also common, but they generally fit into three basic categories: Free-floating, anchored with the palm on the bridge-saddles, or anchored with the ring finger and litte finger against the pickguard below the strings. * Free-floating right hand Anchored with palm Anchored with fingers Use what feels natural, or copy the position used by players whose technique you would like to incorporate into your own. Most are available on videotape. Toften use the second position because use a lot of right hand muting. Other times I use the free-floating position.