Finger anchoring

Resting one or more unused fingers of the picking hand lightly on the guitar body or a pickup as a reference point.

Anchoring gives the picking hand a fixed frame of reference, which helps accuracy on fast, repetitive passages and keeps the hand from drifting as the strings change. Classical technique discourages it because it limits the range of colours available, while many electric players rest a pinky on the body or the edge of a pickup as a matter of course. It is a trade-off: more accuracy and control in exchange for a smaller motion and a more rigid hand.

Example: A shredder who keeps the little finger planted on the scratchplate while picking fast runs is anchoring.

Finger anchoring

See also