Taping my ring finger in

Curt Trisko · From: St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

I'm thinking of taking some unusual measures to help my right hand technique. Right now, I play with my pinky extended and my ring finger sticking out, but halfways bent. What ends up happening, especially when playing pieces that make extensive use of the lower strings, is that my ring finger will anchor on the first string and I'll be playing with a flat hand. After playing for a little while, I'll have a crease from the first string on my ring finger.

I'd love to be able to play with my ring finger tucked in, but it's a hand posture that just doesn't compute with my brain. I'm thinking of taping my ring finger in a curled position when I play to train my brain to get used to it. Is this dumb?

Eric Philippsen · From: Central Florida USA

No, I don't think it's dumb.

I mean, go ahead and try it. What's the harm? If it works and makes your RH technique more to your liking then great! If it doesn't work out, then "no harm, no foul."

Glenn Uhler · From: Trenton, New Jersey, USA

Instead of tapeing it down, put it to use! Put a finger pick on it and play 4 note chords. It's not as difficult as you think.

Glenn
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1974 Marlen S-12 1968 Tele 1969 Martin D-35H

Georg Sørtun · From: Mandal, Agder, Norway

Worth a try.

I taped a ruler on top of my hand/fingers to keep my pinky straight out and improve individual control over the ring- and other fingers as I was experimenting with a picking style. A few hours playing time over a couple of days with a "forced positioning", was enough.
That was over 20 years ago, and although my right hand doesn't work quite as well as it used to (mainly for lack of practice), it does naturally fall into the position I came up with back then.

Curt Trisko · From: St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

That's really good to hear, Georg. I'm completely satisfied with my right hand technique when I only have to manipulate the upper 6 or 7 strings or even reach back occasionally to strike 8, but when I have to stay down there or move my hand up and down the strings, then my technique is crude.

Because I've been following this forum ever since I've begun playing, I've been pretty open minded and flexible with my technique, but I figure sooner or later I need to find what's "right" and focus on refining that. Once I become proficient, then I feel like that is the time to start experimenting again, right?

Doug Beaumier · From: Northampton, MA

Mark Draycott R.I.P. · From: Portland, OR

I've been using a big thick elastic band.
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1976 Sho-Bud Pro II, 1976 Sho-Bud LDG, BF Fender Deluxe, Evans FET 500 LV, BF Princeton Reverb, '68 Vibrolux Reverb

Henry Matthews · From: Texarkana, Ark USA

At one time, I tried everything in the world to play with my pinky extented but the rest of my fingers won't work when it is. I learned to block with my ring finger tucked under. I always thought when I first started playing that the extented pinky made blocking faster and looked good but learned later that blocking can successfully be done in many different ways. Not dumb what you tried, I tried the pencil taped to pinky, LOL
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Henry Matthews

D-10 Magnum, 8 &5, dark rose color
D-10 1974 Emmons cut tail, fat back,rosewood, 8&5
Nashville 112 amp, Fishman Loudbox Performer amp, Hilton pedal, Goodrich pedal,BJS bar, Kyser picks, Live steel Strings. No effects, doodads or stomp boxes.

Dave Grafe · From: Hudson River Valley NY

Just put a pick on it and move on.

Curt Trisko · From: St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

Brett Day · From: Pickens, SC

I usually keep my ring and pinky fingers tucked in, but every once in awhile, I extend them out and see how it works-good way to experiment. Mel Bay's Guide To Pedal Steel Guitar says you gotta find what works best for you.

Curt Trisko · From: St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

You guys were right. It really doesn't take long for your brain to get used to the new posture. Now I'm wondering if I should just have my pinky tucked in, like Brett. Going from my usual posture to ring and pinky finger tucked in doesn't take any work at all.

I'm thinking maybe my usual posture is just a sign of my insecurity with the strings; that maybe my brain wants a constant "grip" on the strings.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Many beginners want to block all their strings with the right hand due to poor bar control. Try it for awhile with the ring and pinky both tucked under! Why? Because that will help with your left-hand muting (tracking the strings with the bar). Later, you can re-investigate playing with the extended pinky if you think it's advantageous.

Frank Gilbert · From: Quebec, Canada

I developped a tendinitis in the left pinky in college trying something like that (ruler, tape, golf ball, etc) to play an Allan Holdsworth solo on guitar. I can still feel it once in a while and regret it. I think Robert Schumann ruined his pianist career with a similar strategy to increase his reach. Good thing he married a virtuoso. What you are considering is less drastic and has worked for others, but I would advice against it.

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