Pinky control

[jschmitz54]

Been playing for about 3.5 years. I’m not satisfied with the control and accuracy of my pinky on my fretting hand. Seems like I miss too many strings with it and it can be slow to get it where it needs to be.
Are there any exercises or tricks any of you have used to increase accuracy and control.
I know practice, practice, practice but if I’m continually dissatisfied with my result how can I improve this? Any suggestions appreciated.
Happy Thanksgiving to our USA members and Happy Holidays to all.

[PhilFish]

Check the the play and write section there's a thread going on now about this subject.
Happy Thanksgiving

[EZYPIKINS]

When I first decided I was going to make a go at a semi pro musical journey.

I tried everything I could to do to get my hands to articulate the various positions.

You can start by doing stretches. Trying to widen your reach. Tapping cadences on a table with different finger combinations.

Do as many things as possible with your fretting hand.

Even if it feels like it's the wrong hand for the job.

Put on a capo at 3-5 fret and play without using index finger.

Really anything you can do to incorporate your pinky will help.

Takes time. 3.5 years is nothing in the musical journey.

When I first started. I was always told.

Nothing that ten years won't cure.

Then, At 18. Ten years was half a lifetime.

It all boils down to. How bad do you want it.

The more you play. The more you understand what you are playing. The more you'll advance.

I've been playing over 50 years. I do ok. Are there people who can play circles around me. Sure. There is always somebody better.

But there is no one I would be afraid to play along side of.

Stick with it. And enjoy the ride.

[jschmitz54]

I see there’s already a great thread about this. Nice to know I’m not the only one.

[Jamolay]

Originally Posted by EZYPIKINS

Takes time. 3.5 years is nothing in the musical journey.

When I first started. I was always told.

Nothing that ten years won't cure.

Then, At 18. Ten years was half a lifetime.

It all boils down to. How bad do you want it.

Stick with it. And enjoy the ride.

Playing for one year now, almost.

I started late, so at this point 10 years isn’t half a lifetime, it is closer to half my remaining life span!

(Ok, I exaggerate, 1/3 remaining life span…I hope)

I just will be happy with how it goes.

I have some issue with the fretting pinky, but I am lefty playing righty and may have better control with my left fretting hand than the average beginner right handed player.

Where I have difficulty is consistency with my right hand, especially finger picking.

It too will be better in ten years.