using ur little finger

calrolo66 · Ferret Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Posts: 113 Location: UK

i've been playin about 9 months now, self-taught, n i cant get the hang of using my little finger on a fret, it jst seems 2 weak. wondered if any1 has any exercises or tips 2 help.
cheers
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Rufio · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:16 pm Post subject:

I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but practice.
In time the strength will come. Watch your thumb's position on the back of the neck, and keep your fingers arched. They also have gripmasters, if you want. http://www.music123.com/Planet-Waves-Gripmaster-i70843.music?match=1
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Hey.

rk.cu.000 · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 1:11 am Post subject:

I completely understand what you're saying, I had the same problem. However it becomes easier with continued practice. After a while, you won't even realise it but you will be able to use your little finger on the fretboard with utmost ease. No pain,no gain.

bass playin shredking · Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 8:01 pm Post subject:

ive been playing bass for three years and using the little finger is kind of awkward, its not weak but its like trying to pull a needle out of ur but. TRICKY...... Exclamation

confusedqueen · Lion King Joined: 19 Sep 2004 Posts: 1082 Location: pfft.

play the 'cello for 5 years! not very practical advice but it worked for me

and yes that translates as PRACTISE!
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Neil Gray · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 11:14 pm Post subject:

That'll do it, CQ!
I would imagine after 5 years of chello, you could squeeze a bowling ball and crack it in half!
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Neil Gray · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 11:15 pm Post subject:

Why did I spell CELLO wrong???

Just wierd, that is!
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slimatron · Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 1:15 am Post subject:

I reckon the best way to get used to using your pinky is to do scales practice.
My favourite is a natural minor scale in 2nd position; uses all four fingers without having to stretch.

Greasy Lil · Kitten Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 129 Location: UK

Cant really add anything that hsnt been said already, but sadly, its just practice practice practice. The gripmaster is good for warming up, and i suggest you get one if you're not used to using that little finger for fretting.

Its physically impossible to have the same strength in that finger as you would have in the fore finger. You might cause some minor damage if you try to stretch and fret without proper warm up. If you feel any aches behind the little finger joint going backwards across the back of your hand, stop. Rest it.

Dont practice beyond the first signs of pain. Its a very weak finger and will need time to build up to being used on frets. As said, try the gripmaster for a workout and warmup before practicing on the bass itself, and a little at a time and more often than one long workout all at once.

You will see the benefit in the end Smile

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Strung out on strings

Greasy Lil · Kitten Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 129 Location: UK

Oh and Neil.... wierd is spelt WEIRD. LOL !!! YOu spotted the Cello and not the other one.

Bonzer !! Wink

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Strung out on strings

Mkuk0 · Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 7:51 am Post subject:

Ooh picky picky........funny though Twisted Evil

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gibson_thunder · Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 8:53 pm Post subject:

I broke my little finger in a horrible fit of wall punching rage (stupid studs), so I dont use my little fanger. it sticks out when I play just like mkukos when drinking a spot of tea. Laughing

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Mkuk0 · Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 1:28 am Post subject:

*Holy Censor, Batman* you and your stereotypes, you redneck truck driving bearded weirdo you!!!!! Twisted Evil

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Greasy Lil · Kitten Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 129 Location: UK

Cor blimey guv Wink

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Strung out on strings

coryalex · Newbie Alert Joined: 14 Jul 2008 Posts: 4

just play a boogie start with your 2nd finger on E (seventh fret-A gtring)then play (1st finger on the sixth fret-D string)then (use your 4th finger 9th fret-D string and then use the same pattern on the G string(1st finger 6th fret and 4th finger 9th fret) and then back down. Rich