Sorry I haven't been responding quickly I've been busy lately. Mark, my hands are just over 6.5 inches long from bottom of palm to tip of middle finger.

Technique is likely the issue, I just bought it a few weeks ago and have slowly been attempting to teach myself. Thank you, that was a good read I hadn't seen yet.

I like the idea of keeping the neck steeper but then that makes it harder for me to pick the strings accurately--I guess I'll have to compromise!

Banjo is a Recording King Rk r20 songster. And while I appreciate the advice Jerry, I'm just starting to learn, not sure I've got what it takes to know partial chords yet :)

GUEST: the idea is tempting but unfortunately I already bought it.