To fully convey to you the challenge of the steady thumb technique (if you are a klutz like I am) recall that we are introduced to the steady right hand thumb concept which can be described as your third hand if you also use the same hand finger(s) for syncopated melody.
Happy sets us up proud and even has us us counting out loud and tapping our foot. If its something you haven't done before its probably one of the best ways to develop rhythm - counting out loud. These are exercises that if its your first attempt at them you will need some days weeks perhaps to get up to speed and become comfortable. This must be the hard guitar work mentioned above.
Well it just so happens that learning guitar rhythm is one of my main six string plank spankin' projects (in case you haven't noticed) so all you have to do is strategize your plan of attack by searching out some of the reviewed rhythm guitar lesson reviews and they do work.
Not over night however. If you put in the time constantly you will see results and develop rhythm and timing.
To start, the simpler the exercise the better it is. Simple is Good and leads to greater things including steadiness and confidence.
Metronome mandatory! Counting out loud is far superior to not doing so. You wont believe the results! Still, will they help the steady thumb? Yes, but tangentially. What the heck is he talking about you ask? I am talking about Hubert Sumlin, John Hammond, Buddy Guy as steady thumbsters. Its country gone electric. Anyway do we want this disc II of the set?
Unless we are spiritually bankrupt US Congressmen or reviled but uber-wealthy government lobbyists we do want this second disc of the two guitar lesson set.
Yes we do because within disc II Happy shows us his techniques for learning steady thumb and he makes the point that while its not easy for all, some people are better at it than others and that you may have to practice it for a few months. I'll additionally make the point to not to stress out over steady thumb as there are many ways around it and you can still have hours of fun without it being quite so strictly regimented. I wont knock you in the knuckles with a ruler if you are briefly unsteady and neither will anyone else likely.
A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty. – Unknown