four finger technique

aristotle chang · #1 07-09-2003, 08:09 PM

hi everybody. i've been working a little on using all four fingers on my right hand, but i can't seem to do much outside of scales with that technique, and i think part of it is that my pinky is quite a bit shorter than my other fingers, but probably more the fact that i haven't really forced myself to it on songs that often. is it worth it to keep trying to do the four finger thing or should i stick to 3 and focus on my picking?

Wrong Robot · #2 07-09-2003, 08:26 PM

I personally get more speed and evenness out of just 2 fingers than I ever did with 3.

Byron Santo · #3 07-10-2003, 07:41 AM

I use all 5 fingers at times.

I find the different finger patterns work better in some situations then others. I switch up from 2 to all 5 at times depending on what I'm playing. I borrowed this RH approach from classical/flamenco guitarist.

Before branching off to 4 or 5 finger technique make sure that your i-m and m-i finger technique is down. That is the RH finger pattern you will use the most. It's the foundation on which all other are built on.

Try to find a good instructor (bass or classical guitar) that uses 4 or 5 fingers so that he/she can guide you into the correct usage.