Alternate Tuning and Easier Chord Playing

Hey everyone,

I've been playing bass for around 17 years now, and started playing acoustic guitar for the past two years. I actually took a beginners guitar class last semester at community college, but it was basically a waste of time, besides learning to read single-note music sheets (simple scales.) But keeping tempo is not a problem for me, and only learning finger picking with just open notes was not helpful for someone who has been playing music for almost 20 years (I also played the trumpet in the 6th grade, which is where I learned how to keep proper tempo, yet I can't remember a single note and have totally forgotten how to read the sheet music haha.)

I have some questions regarding alternate tuning and ways to make playing certain chords easier. I have no trouble playing single notes or progressions because to my bass playing, but I struggle quite a bit with chords, especially ones that are not open. I was wondering if there are any alternate tunings that make chords a lot easier, and if so, will it take me quite some time to essentially relearn which notes are which, that kind of stuff, or is it just practice and patience? And is it even worth using an alternate tuning? I have trouble playing chords in general, besides the simple open ones. I can play as fast as needed for any single notes and fast strumming isn't a problem either. I just have small hands and most chords are really difficult due to having to stretch my fingers so far apart using 4 digits. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I also do realize that trying to play certain electric guitar chords on an acoustic is pretty hard due to the tautness and gap of the strings. Thanks for any help!