I just read an interesting interview with Zac Brown*, and it briefly mentions him learning not to anchor. I have a small hand and a dang short pinky, so anchoring was difficult as to make my pinky reach, my hand was too close to the strings to do as well as I do without anchoring. So, I play without anchoring. What are your thoughts and experience on anchoring vs. not anchoring, and how did you make the change over from anchor to non-anchor? Any advice for accuracy and technique for a floating picking- hand?
*
http://www.acousticguitar.com/article/default.aspx?articleid=25342
Namaste.
There is a topic similar to this one here
https://www.guitarnoise.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=47495
David Watts
Takamine G-Series - £229
Fender STD American Telecaster (Cola Red) - £849
Vox 15watt AMP (Valve pre amp) - £129
Acoustic/Electric Rhythm and Lead (Occasionally) Southport Elim Youth Band
Former Aftershock 24/7 Rhythm Guitarist (Band split)
I use a floating hand...to me it's just more comfortable. No tips on how to un-learn the anchoring, I've never done it, but in time you will know where your fingers and hand are, and they will land where you need them to be.
In Space, no one can hear me sing!
I guess I'm weird.
I anchor my pinky if I'm singing and playing counter-melody lines at the same time, and do the floating hand thing if I'm not singing.
When I'm singing, I try not to look at the guitar, so I also unconsciously count frets when changing hand position.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton
Owner, Norton Music http://www.nortonmusic.com Add-on Styles for Band-in-a-Box and Microsoft SongSmith
The Sophisticats http://www.s-cats.com >^. .^< >^. .^<
Arnold Palmer had a god-awful, "wrong" golf swing, but it worked for him.
I will float*, anchor or drag (lightly touch -- one guitar has worn finish from this), depending upon the style, type of 'palm' muting and the guitar. players like to turn this into a big deal, but it's very much YMMV, and it's not black/white -- plenty of degrees in between. you may find more freedom to move for skipped-string cross-picking -- or you may find that your physiology requires some anchoring help to locate strings even after you've played a while. try it all, as there are usually situations where each gives an advantage.
* but only if playing while watching TV :wink:
-=tension & release=-
Yep. More than one right way to do anything.
Let your ears and your comfort be your guide.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton
Owner, Norton Music http://www.nortonmusic.com Add-on Styles for Band-in-a-Box and Microsoft SongSmith
The Sophisticats http://www.s-cats.com >^. .^< >^. .^<
