Fourth Finger Tips and Exercises

Why is using the fourth finger so dang hard?!

The fourth finger (pinky) is the smallest finger, therefore it is also the weakest finger. Additionally, the third and fourth (ring and pinky) fingers share a tendon in the hand, which makes it difficult for the fourth finger to move independently. To demonstrate this, place your left hand up in the air like you’re going to give a high five and try to bend the pinky by itself. Your third finger probably moved, too. ;)

Fourth finger tips

Developing a good pinky shape from the very start is extremely important. While the shape does not necessarily make a big difference in the sound, using vibrato with a “lazy pinky” is impossible. The fourth finger should be placed on the very tip with the knuckle up.

There are two things you can try if you’re having difficulty with getting the pinky into its ideal shape.

Alter the placement of the thumb. I usually suggest starting with the thumb slightly behind the first finger, however, if you have smaller hands, you may find that moving the thumb up across from the second finger helps not only with balance but also with fourth finger pitch and shape.

Alter the placement of the elbow. Bringing the elbow in towards the body will help elongate the fourth finger and make it easier to reach the lower strings. Be mindful to keep the wrist in line with the forearm.

Fourth finger exercises

1. Plucking. Place your fourth finger in its ideal shape and pluck each string to the side. This helps the pinky gain strength and independence.

2. Tapping. Place fingers 1, 2, and 3 down on the string and practice tapping the pinky. Think about lifting the pinky up from the base knuckle.

3. Scalar passages. Practice going up and down the scale on each string.

4. Add fourth fingers into scales. It’s a common practice to use open strings on the way up the scale and fourth fingers on the way down the scale. Practice the current scale you’re playing with fourth fingers on the way down the scale.

5. Schradieck No. 1. This is one of (if not the) best for working on fourth finger strength, shape, and independence.

Even though using the fourth finger is hard, do not avoid it! The only way it will get better is with practice ;)