THUMPING Tutorial! 3 LEVELS (Examples with TAB!)

[@gabriel_levi]

The tab has been added in the description for anyone that has been asking. Be sure to get it FREE before May 31st, as it will only be available through direct purchase on my website beyond that (along with other tabs and instructional content). Thanks so much to everyone that has been watching and supporting the channel, I appreciate you all. ❤️

[@somakills1178]

I don't know if you will see this. But I've just started practicing this technique to try and learn some Polyphia songs. Anyways. My question is, is it okay for my to anchor my hand at first? Like, I'll have my pinky finger resting on the body of they guitar as I use my thumb and index. Is that fine in the beginning, or should I already be trying to have my entire hand at the ready?

[@gabriel_levi]

@@somakills1178 Hey man! In my opinion, you shouldn’t create a problem that you’ll have to correct later. To fully utilize the technique, you’ll want to use your pinky and have immediate access to it. Hope this helps!

[@EchoOrDelta]

@@somakills1178 ah yes Polyphia, dude I cannot play ego death good that I instead... I ended up needing a tutorial because thumping is hard and, I found something useful than people just shredding just how @Gabriel Levi said lol.

[@melonrobotics]

Thank you so much for the tabs! You're a phenomenal guitarist.

[@gabriel_levi]

@@melonrobotics Thanks so much 🙏🏽

[@LaniakeaLeathercrafts]

Watching this while I'm not home is a mistake. The inspiration is flowing right now and I just wanna get home to grab my guitar 😆 I stopped practicing thumping awhile ago but this makes me really want to sharpen my skills. Thanks Gabriel ❤️

[@gabriel_levi]

That’s amazing 🤣 Thanks so much brotha! 🖤

[@snowscape]

Ahaha just stopping in 7 months later because this is so relatable -- I watch so much guitar content I keep ending up catching amazing tutorials from my subscriptions while out of the house and becoming ridiculously inspired miles from my guitar hahaha thankfully for this one my guitar is at hand and ready heheh

[@brandonTHEshiados]

Are you good at it yet Noah? It's been a year buddy.

[@mikeowens40]

A cheap car guitar does wonders. I know thy struggle all to well

[@matesoos1714]

I wanted to learn thumping for a long time now, I watched a ton of videos on it, but this one was the best by far. Including Tosin's tutorials.

[@gabriel_levi]

Man this is so awesome to hear! Thanks for checking it out, hope it helps you write some cool stuff.

[@elijahizere]

Definitely deserves more views, I'm sure the guitar community would absolutely love this

[@gabriel_levi]

Thanks so much man!! Tab is now in the description in case you need it.

[@aaroni6172]

This is probably the best and most comprehensive guitar lesson video that I’ve ever seen, plus all of your original pieces you used for exercises are so good.

[@gabriel_levi]

Comments like these make what I’m doing SO worth it. Really appreciate you saying this, cheers man! 🎸

[@aaroni6172]

@@gabriel_levi you’ll be seeing me more if you keep making videos because I’ll be sure to be back👍

[@hcxb6349]

Out of every video I watched, this helped me the most. I couldn't figure out how to thump after countless hours, countless number of days, of messing around with the strings, and finally it happened because of this video. I almost lost hope and thought thumping was some superhuman ability some people were born with, but I was wrong. Anybody can actually do it, it just takes time, effort, and analyzing.

[@gabriel_levi]

This is amazing! Thanks so much for the feedback, super glad to hear this. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Happy I could help.

[@Dailo_Ma]

I'm not sure what made it click for you, but I'm happy you've managed to make it work. For me, this seems outright impossible right now, it doesn't seem to matter how much effort I put into this, it sounds nothing like its supposed to.

[@vegangence7081]

When I heard the AAL I was like wooooooow that makes it so much simpler

[@damonharris3260]

Criminally underrated channel. I genuinely hope you continue to make content. Ill now take a moment to pray to the algorithm lords above and below us with hope for your channels continuation.

[@gabriel_levi]

This comment made me smile :) Thanks so much man, lots more to come for sure. Praise the algorithm Gods!! 🤣

[@opethian8512]

Thank you so much for this! Guess I need a Rick Toone guitar now lmao! Seriously dude the clarity you have shown in this video has helped so much already!

[@gabriel_levi]

Haha the Toone has powers! Thanks so much for the feedback & for watching, cheers! 🎸

[@So-fd2go]

Best video on thumping! Thank you!

[@gabriel_levi]

Really appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🙏🏽

[@clabemetal]

Thank you so much for this video man! Really helpful!

[@armando-rpg]

It's amazing this content is free. Awesome video Gabriel, keep up!

[@gabriel_levi]

Thanks so much!

[@ilikedirt]

This is possibly the nicest step by step thumping technique explanation for me.

[@gabriel_levi]

Really happy to hear that. Thanks for watching!

[@cweasegaming2692]

Just got back into guitar seriously after injuries stopped me from pursuing MMA. Thank you for a good way to get thumping down :)

[@gabriel_levi]

You've got it man! Thanks for watching 🙏🏽

[@EuphoriaTB]

Best video on the topic that can be found online, this is the thumping bible.

[@gabriel_levi]

Really appreciate that man! I hope you make some sick music with it. 💪🏽

[@nunogrg24]

You just gave your all secrets, this video is more than anyone seeking…may you receive all the happiness of the world.. Thank you Gabriel, you are the real master..!!! Cheers!! 👍👏

[@gabriel_levi]

Thanks so much for the comment, Nuno! Really appreciate your time. Cheers!

[@Jo3M]

Dude you should upload more, you're an excellent teacher and obviously write cool songs

[@gabriel_levi]

I really appreciate that man. Currently working on loads of new content for the channel!

[@dareelantonio.3056]

I learn this technique from tim Henson it’s probably one of the best techniques out there and not to show of or anything but it clicked with me almost immediately

[@bassic6959]

I do love the fact that I can apply this to bass. I have been doing it for about a year now and I am still learning so much about it

[@gabriel_levi]

That's awesome man. It really is a limitless technique. Thank you for watching!

[@JoeWyl]

You're an amazing teacher I've ever saw.

[@gabriel_levi]

Really appreciate that.🙏🏽 Thanks for watching!

[@ericfrate2124]

Great video man! definitely opening me up to practice some really cool new ideas. I've been messing around with the hybrid picking technique. Like a Chicken Pickin thing and kind of wondering what I can take it to. But the concepts that you show through thumping. Not only am I going to be learning a new technique. But also putting a new principal to an old technique.

[@non_brewed_condiment]

Just found this channel. 1.) Great stuff 2.) pretty amazing to see all these Rick Toone guitars in one place

[@gabriel_levi]

Thanks so much for watching! And yeah man, these guitars are truly next level. Will have some more of his work on the channel very soon. :)

[@ThCats26]

Finally I learned thumping! the best lesson. you explained and very simple!

[@gabriel_levi]

Thanks so much man. Glad I could help!

[@SavoryShredZ]

This is great. Thanks a lot! My wrist is gonna need some extra stretching and my thumb needs some time to build some thickness now. 😅Your song at around 10:50 reminds me of Conrad by Ben Howard. 🎶Love it!

[@ClownOnVacation]

Thanks for your very excellent lesson!

[@Misachi.]

I watched this video and tim henson's and both are very helpful ty

[@aungmonn]

Why haven't I come across you before? So amazing and generous. I am currently more into classical and flamenco music - but this is going to be so useful (eg. combining with alzapua technique)

[@gabriel_levi]

Really appreciate that! Glad this was useful to you. Cheers!

[@ashketchum2968]

2 years late, still helped me out:) really good video!

[@yerkonavarro1589]

Nice video! I'm trying to learn this technic and your videos are very helpful. I really love how it sounds. Greetings from Chile.

[@gabriel_levi]

So glad to hear that man. Good luck, you’ve got this!

[@CountMecha]

Thank you for making me come to the realization that I need to be incorporating different scales when practicing mechanics instead of practicing the same excersises over and over.

[@gabriel_levi]

There we go! That’s awesome dude, glad I could help. Cheers! 💪🏽

[@kfm1242]

I instantly bought the tab. Chapeau!

[@gabriel_levi]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate the support. 💪🏽

[@d34dbyd4wn9]

Just the video I needed. I figured out the double thumb technique on my own a few months ago completely on accident. I’ve heard it used a few times but I never realized how it was done. I’ve been practicing it hard for about 6 months now and it is hands down the fastest way you can play by far. And when you get good enough it’s almost effortless. It’s like rolling down a steep hill in a barrel lol. If you do it just right it’s like you are flying.

[@gabriel_levi]

That's awesome to hear man, this technique is truly a blast. Thanks so much for watching!

[@GodsStoryteller]

Thanks a bunch. Something clearly came to mind hearing the sounds that thumping (that doesn't pick with thumb and pluck at the same time) brought. I felt like I was listening to Rasqael (flamenco) in a different way. I love the feel. Just wanna get into it. I loved the idea of the backstroke with the thumb. A rich video. Only wish it came in parts. So, I will come watching again and again, instead, to learn slowly but surely. I'm looking to understand Asa's thumping Skil in her " fire on the mountain" and her " Jailer" songs. She rocks, thumping. Any possibility of doing a video on her songs for beginners? Most of all, thanks for including the history. I subscribed.

[@EchoOrDelta]

I found something finally useful, thanks man for the video so many guitarist can learn, I am happy that I am going to learn after 2 years not able to learn this technique.

[@gabriel_levi]

Awesome to hear man. Thanks for watching!

[@EchoOrDelta]

@@gabriel_levi why thanks to you, your tutorial really helped!

[@可晴邱]

This is by far the most practical and detailed video explaining how to use thump and how to learn it since I've learned about Tosin and his AAL stuff and keep on trying to make it a skillset of mine. This deserves way more views and appreciation. Even though I still have a question. How do I confirm the firmness of my sound? Even though hitting the string with excess strength I can't get a tone much different from simply fingerpicking. I wonder if there is a certain movement or placement of my thumb needed to get that percussive feeling sound despite touching the string below the one I'm thumping.

[@mattmiller1160]

Solid video, really helps with showing how to apply the technique. My only suggestion is to maybe also include some information about hand placement and the mechanics of the thump itself. I spent so much time struggling with this technique because my right hand wasn't placed properly and it was forcing me to use more wrist than necessary. Great content.

[@AlexanderGhezzo]

Super interesting! Thank you

[@CraxPfeife]

Instant new subscriber! Quality teaching right there!!

[@gabriel_levi]

Thank you so much!!

[@ThePavelAntonov]

Wow! I am going to try it on ukulele! Thank you! )

[@ThePavelAntonov]

I must! learn it!

[@britont9418]

Looking forward to your new music!

[@gabriel_levi]

Thank you brotha. New song releases on the 29th!

[@britont9418]

@@gabriel_levi New song is awesome!

[@ThumpingThromnambular]

That exercise with focising on the upstroke seems to help a lot.

[@2good2betrue3]

Thank you Gabriel for this amazing tutorial.😀 As a fan of Tosin, i'm thankful for KZbin algorithm for showing this vid of yours. It's hard but will take your advice to take "slow" Cheers! SUBSCRIBED!👍💯

[@gabriel_levi]

That's awesome to hear. I appreciate you! Thanks for the sub. 😁

[@snowscape]

Fantastic tutorial for breaking writers block and approaching this technique! You worked with just a scale, but showed us how many new doors get opened up by this technique with each level of added complexity. Really well laid out presentation and super inspiring how many musical expressions/articulations this provides like holy cow

[@gabriel_levi]

Really appreciate this man! Thanks so much. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Alecbaudrey]

Thnk you man Your video is really helpful thanks to you, I will practice everyday this one in addition to my usual exercices that I'm already working on ! You're explaining also clearly and slowly so that's great :) thanks encore from France

[@gabriel_levi]

Thank you so much! So glad I could help. Have fun! 👊🏽👊🏽

[@betaguitarist9385]

Very helpful! Found you in the horizon device group. Subbed!

[@gabriel_levi]

Ayyy!! Thanks a lot man. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@JosiahBarnesMusic]

Awesome vid, found the excercises really helpful, not many thump videos show how you should progress and what you should really be aiming all in a musical context. Thanks

[@gabriel_levi]

Thank you so much! Glad I could help. 🙏🏽

[@0marehap69]

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this amazing tutorial it's really very inspiring and full of enthusiasm It would be great to see more tutorials from a nice and creative teacher like you, again many thanks

[@gabriel_levi]

Thank you so very much! Really means a lot. More videos are on the way!

[@0marehap69]

@@gabriel_levi keep rocking 🤘🏻💪🏻 waiting 🔥🔥🔥

[@leofernandes576]

Awesome!! This video is a best lesson of this. Thanks Bro 👊 Is it necessary to adjust the tone like a compressor to make it sound better

[@nytsiory]

Here. Take my sub. I've finally found the chosen one who actually can explain thumping in human terms.

[@gabriel_levi]

Hahah! That’s awesome. Thanks man!

[@Rockeiro70]

Thanks for that wonderful and inspiring tutorial. 👍🏼

[@konrid22]

This is extremely generous video! Thank you so much! 🙏

[@gabriel_levi]

You're very welcome :) Thanks for watching!

[@paolocortezmusic]

Great video! Thanks for sharing this! All the best and godspeed!

[@ProdSyrupThesound]

Thank you for going into the history. Cool addition a lot of how to videos skip over

[@gabriel_levi]

Thanks a lot man & thanks for watching!

[@bolillo5013]

This was explained really well. Ik not great at it yet but I wasn’t confused about anything.

[@gabriel_levi]

Really appreciate that man! 🙏🏽

[@jhagley]

Incredible video, especially the part towards the end for compound time!

[@steventhompsonlivetoplaylive]

Thanks for the tutorial! this helped alot, Clear explanation and great exercise ideas, I have a sore thumb but worth it 🎸

[@gabriel_levi]

Super glad it helped, Steven! Thanks so much for watching. 🙏🏽

[@devalcigm]

Thanks man, you're amazing! 😊

[@DerekFrazier2014]

Ty I was watching guitar player using their thumb and not sure what the hell was going on. The history made since also. ❤

[@BenUsher-m9v]

sounds great and awesome tutorial. thank you!

[@gabriel_levi]

Really appreciate it! Thanks so much for watching. 🙏🏽

[@bodabodaguy3193]

Bruh “grab your guitar” Me siting on my second work break😭😭😭 Adding this to my guitar stuff playlist

[@simonedean2005]

On the upstroke is it normal for your nail to graze the string, because when I do it my grazes the string and shreds some of my nail skin lol can someone tell me if this is normal or should I use the part of my thumb that bends instead of hitting my nail on the upstroke

[@jayyyred]

This has already helped inspire my playing quite a bit, you laid out great ways to practice this in an easy way to understand. I subbed and checked out your music, and it’s fantastic.

[@gabriel_levi]

Really appreciate it man!! And thank you for taking the time to check out my tunes. Got some more stuff on the way, hope you dig ! 🙏🏽

[@AndoSan69]

super good instructional video!

[@gabriel_levi]

Ayyyy thank you my dude 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@diegogc11]

Bro this is gold! Thank you! 🥹

[@gabriel_levi]

Thanks so much dude!

[@diegogc11]

@@gabriel_levi 😀🙏

[@ParthofthePigeons]

Great tutorial!!

[@EmceeHolden]

Incredible lesson! Subscribed. 👍

[@gabriel_levi]

Thank you so much! Cheers🤘🏽

[@jovinl283]

thanks I'm practicing this skill lately, for some reason your angle is better than Tosin Abashi and Tim Hanson's video angles. At least for showing the thumb joint part.

[@Damian.Stephen]

Que execelente clase, muy chévere cada ejercicio

[@lyrad24]

I was only thinking of this and YT algo just recommended this video. I have tried to learn in from Tosin's demo but I think the lessons in this vid can gradually teach some discipline properly. Thank you again! :) subbed!

[@gabriel_levi]

That's amazing! Happy to hear this was helpful. Thanks for watching 🙏🏼

[@alant779]

this looks fun as hell!

[@gabriel_levi]

Man it’s way too much fun 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@chrissuarez2870]

aye nice thumping bro

[@gabriel_levi]

Gracias! 🖤

[@salad9226]

i was just by the ocean at night, under the stars and i was listening to an infinite regression and just said i need to learn this technique I've been dreaming of doing it for so long, now I have so much to try on my guitar tomorrow morning thanks a lot for the great video and joining me on the bench I'm sitting on :>

[@salad9226]

and you have the song in the last part nice lmao

[@gabriel_levi]

The song that started my thumping journey! Haha. Thanks for watching 😁

[@XxDangusxX]

Dude thank you so much for this. This is the best tutorial ive seen for this!

[@gabriel_levi]

So awesome to hear. Thank you man! 😁

[@abhijitkakoty4705]

Big Bro thank you for this lesson .

[@gabriel_levi]

You're welcome man 🙏🏽 Thanks for watching!

[@chilljlt]

I bought the thump course. Yet, i still found your video not just useful, but also so creatively inspiring. Excellent!

[@gabriel_levi]

Thank you so very much for the support! You rock! Glad this video could be of assistance. :)

[@fingerstyle_basel]

That is such a great tutorial! Thank you!

[@gabriel_levi]

Thanks so much dude!🙏🏽

[@shayutut]

amaizin!!!! awsome!!! please part 2!

[@gabriel_levi]

Thank you! I will definitely consider a Part 2. :)

[@janezimmerman7987]

What are those 2 chords between 16:44 and 17:08?

[@berndkiltz]

Awesome Tutorial - thank you SO much. There is one question though: do you need a special length for the nail of your thumb? Like a pic of your thumb would help a lot - cant really see it from that angle. Keep it up, your vid about thumping is the best on the net (and i have tosins course as well)

[@gabriel_levi]

Thank so much for watching! I appreciate the kind words. To be honest, I don’t have much nail. Just enough to get some attack on the note.

[@berndkiltz]

@@gabriel_levi Thanks for the answer!

[@nickborrrego]

Excellent presentation. Instant sub great work and thanks for the pointers.

[@gabriel_levi]

Really appreciate it. Thanks for watching Nick!

[@benikifle5585]

You are a life changing person 😅

[@gabriel_levi]

Thank you so much!! & thanks for watching 🤘🏽

[@georgebecker8833]

I noticed you have hitchhikers thumb like Tosin. Do you bend your thumb back while doing this or is that your natural thumb position? Thanks a ton for the tutorial!

[@cristianandrade3710]

Wow thank you for this lesson!

[@gabriel_levi]

No problem dude! Thanks for watching 🙏🏽

[@markotienhaara3267]

I came here to learn different kind of thumbing but this video ia so good that I bought 8-string guitar and I have a new hobby now. 😄

[@gabriel_levi]

Haha That's amazing! Thanks for watching 🤟🏼

[@ghostJammerz]

Very cool.. looks easy when you do it, but it is actually very hard to learn this. Thanks man

[@gabriel_levi]

It'll get much easier with time, keep at it. Thank you for watching!

[@averyhagaman9310]

The example you play at 10:41 is absolutely stunning. What song is it?

[@gabriel_levi]

An original tune, should be releasing before the end of the year!

[@HossainPanthoOfficial]

Man you are best🙏🔥 and i want to learn about Thumping Tone too. sometimes i feel like I'm confused about Tone.

[@gabriel_levi]

Much appreciated man. 🙏🏽 My biggest advice is to use single/split coils and have your amp on a low-mid gain setting.

[@christianoverton1515]

Hi Gabriel - I've been using your content to get inspired and learn some new techniques, so first of all thank you! I'm gaining some comfortability with selective picking and the options that it opens up, and want to get into thumping in this style as well so I can ultimately use both very comfortably. My question is - I have never been one to keep long nails - do I need nails on any of my right hand fingers to get that comfort with the thumping technique? Then a follow up question - if nails aren't needed, do I just need to put in the time to build up calluses bc my office work hands are soft and esp my thumb have been blistering up practicing thumping. Thanks and keep up the great content!

[@gabriel_levi]

What's up Christian! Glad to hear this man. You do not need long nails, I actually have a problem with biting my nails from time to time. I will say having SOME nail on thumb in important, because if I bite my thumb nail there is a difference in attack and tone. But, to be clear, I never have a long thumbnail at any point. Just enough to make contact with the sting and provide a little but more clarity. Just continue to practice and enough of a callus will develop to reduce the sensitivity that you're experiencing, this happened to me in the early stages as well. Hope this helps, have fun!

[@christianoverton1515]

@@gabriel_levi Wow - thank you so much for the thoughtful response. This man is too QUICK with it lol. Jokes aside, big fan - always love your original work, your approach to displaying the techniques, and I'm definitely going to continue with these techniques. Cheers man.

[@CrepeyCruller]

@@gabriel_levi Thank you for answering Christian's question. I started going through different drills yesterday and my thumb looks like a piece of raw ham. I figured it was just something I'd have to deal with at first but wasn't sure. I'll keep at it.

[@carlosriveramusic]

This is great value content. Nice job !!

[@gabriel_levi]

Thank you so much!

[@Aphex083]

Enlightening lesson, thank you kindly !

[@gabriel_levi]

Happy I could help. Thank you for watching!

[@sosioloco]

Fantastic explanation! 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@gabriel_levi]

Thanks so much Daniel!

[@danixis]

Hey! thanks for share all of this! Your tone is pretty sick too. Any tips to get a better tone on thumping technique? Greetings from Brazil

[@gabriel_levi]

My biggest suggestion would be to use single coils. For each example I’m using single coils, which will give you the most clarity and snap on the notes. It doesn’t translate nearly as well on humbuckers. Thank you for watching man!

[@jansennuralim6172]

Damn even the exercises sounds badass 😂

[@gabriel_levi]

Haha! Mission accomplished! Thanks for watching. 🙏🏽

[@MrNightreign]

Fantastic video, thanks man

[@gabriel_levi]

Happy to hear, you’re welcome!

[@adonislajara6955]

Awesome🔥

[@gabriel_levi]

Thanks so much!

[@jose.valdez666]

dude this is awesome thank you so much!!

[@gabriel_levi]

No problem! Thanks for watching. 🙏

[@TjByers369]

Unrelated to the lesson, but what is that body shape? Custom job? I like those chunky, round horns.

[@LOLOLOL1ish]

This video is goated

[@GuitarHero890]

Your the best bro!

[@gabriel_levi]

Thanks brotha! Cheers 🥂

[@chadmarx7718]

No tab yet? Also any tips on muting for those with no "tosin-thumb-syndrome"? I feel like the straightness of my thumb forces me to raise my palm and use my wrist to make up for the lack of mobility

[@gabriel_levi]

Currently tabbing things out right now. So sorry for the wait, been a busy couple weeks. Will let you know when they're up! I don't have a "Tosin thumb" so I don't have many pointers other than find whatever angle allows you to fully strike through the string without muting the string you just went through. Slightly pushing down on the string you land on will provide more clearance, as I tried to display in the video. I hope this helps man!

[@chadmarx7718]

@@gabriel_levi you HAVE the tosin thumb. Your thumb can flex backwards

[@gabriel_levi]

@@chadmarx7718 Well then I guess I'm not exactly qualified to speak for people that don't. LOL. Try to take from what I have provided, I have tried my best here. Cheers!

[@gabriel_levi]

Hey man, just wanted to let you know the tab is in the description now! Hope it helps.

[@chadmarx7718]

@@gabriel_levi thank you very much dude! Great work!