Using middle finger predominantly for finger-style?

[Hambone70]

For whatever reason, I've developed a habit of using my middle finger rather than my index finger for fingerstyle plucking. I still alternate index-middle fingers for faster plucking, but I find myself mostly leading with my middle finger.

Is there any reason this should be a problem? I feel I get a better tone from the softer pad on my middle finger, and it's stronger.

 

[Stumbo]

For whatever reason, I've developed a habit of using my middle finger rather than my index finger for fingerstyle plucking. I still alternate index-middle fingers for faster plucking, but I find myself mostly leading with my middle finger.

Is there any reason this should be a problem? I feel I get a better tone from the softer pad on my middle finger, and it's stronger.

IME, whatever works. Jameson used one finger and he played okay.

 

[Boogiepop]

My standard fingerstyle pattern (aside from the occasional rake) is mimimi etc. Middle finger is stronger and lends punch to yhe stressed notes.

B.

 

[AGCurry]

Is there any reason this should be a problem? I feel I get a better tone from the softer pad on my middle finger, and it's stronger.

The ideal is that - when you desire it - notes sound the same regardless of which finger. That said, if your method is not keeping you from playing what you want, it's okay.

 

[mambo4]

The ideal is that - when you desire it - notes sound the same regardless of which finger. That said, if your method is not keeping you from playing what you want, it's okay.

Agreed - technique choice should be entirely preference, not compensation for weakness.

 

[Rune Bivrin]

Unless you play with the other fingers curled and the middle finger extended, I don't see a problem...

 

[Malcolm35]

Used OFPF for years and then the fingers started deciding which would get the next now. I let them decide and good things happened.

If it's not hurting the song, what ever works.

 

[Bassdirty]

I use middle and index alternately. I do start with the middle though..not sure if that's backwards or not.

 

[JimmyM]

Dave LaRue always starts tricky stuff with the middle finger and he does just fine.

 

[2BitHack]

I use my middle finger all the time. Sometimes both at the same time, especially in traffic.

 

[Wasnex]

For whatever reason, I've developed a habit of using my middle finger rather than my index finger for fingerstyle plucking. I still alternate index-middle fingers for faster plucking, but I find myself mostly leading with my middle finger.

Is there any reason this should be a problem? I feel I get a better tone from the softer pad on my middle finger, and it's stronger.

IMHO, You should be able to start a line with either finger, but most of the time it doesn't matter.

 

[Stewie]

I'm much happier to start with my index, ring ,or pinky

 

[Stewie]

I'm happy to start with my index, ring, or pinky, never the middle one

 

[donahue]

I start with my ring or middle finger first.

 

[aekisz]

I use my middle a lot too, but not exclusively. One finger plucking adds some consistency to finger style that makes stuff sound more picked (particularly with hard calluses). My middle finger is also indispensable for driving.

 

[Col the plunker]

I always start off with my index finger, and then my middle finger joins the party and then takes over for a while...then the whole cycle repeats itself.

 

[Col the plunker]

I'm happy to start with my index, ring, or pinky, never the middle one
View attachment 3724947

Goodness! What happened to it?

 

[MVE]

Alternating fingers is ideal and required for very fast fingerstyle playing. You simply can’t play super fast if your fingers aren’t alternating evenly and they are not quite sure which who’s supposed to play the next note.

But, if you aren’t trying to burp-out 16th note fills, then stick with whats comfy for you.

 

[Tottery]

I always start with my index and alternate between it and the middle finger. Only time I use one finger a lot is if a song allows the ability to rake a lot.

Either way, if you are comfortable and it sounds good, that's all that matters imo.

 

[Spidey2112]

I use my middle finger all the time. Sometimes both at the same time, especially in traffic.

Timing is everything.