Hi, I understand that TONS of people have problems using their pinky when playing. But I have an unorthdox problem, I use my pinky too much. Like I see instructors on here using their first three fingers and only using pinky when it requires stretching. I don't have problems using the middle and ring finger as well, it's just in licks like this, where there is only 2 or 3 frets seperated, I ALWAYS use the pinky because it feels more natural for my finger to come vertically to touch the fret instead of from the side, like this...

This is the lick (Master of Puppets solo)

E--------------------17p15p14--------------------------------------------------------|
B-------17p15p14--------------17p15p14-------------------------------------------|
G---------------------------------------------16-14----------------------------------|
D--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
A--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
E--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

In this type of lick, it feels more natural for my hand to fret the frets like this

................____
...............| | |
E--------------------17p15p14--------------------------------------------------------|
B-------17p15p14--------------17p15p14-------------------------------------------|
G---------------------------------------------16-14----------------------------------|
D--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
A--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
E--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Instead of like this
.................___
................/ | \
E--------------------17p15p14--------------------------------------------------------|
B-------17p15p14--------------17p15p14-------------------------------------------|
G---------------------------------------------16-14----------------------------------|
D--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
A--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
E--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

So I was just wondering, should I work on improving my other fingers so I use pinky less often, or continue playing what feels natural?

i don't think its really a problem i do the same thing.

Go with the way that feels natural.

Btw, I would play that lick with the pinky as well.


-Marcus

i ALWAYS use my pinky, it came really natural to me! I too wondered if this is ok but Gabi pointed out to me that its what feels natural (like marcus did )

Pink users Included the Legendary Paul Gilbert and Buckethead (fancy me mentioning those too)LOL !!!!!!!

There is no such thing as OVERUSE of certain finger. If you are good with pinky it's only better for you. Keep improving it and you'll never have problem with stretches and other stuff.