Get that pinky moving

[papabear82191]

today i have a new blog update all about building strenght in that pinky take a look and keep practicing

Bass Guitar Tips: Pinky Conditioning

[monroe55]

Nice lesson.
I myself sufferd from PUDD ( Pinky Under-Development Disorder) for the first few years I played. Same as you I figured I could do without the little guy. It was so small, weak and uncoorperative. I just figured I'd master a 3 finger fretting technique that all would envy.
Eventually, I could hide no more. My PUDD caused my playing to be limited. Once I realized I needed to use my pinky to realistically progress on bass, I felt like I had to sort of re-learn all the technical work I had done in those first few years of practice. It was real hard trying to get a hold on my PUDD at first but little by little my pinky came around. What a waste it was letting my PUDD hold me back like that.
Anyone out there convinced they don't need their pinky( so long as they have one), better re-think it. No one wants to get stuck playing with a PUDD.

[Russell L]

Luckily, I've studied upright bass, so my pinky automatically gets used, usually along with my third finger. That way, I only play three frets with four fingers, until I need to use the third finger by itself. Then, I'm in four-finger mode and covering four frets.

[Chris K]

Nice lesson, thanks.

A main cause for PUDD is stretching the thumb (at the back of the neck).

See:

Chris K | Shakin' the grounds

[catyak]

Originally Posted by Chris K

A main cause for PUDD is stretching the thumb (at the back of the neck).

See:

Chris K | Shakin' the grounds

The thumb may be either opposite the middle finger, the index finger or out even more, but it is absolutely essential to

* keep only the upper part of the thumb pad against the back of the neck.

So: not the entire thumb pad and also not just the tip of the thumb. Keep the thumb in a bow as if you are holding a can.

I'm having a hard time visualizing that. Any drawings or pictures?