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[Stuart]: Pinky on Guitar

Admin — Wed, 20 Feb 2002 16:14:38 GMT

I'm an advancing beginner, and up till now I have never rested or touched my pinky anywhere on the guitar in any way - my first teacher told me not to do this. Now I'm starting to play more difficult music, and it is suggested that I use my pinky to lightly guide my playing for better accuracy. I'm having trouble achieving this - perhaps because for the last year and a half of playing I have not done this. When I try to extend my pinky to touch the guitar, it feels unnatural and causes tension. Also, it seems to make my playing worse. Maybe I'm just not doing it correctly. I'm wondering if it’s OK for me not to develop this. Those fast flatpickers who rest their pinky on their guitar - can this amazing style be achieved without the pinky resting and from just lots of practice, or do you definitely need the reference point to pick accurately like that? I know that this is a debatable topic. Some say that resting the pinky on the guitar is absolutely wrong, and others say that it's essential for fast and accurate flatpicking. I rather not rest the pinky if regular practice will get me to the right place – since it seems so difficult for me. What do you think?

[Homespun Tapes]: RE: While on this Subject

Admin — Wed, 20 Feb 2002 16:14:38 GMT

When using a thumb and two-finger approach, I usually rest my pinky lightly in the guitar top. However, when I'm playing a more classical or folk-ballad style using three fingers and thumb, I definitely DON'T use my pinky this way as it restricts my ring finger too much.

As with flatpicking, it's largely a question of personal choice -- unless you are a classical guitarist. In that case it's a definite no-no.

Happy

[Phil K]: While on this Subject

Admin — Wed, 20 Feb 2002 13:40:14 GMT

How about for fingerstyle? I've always played without resting my pinky on the guitar. Recently I'm hearing from many folks that I should. When I try to, it hurts my old hands and I kind of have to relearn pieces that I learned awhile back. Thanks in advance.

[Homespun Tapes]: RE: Pinky on Guitar

Admin — Sun, 13 Jan 2002 16:12:07 GMT

Resting your pinky on the top of the guitar is definitely an OPTIONAL position for flatpicking. There's no "right way," just whatever suits you. Doc Watson, certainly one of the greatest players in the world, does not use his pinky on the guitar, while Tony Rice -- another amazing flatpicker -- does. (I have just finished taping a new video lesson with Tony on which he discusses this very thing.)

Some players like to lightly touch the guitar top with their little finger, letting it glide along with their hand, while others actually anchor their finger on the guitar to steady their hand. However, if you feel this inhibits your movement or makes it uncomfortable to play well, then don't do it. It's entirely up to you.

Happy Traum

[Stuart]: RE: Pinky on Guitar

Admin — Sun, 13 Jan 2002 16:12:07 GMT

Thanks for your follow up on this. I see more people resting their pinky than not, so I was starting to get worried about myself when I found that I was having difficulty with it, but then you mention Doc Watson. Well, enough said. I guess this means that good technique and practice mean more than anything, huh?