fingernails guitar guitarist nail care dalmaestro new york

Classical guitar is a wonderful, intimate instrument with a beautiful sound. From the player’s perspective one of the most discussed topics is in fact tone production. In particular, for those that use nails for plucking the strings many questions arise: how effectively shape nails? How and how often is better to file them? How to take care of them? Which are the best gears to use to shape nails? Being a common problem with multiple solutions, a number of guitarsts have been recently sharing their perspectives, personal solutions and suggestions. Our sound is the result of right hand position and fingernails, so the latter have a big responsibility to make our sound beautiful.

I personally recommend to use a regular steel nail file (like this one), eventually with two different grids on the two sides, and two sand papers of different grades. I personally use 500 and 12000 grades. The file is for shaping the nails, the 500 grade sand paper is for buffering and refining, the 12000 grade micro mesh sand paper is for finishing and making the nail tip very very smooth. Sand paper for guitarists nails can be found in the online store StringsByMail.

I am posting four videos from five world-class guitar performers that can help you navigate the problem. In each of them you’ll find interesting perspectives, tips, suggestions and personal solutions. Before starting watching, please consider the follow:

Each of us have different finger nails shapes, with different strengths and weaknesses.
The condition of your nails changes with time, be ready to adapt to the new condition!
You can learn how to shape your nails from your teacher, and slowly find your way.
You’ll discover your best shape by experiencing different solutions.
There’s not a universal rule for effectively shaping your nails, it’s a personal thing.
Some other great products for nail care

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