How to do your nails as a classical guitarist
As a classical guitarist, the quality of your tone is paramount. This comes from using nails on the right hand. The technique of plucking the strings with the nails is unique to the classical guitar and sets it apart from other instruments. The combination of nail and finger serves as the primary means of producing sound, and as such, their shape, length, and maintenance are of great importance. Read on if you want to begin your journey with growing and maintaining nails!
Why do we use nails
William Kanengiser has an amazing (and entertaining) video here that discusses why classical guitarists use nails and also looks at certain nails shapes. Definitely check this out if it interests you.
The simple answer for using nails is for a good tone. This isn’t to discount those that choose not to use nails, but most of the best classical guitarists have always used nails. Some of the biggest guitarists today have some killer nails, particularly the thumb nail. Even watching only a few videos online would show that some guitarists have serious itch scratchers!
Delving into another reason why we use nails - we often refer to an effective nail shape as a ramp (more on nail shapes later), and it is this ramp that engages the string in a way that makes a good tone. The ramp ensures for the best tone, a greater volume, and a wide range of dynamic control.
Nail Shape
As I mentioned before, the ramp is the most common shape. Guitarists will choose their own shape though through experimentation based on their body. Everyone has different fingers and nails so it is important to remember that one shape that works for others may not work for you. Some people prefer the ramp to the left and others to the right, this again depends on the angle that you engage the string. I use a ramp going from left to right because this is the hand position I use, and this will be the most common for everyone. There aren’t many teachers out there that teach it going the other way! Check out the bible of guitar tech exercises “Pumping Nylon” which includes detailed diagrams of nail shapes, or William Kanengiser’s video from earlier for demonstrations on camera.
Getting Started on Your Own Nails
STEP 1: Gear
Getting started on your nails is only the beginning of a long journey of experimentation. Start growing your nails on your right hand NOW. Do not cut them. You can always file the edges to be smooth as they grow but don’t take off too much length just yet.
There is a lot of gear out there for classical guitarists in regards to their nails. Start off with a simple metal nail file and a fine grit emery or sand paper (1200 or higher). I have experimented with many other things such as nail buffer blocks or my SoundFile which I use to this day, but for many years the metal nail file is all I used. Stay away from using emery boards, but you can upgrade your gear as you progress and feel comfortable with shaping and maintaining your nails.
STEP 2: Length
As with all the points I’m discussing you will begin to find that it’s all up to the individual player. I generally recommend that you determine length by holding your hand with your palm facing toward yourself. Aim to have just a little of the nail peaking of the tip when viewed in this way. Avoid using the white of your nail from the other side to determine length because everyone’s nails grow in different ways.
Use your metal nail file to get to this length and aim for a ramp shape. Make sure there are no sharp edges than will get caught on the string making it difficult to play easily and smoothly. Once this is done, use the fine grit emery paper to smoothen the nails even more.
STEP 3: Maintenance
It is important to keep your nails smooth, even when not playing the guitar. Any sharp edges will be a magnet for damage and this is something we’d all like to avoid. Take off length as you see fit, again depending on how fast your nails grow and how comfortable it is to play.
Also be sure to read my blog: How I trained myself to protect my right hand from the damages of everyday life
Nails are unique to each person and so while I’ve given some introductory tips in this blog, you may find that other things work better for you. This is a short list of YouTube videos in case you find a different method resonates with you.
Plus many more!
All the best for now - see you in the next blog!