The ring and pinky fingers share a tendon, making independence difficult. Begin this exercise at a snail's pace and concentrate on keeping your pinky near the fretboard. If you go faster too soon, the little finger will probably begin to lift away from the strings. You'll need to focus intensely to get your little finger to do what you want. This might make you tense. If you are tense, you will fail. If you sense tension, you must relax. Take a deep breath, go more slowly. It's a paradox!

Begin this exercise with your ring finger so that your pinky plays the 10th fret.

Michael Angelo Batio discusses the importance of warming up the pinky finger and teaches several great exercises in" Speed Kills 3". The lesson is not just for advanced players! Don't be intimidated. The exercises are taught at slow speed and the on-screen animated tab makes it easy to learn the licks. Don't wait! By getting started on this DVD now you will put yourself on the fast track to success.

For more dexterity training, be sure to study "Speed Kills" by Michael Angelo Batio.

Sarah Spisak
MetalRiffs Founder
Metal Method Music Editor