| As hinted above, a lot of not using the 3rd finger has to do with the style that the person in the book uses. Personally, I use all four fingers, but in different situations. Like as mentioned above, I have never comprehended until now playing a major scale in its normal form any different than starting with 2nd finger on 1 and 4th finger on 2 and so on. Speaking of which, the 3rd finger is used on the double bass, but only in thumb position or, for some people, in the higher register of the first octave. Anyway, don't at all forsake ever using 3rd finger. I guarantee that you will eventually use it quite often depending on the type of line/scale you are using, but I think what the book is doing a good job of is forcing you to step out of your comfort zone and use 4th finger, because you will also use this just as often if you are a good player.
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Having technique is not only about using technique, but knowing how to apply technique to music. In this respect, monster chops are relative.
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). So, I bought Hal Leonard's three volume book on learning techniques. I haven't looked really far into, but right now all I see is that he wants me to use my 1st, 2nd, and 4th fingers and NOT my 3rd. Is this the way all instructors teach? Does anyone out there use their 3rd finger? 
