Persistent issues with the pinkie (1-2-4 and 1-3-4) fingerings

Technique Critique
#1

https://youtube.com/shorts/bLCDxmb9PF4

Pretty much what the title says. I’ve been doing several exercises (probably more than I even need to) for the last couple of weeks to try and get the pinkie finger to work at the same level as the 1-2-3 fingerings but it’s still extremely awkward and unpredictable. I’m starting to think this might be a deeper issue than technique, finger strength, or finger independence, because my pinkie is so erratic and does a really strange hopping/flinging around motion, as seen in the video. You can see that my max speed for phrases just using the 1st 2nd and 3rd fingers are way higher and more consistent than if I even attempt to play with the pinkie. What is even going on here?

1 Like
#2

I’ve had a similar issue,with the added problem with hyper flexibility of the middle joint aka swan neck in fingers

Went to a orthopedist a got a brace on that joint so it can stay in the correct position

Meanwhile without telling him i did chromatic exercises and learnt some songs where it’s pretty hard to play some parts without using it

That was almost a year ago,but it did significantly improve

From your posted video i see its a matter of time to develop the strength/dexterity and precision

Do keep practicing,and visit a doctor to see your hands just in case

#3

If i may weigh in here, your hand position on the neck means that your shortest finger (pinkie) has the furthest to travel, basically the entire length of the finger. You’re basically putting the naturally weakest finger in the most difficult position. We all do it to some extent (except those bastards who have perfect technique shakes fist) but you can make it easier by changing your fretting hand position slightly.

Also, it is the only finger to return a long way away from the fretboard, try a chromatic exercise but the aim is not speed, it is to keep your pinkie on the correct fret, never rising more than 5mm off the strings. It’ll help, I promise :slight_smile:

1 Like
#4

1-3-4 fingerings in particular are simply weaker because of the anatomy of the hand (@Tom_Gilroy has some threads on this). There’s nothing wrong with using 1-2-3, and your playing with 1-2-3 sounds great to my ears.

After a while using 123 for many things, I find 124 to be less comfortable as well, particularly higher on the neck. Go with what’s comfortable, your nervous system is trying to tell you something about what works.

Edit: nO cOnSeCuTiVe RePlIeS AlLoWed

1 Like