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  Blues Bass line – Can I use my pinky?

  Posted by Mark76 on July 28, 2021 at 4:06 pm

  Trying to reach the second note of the Blues bass line(1st week of 30 days to learn Guitar) with my ring finger is a stretch. I have to release my first finger to make it.

  Is there any reason not to play that note with my pinky finger?

  Thanks!

  Mark

  • This discussion was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by  Mark76.

  Marty75 replied 4 years, 8 months ago 3 Members · 4 Replies
• 4 Replies

• 

  jumpinjeff

  Member

  July 28, 2021 at 7:11 pm

  Yep Sure @Mark76 you can use your pinky. There is always a balance going on between how I can play and how I want to play. It is fun to be able to get something sounding good. I encourage you to continue to stretch your fingers because as your playing becomes more complex you will really appreciate the ability to grab that 2nd note with your ring finger. If that stretch is too much right now at the second/fourth frets, as a primer, move the whole thing up to fret 12/14 where the frets are closer together and begin working your way down to the wider spaced frets.

  • 

    Mark76

    Member

    July 28, 2021 at 7:42 pm

    Thanks!! That’s a great suggestion.

    That’s what I was wondering too: will my fingers be able to stretch further over time? I’ve played chords for 20 years but never got into solo or walking bass lines before so this is new to me 🙂

    Mark

    • 

      jumpinjeff

      Member

      July 28, 2021 at 8:18 pm

      Persistence over time is what I found yields continued results. As you start exercising and stretching you will gain dexterity.

    • 

      Marty75

      Member

      July 29, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      👍

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