Sparse use of left pinky

[bassinplace]

I'm a realtively new player, a couple years, but I find I very rarely use my pinky for fretting. Bad idea?

[Bassplayer222]

I feel that. I'm forcing myself to use it. Even in spaces that it's pointless. Also try running up the neck chromatically using each finer only once. Like this

E 5678
A 4567
D 3456
G 2345
Run up and down that

[Matt R.]

Yes, bad idea. Exercise it.

[bassinplace]

Originally Posted by Bassplayer222

I feel that. I'm forcing myself to use it. Even in spaces that it's pointless. Also try running up the neck chromatically using each finer only once. Like this

E 5678
A 4567
D 3456
G 2345
Run up and down that

Good idea. Thanks, will do.

Originally Posted by Matt R.

Yes, bad idea. Exercise it.

But I seem to get around quite well without it. That's why I'm wondering what, if anything I may be missing out on.

[Matt R.]

You'll get around better if you use it. What's the logic in leaving it out?

[Matt R.]

I don't know what kind of stuff you play, but you're going to find eventually that there are certain parts/runs that you'll have a hell of a time trying to pull off if you don't utilize your fretting hand properly.

[bassinplace]

Originally Posted by Matt R.

You'll get around better if you use it. What's the logic in leaving it out?

I suppose you're right. No logic really, just comes natural.

Originally Posted by Matt R.

I don't know what kind of stuff you play, but you're going to find eventually that there are certain parts/runs that you'll have a hell of a time trying to pull off if you don't utilize your fretting hand properly.

Yeah, that's what I was wondering. Haven't gotten there yet.

[EdMerc]

Because I have pretty small hands I actually use my pinky finger more often than my ring finger. It's no big deal. You have it. Use it.

[klejst]

I used to not use my fret hand pinky much either at my early stages of playing. But since then I have advanced as a bass player and the songs I play have become more advanced where I find I use my pinky a lot more than I have ever. It really does help with moving around quickly on the fretboard. I would say get used to using it more and more as you develop. It will help out later on.

[Liam Wald]

The fact that you bring it up is an indication that you are at a point in the evolution of your playing that you are ready to start using it. So get on with it! The sooner you start, the sooner you will be comfortable using it, the better/easier you will play.
Take the leap. You can do it.

[bherman]

One thing that you might try if your pinky feels too weak is to use upright bass (1-2-4) fingering. You can go from there once your finger gets stronger. That is, many upright players use a fingering with first finger, second finger, then 3rd and 4th together. Let me know if this doesnt make sense...

[Liam Wald]

Originally Posted by bherman

One thing that you might try if your pinky feels too weak is to use upright bass (1-2-4) fingering. You can go from there once your finger gets stronger. That is, many upright players use a fingering with first finger, second finger, then 3rd and 4th together. Let me know if this doesnt make sense...

Good idea. Anything to start strengthening it.
Put the tip of your pinky on the tip of your thumb and press the two together. Do 20-30 reps of that several times throughout the day whenever you think of it.
Wake that pinky up. Tell it that it's fun little life of leisure has ended. Time to get with the program and start pulling it's own weight around here!