Pinky Collapsing!?

[joergkutter]

Check out this thread, for example:

Can't spread fingers apart on frets

I think my career is over before it started. Complete beginner. Practicing along with Josh on the very beginner “plucking” and “fretting” exercises when i realized to my horror that my left hand closes up, almost like a claw, around the neck when trying to fret. When holding the bass, the pinky and ring finger on my left hand move together, almost as though they were taped together- and the ring finger curls towards the index finger. I can really only get my index and pointer fingers to sit pro…

Lots of discussions on very related issues.

I have Dupuytrens Contracture on my fretting hand and that (and a slightly botched up surgery) has led to a Boutonniere deformity on my fretting pinky (sorry, just google those for more explanation, please) - it is a constant struggle, and I might never play as fluent as some of my idols, but I will stubbornly refuse to quit playing bass because of that!

Your “ailment” might be similar to a Boutonniere deformity (i.e., the uppermost knuckle collapsing inwards)!? Don’t let it keep you from playing bass!!