When To Use The Little Finger

[Vermonter]

Hello There,
# Newcomer here hoping to get some help. I read a another post about using the pinky finger but I am still a little puzzled as to when to use an open string verses fingering the note on the 7th fret. I realize that just about all the notes will have to be fingered as you go farther up the neck but what about playing in the lower keys or I guess what some folks call the first position, not sure. I have been playing mandolin for a few years now but have decided to start playing correctly by utilizing my little finger. Its like having to learn how to play all over again and my little finger is short too, but I am working at it. Is there a set rule for when or when not to use the little finger when playing on the lower fret positions? I know it can make a differnce in tone. I have watched many mondolin players on TV and some seem to get through much of a song without using the little finger much while others got that little finger popping all over the place. Seems almost impossible to have to never hit an open string. Is that what I should strive for? Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions. I play by ear and can't read music nor do I know a lot of tecnical music talk so keep it simple for me please. Mr. B.

[swampstomper]

No set rule, but you will notice that you get a very different sound if you play a run all on one string, using the 7th fret, vs. going to the next highest string to get that note. Try for example the simple "Grey Eagle" B-part lick which is just A-C#-E. Herschel Sizemore plays it all on the A string; others use the open E which of course rings; you also have to get your hand back to the A string -- this takes time and precision.

[dunbarhamlin]

Playing slowly, using your 4th finger allows for an even tone as well as vibrato.

Playing quickly, it can be more efficient to limit changes of string and facilitate more even phrasing. A rule of thumb is to use the 4th on the way up and open on the way down.
This is often taken so far as stretching to the eigth or ninth fret for a single high note in a phrase.

Cheers
Srtevce

[AlanN]

To get your pinky cooking, play frets 2345, with all 4 fingers, up and down. Do the same on 2467, up and down (keeping fingers down on the way up). Same on 4579, etc., etc., etc.

A good exercise is to play the same note, same string, but with different fingers each time. This is a Tony Rice trick.

[Eugene]

In general, I default to open strings on ascending scales and all fretted notes on descending scales. This prevents odd over-ring between sustaining open notes and the next fretted. Of course, there are exceptions for effect.

[angrymandolinist]

What Eugene said.

I'm in pretty much the same boat as you, Vermonter. I'm trying not to use open strings that much, but of course you'll still want to use them if you need a longer ringing tone.

Welcome aboard by the way, if you live in Vermont I'm looking to move up there from Pennsylvania before too long.

[Tom C]

Pinky is good because it's easier to play faster staying on the same string than it is to switch strings. -but not with my pinky.

[picksnbits]

How 'bout both 7th fret and open?

I have a blast clamping the pinky down on the 7th fret of the G string, then playing the melody of a tune in D on the A string with the other 3 fingers, and letting the G and D strings ring out as a drone. You can just slap it silly then and let all the strings ring. Good way to spank out some volume on Soldier's Joy in a loud jam.