One finger per fret - manditory? (Handicap of pinky finger prevents pinky usage)

Murdock_ · #1 01-10-2009, 12:08 AM

Is it possible to work around the one finger per fret system? It is impossible for me to use the pink on my left hand properly because the tendon above the knuckle is detached, and as a result my finger goes crocked when I bend it, curling inward towars my palm. It can't reach the fret right of my ring finger, and it curls over my ring finger when I'm fretting with the ring finger. I'm hoping I can play around this and not have to look into getting surgery to correct the problem...

Jefenator · #2 01-10-2009, 12:43 AM

Nothing's mandatory, unless your band leader is also your bass teacher.

That seems like an unlikely scenario.

easyvision · #3 01-10-2009, 12:45 AM

You absolutely can. To be honest I don't fully understand what happens when you try to use your pinky but any problem can be overcome. Just try things out and find a way to play that fits your hand.

It may be worth noting that a lot of the players that people here regard as legendary monster players don't strictly keep to one finger per fret

greenboy · #4 01-10-2009, 01:59 AM

Adhering to 1 finger per fret is stupid anyway. Go with what ya got and be careful, because it's actually the 3rd finger that has the biggest hand-health liabilities.

T-Bird · #5 01-10-2009, 03:25 AM

Hi.

Of course You can fret any way you want.

I'm self taught and unless playing scales, I usually don't use my pinky that much. Been that way for about 20 years

.

If You want some further assurance, there was a young TB member with no hands, haven't seen him in a while, hope he's all right, he played with his toes. For more famous player with less fingers to use than most of us, google the jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt.

Nothing's mandatory, they're more like guidelines

.

Regards
Sam

Otso · #6 01-10-2009, 03:31 AM

The most important thing with lefthand technique, is that your hand is relaxed, and none of your joints (the wrist most importantly) isn't in any awkard angle.

mothmonsterman · #7 01-10-2009, 03:52 AM

The on finger per fret is a suggestion IMO it allows you to play the most notes in a given position.

I myself have a hard time with it due to my pinky being rather stubby and short.

The important thing is to play how it feels natual

Ramstien · #8 01-10-2009, 07:33 AM

Try using your ring and pinky finger together.

Arpeggiator · #9 01-10-2009, 07:41 AM

many players dont use there pinky, i do as a matter of preferance but its entirly possible not to use it. as already mentioned the ring finger is the one to watch out for.

Murdock_ · #10 01-10-2009, 11:12 AM

The tendon that is supposed to be above your knuckle(extensor tendon I think it's called) is not attached to my pinky finger, it is beside the knuckle. This tendon is what keep your fingers strait and basically regulated movment of that joint. With my tendon being dislocated, my pinky finger can't stretch outwards, it wlil always curl inwards when I bend my pinky towards my hand. BTW thanks for the reassurance everyone.

Michael Case · #11 01-10-2009, 11:20 AM

Do what works. One finger per fret is a system that people use to teach/play bass that works well for most people, but it's not gospel. I've seen guys use double bass fingerings and even one finger per neck. Do what works and don't hurt yourself.

**Mark Wilson** · #12 01-10-2009, 03:31 PM

Pfft. The guitar player from Black Sabbath has 3 fingers!

Nothing is mandatory.
Don't let anything stop ya from grooving!

Matt R. · #13 01-10-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murdock_

Is it possible to work around the one finger per fret system? It is impossible for me to use the pink on my left hand properly because the tendon above the knuckle is detached, and as a result my finger goes crocked when I bend it, curling inward towars my palm. It can't reach the fret right of my ring finger, and it curls over my ring finger when I'm fretting with the ring finger. I'm hoping I can play around this and not have to look into getting surgery to correct the problem...

Just do your best to adapt and don't let it get you down. Best o' luck..

onlyclave · #14 01-10-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Wilson

Pfft. The guitar player from Black Sabbath has 3 fingers!

Nothing is mandatory.
Don't let anything stop ya from grooving!

You are wrong.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...nd_Hell_33.jpg

COOL AND DEADLY · #15 01-10-2009, 05:29 PM

One name- Django. Okay, he played guitar, but I think it proves you can overcome that.

beelzelboss · #16 01-11-2009, 12:20 AM

well, while i have all working 4 fingers, and i actually use all 4 because its easier for me, (i play guitar and bass, and in my guitar class if we dont adhere to the one finger per fret, we get messed up later). But, if it makes you feel any better, one of the kids has only 4 fingers (no pinky) and play better than me!

Just do whats natural, and by all means, for that is no pinky. You will probably come encounter with songs that would make it a lot easier to play if you have a pinky, but its just a step to overcome. You will get past it! Don't worry about it!

~craig

iplaybassguitar · #17 01-11-2009, 12:32 AM

the drummer for def leopard only has one arm. does that answer your question?

iplaybassguitar · #18 01-11-2009, 12:33 AM

+1 on django as well

elBandito · #19 01-11-2009, 01:12 PM

Are you sure?

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlyclave

You are wrong.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...nd_Hell_33.jpg

DeepCalls2Deep · #20 01-11-2009, 01:17 PM

Nothing is mandatory. I have a weak pinky as well, from it being injured so much, so I never use it. IIRC Leland Sklar only uses 2 fingers to fret, and he is an incredibly renowned session bassist.