Hi guys,
From time to time when I'm fingerpicking, I find that my pinky (my little finger) comes into play by itself without me thinking about it. It doesn't happen very often and generally only when I am doing arpeggios or picking patterns where each finger follows the other in succession.
I assume that being able to control all 4 fingers and the thumb on your right hand would be a good thing and would give you more control and flexibility.
But, is pinky control something I should try to develop or is it a waste of time and even something that is only worth working on once you've got the other fingers working well?
What are your experiences and thoughts??
If you can do it, how long did it take you to get control of your pinky and at what stage in your development did you start? And how did you do it?
I'm assuming that it's best to develop a bit more first before trying anything that fancy, but I'd love to know what you think.
ta
Michele
Does anyone use their pinky when fingerpicking?
I've never used my pinky on my right hand.
I think it's quite unusual to use it.
If you find it easy to use I don't see a problem.
I'm sure there was one video that Neil suggested that it could be used on a particular song.
Unfortunately I can't remembe which one it was.
I think it's quite unusual to use it.
If you find it easy to use I don't see a problem.
I'm sure there was one video that Neil suggested that it could be used on a particular song.
Unfortunately I can't remembe which one it was.
Hi Michele, the songs to use the pinky are very rare if any as I understand what Neil said and from what I read over the internet. I think the focus has to be put on using the thumb on all the base strings and keep the 3 fingers in home position as Neil calls it. I think that if you use your pinky sometimes, you migth confuse your hand as to which fingers to choose in one situation or another.
Marc
Marc
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neverfoundthetime
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Wow Michele, using your right hand pinky to pick with is not so easy, I'm impressed you can do it but have to confess I've never done that and can't see the need for it. Marc's point about Neil's "Home position" comes to mind as a strong argument. Guitars have been picked with toes tongues and teeth in the past... just a question of whether it's a good idea or not! 
I do sometimes use my pinky, but only when "hybrid" picking.
By hybrid picking I mean using my thumb and index finger to hold a pick for the bass notes, and the other three fingers for the picking. The Sage uses hybrid picking, but does not require use of the pinky.
David
By hybrid picking I mean using my thumb and index finger to hold a pick for the bass notes, and the other three fingers for the picking. The Sage uses hybrid picking, but does not require use of the pinky.
David
I'm inclined to agree with Marc and Chris about 'Home' position that Neil talks of. I can't control either pinky very well left or right, my left had been broken as an infant and never re-set properly, the right hand pinky tends to follow the ring finger closely so not a great deal of use. Someone mentioned great if you can do it, but for me I think i'd end up confusing myelf, which is not too hard. lol
Consensus seems to be that it will just confuse things. THanks for that. I definitely don't need more confusing. I already have trouble getting the right finger to pluck the right string, especially when I move from the D chord to a 5 or 6 string chord.
ta
Michele
ta
Michele