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Finger Picks

by Rocky
(Louisiana)

Instead of growing out my fingernails (which my wife hates) would it be ok on the guitar to use a certain type of finger picks?

If so what kind and do you have a link to them. If not my wife will have to get over it.

I've been playing the guitar for about 2 months now and I decided I liked the classical style much better than the chords and have been using your web site for about 3 weeks now.

I am now learning Greensleeves and love it. Thanks for making this website.

Rocky

Hi Rocky,

I once tried to use fingerpicks when I was trying to learn piano at the same time but it never worked out. Some people might use them but I found it very unsuccessful for the classical style.

I also tried to use glue on nails which were more successful but there's really nothing like your own nails. Your wife might just have to get used to it! :))

I hope this helps.

Kind regards,
Trevor M.

Comments for
Finger Picks

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Nail length
by: Nick

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

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!!

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

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.

Sincerely

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