Originally Posted by: rec28Hi guy's. Just beginning to play the guitar as an older adult. I really have difficulty with my ring finger and pinky finger. They will not work unless they work with each other. They will not bridge as well. I am trying to learn basis cords that Lisa is teaching, but my R & P fingers will not move to the proper strings unless together. Any suggestions?
Ring finger and pinky finger
# 1
Hey there. The independant movement of ring and pinky fingers seems to be a universal issue. I remember many years ago starting out at piano lessons. One of the challenges was to get rings and pinkies moving independant of each other. The problem stems from the fact that they share a common tendon. The other fingers have a tendon each (think this is correct!). But with training you can achieve a fair amount of individual strength and movement.
Keep at it.
Alf (a fellow older adult
)
# 2
Originally Posted by: rec28Any suggestions?
Hi rec28 
Spider legs. Apply regularly. Watch the inital linked tutorial and its following 4 finger lesson. Practise, & over time it will teach the ring finger to go solo and sort out that errant pinky.
I found/find it invaluable.
# 3
Hey there. The independant movement of ring and pinky fingers seems to be a universal issue.
# 4
Originally Posted by: Brandon EsbachI realize the video shows a different service; hoping this doesn't go against policy. If so, would be very handy to have a GT official video similar?
Essential Hand Stretches For Guitarists or Any Instrumentalist
No worries! I have hand stretching exercises here.
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1525
And these tutorials are aimed at building finger strength & dexterity, in particular the pinky.
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1829
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1292
Hope that helps!
# 5
