The Pinky

For most people it’s the least-used, and therefore weakest finger. It IS the smallest after all…

When I was just starting to play, using my pinky felt so unnatural – like brushing my teeth with my left hand. I was SO much more comfortable just using my other three fingers – and I got away with doing this…for a while.

But when I eventually got serious about using my whole hand (not just the parts I liked using) and I got used to using my pinky, I found a whole world of options opening up to me. My range in one position increased, I found a whole lot more dexterity and control when I played, and moving around my fretboard became a breeze.

Thankfully, if your pinky is weak, it’s a fairly straightforward process to strengthen it and get you used to using it. All you have to do is work the muscles that move your pinky – just like going to the gym and building muscle on your body. You can do the same thing with your hands and that’s what this lesson is all about.

Check it out here:

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Click Here To Download The PDF Exercise And The 23 Other ‘Cells’

Now, I said it multiple times in the lesson, but it’s worth saying again – don’t go overboard with this exercise if you’re new to it. The exercise in the lesson really does work the muscles in your hand. That’s why it works and that’s how it builds up that strength you’re looking for. Just be careful with it and listen to your body.

You wouldn’t walk into a gym for the first time and expect to lift thousands of kilograms or run a full marathon – you would seriously hurt yourself. In the same way, you should approach this exercise with some care. At first, it might feel awkward, but over time, your muscles adapt and you find it easier and easier.

If something IS hurting, it’s your body’s way of saying that something is wrong, so if this happens to you, take a break and come back to it later and try to stay as relaxed as possible.

Of course, when you’re ready, you can also use the 23 other cells to work your hands in ways you may have never thought of. The same thing applies to all the other cells. Stay as relaxed as possible, and soon, your hands will be as strong as an ox and you’ll have no troubles playing even the most difficult bass lines or solos.

Thanks so much for watching and reading. If you haven’t done it already, make sure and sign up to the Become A Bassist email newsletter by putting your name in the box below or at the top right on this page. You’ll get a whole series on bass chords as well as a whole lot of other exclusive subscriber only lessons.

Good luck with the lesson and happy playing!