“Once you have it down, you can explore improvised melodies along with the steady bass pattern”: What is “Dead thumb” fingerpicking?

As I stated in my last column, my favorite band lineup is the guitar-bass-drums power trio. With the guitar being the primary chordal and melodic instrument in the ensemble, there are challenges inherent in the role.

But with those challenges come great freedoms to direct the music however I might feel like doing at any given moment on stage. This is something I strive to take advantage of in just about every song I play with my trio.