Hasie
Hey,
I've Acquired a classical guitar a while back and have only started spending more time on it recently. I am trying to figure out if it is worth the effort of trying to grow my nails or if artificial nails is wirth the expense, etc.?
Any other advice/opinions are welcome as always.
(old forum) Poll Results: Which do you prefer on a classical guitar for tone/volume/accuracy
- Fingertips (no nails): 1
- Fingertips (no nails), with thumb plectrum: 0
- Nails: 1
- Thumb plectrum and nails: 0
- Artificial (Gel) nails: 0
- Thumb plectrum and Artificial (Gel) nails: 0
- Nails, with no nail on thumb: 2
- Artificial (Gel) nails, with no nail on thumb: 0
- Finger plectrums (banjo claws) and thumb plectrum: 0
V8
I was at a jam on New Year's and got into a discussion on...oddly enough...classical guitar and nails ?
I've a foot in the flamenco camp - so I need nails on all fingers, with thumb nail being essential for triplet strumming. None of them are overly long +/- 2mm. Over time, I noticed that there is a sweet spot for length - not too long, not too short.
The classical player preferred longer nails, but didn't attack the strings as hard as I do. He plucked the string with mostly nail (kinda like fingerpicks), where I try and play through the string with a combo of nail and finger - tough to describe in words.
Unless you play a LOT or you have very weak nails, I reckon you are better off growing your nails first (2-3 weeks for me to recover from a torn nail) and checking it out before sticking on acrylic nails. A top tip is to moisturize your nails, makes em a bit more flexible - less prone to tearing. It took a while, but my nails are fairly strong now - thumb nail especially - it's almost a claw ?
wern101
I had to laugh when reading this thread. I almost wanted to ask what shade of nail gloss you gents use... :-[ ?
Just kidding....
I have zero experience on a classical so I can't comment, but find the topic very interesting. Back in my rebellious days at school I grew my nails (and hair) very long. The teacher commented on my nails and I simply said to her: "I play guitar". And that was the end of that. ?
morph
My brother plays banjo a lot. As such he has grown his thumb and middle finger nail. He strengthens the finger nail with tissue paper and superglue. Apply the tissue, add a few drops glue. When dry smooth and shape with a nail file or emery board. You can also use tea bag paper
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Shibbibilybob
I don't play classical guitar, but almost exclusively steel string finger style.
My right thumb nail is a little longer than the rest, but usually they're not too long.
I find I get a nice full sound when they come to just under my finger tip. I don't use any strengtheners or artificial nails, and have not had any issues.
I use a really awesome nail file, that seals the nail very smoothly and nicely. I like it a lot. I then pretty much follow this
Fingers are a way cooler tool for playing guitar than plectrums are.
Stoffeltoo
Thank you Shibbily. Checked the video. Grabbed the clippers, nail file, buff and coki pen. It works. Just looks odd having "lobsided" fingernails. Great tutorial for any finger and classical guitarist. Buff is must.
Squonk
Fingertips
I would have to change my whole way of playing to accommodate anything else! Wish I had some good advice in those beginning years.
Shibbibilybob
Fingertips are great Squonk! If your nails force you to play differently to how you would with no nails, then I think they're too long.
Stoffeltoo, I usually have only my ring finger being somewhat asymmetrical. And yes, also a big believer in buffing.
I forgot to add that I also use a thumb pick when called for. This is usually when I want the bass notes to be more prominent, so in a lot of bluegrass type stuff where the thumb drives the song.
bruciekins
Actually, you are going to have to experiment, perhaps over a long time.One crucial point is to make sure that the nail edge is as smooth as it can possibly be. I start off with a Mavala nail file (expensive, but they last long), then use 1200 grade wet and dry sandpaper (don't throw old ones away, when they get worn down they can be used to polish). I also use a 4 sided block, Dischem probably have them, with 4 graduated sides of sandpaper. If the nails are not smooth as glass, they give bad sound and are more likely to split, so do them often. Also (if you're serious), avoid swimming, long baths and if you have to wash dishes wear rubber gloves. I have weak nails, I tried acrylic and it messed them up even more. I've found that if I keep them short enough that when I look at my palm they just protrude enough to be seen I don't get too much trouble with them. As I make part of my living playing electric, when humping gear I put a glove on my right hand. As to the previous person who commented about nail gloss, if you say that again I'll stab you with my lipstick and smack you over the head with my handbag. >☹
