Thread: Help! Advice on how to play violin with a really short pinky

So, I have been playing violin for about 9 years now, and I have faced a lot of challenges as a person with a short pinky. Double stops are difficult, but not impossible. I have been able to deal with most challenges relating to my short pinky up until recently. While working on the 3rd page of the Bach Partita Gavotte, I have been having a lot of trouble reaching the fourth finger E on the A string while keeping my second finger on the A and D string at the same time.

Here are some pictures of my left hand for reference. My right hand's pinky is equally short, but it is straight, not bent. I believe when I was young I hurt my LH pinky by closing it in a door, but I never went to a doctor or used a splint and it healed wrong (this was a long time ago, before I played violin or when I was just starting, so I don't remember it clearly).
I've noticed that most people's pinkies are at least a smidge shorter than the topmost line on the ring finger, but my pinky only comes up to just under halfway between the two lines. The difference in finger lengths for most people is minimal, and the joints of the fingers match up as well, but in my case they do not (see photo 4 for what I mean).

image4.jpgimage3.jpgimage2.jpgimage1.jpg

I'm wondering if anyone knows any tips for playing with a short, bent pinky? I have been stretching my first finger back to reach, which has been working fine, and rotating my elbow as far around the violin as possible, which I'm worried might cause me injuries in the future. I am also worried that I am hurting my pinky, because pressing down on the fingerboard, or even just bending it is uncomfortable (I can feel the bones don't line up properly) and sometimes mildly painful if I play for a long time.
I plan on talking to my doctor about potential future injuries, but health complications due to playing violin with a short, bent, pinky seems like a pretty uncommon thing for someone to know about, so....
What should I do?? Am I doomed to not be able to play certain passages? Should I get surgery? Am I freaking out and just need to practice more?
I really want to improve at violin but sometimes I feel like my pinky is a barrier keeping me from progressing for my right hand as well but to a lesser extent.

Thank you very much for your advice! I will try out those methods and let you know how it goes

I realize the thread is old, but in addition to what vsm recommended, keep an eye on where your left thumb is resting on the side of the neck. Bringing it more forward can give the pinky a little more confidence and reach.