I personally do not like extra long fingernails also as they tend to break, and just do not look right on a man. In addition, as the nail grows, it wants to curl down forming a sort of hook, that will want to catch the strings.
The right length for me is probably between 1/8" and 1/4" max. My gauge is this---Look at your hand palm facing you. If I can see about 1/16" nail showing, this is perfect for me.
I catch the string with nail and pad getting a decent tone, it doesn't grab the string, and I can still work without breaking it! Needless to say, you still need to shape it correctly.
Nick
Rochester NY
Jun 12, 2009
playing with pads by: MIchael J king
There has always been another way to play, from the renaissance until the 19th century the pads of the fingers were mostly used for the guitar, Fernando Sor in his guitar tutor book was the last Proponents of this style, you loose out on volume and clarity but you gain a sensitivity of touch equally as well that is your own.
Check out youtube for players like Rob Mackillop who play with pads exclusively on baroque and romantic guitar you can get an idea of how this sounds.
On his video that demonstrates baroque strumming you would be hard pressed to tell that he is using pads and not nails!!
I gave up on nails years ago as it was in conflict with making musical instruments but I like not having claws on my right hand too!!
Jun 03, 2009
Nails by: David Heap
Introduce your wife to the long lost art of back scratching, she will never again complain,-------- As long as it is done properly and you will be able to play your guitar without complaint
Jun 03, 2009
Your nails by: Ulises
I bite my nails. Except those on my right hand which I use to play with, so my hands look very odd. Nothing like playing with your own nails. Please note that they don't have to be too long. So experiment what's the minimum length you need to grow them to play. You'll be surprised they don't need to be too long.
