Weak Pinky Finger

[Bass-4-God]

Hello Michael

I have this problem that I hope you can give me some advice on. So here goes, when I fret a string with my pinky finger my ring finger automatically curls under unless I use my ring finger to help fret along with my pinky. So when I use my pinky finger my ring finger either curls under or follows the pinky. I am trying to break the dependency of each finger but I don't see any progress. Will this be something that I can break or am I just destined to play this way? I have been told that there is nothing I can do to correct this because of the shared tendons between the fingers of the pnky and ring finger. Please help!!!!!

[meev991]

well, it's true, that tendons and such, and the physical limitations of the hand make things hard, at times, to play bass. If you're really intent on creating some independence for your fingers, do some exercises, or just simply, take it slow and steady and just practice and take a conscious effort to do so.

It's really up to you

[joegeezer]

Work it everyday. It'll take about a year or so. You'll get so the muscle on the edge of your palm, below your pinky will knot all up and hurt like hell, but after a year or so, of real hard work, you will be able to do anything with the pinky that you can do with your other fingers. It's hard as hell to do, but it pays off. I used to think, I'd never be able to use my pinky. Now I can't imagine not being able to rely on it. Hard work, pain and perserverance, will pay off in the end. Now, get to work!

[meev991]

Don't forget the monthly $15 massage! It's worth it

[Burg]

Steve Bailey's Hazard Exercise is great for helping with this. Google it!

[Jim Breece]

I'm not sure I'd recommend working until it's genuinely painful, but like joegeezer it took me about a year to get my pinky happening. It's absolutely worth the trouble though. The thing I'm wondering about is the curling ring finger. That didn't happen to me, so I wonder if you're contending with something I didn't run into. Regardless, keep at it slow but sure and I bet it will happen for you. For myself, a little cramping at the end of a long practice was ok, but I'd back off a bit if it got worse/ more prolonged than that.

[Michael Manring]

It's true that, while equal facility for each finger would probably be ideal for us bassists, the structure of the hand doesn't always make that easy. Nevertheless, I think the goal is to achieve as much dexterity and independence as you can. Everyone’s hand is a little different, but I think with enough work, you will probably be able to keep your pinky relatively relaxed when using your third finger. In my opinion, this is not about strength, but rather focus and isolation, so I encourage you to practice slowly with great concentration. And perhaps above all, be patient! Good luck.