i don't use my ring finger when fingerpicking, only my thumb

>>71606965

Whatever works for you, anon - Merle Travis did okay with just thumb and index.

A lot guys seem not to use it, especially guys that brace with pinky and ring finger.

>>71606965
Yes, you're only limiting yourself

On guitar you really are only limiting yourself. I pick with only three fingers, though
I played banjo before I ever touched a guitar and got really used to three finger picking because of that, and carried it over to guitar.

>>71606965
I can't fingerpick with 3 fingers, I only learned to use thumb and index.

Why not?
Just learn it or do you not have a ring finger?

>>71608756
>>71607154

I generally play with my pinky as an anchor and use thumb + index & second finger. I've been trying to use the third finger recently but the issue I have is that I then have to remove the pinky but then my hand is just sort of floating in the air and it starts shaking and bouncing on the strings, I have no control.

>>71606965
Whatever works, develop a style that works for you and make music that's interesting with it, until necessity changes it, then you'll figure it out.

File: arp9.gif (5KB, 334x155px) Image search: [Google]

5KB, 334x155px

>>71608856
If you want to train your ringfinger you could do some easy arpegio practices.
Thats probably the one thing where you will encounter it the most.

Here is a easy piece which uses it to its full extend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIp6gE8XHHY
Just google it for tabs.

>>71608922
My ring finger actually works ok, it's only when I plant my pinky that it can't move properly (probably because I have smaller hands), but that's the most comfortable and logical position for me.

When I don't anchor, my fingers start kind of bouncing off the strings and sometimes get stuck, and my accuracy is greatly reduced. Is it possible that I'm picking too weakly?

>>71608984
Plant your pinky where? On the e string? You have to lift it everytime you want to pluck that string?
It does sound like you are limiting yourself a lot with that pinky anchor.

Generally your forearm resting on the guitar should give you enough stability to hit the strings correctly. Picking weak or strong isn't really changing that much.
Are you sure you are holding your guitar correctly?

>>71608984
You need to learn how and when to lock your wrist. It's weak, anchoring is a crutch. Just keep practicing and don't anchor.