Hybrid picking finger-style - RH little finger

FreddieVanHalen · May 2018

I've been inspired to try some hybrid picking by the likes of Greg Koch and Tommy Emmanuel.

I'm really struggling with some of the techniques around tucking the plectrum though, and wonder if I could just keep hold of the pick with my thumb and first finger and then use the other two plus my pinky.

Having watched a few videos I've not seen many advising this however, most seem to leave out the pinky on the right hand in favour of the thumb on the bass strings and the first three fingers on the treble.

Any thoughts or advice? Should I try to bring my pinky into the mix or is that a road to nowhere?

Thanks!

bwets · May 2018

There's not a right answer, you've just got to find what works for you. Some people use their little finger as an anchor with it resting against the body. Some don't. It's not that common to use the little finger to pick but it works for some. I'm sure with a bit of practice you could learn to tuck the pick and then you've got the most options.

FreddieVanHalen · May 2018

Thanks @bwets ;

I'll see if I can find any players using the RH pinkie - I don't mind trying something a bit different but if there are almost zero players doing something there may well be a good reason for that

notanon · May 2018

Andrew Fairweather Low just throws the plectrum when switching to finger picking. Well that is what he did when we went to see him. Went through about 60 plectrums in the evening :-)

stratman3142 · May 2018

Albert Lee uses his RH little finger.

I sometimes use it but with nowhere near the control and dexterity of Albert Lee

FreddieVanHalen · May 2018

Cheers @stratman3142 great video and perfect example - that's definitely an example of someone using the pinkie successfully!

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Hybrid picking finger-style - RH little finger

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