Anchor Finger

[strumcat]

Hi. I've been toying with guitar for over 40 years. Since I started browsing this forum, I've realized that I really know nothing about playing the instrument. I'd like to start over from scratch, learn to read music, and learn some proper theory and technique. Any pointers as to books or whatever would be gratefully appreciated.

Needles to say, I've accumulated a wealth of bad habits over the years. One of these is the use of an 'anchor finger', the ring or pinky finger of my right hand planted on the pick guard when picking melodies or playing leads. Is that something I need to completely eliminate?

[Gitarguy]

Originally Posted by strumcat

Is that something I need to completely eliminate?

Yes.

[Nuff Said]

Some players have no anchor, example Pat Metheny this is usually called "floating". Some players do anchor, example Sheryl Bailey.

Here's a link to the Jazz Guitar site post concerning about Anchors:
Anchoring RH Pinky on Pickguard Redux - rec.music.makers.guitar.jazz | Google Groups

Nuff Said

[strumcat]

Originally Posted by Gitarguy

Yes.

OK, thanks. Nothing like a good, unambiguous answer. I'm going to make a concerted effort to re-learn that aspect of my playing. The hardest part will be picking anything faster than eighth notes with precise timing. But I'm serious about becoming a 'real' guitar player.

I appreciate the input.

[strumcat]

Originally Posted by Nuff Said

Some players have no anchor, example Pat Metheny this is usually called "floating". Some players do anchor, example Sheryl Bailey.

Here's a link to the Jazz Guitar site post concerning about Anchors:
Anchoring RH Pinky on Pickguard Redux - rec.music.makers.guitar.jazz | Google Groups

Nuff Said

That's a great link! I had no idea this was such an issue. Nice to know that some of the great players also have this vice, and for the same reasons.

I mainly want to learn floating to reduce the inevitable slight pause when switching from full chords to riffs or melodic runs, and also just to improve my (poor) playing technique.
Thanks again for the (very) interesting link.

[ronjazz]

You could evolve by lightly touching the pinky to the pickguard, rather than anchoring it. This will free your hand up much more, but still give you some "security".

[strumcat]

Originally Posted by ronjazz

You could evolve by lightly touching the pinky to the pickguard, rather than anchoring it. This will free your hand up much more, but still give you some "security".

Well, I'm thinking that if I want to master floating, I'd better be pretty strict about it. I already use a "moving" anchor, sometimes touching the pickguard, sometimes the idle strings, or the end of the bridge pickup, or the bridge itself. I don't want to slip in and out of it unconsciously. But thanks for the input.

I have to say that on fast little staccato notes it really is hard to get the same level of "snap" and precision. I'm tryin gto learn to use the pick against the string itself as the "springboard" or "lever" to the next fast note. It's an interesting challenge and kind of fun in a way.

[strumcat]

The strangest thing happened today. I was at NoHo Library downloading Berklee beginner guitar instructions PDF files, when they announced that two guitarists named Taro Wayama and Thomas Foster would be performing in the conference room. I listened to them play (they were both very good) and talked with them a little bit. I'm now inquiring about taking guitar instruction from Mr. Wayama. I'm very happy about this amazing coincidence!

[Flyin' Brian]

I don't think that Sheryl Bailey anchors her finger at all, but rather lets her pinky float on the pickguard. That is the method I use as well and one of my Heritage ebony pickguards shows the results in that the finish is gone in spots.

Here's Sheryl, who pretty much uses "Benson" picking.

YouTube Video

[strumcat]

I love it! What a great sound from a perfect, tight little trio. Man, I wish I could do that. What's her best album?

BTW, could you tell me more about 'Benson picking'?

[Flyin' Brian]

Originally Posted by strumcat

I love it! What a great sound from a perfect, tight little trio. Man, I wish I could do that. What's her best album?

BTW, could you tell me more about 'Benson picking'?

Here's a thread about Benson picking.

http://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/impro...n-picking.html

I have 3 of Sheryl's Records

The Power of Three, For All Those Living and Live At The Fat Cat.

If you liked that clip I'd suggest The Sheryl Bailey Trio Live At The Fat Cat.
I've known Sheryl for about 10 years and seen her star continuously rising.

You can check her site out too. She has an online teaching program going on.

Sheryl Bailey