Hey Friend,
Now let’s talk about another aspect of your picking hand technique - to anchor, or not to anchor, that is the question… (thank, Willie!).
I guess a definition is in order:
Anchoring is using part of your hand or a finger to establish a set point of contact between your hand and the guitar. This gives you a reference to work from when you need to pick through arpeggios or melody/solo notes.
The opposite of “anchored hand“ is “floating hand” technique.
There are opinions in both camps, some saying you should never anchor, while others saying you should.
So I will refer your to Rule Number One:
You figure out what works for you.
I’ve seen professionals that do no anchoring, and I’ve watched many of the guitarists I look to for inspiration anchoring throughout much of their playing.
Seems to be more a Rock thing - my influences tend to anchor with their pinky resting on the pick guard or body, or they might anchor the heel of their hand against the saddle or bridge.
I watched Steve Lukather, Neal Schon, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai all anchoring, and that probably explains why I learned to play that way.
Using an anchored reference is also an easier way to play, and for newer guitarists, allows for more accuracy.
The guys and gals that don’t do much (if any) anchoring tend to be jazz and classical players.
There are plenty of pundits online that will tell you you’re doing it wrong if you anchor, but again, I refer to rule number one - you have to decide what works best for you.
What do you think? Have you noticed what your technique is?
Anyway, I’ve got to roll out early this morning, so y’all have a good day.
Peace~
Dave
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