Anchoring

Dont know if we hat this topic before -- ? but I am currently trying out anchoring. Loads of people say it is a bad technique because of different reasons, mainly because you dont relax your picking hand. But I dont really feel a lot of tension when Im doing it. And loads of great players do it, and I get the point why its supposed to help you.

But I wanted to hear some of your guys opinions on that? Are you guys anchoring?

I like mixing my fingepicking woth my regular picking. In which i use my pinky for when i need to.

I think its the kind of thing that works for you, then do it.

exactly what BBT said, since that goes with many other areas of technique and playing. Everyone has things that work for them that may not for others

I anchor when I pick (not strum)
I have to otherwise my pinky gets in the way or my guitar falls over.

But what are the bad things its supposed to cause? Tension in your hand and what else?

i anchor when i am not palm muting

It depends on the type of picking I'm doing but I anchor about 90% or more of my playing. Like you said lot's of good players do it. If it feels good and sounds good use what ever method gives you comfort.

anchoring causes you to move your wrist not your arm. Thus, limiting your "angles of attack." There are arguments over wrist or arm but I personally don't care, look them up there are strong arguments on both sides (personally I'd listen to Jazz guys skip the rock forum morons [not making fun of rock just most idiots on forums.. you get what I mean]). You just have more options when you're floating, which is what I want, options. I move in between wrist movements and arm. Also anchoring cause you to stay picking in one section, tone varies as you move from the bridged to up the neck a bit. To me anchoring just limits you, stop being lazy ;).

not that anchoring is a death blow or even a no no (do whats right for you in the end I guess) just don't get stuck depending on it (or anything for that matter).