Thanks for the link to that great Barney McKenna video - he was the inspiration that got me started on banjo myself many years ago.

One thing that interested me: unless I'm mistaken, Barney didn't seem to use the little finger on his left hand at all, which surprised me (or did he, and I missed it?)

I do use my little finger, although not as much as I think I should do - but after seeing Barney in that video I wonder if it matters?

Any comments from banjoists? Should you use the little finger, and if not, why not?