Have you ever took the time to find music videos on MtV or VH1 anymore? When you do see one, look at the bassists left hand ( or fretting hand) and you will probably see his or her thumb over the neck. That might feel comfortable to play, but in reality it diminishes how you can actually use your left hand.

before you work on the lesson example, try this, espically if you want to get control of that pinky of yours.

Place your thumb on the back of the neck, And wrapped your hand around it, but make sure that the space between your thumb and index finger do not touch the neck. Your fingers should be over the neck, and it will make it easier to use your fingertips to fret.

Now try the bassline I have put here. I bet you are raising your fingers to get to the next fret on the same string. Try to make sutre that your figners stay on thje note, so when you play the 6th fret on the E string, you should have your index and middle finger on the neck. When you are on the 8th fret, all four fingers should be down on the neck.

Try this all up and down the neck, on all the strings. You will not only get your pinky ( and other fingers you have not been using a lot) stronger, but your playing might be a little more smoother now.