WyoWom. -

This may help with the pinkie thing. It is the principle of 'muscle memory' (and really has very little to do with a thread of the same name which rambles 'round this place). The more you use that pinkie in that chord, the more you develop the muscle and it integrates into your memory so it becomes a natural thing to do. I try to keep that in mind when I'm learning or teaching new chords. It doesn't ease the pain, but it does help with the persistence. Knowing that its only a matter of time.

One of the best things I've learned from some bluegrass guitarists is the 4-finger Gchord. Middle finger 6th str. 3rd fr.; first finger 5th str. 2nd fr.; Ring finger 2nd str. 3rd fr.; Pinkie 1st str. 3rd fret.

It gives (to me) a richer voicing of the first position g chord. It also gives you a real fun lick by sliding or hammering the second string from second to third fret. (This is probably not for beginners, but try it anyway.)