Question:
Some folks tell me I should "anchor" my right-hand little finger on the soundboard close to the bridge while fingerpicking. I've usually avoided this because I felt locked into one spot when I might want to move my hand up towards the neck or back towards the bridge to change my tone. Which is technically correct (or should I say 'techniquely")? Or is it a matter of preference where neither is really "correct"?

Thanks, J.B

Answer:
Many great players rest a finger or two on the top, so I won't argue with it. But many other players avoid resting on the top of the guitar. My right-hand position is more like a classical player's: a free-floating position with nothing touching the top.

Through experimentation, I have found that I have more tension in my hand if my little finger extends out to contact the top. I want my fingers and hand to be as relaxed as possible. Relaxation--along with lots of practice--is the key to good tone, accuracy, volume, and endurance. Keeping my little finger in a natural, slightly curved position, instead of extended out, allows my hand to stay relaxed.

Although I don't rest any fingers on the top of the guitar, I often momentarily rest a fingertip or two (or three or four) of my right hand on the strings themselves. I do this for a variety of reasons, but mostly to stop specific strings from ringing longer than I want them to.

You need to experiment to find what works the best for you. Hope that helps!

Mark Hanson

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