Pinky Flail

[TSJMajesty]

I'm curious to know...

 

[James Freeman]

Spoiler

 

[DrewJD82]

I’m assuming you’re talking about the fretting hand pinky?

Mine is all over the place and often curled inwards, but as my hand moves it’s moving as well. My uncle used to give me sh*t for not following the 1-finger-per-fret “rule”, like if you’re playing something on the first 4 frets, your index should be the first fret, 2nd fret would be your middle, 3rd ring and 4th pinky, which I ended up adapting more when I started doing the Petrucci metronome exercises, but when I’m just noodling around that thing is like “Don’t forget I’m here too, I wanna play!”

 

[TSJMajesty]

I’m assuming you’re talking about the fretting hand pinky?

Yeah. That's just what I've heard it called. (On the interwebz)

 

[DrewJD82]

Yeah. That's just what I've heard it called. (On the interwebz)

My picking hand pinky plays a pretty big role in my playing, probably more than my fretting hand, just wanted to make sure!

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

For the most part I don't worry about it - it stays close enough to not slow my down.

I have had periods where it lined up perfectly with my other fingers, totally relaxed, and it didn't take that much practice getting it there. But without consistent practice it reverts to where it is now (which is not remotely "flailing" like you seem some dudes on the YouTube; just not perfect technically).

 

[la szum]

 

[Alex Kenivel]

Never heard of it, but I use my pinky often

 

[Stone]

I use my pinky often i even power chord with my pinky just seems easier

 

[itchyfingers]

I use my pinky in leads or riffs or for oblique bends where the pinky stays stationary and I bend the string above it. I also use it for various chord voicings. But bending with my pinky? Fuggedaboudit.

 

[Warmart]

I use my pinky as needed but that sucker flies back up in the air after each note, going to lose an eye if I don't get it under control soon.

 

[fretworn]

Pinky finger is important to me. Certainly can bend w it. But I don’t think about it a whole lot.

 

[Eagle]

Depends what you are playing.
Some amazing players only use it when they have to but they do use it.

This is a fantastic example.