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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Pinky Location On Strumming Hand When Playing Single Notes

Posted by: Guitar1969 Jul 2 2008, 11:40 PM

I have noticed that I seem to anchor my pinky on my right hand on the pickguard belows the strings when picking single notes(scales and such). Is this a bad habit? Somewhat of a beginner when it comes to lead I find it helps me to find the individual strings better(because its kind of a reference point for me). If I don't do it, I find myslef missing the correct strings((the ADGB ones in the middle) more when trying to play faster. If this is wrong, is there another way to help with accurate picking.

Thanks,
Michael

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jul 3 2008, 12:15 AM

I used to play with my hand anchored a long time, then started to move to exercises where my hand isn't anchored, and now I use both techniques. In most situations it is better to keep the hand off the pickguard I would say, specially when speedpicking and playing rhythm.

Posted by: -Zion- Jul 3 2008, 09:38 PM

Im practicing with my flying-v and i have noticed many people using their pinky on the pickguard as a reference point. I dont believe there is anything wrong with it, but as ivan pointed out, it will probably make it harder to speedpick and playing rhythm..

In the beginning (like 3 months ago) i tried to use the pinky as reference, but having the pinky there was just too awkward, so i didn't do it. I sometimes still hit wrong strings from time to time, but definately not as much as before.. i guess practice really do make you better..

However, i think you should do what you feel is right..

Posted by: jacmoe Jul 3 2008, 09:44 PM

When I began playing the guitar, my pinky anchored the picking hand and my thumb anchored the fretting hand.

Nothing wrong with that.

Actually, it's great when wiggling the pick fingers when playing emotional notes and helping your left hand fingers bending the strings.

I do both.
As my handcoordination has improved.
And I feel the need for my left hand thumb to be moving around, supporting my fretting fingers.

So, don't fret!

Posted by: -Zion- Jul 4 2008, 09:34 PM

I've just noticed a thing..

I am not anchoring the pinky below the strings.. i AM however anchoring my entire lower arm on the guitar, and apparently using it as a reference point..

Anybody got any thoughts on that? should i stop that?

I believe i do it because the guitar is V-shaped, which means i will probably have lots of trouble playing on a "normal" guitar when i buy one.

Posted by: Gerardo Siere Jul 6 2008, 12:07 AM

It is a personal taste depending on the size of both the guitar and your hand, people with big hands can put their pinky on the pickguard and at the same time reach reach all string without changing the angle of atack....and more than a reference point it is a resting point. Michael angelo batio has his pinky all the time on the pickguard, some others like Guthrie Govan alternates several resting points for their hand