Playing bass is what shows you where the notes are on a fretboard - there's no end of 6-string guitarists to whom you can say 'show me four positions for a Bb', and they're lost. On a bass, you learn where they are, damn quick!

As for that pinkie, playing bass will toughen it up no end if you use it, I promise you. And I'll tell you when that comes in useful - one day, you'll maybe cut or damage another finger shortly before playing a show, and it's very re-assuring to know you can simply change technique and be able to use all the remaining fingers!

But I do like the idea of a finger-puppet...

- Ian B