Pinky curling

[srh]

Ok at first this may sound pretty wierd, but im hoping someone else has had/ or has this problem.


Ive played for a good 4-5 years now and this is never a problem just something id like to stop doing, but I cant figure out how.

One my left hand (fretting hand) I can play with my pinky fine, its not a weakness problem I dont think because I always use it. But when im not, it just like curls back to my palm, I wish I had a picture to better explain.

This is kind of an example of I guess what im not doing (maybe at around 1 - 1:45 is the best example?) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkQ5U...elated&search=

so does anyone have any advice? exercises?

[Sagaris]

A way of getting that pinkie to play without it curling so often, I found, is that, when playing relatively simple or slow basslines that don't require so much stretching, is too play with a three finger stretch of your index, middle and pinkie.

Also it's similar to Double Bass, I realised, which I've started learning recently.

And I try to keep my pinkie hovering over the fretboard instead of curled back, it just takes time to get used to I guess.

[The BurgerMeister]

Originally Posted by Sagaris

A way of getting that pinkie to play without it curling so often, I found, is that, when playing relatively simple or slow basslines that don't require so much stretching, is too play with a three finger stretch of your index, middle and pinkie.

Also it's similar to Double Bass, I realised, which I've started learning recently.

And I try to keep my pinkie hovering over the fretboard instead of curled back, it just takes time to get used to I guess.

+1.

much of my electric bass technique is based on my upright training... the left-hand fingering in particular. i'll use index, middle, pinky (or rather ring+pinky together) while playing pretty much anything. if i need to stretch and use all four fingers, i do.

i notice that when i play like this, all my fingers are always curled and ready to "pounce" on the notes, as it were.

it's always harder for me to explain this stuff with words... it's better seen than described.

[user101]

at least your pinky is not sticking out when not in use, unlike mine. Curled looks better.

[PilbaraBass]

I remember Flea mentioning once how he had a weakness with his frethand pinky.

I don't have a problem with it...i believe its because

1) I am lefty playing righthanded (fret hand is my dominant hand)

2) I normally play with my middle finger as the root finger..hence, I need to use my pinky for 5ths and octaves..that also leaves my index free for 3rds..

3) my fingers are almost ALWAYS touching strings...
I use my "free" fingers for muting other strings, and in position for doing hammer-ons...(being left handed, I do a LOT of hammer ons)