Finger style technique - right hand balance?

[foxton4001]

I've always wondered why some players extend their little finger on their right hand while player finger style

Is this bad or good techinque?

Can it cause problems in hands over time - or is it just for balance?

Herers an example of Andy Lewis;

[attachment=140717:1079111_694550190572235_1335671997_o.jpg]

Edited August 4, 2013 by foxton4001

[Coilte]

I suppose it is just a habit, like how some people stick out their pinkie when drinking a cup of tea or coffee.

If it does not interfere with your playing and is not likely to cause injury (unlikely IMO) at any time, then I dont see any problem.

[philjimmcp]

I'm a recent convert to bass from guitar, and I do this! Caused me no problems so far, just where my pinky seems to want to be.

[JTUK]

I think it is a balance thing that the body naturally works out and implements...
I think it stabilises the right hand....and you notice you do it at some point without realising that you do it...

[woodyratm]

My pinkie sticks out when I play with 3 fingers. Been slagged off at many gigs for my "Tea pinkie"! Glad it's not just me!

[Grangur]

It's imperative to stick your little finger out like that. Not doing so can cause untold spinal damage later in life.

If you have problems with this I can, however, provide counselling and therapy services for a mere £125.00. Inc vat.

[Steve Woodcock]

No, it is not a good technique and has nothing to do with 'balance'; it is quite inefficient.

Try this as a demonstration: Let your hand rest naturally, palm down on your lap - how does it look? Are there any 'saluting' fingers? No, I would suspect that the fingers all have a slight curl to them. This is how your hand feels when it is relaxed. Now stick your little finger up straight - can you immediately feel the tension and a little strain perhaps? With this tension present in the hand and forearm any other movement you are trying to execute will be hindered.

[JTUK]

But your hand isn't resting ON something..it is hanging whilst trying to peform fast movement.

[Steve Woodcock]

Sorry JTUK, I don't follow?

[enricogaletta]

it doesn't make any difference, just a personal habit.
Cheers. Enrico

[benthos]

[quote name='Stickman' timestamp='1376067636' post='2169350']
No, it is not a good technique and has nothing to do with 'balance'; it is quite inefficient.
[/quote]
This has been my personal experience, too. I worked on having a relaxed, slightly curled in ring and pinky finger and it made a significant difference to my speed and endurance. It was a tip I picked up from a Dave Marks video on YouTube and I'm glad I did.

Your mileage may vary etc.

[iceonaboy]

Who gives a f*** where your pinky lives? If you are happy playing and you don't suffer, then keep doing it , yer doin it right !

[Gazza 2905]

[quote name='benthos' timestamp='1376323910' post='2172137'] This has been my personal experience, too. I worked on having a relaxed, slightly curled in ring and pinky finger and it made a significant difference to my speed and endurance. It was a tip I picked up from a Dave Marks video on YouTube and I'm glad I did. [/quote]

Yep, spot on with the Dave Marks reference.
A saluting pinkie can be an indication of tension in the hand, and if that is the case, it will definitely limit your right hand speed & dexterity.