{"id":44004,"date":"2022-09-20T09:14:03","date_gmt":"2022-09-20T13:14:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarcorner.com\/?p=44004"},"modified":"2024-09-26T11:07:16","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T15:07:16","slug":"nails-on-classical-guitar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarcorner.com\/nails-on-classical-guitar\/","title":{"rendered":"Classical Guitar Fingernails"},"content":{"rendered":"

Classical guitar fingernails are a constant source of curiosity. Perhaps the most common question classical guitarists get asked is, \u201cCan you show me your nails?\u201d It\u2019s an interesting thing because the physical attributes of one\u2019s fingernails \u2013 length, shape, texture \u2013 can have such a big impact on the sound. Andr\u00e9s Segovia many years ago said that some are fortunate enough to be born with nails that are ideal for the classical guitar while others are not:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The difficulty of course is to be born with a very good quality of nails. First quality: having strong nails, not easy to break. Second quality: to have, and at the same time, soft nails for the quality of the tone. And without a beautiful sonority, the charm of the guitar disappears absolutely.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Nails are unique<\/span><\/h2>\n

And this is an important point to make as we begin this discussion about nails on the classical guitar: just as everyone has a fingerprint that is unique and identifiable, each person\u2019s nails are also unique. This means there is more variability in the sound that is or can be produced (even on the same instrument) from person to person than on other instruments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, one\u2019s technical approach to weight in the fingers, hand, wrist, and arm all have a big impact on the sound one makes on the piano. The amount of rosin one uses on a bow and how the bow is held and used have a big effect on sound on the violin. And a saxophonist\u2019s embouchure very much shapes the overall sound one makes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, I would argue that the classical guitar has a much wider variability from player to player because of the physical factor of fingernails. When you add to that variability the different approaches each person may take technically, you really have a situation where each person will make almost a completely different sound.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thus, nails are part of what makes classical guitar such a difficult instrument to master.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Quality of fingernails<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your nails are brittle and prone to break, there are a few possible solutions to consider. First, you may seek out natural solutions (such as diet and moisture) or even nail hardeners to strengthen your nails over time. This is more of a long-term solution that will require not only time but consultation with a dermatologist or physician.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Secondly, you may consider using fake nails. Many professional guitarists use one or more fake nails (some using all fake nails) and have a great sound. A great kit that uses a non-toxic and glueless adhesive is the Italian “Guitar Nails Kit<\/a>.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Hooked fingernails<\/span><\/h3>\n

While some may have fairly thick nails that don\u2019t easily break, there may be other problems with nails that can develop. One common nail problem is nails that hook. Many people have nails that hook in the middle of the nail, which can cause the nail to catch on the string. Guitarists have created several solutions (all temporary) for this problem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One solution for this is to file directly underneath the nail until the nail \u201cflattens out\u201d on the nail file. This approach takes off a lot of nail and thus many who use this approach will be left with very short nails (which sometimes is not ideal). Moreover, when the nails grow back the hooks will also grow back, so this is only a temporary solution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another much more alternative solution championed by David Russell<\/a> is to heat up a spoon with a lighter or over the stove and then place the hot spoon (carefully!) underneath the nail long enough for the nail to conform to the spoon\u2019s shape. Again, the hooks will develop again over time so this is only a temporary solution. And obviously the potential for burning one\u2019s fingertips is high with this solution as well! If you’d like to try this out and prevent burning, place a second spoon vertically under the nail and up against the flesh of the fingertip so you can get the hot spoon under the nail without touching the flesh of your finger.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ridges<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another common problem with fingernails is lengthwise ridges. Usually a result of diet and other physical factors, ridges can cause an uneven texture on the underside of the nail. The above first solution for hooked nails (filing directly underneath the nail until the ridge is evened out) works in most cases, but is again only a temporary solution. One must be wary not to take off too much nail.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another solution is to speak with your dermatologist or physician about dietary changes to produce healthier nails. A change in diet can often have a big impact on the health (and yes also the sound!) of your nails.<\/span><\/p>\n

Classical Guitar Fingernail Length<\/span><\/h2>\n

For both length and shape of nails it is important to experiment. Start with a longer nail and gradually work toward a shorter nail bit by bit over time to see what works for you. <\/span>Remember you can quickly and easily take off nail, but it takes time for nail to grow back<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When determining your nail length, turn your right hand with your palm facing you and look at how much nail you can see above the fingertip. A good starting place is a few millimeters above the fingertip. (Again, you can always go shorter from there.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Long vs. Short Nails<\/span><\/h3>\n

Some things to keep in mind about nail length (these are rough generalizations, not rules):<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Free strokes may sound and feel better with longer nails, but rest strokes may be more difficult. A balance that allows you to move freely and easily between free and rest stroke while still maintaining a good sound with each is ideal.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Longer nails can require more controlled, efficient motions in the fingers to prevent excess nail noise.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • It can sometimes be difficult to produce a lot of volume out of the instrument with shorter nails.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Nail length (like nail shape) and right-hand attack are interdependent and so it\u2019s important to consider the height of the wrist, the point of contact on the strings, and more when experimenting with nail length (and shape). More on these technical elements below.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Classical Guitar Fingernail Shape<\/span><\/h2>\n

    While nail shapes can be highly variable, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind. There are three common types of nail shape: rounded, ramped, and square.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Rounded Shape<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Andres Segovia (and Christopher Parkening in his method) recommend a rounded shape. This shape naturally follows the shape of one\u2019s own fingertips.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"classical<\/p>\n

    Ramped Shape<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Scott Tennant in his book Pumping Nylon recommends a ramped shape. The ramp will be shorter on one edge of the nail, at the point of contact, and gradually gets longer toward the other edge of the nail. (Take note that sometimes the \u201cpoint of contact\u201d is on the right side of the nail and so you will see some with a so-called \u201creverse ramp.\u201d)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Classical<\/p>\n

    Square Shape<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Another common nail type is the square shape. This follows a straighter line and though “square” implies sharp 90-degree angles, the edges\/corners of the nails are usually rounded off with this shape.<\/p>\n

    \"classical<\/p>\n

    Shapes to avoid<\/h3>\n

    We generally want to avoid nail shapes with sharp angles. So a ramp that only goes to the middle of the nail will produce a sharp point at the center of the nail (resembling a plectrum\/pick). This produces a rather harsh and thin tone. Likewise, if we don\u2019t round off corners at the edges of the nails and have sharp 90-degree angles the string can get caught, again producing a poor sound.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n



    <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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    Nail with a sharp point<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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    Nail with sharp corners<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    How to find a shape that works for you<\/h3>\n

    Here’s a great way to find a shape that works for you:<\/p>\n

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    • Take a piece of light sandpaper (something that won’t take off too much nail, like 500-grit or higher) and wrap it around the third string near the sound hole at your playing position for your right hand.<\/li>\n
    • Hold the paper in place with your left hand and then begin to play as you normally would with your i finger.<\/li>\n
    • Do this repeatedly and keep checking the underside of the nail. After a few repetitions you’ll begin to see a white outline of where the nail is making contact with the string.<\/li>\n
    • Then you can simply take your nail file and file along the line the sandpaper has formed on your nail.<\/li>\n
    • Repeat with the other fingers, moving the paper to other strings when necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Here’s a great tutorial and demonstration by French guitarist Thomas Viloteau:<\/p>\n\n

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