Pinky issue

Technique
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Hi all, Complete newbie here - just started the BassBuzz course and am enjoying it so far.
I’m an older guy (64) and recently had surgery on the pinky finger on my left hand (I am right handed). As a result, I can no longer bend the end joint (the knuckle and first joint are fine). Is this going to be a problem as I continue my journey?
Thanks! Roger

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Hi @rogerlias! First… Welcome to the forums!

As for the pinky thing… A lot of us are crusty… and deal with joint issues, arthritis, injuries of varying types.

If you can figure out alternate fingerings that still work for you, and sound good… do that :slight_smile:

there is no hard set rule that you MUST do something a certain way, especially if there are physical limitations.

I just checked flat pinky positioning up and down the neck… and honestly … it may end up helping you… in a way it does help with wrist position when doing flat pinky. ( just a thought ) … However you end up making it work… I’m sure it will be awesome. :slight_smile:

It may take you a bit longer to get through the course while you figure your fingerings out… but don’t let it stop you from becoming a badass! :slight_smile:

Enjoy the course :slight_smile:

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Thanks John. So much to learn!

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Most important part is to have fun! :wink:

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Welcome to the group. Have fun and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
One thing you can try and see if it helps is “Buddy Taping”. Get some type of cloth tape and tape your little finger to your ring finger. It acts like a splint. It may help or be a pain, but it’s worth a try. I usually use my ring and little finger most of the time when pressing down, so two fingers are stronger than one little finger. If it does’t work then just see what else might work. Should be good for stretching the joint a little too.

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NOPE, You will do fine. My pinky does not bend to well at the end joint either. In fact I don’t think many of my finger end joint bend :joy:easily.
Hi Newbie!

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Welcome to the forum.

Pinky? No problem I’m a big pinky user but when I play my super short scale I don’t have enough room for my pinky and have to replace it with ring finger.

The trick is to learn the song slowly let your muscles memory take over. Since you are one short on the spread you’ll be doing a lot more micro shifts. It’s more herky-jerky when you do it intentionally but once on autopilot it’s buttery smooth.

Have fun with it.

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Thanks for all of the encouragement everyone! Happy New Year!

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