Yet another pinkie thread (and I've made some pictures)

[random fat guy]

Well my left hand technique is crap. Probably because my bass hangs somewhere below my belt notwithstanding me playing in a progressive/art rock band. Or because I'm too lazy to get my hand into shape. The problem is that my pinkie position is quite disturbing sometimes (picture on the right). It's not causing any pain or discomfort and it does not seem to limit my speed or accuracy. But it just looks genuinely wrong. Any suggestions?
UPD: Well, up the bass goes then. I guess I have no choice. Got to look more classy from now on.

 

[FrednBass]

Get you bass higher on your body.

 

[random fat guy]

I would have probably done that already, but the higher it is the lamer it looks.

 

[Tupac]

That looks ridiculously uncomfortable. Get that thumb off of there. If it needs to be there, don't bend it so far.

 

[therhodeo]

progressive/art rock band.

the lamer it looks.

You should know you're past the point of "lame" being a concern.

 

[random fat guy]

You should know you're past the point of "lame" being a concern.

And by that you mean…

 

[therhodeo]

And by that you mean…

Just giving you crap but seriously you're worrying way too much about what you look like.

 

[mambo4]

.. Probably because my bass hangs somewhere below my belt ...Or because I'm too lazy to get my hand into shape.

maybe this will help:

Developing Safe Left Hand Technique for Bass Guitar

 

[MonetBass]

Just giving you crap but seriously you're worrying way too much about what you look like.

+1. If you can't play effectively, who cares how it looks?

Best suggestions (1) raise the bass up, and (2) practice scales / finger patterns while using pinky and ring finger together, and (3) get your thumb in the middle of the back of the neck unless you need it over the top of the neck. Practice and more practice.

 

[MarthaSamira]

Nice socks, but your technique sucks...

Just place your bass higher and quit the silliness already.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

the higher it is the lamer it looks.

/thread

 

[FrednBass]

I would have probably done that already, but the higher it is the lamer it looks.

I think it's hard to look as badass as he looks:
Link Removed

 

[random fat guy]

+1. If you can't play effectively, who cares how it looks?

Well the point is that I can play effectively.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

Um, not really.

 

[random fat guy]

I think it's hard to look as badass as he looks:
Link Removed

Because he's John freaking Entwistle.

 

[Epitaph04]

So what exactly is the point of this thread then?

 

[nortonrider]

Don't listen to these other guys - looking "Cool" is what's really important.

Who really want's to be able to actually play their instruments effectively and efficiently?
Musicians, that's who.
But they're all just a bunch of lame music nerds anyways, so screw them - they don't matter.

 

[catcauphonic]

The problem is that my pinkie position is quite disturbing sometimes. It's not causing any pain or discomfort and it does not seem to limit my speed or accuracy. But it just looks genuinely wrong. Any suggestions?

It seems the OP is not complaining of issues related to playing, just the "looks" of the strange hand contortion - which does look weird & uncomfortable.

Are you actually using that pinkie to fret, or is it just hanging out?

 

[neebs]

Obviously looking cool is your priority. I would raise your bass to the point where you can play 124 extremely effectively. Then I would lower your bass to the point where you think is coolest, and try playing 124. Weigh the differences out, and adjust to your needs.

I personally wear my bass as high as my strap can go, but I'm also a thin man of small stature. I can wear it lower, but I lose my ability to play effectively. So if I 'Had' to look cool.. sure I'll lower it down a little bit. But I honestly don't care what people think of me. If I can jam 'til my body is old and in good standing.. I'm good to go.

Oh yeah. I would only use 124 as a measurement in frets 1-7.. ish.

I know nothing.

 

[Jason Hall]

My suggestion to anyone who says they're having problems with their pinkie... get a gripmaster with medium tension and use it every day for a week or so. Read the little pamphlet it comes with and run through a few exercises. I still pick mine up from time to time and it has helped me immensely. Just don't overdo it and cramp your hand up.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085MX3SG...nd=5308585701866158715&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=

Edit: The ladies will appreciate your hard work as well, trust me.. *wink*