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Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD
can't file the nails?!
For the past month or so I can't seem to get the nails right, I overfile, mess up the angle and can't play worth of crap.
There has been a thread recently on nails and it seems like everyone has figured out the right angle. How do you not overdo it and how do you not forget what it is supposed to be? Does anyone else have this problem or am I the only one?
RE: can't file the nails?! (in reply to Bogdan1980)
When you've found a good shape photograph it from 3 or so angles in good light, keep that as a rough reference for general shape. I've been using the 'play the file' and 'play a piece of sandpaper wrapped around a string' tricks with pretty consistent results. I've also rediscovered cyanoacrylate.. it can help a lot if your nails don't grow out nicely curved and easy to maintain
Posts: 1025
Joined: Oct. 14 2009
From: New York City
RE: can't file the nails?! (in reply to Bogdan1980)
You are going to hear every suggestion under the sun, but I would strongly recommend doing as Doitsujin says - shape them to follow the shape of your fingertips, then file them gently underneath to keep it smooth so that they don't snag when playing picado or arpeggios. I would also recommend a good long thumb nail, tapered somewhat on the left side (as you look at the entire nail facing you). All this was recommended to me by Pepe Romero, and that is what I have personally done ever since. If you look at this video
you will see that he has a very long thumb nail, but shaped.
I should add, however, that much of all discussion about nails - length, shape, etc. is subject to individual taste, playing style, hand positions used, etc.
RE: can't file the nails?! (in reply to Bogdan1980)
I disagree about the long thumbnail. I used to have mine quite long and had a lot of trouble with things like alzapua runs, with a short nail I find I have much better control.
To each his/her own I suppose. Try different lengths, shapes and forms and see what works for you.
Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD
RE: can't file the nails?! (in reply to Bogdan1980)
Thanks eveyrone.
My thumbnail is sort of long but it's shaped in a particular way. My teacher (classical) was from Romero's school so my nails are all shaped in certain way. Angle differs for each finger. It's sort of like Scott Tennant recommended in his book.
I have these stretches were I contact the string and it's like butter and then for weeks in a row I can't get the dang angle right. I'm a little worried about filing the nails to the shape of the finger because then this angle that I have will be completely gone and it's probably going to require to get used to the whole new form. I guess I'll ltry the finer file.
We just had a thread on nails and those that posted pictures have the nails shaped in the same way I have them. The ring and the middle finger are the most porblematic. I file the ring with an angle (slant) towards the pinky. And I can't seem to ever remember whether the middle finger has to be angled towards the index or the ring finger. And the left corner of the nail on the middle tends to catch the string at picados. Very aggravating.
Posts: 15725
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: can't file the nails?! (in reply to Bogdan1980)
When I first got into shaping the nails with a straight angle, not curved or contoured, the smoothness and lack of resitance, and crispness of tone was surprising and immediate. But yes, you catch the edge of the nail and you are like whoa, that is not good. So you really have to be careful with hand position more than before. For me it was a no brainer, the benefits vs the drawback of having to be a little more precise and careful with hand position.
Also practicing a lot of one certain technique found got me making grooves in the nail more often, which is no good either. Again a necessary evil that I dont have to deal with as much these days. Glue helps, and filing just a little everyday is important for me to keep the nails consistent.
Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD
RE: can't file the nails?! (in reply to Bogdan1980)
quote:
filing just a little everyday is important for me to keep the nails consistent
Thanks, I think that's the key. I usually let them grow out and then overfile. The position is a tricky issue. For classical guitar I was taught to sit like Pepe or maybe Sabicas. But it's very stressful on my back so I sit in a PDl position. And I think the angle of attack then changes and I adjust the nails and that's how the mess-up occurs. Inconsistency is a source of all problems... in this case at least.
RE: can't file the nails?! (in reply to Bogdan1980)
As far as angle- Ill explain what I do. I Imagine a triangle that can fit over the side view of my finger. I position the file parallel to the bottom edge of the imaginary triangle. I hope my crappy picture is useful.
Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px
Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD
RE: can't file the nails?! (in reply to Bogdan1980)
Not quite sure on the angle comment, have a hard time picturing but appreciate the attempt.
Bursche thanks for the pic. I got something very similar but flatter. Same angle though. They just got to a good length and I think it's mostly me overfiling. Sound came back.
RE: can't file the nails?! (in reply to Bogdan1980)
I once heard a respected guitarist say (i can't remember who) that you should never file your nails without having your guitar in your hands to be sure that you never take too much off.
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