Stuck like glue

EricF · #1 11-03-2005, 10:42 AM

I anchor my right thumb against the side of the pup when I play - all the time. I've read on occasion that your thumb should move from string to string (anchor on E-string when playing the A-string, etc.), but I just end up feeling lost. Being anchored in one spot gives me a point of reference that makes moving from string to string easy for me. Am I limiting myself, or is this an acceptable technique?

i like tictacs · #2 11-03-2005, 10:46 AM

That's totally acceptable. Don't worry about it, many many a great player uses that technique.

ikickuintheballs · #3 11-03-2005, 10:49 AM

Whatever works for you is the best to use IMO.

slapcracklepop · #4 11-03-2005, 11:05 AM

It's good for muting if you learn to move down to the E and A.. Start doing it on some songs, get used to it. It'll start to be habbit, trust me. It's what I did

theshadow2001 · #5 11-03-2005, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slapcracklepop

trust me. It's what I did

And therefore its what we all should do?

JDT · #6 11-03-2005, 12:35 PM

I keep it on the pup all the time. I started with a 5'er some time ago, and there I anchor on the B-string and only move to the pup when playing it. Nothing wrong with anchoring on the pup and keeping it there AS LONG as you mute the E/A enough with your fingers.

Mo'Phat · #7 11-03-2005, 02:54 PM

Some people (me included) get used to one hand position to attack the strings. The thumb/finger position on the E string with the thumb rooted to the pickup is what I base my entire right hand technique off of. I was able to develop speed and accuracy with this position. It was natural for me to anchor my thumb on the E (or A) (or D) when I was playing the other strings because my hand remained in the same position.

Ain't no right or wrong, but you like to anchor to something solid and I like to maintain my hand position without having to stretch to reach the other strings.

Suckbird · #8 11-03-2005, 03:42 PM

i use the moving anchor technique, it helps with muting and i can reach the higher strings much easier, i play a 5string btw and i'm going to get a 6 string...

quallabone · #9 11-04-2005, 01:36 AM

It seems to work just fine for John Patitucci. On my 4's my thumb is usually anchored on the ramps. On my 5's in floats 100% of the time.