[HANASHIR:13058] Re: Finger picking

[Gohr454 <Gohr454...>]

In a message dated 12/9/2002 11:53:34 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
Rebjoe (at) aol(dot)com writes:

> As a dedicated fingerpicker and someone who used to use fingerpicks 
> exclusively when I songled, I have a few thoughts on the matter. 
> 
> I find that actual fingernails always sound better than fingerpicks on a 
> steel string. Fingerpicks can be scratchy, they can fall off, they can hurt 
> your fingers and get in the way of playing.  They also can cause you to 
> break more strings when you're playing ludly because of your hand position 
> on the bridge of the guitar.  On the other hand, you don't have to worry 
> about breaking fingernails with fingerpicks.  Also, they allow you to play 
> louder than nails.  
> 
> I recently have begun using  acrylic nails (you can get them at any beauty 
> parlor) when I play which, I feel, gives me the best of both worlds.  
> They're strong, they don't break and they are loud.  On the other 
> hand......  you are making a serious commitment to getting them "filled' 
> every 3 weeks.   Some people say that there is a dangere of getting an 
> infection with acrylics, but I haven't had any problems.  They do weaken 
> your real nails so, if you decide to remove them at some time, there is a 
> period of adjustment when the new nail grows back. There are also many 
> products out there that strengthen your nails -- flamenco guitarists, in 
> particiular, have develped some pretty good stuff. 
> 
> 

On Joe's recommendation I started using acrylic nails last Summer. As a 
classical/fingerstyle guitarist I've always relied heavily on using my own 
nails to play and breakage has always been one of my worst nightmares. In my 
case acrylics have been a godsend. He's right, they're strong and LOUD. 
They're always on, you don't have to fish around in your pocket for them and 
unless you really want them to, they don't come off, ever. Maintainance is an 
issue, however, depending on how fast your nails grow. I have to get mine 
filled every two weeks. It also helps to try to go to the same tech every 
time, otherwise you'll get really tired of explaining why you only want them 
on one hand..., If you're really serious about fingerpicking, give them a 
try. 
 As far as strumming, I use my nails in place of a flat pick. I use my index 
finger for the downstroke and my thumb for the up. I play pretty hard with 
them, and I can't remember the last time I broke a string. I also find that I 
can easily switch between strumming and picking which adds flexibility to 
one's style. In my particular case, acrylics are the way to go. Thanks, Joe.

Kathy Gohr,
Grand Rapids, MI