How to Get Comfortable Putting My Pinky and Pointer Finger on the Guitar

Getting comfortable with placing your pinky and pointer finger on the guitar can feel like wrestling with an octopus—an awkward, slippery challenge. It’s one of those hurdles that every guitarist faces at some point, especially if you're diving into the world of shredding and intricate metal riffing. This guide will help you conquer this common challenge with practical tips, relatable examples, and a touch of humor.

Finding Your Finger Placement Groove

First off, let’s tackle the elephant in the room: finger placement. If you're new to guitar or even if you've been playing for a while but feel a bit clumsy with your pinky and pointer, know that you're not alone. These two fingers are crucial for a variety of techniques, from intricate solos to powerful rhythm playing.

The key is to start with the basics. Place your pointer finger on the first fret of the low E string. Now, try placing your pinky on the fourth fret of the same string. Notice how it feels and adjust your hand position until it’s comfortable. If your fingers feel like they're doing yoga poses, you're on the right track!

It's also helpful to keep your wrist relaxed. A tense wrist can hinder your flexibility and speed. Try this: shake out your wrist, then place your fingers back on the fretboard. Notice the difference? Your fingers should feel like they're gliding more easily.

• Practice the Basics: Start by playing simple scales using just your pinky and pointer fingers. This will build muscle memory and strength.
• Relax Your Wrist: Keep it loose and let your fingers do the walking.
• Adjust Your Thumb: Your thumb should be behind the neck, not wrapped around it, to give your fingers more reach.

Interestingly enough, practicing these basics can make your journey more enjoyable. It’s like learning to ride a bike—awkward at first, but once you get the hang of it, you never want to stop.

Strengthening Those Fingers

Building strength in your pinky and pointer fingers is similar to weightlifting but for your hands. It requires consistent practice and a bit of patience. One technique that many guitarists find helpful is finger exercises. Here's a simple one to get started:

1. Place your pointer on the fifth fret of the low E string.
2. Hammer-on with your pinky on the eighth fret of the same string.
3. Lift your pinky and repeat.
4. Move down through each string.

This exercise might feel awkward at first, but it’s great for building finger strength and independence. Try it for a few minutes each day and notice how it becomes easier over time.

Think of your fingers like tiny athletes. They need to train to perform at their best. And just like any athlete, they need rest. Don’t overdo it. Listen to your body—if your fingers start to hurt, give them a break.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for more structured exercises, Riffhard offers a wealth of lessons tailored specifically to modern metal guitarists. We have exercises from some of the best in the game, like Dean Lamb of Archspire and Aaron Marshall of Intervals. These lessons can give you that extra edge in strengthening those fingers.

Perfecting Your Technique

Once your fingers are stronger, it’s time to refine your technique. Good technique is like having the right tools for a job—it makes everything easier and more efficient. A common issue is finger placement—too far from the fret, and you'll get a muted sound; too close, and you might accidentally bend the note.

Aim to press the string just behind the fret. This position minimizes the effort required and produces a clear, ringing note. Practice this until it becomes second nature.

Another tip is to pay attention to your hand's position. Your knuckles should be roughly parallel to the fretboard. This gives your fingers the best angle to press the strings. If your hand is too angled, it could cause strain or limit your reach.

• Right Behind the Fret: Aim for the spot just behind the fret for the clearest sound.
• Keep Knuckles Parallel: This helps with reach and reduces strain.
• Check Your Angle: Adjust as necessary to keep your fingers comfortable.

Remember, even the pros had to practice these fundamentals. If you need some expert guidance, Riffhard has lessons that break down these techniques in detailed, easy-to-follow ways.

Incorporating Finger Exercises into Your Routine

It’s easy to think of finger exercises as separate from your regular practice routine, but incorporating them into your daily playing can make a big difference. Treat them like a warm-up before you dive into playing your favorite riffs.

Start your practice session with a few minutes of finger exercises. This not only warms up your fingers but also gets your mind in the right place. It’s like stretching before a run—it prepares your body for the task ahead.

Here's a simple routine to try:

• 5 minutes of finger stretching.
• 5 minutes of finger exercises (like the hammer-on exercise mentioned earlier).
• 10 minutes of playing scales using only your pinky and pointer fingers.

By consistently including these exercises in your routine, you’ll notice improvements not just in finger strength, but also in speed and accuracy.

And if your routine ever feels stale, check out Riffhard. With over 150 video lessons from top metal guitarists, we provide fresh inspiration and new exercises to keep your practice sessions exciting.

Combining Technique with Speed

Speed is a hallmark of metal guitar, and getting your pinky and pointer fingers to work in harmony at high speeds can be tricky. Start by practicing slowly and gradually increasing the tempo. A metronome is your best friend here.

Set your metronome to a comfortable speed and play through a simple riff using just your pinky and pointer. Once you can play it cleanly, increase the speed by a few BPM. Repeat until you reach your target tempo.

It’s important to maintain good technique while increasing speed. If you start to feel tense or your notes become sloppy, slow down and focus on clarity.

• Use a Metronome: Gradually increase the tempo to build speed.
• Focus on Clarity: Prioritize clean notes over speed.
• Stay Relaxed: Tension can hinder speed and accuracy.

For more tips on combining speed with technique, Riffhard offers lessons from guitarists like Zakk Wylde and Jason Richardson, who know a thing or two about shredding at lightning speed.

An Exercise in Patience

Learning to use your pinky and pointer effectively is not something that happens overnight. It’s a journey of small victories and occasional setbacks. The key is patience. Celebrate the small wins, like hitting a clean note or nailing a tricky riff.

If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a break. Step away from the guitar and give your hands a rest. When you return, you might find that things come a bit easier.

Patience also means being kind to yourself. You're learning a new skill, and it takes time. Remember that every guitarist, no matter how skilled, has been where you are right now.

For those days when you need a bit of extra motivation, Riffhard has a community of like-minded guitarists who can offer support and encouragement. Sometimes a little camaraderie is all you need to keep going.

Exploring Different Genres for Practice

While metal might be your genre of choice, exploring different styles can offer new challenges and help refine your finger technique. Blues, jazz, and classical guitar all have unique demands that can improve your versatility and precision.

Try learning a blues riff focused on bends and slides, or a classical piece that requires fingerpicking. These styles can teach you new ways to use your fingers and enhance your metal playing.

Switching genres occasionally keeps your practice fresh and prevents burnout. Plus, it opens up a world of new techniques and ideas that you can incorporate into your own playing.

Remember, the best musicians are often those who draw inspiration from a wide range of influences. So, while metal is your mainstay, don't be afraid to branch out.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

If you're feeling stuck or unsure about your progress, it might be time to seek some professional guidance. A teacher can offer personalized feedback and help you refine your technique.

Lessons can be especially helpful if you're struggling with specific aspects of your finger placement or strength. A good teacher will provide exercises tailored to your needs and help you overcome any roadblocks.

For those seeking expert insights from top metal guitarists, Riffhard offers lessons from musicians like Dave Davidson and Mike Stringer. Learning from the best can inspire and push your playing to new heights.

Final Thoughts

Getting comfortable with your pinky and pointer finger on the guitar is a rewarding journey filled with challenges and triumphs. With consistent practice, patience, and perhaps a little guidance from Riffhard, you can achieve the fluidity and precision you’re aiming for. Happy playing!