Re: Right hand position for fast leads
there are specific picking techniques that are technically the fastest, but its better to just play what feels and works best for you. Playing your own way will help give you your own style.
I hear this a lot; it's a sort of accepted mantra that retards a lot of guitarists.
The problem is that what works best for you may be uncomfortable to institute at first. Some technique changes can take a few weeks to settle, but work much better once you get over that barrier.
Imo, a "floating" approach is greatly superior to anchoring your hand. Yes, many guitarists get good results with an anchored hand (ie Petrucci), but many guitarists play with their thumb constantly over the neck and use only three fingers and get good results. My point is that just because a guitarist uses a method successfully, doesn't mean it's the best - I have to say this, otherwise I get bombarded with "omg Petrucci!!11!" :laugh2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khs0Wl7Hvas
Paul Gilbert's right hand there best illustrates how to do it. Keep your fingers lightly tucked in like he does, and don't anchor on anything. However, it's ok to lightly touch the lower strings when playing higher ones to keep them quiet under gain - just don't rest on them.
Regardless, I definitely don't recommend extending your fingers out. It's a lot of extra weight, amplified by the fact it's held away from your wrist, and will create more hurdles to accuracy and economy of movement.
