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#1
08-04-2002, 03:44 PM
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question for fingerpickers
How many of you file the nails on your right hand at an angle? (Short on the left side, longer on the right.)
My teacher does this and wants me to do it too, but I have very little patience for it. I'm wondering what the standard practice is. 
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#2
08-04-2002, 04:55 PM
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haven't tried that (is that what they call ramping?)....but, I don't have anyone to emulate (such as a teacher) in terms of nail care.....my right hand is my feminine side (long nails) and my left (fretting hand) is the construction worker side...callused ....
__________________
Tom More than deserved, less than desired
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#3
08-04-2002, 11:47 PM
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No nails. Pick with my finger tips.
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#4
08-05-2002, 12:12 AM
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When I try to fingerpick I do some weird thingy cuz Im weird, I sorta flick and pull the strick and then smack it with my thumb, I dont know if Im crazy or just really strange but it works for me, sorry its late at night and this post makes absolutely no sense.
__________________
If you ever need a hug just ask.
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#5
08-05-2002, 05:37 AM
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Yes, that's exactly what I do. I used to just file them in a symmetrical slight curve, but read about the angle thing somewhere and tried it - I found it gave me a bit better sound, but more importantly it felt better and made it more difficult to get a nail caught on a string. I do much the same thing with my thumbnail (I don't use a thumbpick) as well.
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#6
08-05-2002, 11:24 AM
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I've filed mine at an angle before. Initially I did this because I broke a nail (GASP!), and that was the only way I could save the part that actually hit the string. I found it worked out well, but looked goofier than before I broke the nail. I didn't note any kind of improvement in tone or playability, so I keep mine uniform and curved.
I think whatever works the best for you is the proper solution. Give it a try because it's always good to experiment. However, if you don't like them slanted then change them back. You're the one playing your guitar, not your instructor. David
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#7
08-05-2002, 03:48 PM
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I've found it makes it easier to play without catching a nail on a string, but I have very little patience for the actual filing and upkeep. So it's one of those things (like the metronome) that I know is good for my playing, but I have an attitude of "oh, Ma, do I HAVE to?" I know, I know, I should shut up and eat my vegetables, but in that department I haven't quite grown up yet!
CheesyMoo, welcome to the forum! I have absolutely no idea what your post meant, but it's great to have you here!
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#8
08-13-2002, 05:18 AM
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I play finger pickinī with long nails on my right hand.
I file them a little bit pointed and the thumb do I file as it is a little bit longer to the left. It get the sound at bit much more twang. Especially when I pick with the thumb.
__________________
Taylor 855 - 1981, 815E - 2000 and 612CE - 2002
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#9
08-13-2002, 10:09 AM
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I still play with the same shaped nails I used when I started on Classical guitar, but I think it is very important to get the shape right- it makes so much difference to tone. In fact, poeple's nails are totally different and there is no one right way to shape your nails.
For instance, some people have very flat nails. These are much easier to shape and can be fairly pointed. Mine grow at quite an arch, and so when you look and mine from the top they are almost square. The idea should be to make sure the nail is nice and smooth on the part of the nail the string slides off. I use special "wet and dry" sandpaper that I get from a specialist classical guitar retailer to smooth my nails off. And maintaining them is not that hard- I probably spend about 30 mminutes every 2 to 3 days on them. Rob
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#10
08-13-2002, 11:49 AM
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Robbie is right on target. I play classical guitar and spend some time shaping nails because it makes a difference in the sound. But as Robbie said, there is a difference in the shapes of peoples nails which requires different filing patterns. There is an excellent discussion of this in Scott Tennant's book "Pumping Nylon". Basically, the nails must be shaped so that they slip off the strings without catching.
Good luck.
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#11
08-16-2002, 09:35 PM
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I think it is most important to do what is comfortable to you. If you find it easier to play with longer nails, use longer nails; if you find it easier to play without them, then keep your nails short. I know many great fingerstyle guitar players who use their nails, and many great ones that don't. It is true that the tonality of the two are completely opposite, but I think those differences create an individual style. In my opinion, hand position is far more important than if you pluck with your nails or with the tips of your fingers. If your hand position is correct (resting your hand with a comfortable arch over the strings as an example) then I don't think there is a right or wrong way as to what part of the finger you are using to pluck the strings.
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#12
08-30-2002, 08:51 PM
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I use my fingertips - It gives a richer tone, but I need the action a bit higher so I can get the volume without losing the tone through buzzing. In the end, play however you feel most comfortable - It's like string selection, you try loads until you find what' suits you.
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#13
09-07-2002, 10:09 AM
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I got a copy of a video called "Pumping Nylon" and shaped my fingernails as your teacher suggested. I tryed it for about 3 months and while I found it worked I sometime caught the right side of the nail on the string. I suppose I was doing something wrong.
I have just decided to try shaping the right side by rounding it so that the nail does not catch. I would say the shape you are talking about did give me a nice sound. I hope my new shape will still give me the same sound but not catch as sometimes happened before. Good luck and give it a try and see what you think. You can always file or cut them differently. Experiment with it till you find something that works for you would be my best advice.
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#14
09-09-2002, 03:30 PM
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I assume the video corresponds to the book, Pumping Nylon, by Scott Tennant. In addition to a bunch of excellent right and left hand exercises primarily for the classical player, it has diagrams of suggested nail shapes that vary depending on how your nails naturally grow.
The suggested shapes improved tone tremendously for nylon/classical play. They sounded fairly bright, bordering on harsh for steel string play. Since I'm back to playing mostly on steel strings, I prefer the sound of a more rounded nail tip. -Kent
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#15
09-11-2002, 10:36 AM
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I play with a combination fingertip/nail, mostly fingertips, and vary the attack angle to get different effects. I don't do much with my nails other than keep them smooth so I don't "hang up" on the strings.
I actually pay more attention to my nails on my fretting hand since if they get too long they interfer with callouses on my fingertips. I especially notice this on barre chords. Gary 314 (give me those Mississippi blues) BB Yamaha- G-65 + Assorted junky guitars
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