High frets on low strings

[dudabrad]

Haven't posted for a while. I've been in transition ... Long story short ... went from pastor to Bible School prof this summer.

Here's my question. I'm trying to improve my finger speed/dexterity by working on more basic drills. My problem is that when I hit the higher frets, the reach on the lower strings (esp. E and A) gets really awkward and I have to slow down significantly. So, it's hard to drill to a metronome and go all the way up the neck on all 6 strings.

So ... any helpful hints for reaching those last 3 or 4 frets on the lower strings?

[stephen]

Sounds like you got to retrain your muscle memory on the higher end of the fretboard.

Turn the metronome off, and start slowly going through your scales. Stop each time you goof, and restart all over again. Forget speed right now, concentrate on technique.

Once you get through the scales problem free, and it feels natural, break out that metronome, and start the burn!

[stephen]

Oh yeh:

Good to see ya bro! Welcome back.

[dudabrad]

Thanks.

My fret struggles start about fret 19/20 or so. My thumb kinda gets lost, I think because it now has to navigate the body of the guitar as well as the bolt-on neck. Suddenly there's so much more girth to wrap your hand around, so the grip is not as easy. :hmm:

Any tips on where to put your thumb when you're way up the neck. Or is it just whatever position seems comfortable?