Thumb wrap - weird idea from an idiot

[DTB]

Yes we all know I am an idiot, old news. 
But I am very skinny with boney thumbs, even more so since getting ill. 
I am having trouble with dampening the strings, I use floating thumb technique since getting my six string years ago, together with left hand dampening when I can, but due to being skinny I have a real arch in my thumb between the knuckles. 
i dont want to use a string wrap around the nut. 
I know Mark King tapes his slapping thumb up for protection. 
Anyone use similar for dampening or do I have an original idea for a change?

Edited yesterday at 11:19 by DTB
Spellong

[Dood]

I can't see why it's not something to investigate! I am sure some will suggest altering your technique, but I like problem solving. I like thinking about how things, designs can be improved. (Don't get me started on the amount of guitar brands that keep churning out the same designs in the name of progress ha ha!)

Innovation never came from following the crowd, ey!

Sat pondering with a cuppa, I was thinking something like the shape of these hair ties, but obviously smaller to fit round the thumb. Or a piece of foam pipe insulation. Invent away and let us know what you come up with!

[SumOne]

Half of one of these?!

 

 

[DTB]

My wife had some fabric remnants. Bit of black felt cut to size and held in place with a small amount of gaffer tape. Works a treat. Also keeps my aching thumb nice and warm. 
Mkii version will have a small bit of velcro to fasten. 
much better dampening, instant, and no harmonics or rattle.  

[miles'tone]

On 14/01/2026 at 11:18, DTB said:

Yes we all know I am an idiot, old news. 
But I am very skinny with boney thumbs, even more so since getting ill. 
I am having trouble with dampening the strings, I use floating thumb technique since getting my six string years ago, together with left hand dampening when I can, but due to being skinny I have a real arch in my thumb between the knuckles. 
i dont want to use a string wrap around the nut. 
I know Mark King tapes his slapping thumb up for protection. 
Anyone use similar for dampening or do I have an original idea for a change?

Great idea, necessity is the mother of invention.

You really shouldn't put yourself down like that though. Words have power, especially those that we say to ourselves.

Be proud of yourself for inventing a new way to keep yourself playing. Result! 👏👊