Weak fretting ring finger?

Etingi · #1 03-21-2008, 11:22 PM

This is probably a strange problem, but it doesn't feel natural using my ring finger very often to fret when I play bass. I started out playing guitar, and guitarists are usually plagued by idle pinkies (I'm not however), but when I picked up bass I used my pinky more often than my ring because of the extra stretch. I got used to doing that so I don't have to stress my wrist as much stretching, but now it feels strange to use my ring finger when I can use the pinky instead. My pinky actually feels stronger.

The only hinderance from this so far has been quick changes from the pinky to the ring or vice versa, but I can fix that with exercises. Are there other potential problems coming my way if I get in the habit of using my pinky more often?

Thanks

Rob Mancini · #2 03-22-2008, 12:29 AM

The upright bass is taught not using your ring finger at all until you get in the higher positions on the neck. Some people teach electric bass without using the ring finger. I prefer using all 4 fingers myself and I think it's better for electric. Is it horrible not to use all 4 fingers? Not at all. Will it make you play better to use all 4? I think so.

Wootsticks · #3 03-24-2008, 12:14 AM

The ring finger does not have its own tendon, it leaches off of the middle and pinky. No matter what you do, your ring will always be the weakest.

mccartjm · #4 03-26-2008, 09:57 AM

i started on upright, we were never taught to use our ring finger for anything, but no one ever said explicitly not to use it in the upper register. gaining control of your ring finger would be an advantage, although i have never been able to do it myself, it's just too weak.

**Eric Perry** · #5 03-26-2008, 10:36 AM

My ring finger has always been my weakest/most awkward of the bunch.

HogieWan · #6 04-03-2008, 09:02 AM

I never had any lessons until majoring in music in college. I found out then that I had been playing electric like an upright (ring and pinky together). I never could do anything else (in the lower registers.

Marcury · #7 04-03-2008, 10:17 AM

As said before the ring finger is the weakest finger. It's ironic since it tends to be hardest to get the pinky working, but once it's in the mix the ring finger reveals its true nature.

sotjian · #8 04-03-2008, 10:54 AM

I saw an interview with and forgive I've forgotten his name.. Loyd Ax..something or another, a country picker, who mentioned that when he was growing up and learning to play his father would smack him, I'm sure in a teacher kinda way, if he didn't use his pinky.

That always stuck in my head so I've been very conscientious about doing so. I have a very strong pinky now. Exercise the hell out of it. Do 1/4 up and down the neck.. also finding the perfect strap high helped quite a bit for me.

cutmonkey · #9 04-16-2008, 04:19 PM

i have the exact same issue with my ring finger. it's much easier to play with the pinky. my pinky is much stronger and the reach is much easier.

guess it depends on the style of music you're playing as to if it becomes and issue. it's not for me. don't get me wrong, i wish i could use the ring finger with the same strength and accuracy as my pinky, but i do fine without it.

all is good, just play brothah.

skullreaper · #10 04-16-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wootsticks

The ring finger does not have its own tendon, it leaches off of the middle and pinky. No matter what you do, your ring will always be the weakest.

Dude... I'm to sure where you got your info but all your fingers have tendons. Check out some anatomy books or Anatomy For Beginners videos

Nyarlathotep · #11 04-16-2008, 07:00 PM

Just do some chromatic runs up/down the neck. I have a post in the exersize sticky that outlines one such thing that i found in a flamenco book. Its helped me be able to use all four fingers on frets 1-4. If it can help me on my pinky, im sure it would help on your ring finger. Just start out slow, work up to fast, and use a metronome

Excercise sticky

stringslinger95 · #12 04-16-2008, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skullreaper

Dude... I'm to sure where you got your info but all your fingers have tendons. Check out some anatomy books or Anatomy For Beginners videos

Easy there buddy, in a way you're both right, while all fingers have tendons, the ring finger is connected with the middle and not totally indepedent. Too bad this is internet postings because I have some exercises to prove it. So EVERYONE should have their info straight, especially before calling someone out.

That being said back to the main point of this post. I actually find my ring finger strong because its the most common finger used for hammer-ons, that being said one thing I picked up from a guitar magazine is strictly play 3rd finger then 4th finger alternating and going up and down the strings. So 3-4 instead of 1-3 or 1-4 because the pointer finger is already strong enough. Just play with your two weakest fingers to strengthen them together. Just up and down the strings, and when it startings hurting stop. Start small and the stamina will build. Hope it helps.

kevteop · #13 04-16-2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wootsticks

The ring finger does not have its own tendon, it leaches off of the middle and pinky. No matter what you do, your ring will always be the weakest.

I never knew that. I always thought it was only my ring finger that sucked.

What's weird though, is that I prefer to pick with my index + ring fingers, rather than index + middle. I think it's because they're the same length, so I don't have to tilt my hand back towards the bridge to get them both on the same string.