many famous guitarists rarely use their pinkies when they play, like clapton. they can adjust their style of music to compensate, but if you want to add a new dimension to your playing, you really should strengthen it by using it as much as you can. this isn't my advice, but it's from a friend of mine who is the best guitarist i've ever seen (and i've seen B.B. King live)

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ok, i'm not really the eggman