Why not to use your thumb

Do not use your thumb to wrap around the neck and help you play a chord, unless you really have a good excuse. It promotes poor guitar playing and horrible hand posture.  This can lead to pain or loss of sensation in the hand.  Sometimes advanced guitar players will use their thumb to create a complex chord that otherwise would not have been possible when all their other fingers are busy, but you really shouldn't if you are new to guitars.  It's not a cool shortcut to make a tricky chord easier, it's a weak crutch that will eventually hurt you.  And it's a tough habit to break too.

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Any questions, e-mail me at danlib64@yahoo.com for help.