Proper Right Hand Position

[AndyKray]

What is the best position for the right hand to be in when playing a lead? I have read that you should rest your palm on the bridge; Then again I read nothing on the right hand should be touching the guitar at all? Myself I like to keep my pinky rested on the guitar. What do you bam members prefer?



Andy

[Goober]

What is the best position for the right hand to be in when playing a lead? I have read that you should rest your palm on the bridge; Then again I read nothing on the right hand should be touching the guitar at all? Myself I like to keep my pinky rested on the guitar. What do you bam members prefer?



Andy
Hey Andy! I think it depends on what your right hand is doing. Certain things require leaving your hand on the bridge, (muting, etc.), while others (strumming)
will almost require that the right hand is not touching. As far as my personal tastes, I try to leave the right hand planted on the bridge with my pinkie touching the guitar, as you stated earlier.

[BIG GINGER GIT]

You've just gotta go with what's most comfortable for you and as stated earlier it depends on what you are playing.
When I was gigging a lot in the eighties other guitarists would comment on my right hand technique as I used to fan my fingers out like George Lynch does. They all used to say I should play with a closed fist and play from the wrist for better speed but just cos it works for other players doesn't mean it's gonna work for you. I could play fast enough with that natural position for me, so go with what feels good. :D

[Goober]

You've just gotta go with what's most comfortable for you and as stated earlier it depends on what you are playing.
When I was gigging a lot in the eighties other guitarists would comment on my right hand technique as I used to fan my fingers out like George Lynch does. They all used to say I should play with a closed fist and play from the wrist for better speed but just cos it works for other players doesn't mean it's gonna work for you. I could play fast enough with that natural position for me, so go with what feels good. :D
VERY good advice!:)

[CustomX]

Hey Andy! I think it depends on what your right hand is doing. Certain things require leaving your hand on the bridge, (muting, etc.), while others (strumming)
will almost require that the right hand is not touching. As far as my personal tastes, I try to leave the right hand planted on the bridge with my pinkie touching the guitar, as you stated earlier.
I do the exact same thing. I almost use the pinkie as a stabilization method and as a pivot. Works great for me.

[johnreardon]

As far as I am concerned there is no 'proper' position. The best position for an individual is the one that he/she most feels comfortable with. As Ainsley says, go with what feels good.

[numba1jap]

A lot of classical guys say that the hand shouldnt be touching, but they dont play rock, they just have to sit down and play. I say rest your hand or better yet do what you like, thats what its all about.

[A440]

I do a bit of both (I think :confused: )
on my trem guitars that are floating, I've learned to anchor in front of the bridge. on my stop tail types, I like to anchor right on the bridge.

I think a lot of the palm muting techniques have developed out of higher gain playing where there's need to mute the unplayed strings so they don't ring or feedback. also, if you wanna do that al dimeola thing where he mutes/plays the notes :)

[redmax61]

I do the exact same thing. I almost use the pinkie as a stabilization method and as a pivot. Works great for me.
Dude, are we like twins separated by about 25 years or what??

[CustomX]

I think so!, except you have more PRSi than me (but not for long). I am trying to find a way to get this PRS SCT grey/black that I found. Hopefully I can get it, and then my plan for world domination will be complete.