The 'MISTAKE' most players make? | Friday Fretworks

[@TheOfficialDannyKent]

How anyone can listen to such melodic and soulful playing and come away criticizing the technique is beyond me.

[@thematsc]

Totally agree!

[@billgreen3629]

Have you met the internet?

[@koonsickgreen6272]

my thoughts also.

[@dylanadams1455]

guitar player insecurity. The same guys who look at Satch and Vai and go "he's not THAT great" and then go on to list some super technical player who is boring as hell.

[@ronmorey3475]

Exactly!

[@theiguana2077]

Use your little finger, don't use your little finger, as long as you are getting what you want from yourself and the instrument it's all good. Love your playing Chris.

[@cass2771]

That sort of thing was going through my mind - the big deal is what comes out of the speaker. Chris, you have that nailed!

[@ClaudioBrogliato]

"He doesn't use much his pinky" is not the very first thing it comes to my mind watching you solos. "I should play and exercise more" would be more likely. If it wasn't for my tendons.

[@BizarrePudding]

Personally I find that when it comes to having ones playing dissected/critiqued by faceless online guitar critics, the one indispensable finger is the middle one.

[@dotkennedy7443]

Right on dude. Thanks for that guffaw.

[@michaelheller8841]

It's all in the style/feel of playing. If it's a great tone? who cares what fingers to use. Critiques need the middle finger and thumb.

[@josephcotten4015]

👏👏👏

[@dkelban]

LOL!! Right on

[@hawkusmctalkus]

Hahahahaha right on 👊🏼

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Welcome back folks! Sorry for the interruption in service 😉

[@thecranium]

I couldn’t do what you do if I had 40 fingers. So is it a problem? No. 😊

[@billkeaveney1526]

Cheers Chris wonderful as always

[@ramoncastellon3036]

Thanks Chris! & don't worry. Hope everything is going well. 🙏 Seems like we might be getting "Tied Up In Blue" soon! 🤞

[@_TECHIECHAR]

What matters is tone and personal style.. which will depend on what works best for a player. Technique is an ever advancing process of learning, but perfect should NOT get in the way of good. One man's punch is another man's poison, and your playing is the very definition of good. I love watching your vids, and hearing you play. Your wonderful perspective, stellar work, the CB technique are proof that you love music.💯 Visuals are okay, but it's supposed to be about the music.. is it not? Naysayers would do well to remember that.🤔 Thank you for being you, Chris. ~Cheers!

[@Kuztomshop]

Hey Chris, there's a quote from Jimmy Page that I always try to keep in mind: "Let me explain something about guitar playing. Everyone's got their own character, and that's the thing that's amazed ma about guitar playing since the day I first picked it up. Everyone's approach to what can come out of six strings is different from another person, BUT IT'S ALL VALID."

[@toddcowart]

Dude, i couldn’t play what you play if if I had 10 fingers on my left hand. You have more tone in your three fingers than anybody out there. I don’t care how it looks- it sounds amazing ⚡️🏆

[@nickc6882]

With good guitarists what matters is the notes you play. With great guitarists it’s the notes you don’t play. Less is more.

[@joshaustin1839]

Sooopoooo true he's an amazing guitarist

[@GibsonFender]

Anyone out there? I’ll Have to personally challenge that

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

Those keyboard critics probably can't play lead solos themselves. Mr. Buck rocked the casbah!

[@chesneytube1]

Sure you could but the method is dry and boring: break things down into chunks and play them as slowly as you need to to play them properly and then gradually speed it up. Keep doing that for years. That’s what Chris did. The only way to fail is to stop trying! To quote Henry Ford: “whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right!”

[@warrenmoxley1678]

Seriously! He plays a solo with incredible control and emotion.. and there are people commenting about him not using his pinky. There’s truly special folks out there 🤣

[@brettlac]

"I don't care what fingers you use as long as you get the job done"-She

[@fredstevens799]

LOL! I see what you did there...

[@johnmac8084]

Nice to get a shout from your hero Slash. Ignore the critics Chris, it's results that count. Gary Moore did some monster shredding with two fingers! Unlike Django he had full use of the other ones but chose to use two.

[@floevo]

Haha this subject 🤦🏻‍♂️ I’ve definitely been confronted with this argument for the majority of my professional career. The answer is simple, it doesn’t fuckin matter as long as the result is a controlled, professional performance with good tone (which your performances always have). I feel like anybody focusing on this as a valid observation is focusing on the wrong things as a guitar player, plus they’re probably being taught in a very rigid way which ultimately will hold them back. I’m not saying the use of the pinky will hold you back, I’m talking about mindset that isn’t fluid to change if needs be to get the job done. Now if the lick/phrase etc calls for the pinky use then obviously it’s the right call to use it I.e wide stretches, arpeggios, string skipping 3 note per string diminished arpeggios etc. But for this type of playing, using the first 3 fingers is always going to give you better tone, stability and authority than if you were to start say “bending” with the pinky for example. Whether it might be a strong finger for you, it covers less surface area because it’s a thinner finger and will result in a thinner tone.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Haha! Amen! Cheers for watching/commenting Andy; I hope you’re well mate 🙂

[@floevo]

@@ChrisBuckGuitar A friend of mine sent me your video as he knew I’d have something to say on the matter haha! Can’t complain, life’s good at the moment 👌🏻 keep doing you mate, it’s definitely working 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TheGilmourJones]

As a lefty that plays righty it’s something that I do without thinking about. Bend with vibrato with pinky you bet. I was also classically trained, try playing some classical without your pinky and I’ll just wish you the best of luck.

[@martin-1965]

@@TheGilmourJones Yes agree there - spending from 9 to 16 learning classical and then realising if I wanted to have a sex life that the electric guitar was my future lol, I used the old pinky a hell of a lot for vibrato and even bends. It's not right or wrong - it's just a result of the pathway you travel as you become a guitarist. After 46 years playing on and off professionally and just sodding badly (at times), through the wonder or modern tech, as Chris says, we now get to "see" our heroes playing and the way they played the great songs we love. I now go from trying to master (ha... as if) some Jimmy Page or Dave Gilmour to learning the simple but compelling Joey Santiago parts and rhythms from the Pixies or Johnny Marr's marvellous jangling genius parts from The Smiths. And I still have a rock solid pinky on my left hand that works hard regardless. The fact that Chris can play such amazing guitar at half my age makes me so happy; that a new young blues player is creating his own style and delivering blistering performances as well as great information on his youtube channel. However many fingers you use, it's all about how you create a style of your own and I am happy with my style (well I'm not likely to change after all these years lol) as I am sure you are and so is Chris. I never criticize any player that puts their soul into their music. I've met and seen players that are technically incredible that have left me an emotion free zone because they have the technique, but have lost the magic that makes the guitar the most amazing instrument in the world. Oh and yeah, totally... try playing some of those classical pieces without a strong and accurate pinky. Not a chance in hell lol :)

[@glennmartin4232]

I think guitarists with long fingers or find four fret stretches easy create an easier pathway with the connection of the right hand and picking technique. There is a real advantage with this playing style and I think it sounds better as well. Sorry but I don’t agree that it’s just something that happens or whatever works is fine.

[@stickman55100]

That’s some very soulful playing! So grateful for another installment of Friday Fretworks!

[@danswansonguitar]

Those of us classically trained use our little finger more often - still doesn’t make us good. Keep doing what you’re doing and keep enjoying what you do.

[@JeighNeither]

Well said, but Chris does have fly-away pinky syndrome, & working to correct that will make a difference in his playing. He's just going thru the same process of improvement we all go thru, except under the watching eye of the public, which makes it twice as difficult, but I'm sure he's up to the challenge. As far as being classically trained; I'm self-taught in classic method & play a lot of classical pieces, but that's usually only a jumping off point to neoclassical for aspiring guitarists. Who wants to be held down by that rooted thumb amirite?

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

I've been a performing and teaching guitarist for 50 some years and my students are always asking me if this is the right or the wrong way to play any given scale or chord.. My response is always, what works for you is what works for you. Obviously there are some things have to adhere to a specific technique or fingering but other than that I just teach them play as they would. I hope that makes sense!

[@bb1111116]

@@JeighNeither ; yes, for those of us who have played classical music on the guitar or keyboard, then precise fingering is learned. But for blues or rock? I don’t think classical technique matters as much as what personally works for each musician.

[@freddycookjr.2164]

WHAT IS MORE AMAZING ABOUT YOU CHRIS IS HOW YOU SWITCH FROM FLAT PICK TO FINGERS WITHOUT DROPPING THE DARN PICK THAT IS A MASTER STOKE

[@vincet68]

Oh, and that solo at the start gave me chills, thanks!

[@Masimba]

You play so musically, I can’t help but smile at your sense of legato which creates a gorgeous vocal esque line in your playing. Lovely stuff

[@clarkmedill241]

Chris, you are an amazing and inspiring player. Your talent is undeniable. And your technique, whether or not it's "correct," has served the style you play. You've achieved a good deal of success, and deservedly so. I wonder if I've ever even heard of any of the people who criticized your playing. Pay no attention! Keep doing what you're doing. We love it!!!

[@Strotophonic]

Man..............That Solo/Outro at the end was sizzling..........Superb Tone and take no prisoners attack. Great great job. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@NathanNagel]

Glad to have you back this Friday! I find it funny that people will choose to pick out that you’re not using your little finger, instead of just listening to the music, I have never listened to anything you played and thought “wow, it’s just missing that little bit” because it’s so emotive and voice like. Keep up the great work Mr Buck! You will always have my support

[@acasadiluca]

Nice to see you again Chris!

[@SalvadorEguiarteDG]

I really don’t care if you play with your ears or with your belly button, you sound incredible!

[@AndrewBuck86]

Your way to play is like poetry to me! Really awesome and touching!! Love your style men! Saludos desde Argentina Buenos Aires!!

[@Slinkypossum]

The magic is in your right hand dude... "Chris Buck's RIght Hand" is a tremendous band name waiting to happen

[@grene1955]

This is pretty funny... you do more with your fingers than most guitar players can ever hope to match (me included!). You have a fantastic and unique style that never ceases to amaze me!

[@giuseppefabbricatore4314]

You don’t know how much I’m inspired about you’re playin’… thank you Chris!

[@jairlaiter6679]

Whatever works. And you certainly make it work. Holly scheisse what a version you deliver of Hendrix's Bold! Man!

[@philipwpartain]

Which of those critics have had any of their solos featured by Slash? Oh…none of them? That’s what I thought. Keep killing it Chris, with whichever digits or appendages you choose.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I would watch a Chris Buck video if he talked about ham sandwich recipes and discussed mustard or mayonnaise preferences, as long as he played a guitar.

[@joeygentile7829]

To anyone criticizing you for not using your little finger, I would flip them the “middle-finger”. You have a style all your own and the emotion you translate in your playing is what makes you a great guitar player. You keep doing you Chris Buck.

[@findingtheFOOT]

You don't need to justify your technique brother. Thank you for everything

[@ed4008]

Happy to see Friday fretworks is back feels like it’s been a while

[@MoonWalkerTexsRanger]

4:43 - 4:55 I know you’re known for your bluesy slides and bends, but that modal passage was beautiful.

[@hmaakawlni1515]

Yes!! Finally a new episode. Its better to put out a quality content once a while than a hasty put-together video everyday 😁😁

[@cliffordlyon]

Bold As Love - very nice! Good point about seeing vs listening, too.

[@ROKZLEON]

First off, dude, there's nothing wrong with how you play. You actually have a signature sound which is amazingly rare these days!!! Sure there are people with power pinky's like Paul Gilbert. But it's not a requirement. At the end of the day it's about taste, tone, and feel which you have in spades!!! Cheers!!! ✌🏻

[@mattelder9147]

Pinky or not, I can tell it’s you playing in the first couple seconds and that is beyond unique, it’s something that is intangible. Most pros don’t get to that point.

[@CarstenGoeke]

I don´t care what anybody uses. Most important is the playing and character. And you are awesome! ✌🏼

[@AlexandrePertile]

Ah, Chris! Missed you the last weeks! this is going to be a good weekend, for Chris kickstarted!

[@slimmestcharlest]

I think your three fingered approach is what gives you part of your style - you do so many little slides, especially quick little semi-tones slides. It's almost like a response to playing with a three fingered approach - it would be way easier to to hammer on/pull of with your pinky, but it wouldn't give you that "Chris Buck" sound :)

[@christaylor4145]

With your tone and technique I really don’t think it matters what bloody fingers you use, it’s what you achieve, beautiful playing keep up the good work.

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

Whatever works is key; keep doing what you do Mister Chris!

[@jasonulrich3818]

To each their own. Play how you are comfortable. If you play uncomfortably it will be heard. You play comfortably and it will be felt.

[@jojosixty6]

look what gary moore done with his first 2 fingers.the power was insane

[@neilevans6229]

And he was left handed but played right handed

[@Songwirer]

Tony Iommy must be laughing at this... you rock Chris! Our language is what matters not what fingers we use

[@maxsalasr]

If it works for you, doesnt matter if you only played with the lil finger only ... youre amazing as it is, dont stress about it

[@justPiero]

Very. Well. Said. And great video and great playing as always! 😃

[@shambolicentity]

Your playing sounds great, and that's ultimately all that matters. If keeping your pinky tucked away was making it harder to do something you wanted to with your instrument, that would be different. Amazing playing and tone, and calm considered discussion as always. Keep up the great work! 🙂

[@glennmartin4232]

This is a great subject and rarely talked about. Some of the greatest guitarist ever hardly used there pinkies. SRV, Hendrix, Gary Moore to name few. I always thought this style or the use of your 3 strongest fingers was more efficient for blues/rock however there are exceptions and technically gifted players like Eric Johnson would argue the difference and rightly so. I think having long fingers can definitely make a difference with 4 fret stretches with just 3 fingers especially playing fast pentatonic riffs and I see this quite a lot. It’s a fascinating subject and one that has not really been looked at a lot. Great playing and video topic Chris.

[@meriam4109]

Good to see you talk about technique and music in stead of gear. Great video, and you probably play way better with just two fingers then me with all five.

[@thematsc]

Have you listen to django Reinhart?

[@meriam4109]

@@thematsc yeah, but I won’t compare myself with someone that great. Thanks.

[@fabrizioperria7164]

Kind of interesting...you have a peculiar (in the best way) technique and style which sets you apart and makes you play great music, you have a rock legend like Slash (or possibly his team, same thing, he'd have approved for it to go live under his name) posting your performance and people focus on the only thing you don't do "right" according to their books. I wonder how many of their performances have been even seen by a rock legend. The Internet is a really interesting place.

[@rowdy3837]

When you can’t criticize the music he’s creating, attack the manner in which he creates it. Absolutely ridiculous. One of the most inspiring players out there.

[@rudiyantohalim736]

even guitarist from other genre like Andy James rarely use his pinky, but he is a monster

[@JT96708]

You are so well mannered. If it were me? “So I don’t use my pinky enough? We’ll let me show you a special trick I can do with the middle one.”

[@rzk2755]

Your Bold as Love based jam is as beautiful as it gets... Jimi wishes he would have done it like this :)

[@arottie4097]

Hmmm? Now that's A "BOLD" STATEMENT!! Ha! I do however agree Mr Buck's version is absolutely Beautiful!

[@penguinista]

That moment at 6:20 when the pick comes out for two strums before it retracts

[@donald-parker]

After a bike accident a couple of years ago, I got "mallet finger" in my left hand pinky. The cure was to have it splinted straight for a couple of months so the extensor tendon could re-connect. And then, something I didn't expect - after 2 months of being splinted I could not move it at all initially. And it was crazy hypersensitive to touch. Movement came back slowly and sensitivity returned to normal even slower. During that time, touching a guitar string with my pinky felt like I was getting electric shocks. So I had a good 3-4 months without being able to use my pinky. And THAT really showed me how much I did rely on it. Way more than I ever thought. Especially for chords. I really had to think hard while playing to choose voicings that were often quite different from what. after 50 years of playing, had become as natural as breathing. Now, I'm not recommending anyone break their finger to see how much it affects their playing .... but if you do, you may be surprised.

[@duckyjp17]

You have an awesome attitude. Great video. Don’t understand why the pinky matters at all. Make your art the way you want to make it.

[@Phil-kj7zq]

Chris, you are a phenomenal guitarist! If I had 1% of your talent, I'd be a happy boy. 🤘🏻

[@usagi2988]

"...specifically, how I wasn't really using my little finger on my fretting hand." The things people choose to care about is mind-boggling. :/

[@mcswordfish]

I'd been playing for 3-4 years when I realised I never used my pinkie for soloing (use it all the time for chords - I'm also a proud member of the Thumb-Over club, along with the great Hendrix), but it was jamming with a bassist-friend in music in High School when I finally clocked his pinkie technique. Because of the additional reach required for the bass-riffs he was playing, his pinkie was invaluable. When I moved from playing bluesy-rock to trying to play metal, I was behind the curve with pinkie use, and so I really struggled with even simpler Kirk Hammett soloes. I've realised in adult life that I probably have dysgraphia, which impacts the fine-motor-skills required for fast guitar playing, so the pinkie was only ever part of my problem. Funnily enough, I think I play the piano in much the same way. When playing chords, I try to get as much reach as possible, playing an extra bass and treble note to fill the sonic landscape, but when I play melodies, I'll typically only use thumb-to-ring, especially if I'm improvising something. The less said about my drumming, the better.

[@jonathanaul]

Suddenly remembering the liner notes from Utopia's "Another Live" and the bit about "with the elegant three fingered crazed maniac solo."

[@DDE_ADDICT]

because of a table saw accident i can only note with 1 3 4, i use the stubby #2 for a short glass slide

[@arottie4097]

Nice!! is that a Ga peach? Ha!

[@Jeffy2n]

Funny, I listen with my ears, not my eyes. Its not the fingers you use, it how you uses them, and Chris, you uses them very well.

[@rcolang1]

don't worry about it, you are one of the best players of your generation, a great guy to boot......let them talk....thanks for your videos and playing ...

[@thhtvt]

After SRV you are the most expressive guitarists I've ever heard.

[@stevengaryballmoonbugmusic5455]

Interesting Cris, you're a terrific guitar player, play what works for you. I'm a former professional guitarist, I'm self taught but actually was a guitar instructor for 8 or more years. Hahaha, a number of years ago my labrador retriever was in my Chevy S10 and jumped on my lap while I was getting out and hit my little finger on my left hand. I thought it was jammed but turns out it was broken. I never went to the doctor for it. Oddly enough it's curved in and I'm still able to use it especially for chords but also major scales when used in solos especially octaves. I'm a multi genre guitar player but have a strong R&B base. I enjoy your videos.

[@Pablo-nc6qu]

Bold as Love sounded beautiful.

[@denmar355]

The internet is populated with folks that spend way more time commenting on others than accomplishing anything of their own. I couldn’t possibly care less what fingers someone uses if they sound good. Chris Buck is a really fine player that I can’t play like if I possessed four hands. It’s from the heart. Feel. Dynamics.

[@RandyFricke]

I never used my pinky until I saw Al DiMeola at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium back in 1980 (not sure, maybe '81). When I started training my pinky it opened a whole new vista of ability for me.

[@liamirwin9933]

I use my pinky when chording but I nearly severed it when I was 22-23 and the upper joint of it gets jammed up a lot. As a result it’s not as comfortable or reliable in lead playing as it once was. As for you, Chris, no problem detected. Keep on doing what you are doing. One of my favorite current-day players by a mile.

[@timbaxter9932]

Gotta love it. Here's my story. I cut off the tip of my middle finger in a home accident about 35 years ago, so for 2 years I had to work around it. It never completely grew back and though I do use it to play chords (and very carefully I might add) it doesn't get used as much as my little finger when I'm soloing. You just have to work with what you got. Tim Pierce just posted a video last week were he talked about incorporating his little finger more into his playing. It's hard to find anyone as good as Tim or Chris. They just make the best out of what they got and always try to get better.

[@dcjway]

I don’t think I’ve seen Clapton use his pinky too much either. When I was learning to play all my teachers pushed me to use my pinky. As much as I hated it at the time I’m glad I put in the work. It has allowed me to play many different styles of music. Guitar playing is a very personal thing and I get to express myself my way. What a wonderful thing.

[@scottbaekeland9750]

Check out how Clapton bars up the first position A chord shape . Uses his first and 4th finger - very uncomfortable and limiting to me since if you use your 1st and 3rd you have your 4th finger left to make a sus 4 or 7th or maj 7.

[@dcjway]

@@scottbaekeland9750 Thanks for pointing that out, I hadn’t noticed that before.

[@scottbaekeland9750]

@@dcjway My point is that a person should take the ideas and techniques that works for them from the people that inspire them, but to treat any one player as God is limiting.Ideally one synthesizes their myriad inspirations into a personal style. I am a huge fan of Clapton's Cream era stuff. They were better when they did their own take on things than most of the blues covers (I'm So Glad notwithstanding - great well constructed solo on that song and I Feel Free studio versions).

[@dcjway]

@@scottbaekeland9750 I was just using Clapton as an example, and sharing my experiences. I wasn’t trying to go that deep. Enjoy the journey.

[@50Something]

Some people are just insanely jealous... Rock on Chris!

[@edpetrikk2027]

Once again a very interesting conversation…I guess it all boils down to …Whatever floats your boat …and ..if it ain’t broke ……😁

[@blakelycreative3171]

It’s not “How” you play, it’s “What” you play. If you are playing with your heart it will shine thru.

[@Alanoffer]

I was finding the longer reach double stops were really difficult without using the little finger , It took a while to get to the point where it worked , but I’m glad I persevered

[@jesperrodkjrpedersen7073]

Great video as always and some good points. Have a look at the master of the middle finger - Gary Moore. I'm sure his use of the middle finger plays a big part in the way his playing sounds.

[@DJBuglip]

I've started intentionally using my little finger for things I'd usually have used my ring finger for, for that reason. Good subject, sir.

[@CristiNeagu]

Truth is that Chris not using his little finger all that much, if at all, still makes much better music than the vast majority of players that do use their little fingers.

[@CJRamos-jv3pb]

If chopping off my little finger got me playing like Chris Buck, I'd say pass the cigar cutter.

[@alamosabill201]

KZbin has many awesome players and you are definitely one of them. Dave Simpson is another and he uses little finger a lot and his stretch is amazing. 👍

[@Musicsports]

I don't use my little finger very much either. Gary Moore never used his. I guess we are in good company. Keep up the great playing and lessons.

[@Dang...]

You always sound so good. Side note: although it looks like you don't use your pinky so much, you DO use your thumb quite often.

[@lomoholga]

This guy is a tremendous player I think in a previous life he was a punk rock guitarist- he plays with very sharp and seemingly agitated movements like a cat in heat prowling an alley on a hot night

[@Ogma3bandcamp]

My little finger is 40mm shorter than my middle finger and the knuckle is also double jointed, plus I injured the knuckle fighting as a teenager, a long time ago. It does get used, but like Chris, it's my weakest finger so only really used for long stretches, trills and embellishments. Hasn't done me any harm.

[@StevenAnthonyGuitar]

I use my little finger and don't play nearly as good as you do. Technique doesn't matter, it's the end result that counts. Don't listen to the trolls, you're doing a great job!

[@dejadejayoutube]

absolutely love your playing, the crazy strength you put into your signature melodic bends is unique. *kids dont try this at home:),... unless your guitar is immaculately set up with a high quality neck with a flawless nut & saddles. -this really is a technique that demands a huge amount from your instrument, imho of course. ,But seriously there's something unique there🤘

[@robertlittle7314]

Late to the party as usual. In my teenage years, I decided that I needed to develop my (ahem) Little finger approach. I did two things: first, all those three finger things were exercised with the middle, ring, and Little fingers, instead of the usuals, and; second, keep the Little fingertip touching the ring finger when not in use. A strange thing happened: after a week or so, whenever I used my Little finger, it would flam where the fingertip hit the fret before I picked the string. Obviously my Little finger picked up some speed. These days, I often do the three finger approach of middle/ring/Little fingers as it frees up my index for weirder stuff.

[@johntractor9799]

For years, i never used my fretting hand thumb over the top, "because its not correct". But when playing some Hendrix stuff, there is no other way to play it. Then, especially with youtube being available, you can see the "greats" use their own techniques. Ive seen Gary Moore do full tone step hammer-ons with his 1st and 2nd fingers, sounds great, and he probably did it that way because he could do it quicker. The reality is - if it works-it-works.

[@robertlewis8024]

To some degree, we're all limited or gifted by the different way we're "made". It was 30 years on before I really started incorporating my little finger into my playing, but I've never been able to utilize hardly any of the thumb over the fretboard techniques without actually injuring myself. Whatever man, I'm still playing.

[@cpfs936]

Yep. Arthritis, joint issues, etc. My "technique" sucks almost as bad as my playing! 😄

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Nice bold as love! There are of course exercises you can practice to strengthen the pinky but I think it’s more fun to practice bass guitar. Can’t play good bass without utilizing that pinky!

[@Aja-nt]

I think there are three main factors that determine how much you use your little finger. Whether you started out learning to use it right from the start, the style of music that you mainly play and the actual size and shape of your hand. Each will have a huge influence on how and what you play.

[@tredog884]

It's obvious you keep that pinkie hidden away in it's sheath , until it is needed. Then out it comes, and returns faster than it took to extend to the requisite place on the fretboard.

[@baneverything5580]

A splinter from a cracked drumstick turned me into a one armed drummer for two weeks once through about 6 shows. The dirty splinter was deep in a finger knuckle joint on my left hand.

[@friedrudibega6384]

Chris Buck has more talent in his little finger than……🤣 You’re great! Pinky’s are for chords, duh! Truly inspiring!!!!

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

Leave it to a bunch of guitarists to criticize one of the most soulful, melodic guitarists on KZbin for not using his pinky enough. I suppose Clapton is a crap guitarist for not using his too.

[@bartvschuylenburg]

On violin which is tuned in fifths I use all four fingers, on guitar I use mostly three fingers when playing melodic because it’s tuned in fourths and with my violin background it makes totally sense to skip the little finger and switch to either the next string or the next position.

[@BillAltman]

Chris, you play w whatever fingers makes those fat fat tones! You prove that emotion on the string suspercedes shred, something Slash understands so well

[@davidmurphy4844]

I remember reading an interview with Justin Haywood of the Moody Blues back in the '70s where he mentioned that he didn't use his little finger and he was quite apologetic about it. I'd never thought about it before but I don't have huge hands and do use it a fair bit.

[@meanmud1]

I never noticed, probably because I was mostly listening.