Comments on: Ending the Debate Over the Proper Finger Nail Length for Guitar Players

By: Michael Jae

Michael Jae — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:44:01 +0000

Hey Sal,

Thanks for the comment. I too have trouble keeping nails because my pointer nail is thin and tends to break. My thumb nail I tend to be careless with a break too. Different reasons than yours but the same outcome Two recommendations, put something on your nails that taste bitter to break your biting habit. I’m sure there’s something out there like that you could Google for. Second strengthen your nails by putting nail strengthening polish on them to help prevent your biting and any accidents from breaking them. Good luck!

By: Sal

Sal — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:33:06 +0000

Personally, I am looking to grow out my nails after getting into some folky banjo rolls recently. On steel strings, my fingers just can't move fast enough through the rolls when using just my skin to play. The skin on my fingers have hardened actually making it harder to move through the rolls, since the skin no longer digs into the strings and provides a good "pluck" if you will. Unfortunately I'm a nail biter so growing out my nails on my right hand will take some serious mental commitment.

By: Lou

Lou — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:49:05 +0000

Well, I enjoyed the article. I’m new to guitar playing and learning classical accoustic guitar where fingernail length is mentioned. Through personal experimenting I found there is a clear and distinct sound difference between nail and flesh on the string. That being said, personal preference and doing what works for you take priority but to dismiss the article entirely is plain ignorance to other styles of guitar, some elements of which might help your particular playing.

By: Fred

Fred — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 03:39:37 +0000

This is really pretty bogus. Many great players PREFER the sound of flesh on strings and therefore have no nails in play. There is no “proper” length. Do what works for YOU

By: thedeadpoet

thedeadpoet — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 04:08:29 +0000

Have to agree with charlie, although I tend not to use a pick at all. Increase your calcium intake and your nails will toughen up.

By: Charlie

Charlie — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 20:09:52 +0000

I personally use a flatpick and fingers, so I let my nails grow a little, but not too much. I also cut them so they are short at the ends, but longer in the middle, otherwise the edge of the nail can get caught on the strings. But everyone is different of course!

By: Sarai

Sarai — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 00:33:55 +0000

hi i enjoyed the read

By: TJ Colatrella aka TJ Cole

TJ Colatrella aka TJ Cole — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 21:45:22 +0000

You know used to worry about keeping nails on my right hand for finger picking but I also noticed as I played and the more I played the skin at the tip of my fingers on my right hand hardened and that often that was enough for good sound and brightness..

Now I also heard Clapton after and around the time of his unplugged session and other acoustic blues and finger picking sessions also, when asked how he got his sound and did not use finger picks or banjo picks said that the skin on his finger tips also grows harder and stronger and they being enough..

It is good to have some not to much of a nail on your thumb I believe for getting the best most prominent bass or Travis style sound still I think..