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Anchored vs Floating right hand

#41
Yup, I anchor my thumb as well. When playing the E and A strings, I anchor either on the pickup or a thumbrest when I want to play closer to the bridge. When playing the D and G strings, I anchor on the A string, it makes a good mute for the A as well. There are some songs where I pluck similar to playing a classical guitar, using my thumb and first two fingers, obviously no need to anchor at that point. Muting can usually be done with the either hand depending on the song or where I am playing.

I agree with an earlier post, use whatever method gets the results you want. I have always got a chuckle over the people who talk about right and wrong ways to play (don't get me started on the left thumb on the back of the neck argument).
 
#42
11guitarguy said:
I am not discounting the importance of muting to some players but it has never been an issue to me. I kind of wish it WAS an issue so I could find some justification for changing from anchored to floating. For me, it a case of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

I apologize for my "ignorance" but for me the payback is not worth the investment in time and effort to cure a perceived problem that my aging ears just don't hear. Then again, maybe it IS my ears that are the problem and I do not hear what others hear so clearly.
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No one is asking you to change your technique or to justify doing so. You are entitled to play in whatever way suits you, and for as long as you wish. You started this thread to discuss the pros and cons of playing the anchored and floating techniques. This is what we are doing. So now at least, you are armed with the knowledge that by continuously playing with a bent wrist, your chances of experiencing physical problems are increased.
No one cares whether you convert or not. The choice is entirely up to you.


BTW, I hope you have apologized to that bright student of yours as he was responsible for drawing your attention to all of this !!! ;)
 
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#49
TitaniumRx said:
Efficient means no injuries!!!!
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Everybody is OK, nobody is ever wrong, and everyone gets a medal just for showing up.

Sorry, but this wordsmithing is headache inducing. I don't really care if someone has bad technique and I'm not saying everyone would benefit from the time it takes to develop good technique. If someone is hammering out eighth notes in a weekend warrior bar band, I don't know that it's worth the effort. I'm just not sure why some people are so adamant in their defense of it and/or denial that it exists.
 
#50
TitaniumRx said:
Yes,but,efficient way is not the same for everyone.Deferences in body,weight and strength determines the efficient way for the individual.
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Fair enough, but playing with a bent wrist over a period of years has the potential to effect almost everyone....regardless of body weight and strength. So from a safety point of view, a straight wrist is an "efficient" way to play for almost everyone. Granted there may be some who may be lucky enough to escape injury problems.

Personally once aware of the possible dangers, it is a gamble I would not be prepared to take.

However, to each their own.
 
#51
fearceol said:
Fair enough, but playing with a bent wrist over a period of years has the potential to effect almost everyone....regardless of body weight and strength. So from a safety point of view, a straight wrist is an "efficient" way to play for almost everyone. Granted there may be some who may be lucky enough to escape injury problems.

Personally once aware of the possible dangers, it is a gamble I would not be prepared to take.

However, to each their own.
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When you playing with wrist straight you may injure your soulder.I know because i have that problem.Something in the middle is the more efficient.I my opinion of coarse.
 
#54
fearceol said:
Are you sure that your shoulder problem could not have been caused by something else ? I have no reason to disbelieve you, but I have never heard it said that playing with a straight wrist causes shoulder injuries.
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No,i am not sure for that.But is easy to see,that when you keep you shoulder up like this in photo one is not the most natural position on your skeleton.More relax down and a little anchor on your wrist is more efficient.

1_zps97105d73.jpg


2_zpsa037fef7.jpg
 
#55
I play with a bent wrist, with my arm resting on the bass and thus taking some weight off the shoulder (this is when sitting down). If I don't do this I get problems with my neck and shoulder muscles. I can well believe playing with your arm lifted up to get a a straight wrist can give you injuries in the long run. You have to find out what works for you though.
 
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