I only have three  working fingers and a thumb on my left hand, So I have to
search out ways to play chords that sound close with what I have to work with.
This on a twelve string is no small feat. but I manage after some  pretty long searches to come up with substitute chords that don't  sound  to bad. wondering if there was anyone else out there with the same problem. It's my little finger that is the problem, when I try to bend it it jerks and snaps and is impossible to control
on the fret board.  Jahlahgey

Hello and welcome to chordbook jahlahgey, you have me wondering if your left hand little finger has an injury or if you're just not used to using it. Also, what about the little finger on your right hand if I may ask?

GuitarZen

Both Hands kind of messed up from years of bare knuckle fighting as a kid.
The fingers of my right hand also messed up but work for pickin and strummin.
I am working on exercises with my left hand in hopes of being able to use the little finger more for chording, working with tennis ball to strengthen and develop control. I just love playing and what ever it takes to make good sound I'm doing it.

Jahlahgey

jahlahgey,  did you ever have your hand x-rayed, or have an MRI done on it?  You may have nerve or tendon damage,  or may have broken a bone that was not set, and didnt heal right.  i dont know how long you have had this problem,  but it may not be to late to have it checked out,  and possably corrected.  i speak from  experience.  having broken my right hand and wrist in the same manner as your injuries occured.  for me there was not much that could be done,  and so ended my professional playing.  i can still play, and enjoy it,  but after a short time I stiffin up and have to stop.  so if possable for you,  get that checked out,  it might help.

Jim

As for a profession, playing is not in the picture, but I do enjoy playing with friends and at church. I play Rhythm guitar usually with others and sing.
I have had a few exrays of my hands and there is some tendon damage, and bone
deformity but I have hope that it will improve with exercise and time.
In the meantime I will keep on enjoying all that I can do.

Jahlahgey

I hope with time and practice/exercise it works out for you.   I ruined any chance I had of going farther by simple stupidity..    best wishes... Enjoy...

Jim

Thanks, Jim. Remember, the more you play and use your fingers the more chance for improvement,  so don't give up hope, pain free  playing could be just around the corner.
  Jahlahgey

Ok jahlahgey, Jag, what do you think about learning to play left handed?

GuitarZen

GuitarZen, I have three broken and deformed fingers on my right hand, and only one bad one on my left, So I think I will stay righty.  With time and practice I think
I will improve the performance of my little finger. If not I'll just keep working on making close sounding chords to replace the ones I can't form. Thanks for the suggestions though I really appreaciate all the advice and council.
  Jag.           P.S.     Messed up huh?

Zen,   lefty is out of the ? for me too.  Its my right hand and wrist that I smashed up.  I'll never have the strength in the right hand that I have in the left.. The right gets stiff and arthritic after about 30mins of strumming.
Thanks anyway...
Jim

PS: After 38 yrs of right handed playing,  switching to lefty wouldnt be an option even with a good right hand..lol

I guess we all just do the best we can with what we have to work with, But never give up hope.
     Jag.

Well that rules out playing left handed...looks like you said, work with what you have ! You'll be fine because you want this !

Cheers,

GuitarZen

...the great gypsy jazz guitar player Django Reinhardt only had 3 usable fingers (two were fused together as result of burns from a wagon fire)...so, anything is possible, just takes willingness to "do it" and to not settle for "close" when "perfect" is within reach.

Thanks Tele Man,  I appreciate  the encouragement,  But at 68 years young, Close is almost like perfect.  Not that perfect is still not within reach, Never give up! 
               Thanks again. Jag.