Fretting Hand Pinky/little finger

[mickeyj4j]

Hi to all bass players I have been playing bass for nearly 3 years, before that I played acoustic guitar.
One thing I don't seem to use much on bass is the pinky/little finger on my left fretting hand.
1. Is this something to worry about?
2. Any tips on how to build up and develope good technique?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[bholder]

Do more scales and arpeggios, or riffs based on them, and you'll find quickly that you're going to need it.

 

[Technotitclan]

I didn't use my pinky for the first 6 years I played. I'd say in hindsight that it kind of held me back. You should definitely learn to use it. I tried learning some scales to teach me like bholder said but that was to boring to be effective for me. What Really worked for me was learning some Michael Jackson, Beatles and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Now my pinky work isn't to bad.

 

[mr13ump]

I've gotten accustomed to using my pinky instead of my third finger whenever I have to play notes that are two frets apart, I've found it to be more comfortable and it makes the pinky considerably stronger.

 

[Mushroo]

I've gotten accustomed to using my pinky instead of my third finger whenever I have to play notes that are two frets apart, I've found it to be more comfortable and it makes the pinky considerably stronger.

This. If you start using your 1st (pointer) finger for roots and 4ths, and your 4th (pinky) finger for 5ths and octaves, you will discover it can be a strong and relaxed left-hand technique, with just a little bit of practice.

 

[BigJohnAZ]

Nothing to worry about, just practice, practice, practice. As others have said, in first and second position, you really need it for reaching the octaves and spanning 4 frets. Plus, there are enough licks out there that using the pinkie makes it heck of a lot easier to play.

 

[descendent22]

How do you not use your pinky? I mean that's your tecnique then more power to ya, but like someone stated above, by not using your pinky it'll hold you back. The more octaves, arpeggios, scales, licks, and riffs you do the more you'll need your pinky. I've always used my pinky and I'm still trying to strengthen it and make it faster

 

[MrLenny1]

Scales,arpeggios etc...

 

[lokikallas]

I've heard the the pinky muscles are actually significantly stronger than the ring fingers, and to use the pinky instead, to combat cramping. I've always wondered if that was true, but I use my pink for octaves most of the time and it seems to work for me.

 

[Chinchano]

Practicing DESCENDING scale patterns will help a lot since it makes more sense to start those on your pinky most times

 

[jeepsk8]

I use my pinky way more than my ring finger. But I am a newb and nobody has corrected my form yet, lol. But really, I use my pinky a lot.

 

[dreamadream99]

One finger per fret, man.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

I've heard the the pinky muscles are actually significantly stronger than the ring fingers, and to use the pinky instead, to combat cramping. I've always wondered if that was true, but I use my pink for octaves most of the time and it seems to work for me.

Not true, the ring finger is in a position on the hand that just makes it easier to use the outside finger which happens to be the little finger.
Same thing on the other side of the hands, the fact that the thumb can get out of the way, because it is opposable lets the forefinger become that "outside finger", so the two inside finger act as "sidemen" to the outside fingers.
playing piano, typing etc, or other instruments that use full fingerings this is never an issue.

if you want to improve you finger techniques play piano or a keyboard.

 

[mickeyj4j]

I use my pinky way more than my ring finger. But I am a newb and nobody has corrected my form yet, lol. But really, I use my pinky a lot.

Well I try to use one one finger per fret. So practise the first 4 frets in all strings. One finger for each fret.

 

[Nomad916]

Hi to all bass players I have been playing bass for nearly 3 years, before that I played acoustic guitar.
One thing I don't seem to use much on bass is the pinky/little finger on my left fretting hand.
1. Is this something to worry about?
2. Any tips on how to build up and develope good technique?

Thanks in advance for any help.

After 3 years you should definitely be using your 4th finger regularly. Of course, the necessity of this depends upon the difficulty of the music.

One thing to watch out for is your finger flipping up far from the fretboard. Try to keep it under control.

A good exercise for that is to practice trills between the 3rd and 4th fingers. Also between the 1st and 4th, 2ND and 4th.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

I learned one finger per fret, however, it has moved through the years, to which ever one is closer. Not saying that is the correct way. But with country and prase it just kinda works out.

Pinky does come in handy, give it some work....

 

[highboltage55]

Not so much related to the OP, but it is Pinky related- I haven't been playing bass too long ( >4 years ) but within the past year I really started to use my pinky more and more. Perfect example is " know your enemy " by rage against the machine. Simple descending riff where the pinky comes in handy.

Back in September I sliced my pinky on a broken glass while working ( accident at my work) and had nerve damage, now it feels numb and tingly all the time and I am just starting to regain full function of the finger. I pretty much have to re-build strength and endurance, it's taken longer than expected. I don't think people realize how much you use that little finger in everyday life, it really has been annoying/hindering.

 

[1stnamebassist]

I use one finger per fret. I tried not using my ring finger as had been suggested on other threads, but it actually caused me pain to not use the ring finger. Maybe because I have been playing so long its conditioned for one finger per fret. But as to your question, yes you should do whatever is necessary to learn to use your pinky, as well as all of your other fingers.