Should I use my pinky when I finger pick my guitar?

Question

Normally I use my thumb, pointer, middle and ring finger. Thumb for top three bass strings, and pointer, middle and ring for the three bottom strings. I play alot of folk when finger picking. I've been playing this way for two years. Is there any reason or style I should use my pinky?

Answer 1

The little finger is an invaluable aid to complete fingerstyle playing. Its use is crucial in playing Flamenco and Jazz, Gypsy and Spanish.



Start now and introduce a steady practice of including your little finger with the strumming and picking. Certainly, you use the little finger on your left hand; there is no reason why you shouldn't use the small finger on your right hand.

Answer 2

Never touch any finger to the face of the guitar. The right hand pinky is the only finger you don't use. When you pick, align your knuckles parallel with the strings. Extend the thumb out a little to strike the bass. Practice, and then practice some more. Do down picking exercises using all four fingers. There's much more to it. As for electric, I guess you should use a pick.

Answer 3

I play a lot of old English ballads (well I used to in my Renfaire and SCA days) and I like to do a big arpeggio--thumb 1 2 3 4 3 2 1 thumb...and so yes, the pinky comes into play regularly for that top note.



But most of the time your right pinky gets to rest.

Answer 4

I cannot agree with Guitarpicker and the rest of this panel more. I begin every class with my students by playing a simple exercise. Put your thumb on the sixth string, and all four fingers on the first string. Simply play (free style) thumb, one two, three, four three, two, one thumb - back and forth until it becomes as natural as breathing. The second exercise is to place your first finger of your left hand on the first fret of the first string (it will not sound particularly good) and play the same right hand exercise. After your have completed at least two repetitions with the first finger, add the second finger while holding the first finger down, then the third while holding the first two fingers down and finally the fourth. Then, take away one finger every two repetitions until you are playing the open E string again. The third exercise is to play the same pattern, but put down the first finger of each hand together, then the second, then the third, then the fourth. This time, instead of changing fingers, change positions! The first two repetitions should be in first positions, the second two in second position and so on. Start by doing at least three positions and as your strength builds up, add positions. When you feel comfortable, do just one repetition in each position from first to tenth position. By the time you get to this point, the fourth finger should feel more or less natural.



There is a physiological reason for doing this as well. If you exercise the fingers in your hand unequally, the overall health of your entire arm may suffer. If you exercise the first three fingers, you really should include the fourth one! My fourth finger was injured in a rafting accident when I was a child and most of the mobility (not full mind you, but vastly improved) I can credit to my time with my instruments. Since you already use your fourth finger on your fingering hand, I think you will quickly thank yourself for including your fourth finger on your other hand as well. By the way, if you are left handed, simply reverse the instructions. My left dominant students all do.

Answer 5

There's no hard and fast rule. I would say a flamenco style would necessitate using your pinky as well, but I almost never need to use it playing bluegrass, pop/rock, or blues (at least mine is too weak to bend any strings with very well). I also have never really seen anyone using it (outside of flamenco) on any web vids of finger-picking. Bottom line, use it if you want to or if it fits, but you certainly don't have to. Best of luck!

Answer 6

I don't, however, I am self-taught and only use my thumb, pointer, and middle. If you are using your ring finger also, I would think it is enough. A better guitar player may be able to explain how to use the pinky also.

Answer 7

I use my pinky sometimes but not always even though I was taught to use it. Whatever your comfortable with I suppose.