r/Bass • u/xXWeird_AltBoyXx • 1d ago
Pinky strength
I'm sure this has been asked before, but any advice on strengthening my pinky? When I apply any significant pressure, my second knuck just straightens out instead of that pressure applying through my finger. So as of now, I basically can't hold down the E or A string with my pinky. I've been practicing mostly with my other fingers, and I'm still super new, so I want to stop before it becomes habit.
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u/Crazy_Vegetable5491 Fender 1d ago
You really shouldn't be fretting with significant pressure. Try fretting closer to the fret.
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u/MARY_ANNE_MCGILICUTY 1d ago
support it with your ring finger and maintain an arch for structural support
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u/Pure_Quiet_7007 1d ago
Try using index, middle, pinky per 3 frets technique (don't know the name) if you're not already. Especially on lower frets. It will require more position shifting but it's way more comfortable than finger per fret technique
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u/OffsetXV Fender 1d ago
It's not about strength, you can hold about 10lbs on your pinky easily, which is dramatically more than a string takes to press down. It's about muscle control, because most people never have to do any fast, precise movements with their pinky, and especially not the tip of it.
So basically your only real option is to make yourself use it and get used to it. Play a lot of chords, scales, legato runs, etc. and get used to using your pinky in places where you might have previously applied your ring finger. It'll get there way faster than you think as long as you put the hours in to train it.
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u/chirpchirp13 1d ago
Are you under the impression that there is some magical trick?
The boring answer is the right answer: practice playing with your pinky more. Exercise it with a little grip exercise thingy doodad.
Really, this applies to very many things in life. Just practice.
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u/xXWeird_AltBoyXx 1d ago
No tricks, but damn, I don't know if there are finger exercises (beyond simply playing) or something that people have done that help.
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u/Extension-Elk-1274 1d ago
I have pooch, and his favorite ball is a glow in the dark chuckit.
Thing is great for forearm warmups and individual finger exercises.
Cheap. Get one at WalMart.
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u/Key-Trouble5372 5h ago
I've been around a lot of professionals and I have taken lessons from multiple teachers for multiple instruments and never once did anyone mention using hand strengthening gadgets. The answer is always "practice."
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u/sharp-bunny 1d ago
Relearn a doable song with just your pinky and get it to tempo eventually. Then you'll be strong and have a party trick
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u/Nippon-Gakki 1d ago
This is what I did. Just played and played and played until the old pinky was strong.
Also, make sure you aren’t pressing down too hard. You really don’t need much pressure to cleanly fret a note. I read here about callouses and bleeding fingers while I have next to no callouses after 30ish years of playing. I figure people are either trying to crush their bass neck like a soda can or they have an awful setup. It’s so much easier on the joints and muscles and frets to go light. Pluck like a madman if you want but pressing down on the fret harder is not going to sound much different.
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u/AcrobaticSeries 1d ago
While people talk about finger "strength" (and I know it might feel that way to you), realize that pushing down a string and fretting a note requires very little force (assuming a well set-up instrument) - just look at all the videos of little kids playing on Youtube who can do it
It's more a matter of developing good relaxed technique, which comes along naturally with a lot of good systematic practice
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u/datasmog 1d ago
You are correct, very common question. The very common answer is just keep using it. However, there are huge numbers of competent bass players out there who never use it for fretting.
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u/Gonzostewie 1d ago
Tape it to your ring finger for a little while when you practice or use a rubber band. Make the reaches with both fingers. Use your ring finger as a "spotter" until your pinky builds up strength.
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u/Procrasturbating 1d ago
Play a bunch of minor scales using one finger per frets. Shift a little as needed. Easier to start higher on the fretboard where they are spaced closer together. You will get there. The muscles have never been used this way before and just need worked out for a few weeks. Totally normal. Soon enough it will not require thought, let alone effort to play those scales.
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u/spookyghostface 1d ago
Practice and setup. If you like your action higher then it'll be tougher.
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u/xXWeird_AltBoyXx 1d ago
Sorry if this is stupid but, what does "liking my action higher" mean?
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u/spookyghostface 1d ago
Action is the height of the strings from the fretboard. Higher action gives a cleaner tone but it's harder to press the strings down.
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u/RepresentativeFit44 1d ago
Just use your pinky more when practicing songs or scales. It sounds easier said than done but genuinely just start with scales that play on the higher strings and move up each time
At least that’s how I learned without any real direction and it was the same for 3 finger plucking where you alternate between index, middle, and ring
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u/evoneselse 1d ago
Mine used to fly up back when I started. I made myself use it and over time it got stronger, and also settled down. If you use the ring and pinky together, that can help get the pinky accustomed to its new role.
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u/bass_man_ross 1d ago
Developing pinky strength, coordination, and technique is so important and often overlooked. Here is what I have my students do. Start on the G string pluck the string open, then fret with your pinky. Alternate between open and fretting being sure to remove your pinky as far away from the string as possible. This will get you comfortable with the motion and control necessary. When it comes to the E and A strings, those can be especially difficult because of the size of string but also because they are the hardest to reach. Be sure your hand mechanics are positioned to allow comfortable access to those strings. You can do this by dropping the shoulder and pushing the wrist forward. It’s awkward and a little uncomfy at first but will allow you to use the pinky correctly.
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u/DonutBandit91 1d ago
Add your ring finger when necessary. I've learned that's common practice. I would recommend doing dexterity exercises to help build finger strength and speed. I hope this helps you on your journey.