Nail use perspectives

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Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

Nail use perspectives

This one is not so much about nails as how we use it and the finger.

It seems to me that there are two main categories of playing, which are really quite different.

One, is to slide the nail across the string with a glancing stroke. Using a ramp, you can get the nail to touch the string for a long area (maybe almost 1/2" on my fingers). The result seems to be a mellow sound.

The other is where you attack the strings with the nail perpendicular. The travel of the string on the nail runs along the line of the bone, and exits at the tip of the nail. It seems that generally, this makes for a more bright sound.

I was wondering how many people agree with my assessment of these two categories. I don't hear it talked about much, but it seems to make a huge difference in sound, and probably mechanics as well.

My sound is too round for my taste, I want more "bite" and am exploring possibilities to get it that way. Any thoughts?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 31 2006 16:19:53

seanm

Posts: 169
Joined: Apr. 5 2005
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia

RE: Nail use perspectives (in reply to Miguel de Maria)

Totally agree on the two distinct attacks. Having the string slide of the nail like a ramp creates a move vertical movement in the string which is more closely related to the natural tone the guitar you are playing. I think you can get an edgier sound doing this though by varying the 'ramp' of your nail and striking through the string quicker. There is also 'Presti' style as well where you play on the right side of the nail. Not used by many but it give a strong attack. Oh yes ... and the Segovia 'scoop' (as a teacher of mine used to call it) where you slide the nail forward toward the headstock about an inch or more before releasing the string ... a very mellow sound for the occasional note. My two cents :)

Sean

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 31 2006 17:06:41

Skai

Posts: 317
Joined: Sep. 12 2004

RE: Nail use perspectives (in reply to Miguel de Maria)

That's one of the common variations done in classical guitar. Change in attack angle and changing the distance between the bridge at the same time creates great tonal colours, in good guitars. I don't see why flamenco can't use it. Maybe not as extensively but here and there, abit of mellowness in certain passages may be a good idea.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 1 2006 8:26:23