Is there a recommended fingering style for scales or is it advised to use what is comfortable? Should I use the pinky for example or shy away if I prefer using fingers 1-3 only? I have just started the Minor Pentatonic Scale fluency book and at exercise 1 where I am looking at the first mini pattern of the Am with root A on 3rd string second fret and the C 3rd string 5th fret. I am debating using fingers 1 and 3 as my pinky seems weak and sloppy. Or do i persist with using pinky to strengthen it?
The general recommendation is one finger per fret where possible. My personal view is do what feels best but continue to try working the other fingers when practising – unless you have a particular weakness or problem with any finger then chances are with practice you’ll get used to it over time.
If you are achieving what you want to do with only three fingers then I wouldn’t worry too much about, some things will be harder but you might work around them.
I know some great guitarists that use mostly three fingers. I personally use all four but I don’t necessarily use them one-per-fret, and also don’t always use them efficiently.
The bottom line I guess is do what ever you want but don’t give up trying in the meantime, if nothing else, using the pinky will enable you to span more frets.
Sounds like very good advice. Thanks very much. Enjoying your book by the way.