rest, or anchor?

if it inhibits movement in any way it limits what you can do with your picking hand.

edit: when picking fast riffs on the low E string i rest my hand on the bridge, but it's not considered anchoring because i'm not applying pressure/limiting my movement, a rest like that can help you recognize where the strings are etc

This post was edited by AlbinoBlackMan on Apr 17 2009 08:14pm

yeah, vouch all this, anchoring is bad, I did it for the longest time and was really hard to break the habit.

Yeah I guess I don't "anchor" then, I just rest it there. It helps me remember where my strings are

yeah, that isn't considered anchoring at all, that's more of a reference point, not a way for you to get mroe control over your picking hand by tensing it up.

edit: but if you want to take the time to learn where the strings are with your hand hovering, and stop using a reference point your picking will improve a lot. It's very slow going at first though, (i just went through it)

This post was edited by AlbinoBlackMan on Apr 17 2009 08:20pm

Yeah, I can play without it there, but once i stop thinking about it, it finds its way back

alright wow...you guys need to calm down. I've been told that its a good thing by a few people...and plus whenever I watch tommy emmanuel or chet atkins -- I see them using it frequently ;\.

im gonna be completely honest, your are pretty terrible.
but im gonna give you some props for making a video of yourself when you know your this bad.
im not ranting on you i just think you need some advice.
most of the songs you're attempting to play you should wait in all honesty.
you need to learn to relax both of your hands you are way to tense.
work on your timing thats more important then anything.
secondly your picking technique is very important, dont worry about your finger placement.
that will come after you can pick in time and efficiently.
i see your attempting so many songs and just playing riffs, work on 1 song and learn in completely.
i also suggest you learn some scales they will help you a lot.
as goes for the anchoring your pinky.. does what makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.
if i were you i wouldnt listen to a damn thing most of these people tell you.
im a guitar teacher i should know. keep practicing you'll catch on

anybody will tell you if you can pick without anchoring, do it.

@ lilphyschokilla most of this information is useful in a way, and lots of what you said is already covered.

im just gonna say no to you

not 1 person has mentioned to him the most important thing about playing any type of musical instrument

and what is that?

TIME

he has none period.
doesnt matter how fast or slow or w/e else shit you think you can play
if you have no time you have no music
nobody cares if someone anchors the pinky or not its personal preference.

meh. i find rhythm pretty intuitive

and the only reason anchoring came up is because someone suggested for him TO anchor,

and if you agree with that, you have no buissness giving advice.

This post was edited by AlbinoBlackMan on Apr 17 2009 09:47pm