Notice how similar the index and middle fingers are in stature.Ī major benefit of the ring finger anchor is that it will mute whatever string(s) it rests upon, providing aid to the blocking process. In this picture, the thumb and middle finger are picking adjacent strings, while still allowing the index finger to relax comfortably as well. Using the ring finger as an anchor can really allow the thumb, index, and middle fingers to relax when picking. Again, resting it on this 3 rd string implies that it may touch the 2 nd string too, or can be thought of as resting in between the 3 rd and 2 nd strings. For instance, if a player wants to pick strings 6, 5, & 4 on the E9 neck (a classic grip indeed), then they can rest their ring finger on the 3 rd string. If a player wants to do the same thing, but on a different string grouping, then it is just a matter of shifting the foundation forward or backward to different string numbers. Basically, they will be in a position to attack the strings, mute them (pick blocking), or release from them after they’ve been picked or muted. These fingers should now be in the proper position and angle, huddled over the strings ready to pick, dampen, or release from the strings. Here the ring finger rests on string 3, while the thumb and middle fingers pick strings 5 & 4.įor example, if we are going to play strings 6 & 5 with our index and middle fingers, then resting the ring finger on string 4 (and it may touch string 3 too – it can comfortably rest between strings 3 & 4) can provide a foundation for the picking fingers. However, if we train our ring finger to land on top of the strings we want it to, while keeping the thumb, index, and middle fingers in a consistent position relative to the ring finger, we can confidently attack the strings with accuracy. Pedal Steel T-Shirts, Mugs, & Posters… Click Here To visit store!Īccurately switching between string grips, and picking the intended notes can be challenging. What is meant by positional anchor, when referring to the ring finger? This means resting it in between two strings, or on top of a string, so that the picking fingers below are in the correct position to pick their intended strings in a comfortable manner. This leaves the ring finger: and using this finger as a positional anchor can tie everything together for the right hand.Ĭheck out the photo gallery at the bottom of the page to see photos of the ring finger anchor in action. Many players extend their pinky out when picking, while others tuck it under their ring finger…there is no right or wrong way whatever is comfortable and works best for the player.
BUDDY EMMONS PEDAL STEEL GUITAR SPEED PICKING FREE
Most players use a thumb pick, and fingerpicks for the index and middle fingers, leaving the ring and pinky fingers free to roam.
However, by using the ring finger as an anchor, a player can overcome many picking obstacles and become triumphant in the choppy seas of right hand technique. Right hand picking and string blocking are perhaps the most elusive techniques to new and seasoned players alike. Having a comfortable, confident right hand picking technique can go a long ways for a pedal steel player.
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