Members E-money Posted January 17, 2010 Members Share Posted January 17, 2010 For finger style guitar, is there any consensus? Does is vary depending on genre? Is it just another preference thing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Alex_DeLarge Posted January 17, 2010 Members Share Posted January 17, 2010 I'd never grow my nails to the point its required. They're horrible (ok, that sounded a little gay) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Jasco Posted January 17, 2010 Members Share Posted January 17, 2010 I use no nails at all - just fingertips - for fingerstyle guitar. But I'm probably in the minority. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Alex_DeLarge Posted January 17, 2010 Members Share Posted January 17, 2010 I saw a video of a fingerstyle lesson a while ago and the guy said that metal strings "ate" the nails really fast. I've seen some very good dudes playing metal string guitars with nails but I think its more of a nylon thing. This dude rocks and he uses nails and metal strings: 6VAkOhXIsI0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BydoEmpire Posted January 17, 2010 Members Share Posted January 17, 2010 It's not an option for me because I bite my nails. The only way for me to not bite my nails is to keep them clipped ridiculously short. I've thought about trying press-on nails for kicks, I've heard some players do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DarkHorseJ27 Posted January 17, 2010 Members Share Posted January 17, 2010 I saw a video of a fingerstyle lesson a while ago and the guy said that metal strings "ate" the nails really fast.I've seen some very good dudes playing metal string guitars with nails but I think its more of a nylon thing. I have to disagree. A majority of the steel string fingerstyle players at the acoustic forum use nails, me included. Some peoples' nails are just stronger than others. As far whether to use nails or fingertips, just try both and go with the one you like more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RupertB Posted January 17, 2010 Members Share Posted January 17, 2010 Both? I strike the string with the tips, but routinely keep the nails on my right hand a little longer because it gives me a more defined attack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hshaitan Posted January 17, 2010 Members Share Posted January 17, 2010 Most people use no nails for steel string guitars but it is really just preference. I knew a guy that would do acrylic nails and then file them down to a certain shape so he could play better. You should try to grow them a little bit and see if you like it or not. If you like the nails thing try wearing some nail strengthening nail polish like hard-as-nails or something like that. And eat lots of jello, it's suppose to be good for that kind of stuff too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 1001gear Posted January 17, 2010 Members Share Posted January 17, 2010 I use no nails at all - just fingertips - for fingerstyle guitar. But I'm probably in the minority. For electric, skin is the way to go. You can then crank the presence and high mids for clarity. Settings that are virtually unplayable with nails -or pick, become buttery magic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Surrealistic Posted January 17, 2010 Members Share Posted January 17, 2010 Funnily enough I've just been experimenting with growing my nails for the first time. One of my friends plays with nails and it sounds great for what he does. It doesn't really do it for me - I found the extra brightness and attack less pleasing than the sound I make just using fingertips. It was worth a try but I'm glad I don't have to put up with those nails getting in the way on the computer keyboard now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Boy Posted January 17, 2010 Members Share Posted January 17, 2010 I would have to say if it's a steel string guitar, then you don't need fingernails. In fact, they might break. If it is nylon string then yes you do need them. I know of some classical guitarists with real long nails which aren't necessary. Mine are moderately long even though I am always breaking them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members meganutt7 Posted January 18, 2010 Members Share Posted January 18, 2010 I am also one of the finger tip rather than nails devotee... I just like the tone better.. more warm and fleshy.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members wrathfuldeity Posted January 18, 2010 Members Share Posted January 18, 2010 I'm a big fan of Albert Collins fingernail/fingertips on a steel string geetar...and he did have fingernails and recollect he used both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members neffrocks Posted January 19, 2010 Members Share Posted January 19, 2010 Imo, the best tone for a nylon string guitar being played with fingers is when the flesh of the fingertip and the nail strike the string at the same time. Everything else, I prefer just my fingertips. I bite my nails anyway so its a moot point to me. All I care about is that all the strings sound even. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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