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Question:I finally got new guitar strings today and decided I'm learning how to play acoustic guitar even if it kills me. I've had one since I was ten, and I'm 16 now. When I play a lot of times my pinky will kind of... Snap out of place/lock up, and won't go back unless I stop playing and move it back. I heard this is from lack of strength in my pinky. Is that true? And if so, how do I build up strength in it? I can't afford a gripmaster or anything of the sort at the moment.
Please help. I just started playing violin too, and I know I'll run into this problem again soon if I don't help it now.
Thanks in advance for answers.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I finally got new guitar strings today and decided I'm learning how to play acoustic guitar even if it kills me. I've had one since I was ten, and I'm 16 now. When I play a lot of times my pinky will kind of... Snap out of place/lock up, and won't go back unless I stop playing and move it back. I heard this is from lack of strength in my pinky. Is that true? And if so, how do I build up strength in it? I can't afford a gripmaster or anything of the sort at the moment.
Please help. I just started playing violin too, and I know I'll run into this problem again soon if I don't help it now.
Thanks in advance for answers.

The 'pinky problem' is due to not only finger strength, but the positioning of your body and fret hand as well.
If you are sitting, sit in the classical position.
Sitting or standing, do your best to keep the thumb of your fret hand centered on the back of the neck as much as possible.
Keep your fret fingers as perpendicular as possible (without discomfort) to the fret board, and as close to the frets as possible.

Do NOT overtighten (i.e. choke) the neck of the guitar- that can and will cause damage to your wrist/hand.
Use as little force as necesarry to clearly sound the note.

I have heard from several reliable sources that the gripmaster is not so good for your hands- I haven't tried one myself; I'm just suggesting that if you do decide to go that route, research it thoroughly first (not just asking the salesman ; )

Making sure your guitar's action is good is helpful.

Finally, a lower gauge of string may help.

Best of Luck and Keep Playing!

Honestly, I think this is a common problem. I've been playing acoustic for 2 years and still run into it. When I'm at a gig and this happens, I either change my grip by moving my thumb up or down, or throwing my finger out to get it back to normal. It could be lack of strength, which practice could fix...or just how your finger works. I practice plenty and still occasionally run into this. Good luck on learning though, it can be hard, but completely worth it! :)