Four Finger Playing

[Journey55]

Today I figured I'd try and practice up my 3-finger plucking technique then I thought to myself, 'Why not just add on that other finger?' So I did.....to little avail. Any advice on easier practicing with all four fingers plucking? Or practices that you guys do to help with it?

[Geroi Asfalta]

I've been practising four finger playing for a few weeks.....this is what I've been doing to speed it up:

I start with my pinky, then my ring, middle, then index...for slow playing I try P-R-M-I-M-R-P. To go faster I go P-R-M-I-P-R-M-I.

At places where I can't always have my bass (like work or driving) I run my fingers over folds in my clothing. I can't play with four as fast as I can two, but practise makes perfect....

Let me know what technique you come up with, I'd like to find a comfortable way to use all four fingers

[52hurtz]

See the Matthew Garrison technique sticky in this section.

Uses your thumb instead of your pinky as the 4th plucking finger. I think you'll have more success with this.

[nysbob]

I've fooled around with it, but quite honestly I can play fast enough with three to annoy anyone within earshot. I like to use my pinky for anchoring or muting.

[Fergie Fulton]

Search around youtube for Classical picking, Banjo picking etc.
If you look at guitar picking styles you can find many great lessons on finger picking and country rolls...then it is just practice, practice, practice.

Here's some old footage of Abe to start you off

Abe Laboriel 4 fingers technique - YouTube