• From: melbourne, australia
  • Registered: 2007-02-13
  • Posts: 7

Topic: which is correct?

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I have been playing for about 1 year or so now and i recently noticed that when using a pick i have a habit of resting my spare fingers on the body of my guitar, whether i am playing my acoustic or electric. i have been assured by some guitarists that this is perfectly fine and offers support to my hand, while others have told me to kick the awful habit.  I was wondering which one is correct??  <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_confused.gif" border=0 alt="Confused">  millie

The sweetest songs are those that tell of the saddest thought. xxx
  • From: Nottingham, UK
  • Registered: 2006-08-08
  • Posts: 690

Re: which is correct?

Neither a right or wrong. My guitar tutor rests a finger on his guitar when Travis picking and thinks it's funny that I can't manage it (I always pick floating above). Likewise now I'm trying electric I'm making small motions from the wrist where I used to make big strums from the elbow on my acoustic.

'The sound of the city seems to disappear'
  • From: Pico Rivera, Calif. U.S.A.
  • Registered: 2006-10-26
  • Posts: 785

Re: which is correct?

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I have been playing for about 1 year or so now and i recently noticed that when using a pick i have a habit of resting my spare fingers on the body of my guitar, whether i am playing my acoustic or electric. i have been assured by some guitarists that this is perfectly fine and offers support to my hand, while others have told me to kick the awful habit.  I was wondering which one is correct??  <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_confused.gif" border=0 alt="Confused">  millie   
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Millie1


Which one are you comfortable with? Then that's the right one for you. Your the one thats playing and unless the way you pick is either harming you hand or causing horible tone from your playing do what you feel works for you.


Bootlegger

bootleger guitars.

  • Registered: 2007-01-29
  • Posts: 533

Re: which is correct?

<font color="blue"></font>Which is correct? I think which ever method works best for you...Willie Nelson has worn a hole in his guitar, Sam Bush has worn the finish off of several Mandolins! Others are able to play without ever touching the top of the instrument. I do both...when playing finger style (thumbpick and three fingers) I usually rest my little finger for support. When playing with a flatpick and strumming then I don't... One thing about guitar players is that they certainly have opinions about stuff...I've quit worrying about being technical and just try to find whatever works best for me. Watch video/DVDs of players that you like and then see if their methods are something that you can copy or adapt...

Middleaged Redneck sorta guy who refuses to grow up...passion for music, especially Southern Rock but like bout everything cept Gangsta/Hip Hop. Collect guitars, mandolins, and love to ride Harleys.
  • Registered: 2007-02-12
  • Posts: 52

Re: which is correct?

It is completely up to personal style, however, there are reasons for not resting the pinky on the soundboard.  I think the main reason to not rest the finger is because it stops the soundboard from vibrating as much.  It can also cause some tension if you're fingerpicking, but not for everyone.  But if you're playing electric, that doesn't matter so much because when you play electric, it takes less pressure, so it really doesn't matter as much


I believe it's truly personal, but it's good to know why...


When I play lead, I sometimes rest the side of my palm on the lower strings...not for any reason other than comfort, maybe sometimes for palm muting effect...


IDK...I'm sure I rest the pinky sometimes and I don't realize it...

  • Registered: 2006-08-29
  • Posts: 48

Re: which is correct?

i also agree with whatever is comfortable to you,but i tend to rest my picky also.resting your pinky will help you in the execution of picking strings and skipping strings.

  • Registered: 2007-02-12
  • Posts: 52

Re: which is correct?

I think that when you're fingerpicking, you should really not anchor your pinky.  That can cause some serious tension...also, you want to be able to move your right hand freely.  You can acheive different tone colors the closer or farther you are from the bridge and anchoring your pinky can more or less stop that. 


But...


I know that for banjo and genres like bluegrass, anchoring the pinky is standard technique...


Classical music is the only genre where you can say what is right and what is wrong as far as technique is concerned...I think that ultimately, playing without the anchor will help with speed, but speed isn't everything...

  • Registered: 2006-10-26
  • Posts: 12

Re: which is correct?

I have the same habit and it hasnt hurt my playing.  <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_biggrin.gif" border=0 alt="Very Happy">

  • Registered: 2007-02-17
  • Posts: 28

Re: which is correct?

Both can be just do whatever one you feel best with.

  • Registered: 2007-03-04
  • Posts: 12

Re: which is correct?

U probably should try to boot the habit.  i always used to put my wrist on the pickguard or body of my guitars.  my guitar teacher helped me boot the habit though. try doing some simple exercises  on each string, without your habit.  i know its hard. i would reccomend the book rock guitar secrets by peter fischer. it may help you.

-posted by blue man