My middle and ring fingers seem to be attached at the tendon?

Melf · #1 11-04-2003, 12:00 PM

Ever since I started playing, every time I pluck a string with my middle finger, the ring finger moves at exactly the same time. I thought when I started that I'd have greater control over my ring finger after I played for a while. Well, it's been almost two years since I first picked up a bass, and my ring finger still moves along with my middle finger. (Oh, as a side note, I don't allow my ring finger to pluck; I keep it just far enough away from the strings so that it doesn't hit anything). I can't see any immediate problem with it other than it looks sort of weird when I play fingerstyle. Should I take any steps to correct this, and if I should, then what could I do?

JMX · #2 11-04-2003, 12:08 PM

Most people have that in varying degrees, it's congenital - in other words, you're born with it.
The adjacent tendons are somehow fused together IIRC.
I don't know what it's called in English, in German it's called folgsamer Finger (roughly: finger that follows [behind]).

You may be able to do something with training/playing (carefully!), but I don't think you can change it much.

the ombudsman · #3 11-05-2003, 11:10 AM

If that doesn't cause any problems, I suggest you leave it alone.

Melf · #4 11-05-2003, 06:51 PM

Ok, thanks guys, I'll just leave it alone then.

leffe luffer · #5 11-11-2003, 07:09 AM

I have the same problem but with my pinky. I cant move it without moving my ringfinger also. It kinda bothers my fretting hand so it really sucks that you cant do much to help it.

**Pacman** · #6 11-11-2003, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by leffe luffer
I have the same problem but with my pinky. I cant move it without moving my ringfinger also. It kinda bothers my fretting hand so it really sucks that you cant do much to help it.

Well, the ring finger and pinky do share a tendon. Not true of the ring and middle fingers.

JimK · #7 11-11-2003, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Melf
I thought when I started that I'd have greater control over my ring finger after I played for a while. Well, it's been almost two years since I first picked up a bass, and my ring finger still moves along with my middle finger.

IMHO, a mere TWO years isn't enough time to un-do what you've had goin' on since birth.
IMO, more time & proper practice with discipline could help.
This is the plucking hand, right?
How's the fretting hand?
(I would be more concerned if this 'problem' was with the fretting hand).