Originally Posted by: Saint JimmyI'm finding that my first 3 fingers are staying very close to the strings but my pinky is kind of floating off into the air a good inch or two off the strings.

As others have already mentioned, it's a very common problem. :)

Even after years of practice & playing my pinky occasionally likes to go floating off on its own. :p And it's not even a problem unless, or until it hinders your ability to get something done efficiently & effectively.

I see you've mentioned working through the pinky strength & dexterity tutorial.

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1292

That's a great way to gain the basics of pinky control. If you are interested, the next step is to really drill it into shape with these 3-note-per string scale exercises.

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=451

maggior mentioned the pentatonic boxes! I also use those for warming up & make sure I get my pinky into the act when I do these type of daily exercises.

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=722
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=185

Also, even though these tutorials are aimed building speed, they can be done slowly with the idea of simply doing finger exercises in a musical, melodic way.

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=898
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=899

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=928
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=929

I find when I make the time to drill these on a daily basis, my pinky doesn't stray at all. But sometimes, life get busy, and I don't make time to practice everything I should (it happens to all of us :) ). I can tell, because my pinky starts to float again! Then, I know it's time to get back on track with those scale exercises.

Hope this helps! Best of success getting your pinky in line!