Pinky Length

[superlocrian]

Does the length of your pinky make a difference to playing fast?

Why do all the famous shredders seem to have big hands with long pinkies.

I know this question sounds ridiculous but what I'm talking about here is more about the mechanics of playing fast.

When somebody like Steve Vai does a 3 finger stretch, lets say fret 3,5 and 7 because his little finger is long it is still a bit arched on the 7th fret where as if I did the same pattern my pinky would be stretched all the way out and straight which obviously changes the entire angle of the hand, fingers etc.

Any thoughts

[CC323]

While maybe the greatest stretches like octaves across one string won't be possible, if you can get a copy of Steve Vai's 10 hour workout and practice the stretching exercises every day, you'll get a physical range that's better than 95% of guitarists out there. While I can do a 12th fret to 24th fret stretch, it's basically useless. Beyond a 5th, it's almost unnecessary, especially if you don't mind indulging in right hand tapping, which can be a wonderful thing IMO. Another great way to practice stretching is to practice your scales and modes 4 notes per string. There's a powertab on Ultimate guitar that has all of the scales fingered this way, but if you're really interested in becoming a better musician through better fretboard knowledge, figuring them out on your own would probably be best.

Good luck with everything.
Chris

PS If you ever need encouragement regarding finger length, take a look at frank gambale; he has moderately short fingers, and plays some of the coolest sounding intervals out there, and paul gilbert, with gargantuan 7 foot long fingers, has yet to play anything as melodically interesting IMO. So it's mostly in the brain, not the fingers, and you can always grow the brain, unlike the hands.