Ok, so I started on banjo about 2 years before I got my Eastman Mandolin (from Jake at Ben’s Store) and have been playing just about a year now.
However, having seen the lessons on Mandolin, I chose to not plant my pinky on the Mandolin - thinking the wrist rotation would be hampered somehow. Plus, I had played some electrical guitar long ago.
For whatever reason, I tried planting my pinky about a week ago.
I was amazed to find it feels natural and a quick analysis made me feel like I could “judge” string location better… Fascinating.
I have not decided one way or another… But the early returns makes me see that this could be viable for me.
Time will tell… But I would really like others to chime in on their experiences - especially those who pick banjo and mando.