Finger positioning

[VBNinja24]

I’ve spent most of my time playing Jazz bass using primarily my index and middle fingers on my fretting hand. Now that I’m moving into Classic Rock with faster, more spread-out lines, I’m finding my reach and speed are limited.
What exercises or drills do you recommend for incorporating my ring and pinky fingers more naturally? I’m struggling with my hand hurting and awkwardness when things get fast or higher on the fret board.

 

[TheDuff]

I would suggest possibly starting over with your left hand technique in general. A genre really should not dictate your left hand technique; its either good or it's not. And given that most jazz is more notes and possible faster tempos than most classic rock, if anything you should be more relaxed playing rock (unless your talking like busy stuff like Lee or Squire) but even then.... Proper hand technique (especially playing jazz) should set you up for anything.

I totally agree.

Simple methods like suggested by ColinR are going to get the player a lot of traction. Making learning easier.

 

[Metal Sombreros]

Using your pinky isnt going to do anything you just need to practice 2 fingers more