I've been playing bass for years. Back when I took lessons, I took them from an old blues guy. He would hammer me for not using my pinky and would tell me it'll slow me down. He kept telling me I will regret it sooner or later. I guess I have reached that point lol. What exercises have you guys done that helps incorporate the pinky and to help strengthen it?
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pinky problems
- Thread starter theos
- Start date
a good way is to use 1st & 4th on octaves and fifths.
Just use it every day.
Play something like the E minor scale but start on the 12th fret, play slowly, go up and down, use your pinky to press G and C. Focus on letting all the notes sound clear. You can repeat the pattern anywhere you feel comfortable, it's for strengthening your pinky.
Do it until you feel totally bored, and do some more. BUT stop and rest if you feel pain.
Play something like the E minor scale but start on the 12th fret, play slowly, go up and down, use your pinky to press G and C. Focus on letting all the notes sound clear. You can repeat the pattern anywhere you feel comfortable, it's for strengthening your pinky.
Do it until you feel totally bored, and do some more. BUT stop and rest if you feel pain.
Assuming you're talking about left-hand (fretting) technique and not some Billy Sheehan madness. 
The two easiest methods are:
Pick a four-fret block and practice walking up, one finger per fret, on each string in sequence, from E to G, then back down in reverse, so you have covered every note in that block. Make sure to keep each finger down and in place as you use the next one, so your first finger should still be on the 5th fret even as your pinky is fretting the 9th!
The second one is to practice your basic scales and modes, for example, the major scale (Ionian) starting with your second finger on the E-string root. This is essentially the same as the above exercise, but without using every single note. It still works out your pinky on each string and builds more music and melodic content into your exercise rather than pure muscle memory. From there you can work on sequences, arpeggios, and all sorts of other exercises as you get comfortable with the basic shapes.
The two easiest methods are:
Pick a four-fret block and practice walking up, one finger per fret, on each string in sequence, from E to G, then back down in reverse, so you have covered every note in that block. Make sure to keep each finger down and in place as you use the next one, so your first finger should still be on the 5th fret even as your pinky is fretting the 9th!
The second one is to practice your basic scales and modes, for example, the major scale (Ionian) starting with your second finger on the E-string root. This is essentially the same as the above exercise, but without using every single note. It still works out your pinky on each string and builds more music and melodic content into your exercise rather than pure muscle memory. From there you can work on sequences, arpeggios, and all sorts of other exercises as you get comfortable with the basic shapes.
Assuming you are referring to the fretting hand :
Here is a pinky strengthening exercise I learned, compliments of TB's.. Fergie Fulton. Wrap your hand/fingers around a cup or a glass. Then drop the pinky under the glass, so just the thumb and the other three fingers are holding it. Now, move the pinky backwards and forwards under the bottom of the glass. The diameter of the glass or cup can be increased as required. Do this for about five minutes, maybe twice a day. Later, if you wish, combine the ring and pinky together when doing the exercise.
The good thing is that this exercise can be done anytime without the bass, so valuable time is not lost when you go to practice.
Here is a pinky strengthening exercise I learned, compliments of TB's.. Fergie Fulton. Wrap your hand/fingers around a cup or a glass. Then drop the pinky under the glass, so just the thumb and the other three fingers are holding it. Now, move the pinky backwards and forwards under the bottom of the glass. The diameter of the glass or cup can be increased as required. Do this for about five minutes, maybe twice a day. Later, if you wish, combine the ring and pinky together when doing the exercise.
The good thing is that this exercise can be done anytime without the bass, so valuable time is not lost when you go to practice.
Once I started incorporating it, my (at the time) Bass Teacher got onto me for using it instead of my ring finger. WAY more comfortable for 5th and Octave stuff once you get some strength built up.
Best thing you can do is just use it...you'll come to love it in time
Best thing you can do is just use it...you'll come to love it in time
