i cant use my pinky when i play because...

[bassplayer1494]

my freaking pinkie is crooked and so is the one on my right hand. does anyone else have the same thing? If so, any tips, suggestions, or pointers that can help me learn to use it.

[easyvision]

My pinky's a good 1-1.5" shorter than my ring finger, as well as crooked. It took me a while to get it up to speed and I do still struggle with certain runs, but it's a lot faster.

Just do chromatics, making sure you get good even tone with all 4 fingers, ie no fret buzz with your pinky. It will seem tough at first but you'll get there!

http://www.cyberfretbass.com/misc-wi...cise/index.php This helped a lot too, particularly with individual finger strength and being able to control each finger independently.

Good luck!!

[MEKer]

I cannot even use my left pinkie thanks to an AK-47 bullet in the arm that severed a couple nerves or something many years ago. Does not hinder me in the least.

[ExaltBass]

Left pinky had 9 stitches back in '75 that has left me with less muscular control and feeling. I just play with DB technique (pinky supported by ring) which is a shorter reach, but still has worked.

[disasterline]

i broke my left hand pinkie playing basketball in 7th grade i never got it taken care of and it healed horribly. i would say that its about a 35 degrees off.

i would say just practice using your pinkie on purpose, go nice and slow and slowly work your way up.

you could always not use it, but you will really be limiting yourself

[mokeanL]

i cant use my pinky because i cannot extend mine independantly no matter how many finger excersises i do, people tell me its just how my hands are made, any suggestions? i can extend it fine with my ring finger down but with ring finger out i cant close my pinky without my ring finger following

[pacojas]

my son broke his pinky, got it set, and broke it again while in a splint. of course its now crooked and pointing inward. he deals with it and continues to progress. gl.

[VinKreepo]

Mine is crooked, too. Learn to pivot on your thumb's tip. Yeah, your forearm and thumb and hand will freakin' hurt and too much pressure on just the tip of your thumb for a long time isn't to good. But when you're doing a fast run, use that, and otherwise grip the neck.

[NKBassman]

My pinkies are double jointed, and 'pop' back out of the plane of my other fingers if I flex them too far, and on top of that, they are fantastically weak. I've never really used them that much in my bass playing, but I'm trying to work them in more now. Practice practice practice...

[archer121]

My right pinky is just too friggin weak to be used. After just a minute or two of playing it becomes fatigued and I can't play the strings with enough force to make the notes sound right and if I keep going the finger gets stiff and shaky which causes even worse problems (missed notes and whatnot.) If I keep going, my hand cramps and I'm done. It's just not worth it, for me.

[ironrat]

Originally Posted by MEKer

I cannot even use my left pinkie thanks to an AK-47 bullet in the arm that severed a couple nerves or something many years ago. Does not hinder me in the least.

Vietnam?

[Bassman8416]

Yeah man, broke my left pinky playing football at 16. I even had surgery on it to remove some bone blockage, this was back in 1979. It does not bend all the way and it is crooked, bending inward as well. It also locks up in certain positions, which i avoid doing. I have gotten used to it. But I do wonder about having another surgery.

[bergy9650]

when i first started playing i thought psh its just my pinky... man i was wrong. but just focus on using/utilizing it

[MEKer]

Hi Ironrat-yeah, Vietnam. One of 3 bullets received over a 2 years involvement there. Sigh-those were the days, despite the agony.
And now they make basses! LOLOLOLOLOL. %(^$*%#*$%!