[CarloCrizaldo]

My dad pointed this out to me. He was watching me playing 1000 Words on the piano, and he noticed that I never once used my ring finger. On four note chords, I never used my ring finger.

My ring finger is my weakest finger. I never use it on either hand. Even on Rock Band and Guitar Hero, I hardly use my ring finger.

Is this a bad thing? Should I learn to use my ring finger?

[Indra777]

Yes, I really think so. I've seen this too before on some videos of people playing. It looks really weird when people one of their longest fingers hang there...I asked my teacher about it and he said it shows bad technique (no offense...)

Lol. I really don't know how you get by without using it...I use my ring finger alot so it's somewhat strong. My pinky is weak however, I still can't do those 4-5 finger trills : /

[CarloCrizaldo]

I still get by some difficult songs without using my ring fingers.

[Nicol Armarfi]

Yes, yes, yes. You need to fully use every finger to avoid strain, and also to play properly. You can strengthen your ring and pinky by practising chromatic scales using them, there is actually a Chopin etude meant specifically for this (YouTube - Yuma Osaki - Chopin Etude Op.10 No.2). You should also practise the inversions of several chords with proper fingering, and some basic scales.

[LegendaryCloud89]

Yeah, I'm not an accomplished piano player as others here and yourself but I think it is very important to use your ring finger as well. Thinking about it...I use both but my left more than my right...I wonder why.

[CarloCrizaldo]

My ring finger isn't very strong...I started doing scales a lot, making sure I used my ring finger. I'm improving, but I'll still have to work the finger into a song I already know, since I'm already used to different fingerings.

[LegendaryCloud89]

Ahhh ok, steady practice and shedding will work it out.

[The-Real-Link]

You should use your ring, by all means! It is very important to develop as-equal-as-possible strength in all your fingers. Try buying some classical sheet music that is at your level of playing ability and learning it using their finger suggestions! Make sure if there are scales or anything within the songs that you use the proper fingering. Might I suggest Clementi's Six Sonatinas op. 36!

[JrvUnleashed]

I play bass guitar and at first I was weak with my pinky. My strategy was that I began over-using my pinky while playing. Instead alternating my pointer, middle, and ring finger, I'd move my hand up and alternate my middle finger, ring finger, and pinky. Eventually my pinky became stronger and I was able to use my pinky more reliably without worrying about buzzing.
I assume the same tactic can be used for piano. Try using your ring finger more than necessary so it becomes strong, then go back to playing normal.