Thefirst finger is an ambiguous term in the English language due to two competing finger numbering systems that can be used. It might refer to either thethumb or theindex finger, depending on the context. Consequently, also the termssecond finger,third finger andfourth finger depend on the numbering system used in the context. Instead, thefifth finger will exclusively refer to the pinky, (also called thelittle finger), since the term is only used in thefive-finger system.
Theordinal numbers of the fingers of the human hand are numbered ambiguously in the English language. This is due to two competing finger numbering systems that can be used. For instance, the first finger might refer to either the thumb or the index finger, depending on the context.
In thefive-finger system, thefirst finger refers to the thumb (or first digit); usually this system is used in a medical context,[1] or in a musical context when referring toplaying keyboard instruments, such as the piano or accordion.[2]
Consequently,second finger under this system will refer to the index finger (or second digit),third finger refers to the middle finger (or third digit),fourth finger refers to thering finger (or fourth digit) andfifth finger refers to thepinky finger (or fifth digit).
Here, in thefour-finger system, as well as in common English, thefirst finger refers to the index finger (the finger next to thethumb).[3][4] This designation carries over in a musical context when referencing the playing ofstringed instruments (such as the guitar),[5]woodwind instruments (such as flutes, pipes, or piccolos), andbrass instruments (such as horns).[6]
Consequently,second finger under this system will refer to the middle finger,third finger refers to the ring finger,fourth finger refers to the pinky (or little) finger.