Anchor Pinky, or not?

[ghodaddyyo]

I've heard advise all my years of playing guitar to not anchor a pinky to the guitar body, as it restricts movement for speed. I recently bought the John Petrucci video, and this guy anchors his pinky to his bridge humbucker through the entire video. Now this guy is fast beyond measure!

So what is it, anchor or no?

[StoneDragon]

Maybe he needs that extra leverage http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/clown.gif

It seems like all the speed demons anchor or rest their hand in one form or another. I think it helps by providing stability and to a certain extent, accuracy. The important thing of course is not anchoring in such a way that you actually inhibit your speed and accuracy.

That said, I've been working on allowing my picking hand to float more and more.... trying to develop a deep sense of relaxation and picking only from the wrist. Keeping my hand floating seems to allow for more variety of dynamic and tone.

[ghodaddyyo]

After learning Mettalica solos as a kid, with no formal lessons, I developed an anchor technique. I have since become successful at floating my picking hand with the help of my guitar teacher, but this new info just throws a monkey wrench into my whole belief system!

[StoneDragon]

Nobody said it wouldn't be frustrating.... just deeply rewarding http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/wink.gif

[MrSamson]

I understand the frustration part though.....

[StoneDragon]

If it doesn't kill ya, it'll make ya stronger http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

[Retro]

I've got a Phil Keaggy video in which he anchors with his pinky at times and Phil is not only speed demon on the fretboard, but also one of the most versatile guitarists around.

[Bofatron Sofasaurus]

Like everything with guitar it seems that learning how to do things in a multiplicity of ways is the most rewarding. There is no one best way, I think, for anything. Learn them all and then try to fuse them together into your own approach. http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif
http://shredlikehell.com

[Smthng2Do]

I have used a lot of different peoples advice, and a lot of people rest some part of their strumming hand or fingers on the pick protector. I learned keeping my hand off the protector at all times so, as you stated, you could have more free movement, and thus increase your speed. However, after playing for a while now, I look down in certain riffs, and find my pinky anchored there. I think that in my case, it just comes as whatever is most comfortable. I anchor unknowingly, and it doesn't seem to hinder my sound or my speed. In other cases, I never touch the guitar. I dunno. I say go with what is best for you!

[Kristoffer]

"I say go with what is best for you!"

That's some good advice. I messed around with Eddies technique of holding onto the base of the tremelo with only pinky..doesn't work for my style. I'll grab the bottom of the humbucker too with my pinky and the e string with my ring finger. Your technique will eventually come and it will be yours and it will be cool.