Anyone else not use their middle finger as much as they should?

OOZMAN · #1 08-10-2010, 10:32 AM

(left hand)

I don't use my middle finger as much as I should. It's like the fat and lazy member of my family of fingers.
I find this weird, usually the problem is not using one's pinky as much as one should. I noticed this today as i was fretting this riff like this...
(p=pinky, i=index, r=ring)

D |7-5------------
A |----7-6-5-3-0--
E |---------------0

LH|p-i-p- r-i- i- ---

...which by common practice is wrong.

Anyone else have this problem? I find it quite strange since the middle finger is the strongest and all

.

Any tips guys? I suppose I should just practice with it more or something.

Anyway, thanks guys.

Noseferatu · #2 08-10-2010, 10:35 AM

Actually, I'm quite notorious for using my middle finger....

Yerf Dog · #3 08-10-2010, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noseferatu

Actually, I'm quite notorious for using my middle finger....

:flippa:

OOZMAN · #4 08-10-2010, 10:40 AM

Yeah, I know, most people overuse their middle finger if anything.

I think I'm one of very few with such a problem of not using my middle finger

kreider204 · #5 08-10-2010, 10:44 AM

For me, it's the ring finger. I blame Simandl.

natw42 · #6 08-10-2010, 10:46 AM

Actually, using 1,2, & 4 on your fretting hand is very common, especially in 1st position.

This technique came over from classical double bass, used up the fretboard until 'thumb' position. I forget the name of it if someone can help me out (google didn't yield anything right quick).

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any of this too please.

edit: Simandl! That's it. That clears up that question. Thanks to kreider for answering my question before I even asked it.

kreider204 · #7 08-10-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by natw42

edit: Simandl! That's it. That clears up that question. Thanks to kreider for answering my question before I even asked it.

For $5, I can also guess your weight and give you your daily lucky numbers ...

OOZMAN · #8 08-10-2010, 10:52 AM

Maybe it's because I play Lamb of god, they use their pinkies extensively and maybe it strengthened mine so much I use it in situations I needn't....

I like blaming stuff on other people... so while I'm at it... thank's a lot JACK DANIELS for making me overweight...

:P

countrybass007 · #9 08-10-2010, 10:54 AM

I'm guilty of not using my little finger. I've noticed over the years that some of the best players I've heard use all four fingers.

Absentia · #10 08-10-2010, 11:06 AM

See sig

Fergie Fulton · #11 08-10-2010, 11:16 AM

Player who do do not fret properly with all fingers and have no problems should not worry about it. Now i could never conceive any teaching or learning situation i am involved in that did not teach the correct fingerings for scales and arpeggios. They teach the whole hand how to work in a balanced and healthy way and ultimately lead to better technique. Its a win win situation for those that follow it though.

foq1978 · #12 08-10-2010, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OOZMAN

(left hand)
I noticed this today as i was fretting this riff like this...
(p=pinky, i=index, r=ring)

D |7-5------------
A |----7-6-5-3-0--
E |---------------0

LH|p-i-p- r-i- i- ---

...which by common practice is wrong.

What would be the best practice?

LH|r-i-r-m-i-i- --- ?

Is there a specific forum for fingering techniques by the way? I've never studied it as I should have.

codeinedreams · #13 08-10-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foq1978

What would be the best practice?

LH|r-i-r-m-i-i- --- ?

yes, that's what I'd do.

OP - I think if you're not using your middle finger, you may be missing out on some smooth playing possibilities, but once I cut my index finger real bad and it was in a splint, but I kept playing anyway using my other fingers, so anyone can adapt. but you have your middle finger intact, so I can't believe you're not using it.
edit: OK, I see what you're doing now. if that's how you're comfortable playing it and you don't feel it impedes your playing at all, then go for it...

OOZMAN · #14 08-10-2010, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foq1978

What would be the best practice?

LH|r-i-r-m-i-i- --- ?

Is there a specific forum for fingering techniques by the way? I've never studied it as I should have.

LH|r-i-r-p-r-m-i would be the correct way, I can do it that way when I practice, but when I play along to the song, since its done at speed, I always go to do it the way I stated in my opening post.

Beck McCartney · #15 08-10-2010, 05:56 PM

I dont use my ring finger much either. Older, wiser guys used to tell me i HAD to stop using my pinky for everything, but in my opinion, if it feels natural, why not?