I have a question about isolating or eliminating the smaller knuckles. It looks like you are relaxing the small nuckle to the point where it is bending backwards. I have what my friends have deemed " sausage fingers" lol. They are very stiff and thick and when I try to "push" through the strings I not only pluck them ridiculously hard but they continue on and hit the string above. Any advice? Thank you!!!
@@noseman1397 If you keep the nails short, you can alter the amount of nail vs flesh you get in contacting the string, and you can get a "flesh only" type tone, if you want one.
The problem with a flesh only tone is that it cant be as articulated as a nail and flesh combined type of tone, if done correctly. Only flesh also leads to less controll in both tecnique and dynamics.
@@hdwitzka no nails leads to less control of your right hand fingers while playing as well as reduced clarity in the tone and sepereration of Notes. A corretcly shaped nail makes it a lot easier to play fast passages. Using nails also opens up for greater variety in tone production. You can get a really , warm sound, or a thinner bright sound. In addition you will get more sound out of your guitar if you use nails, with proper tecnique. A combination of better tecnical prestige and better tone production makes nails the better choise. The only downside to nails is having to live with them in your daily life. And always making sure they are in perfect condition.
I have been playing guitar for 38 years and 24 years ago I was in an accident where my picking hand was damaged. My Index, Middle and Ring finger were eviscerated and my first thought was I would never play guitar again. At the time I was learning flamenco and working on my five finger technique and this accident put a stop to that where I lost part of my middle finger. Thankfully the others were able to be saved. I took me some time to recover and I eventually began to play again and started to compensate for what I lost, yet, the loss of the middle finger and the lack of nail growth was discouraging but I didn't give up. We learn to adapt and flourish in our own ways and I rely on flesh instead of nail to bring out those nuances we strive for when playing in any style. Because at the end of the day, its about the love of music and creating your own style.
And I have been playing since the age of four. I,m seventyfour now and had enough of this. I rather step out in the woods listen to the birds instead. That gives me much more.
As a guitarist who grew up in the flat-pick rock guitar genre, my whole world changed 4 or 5 years ago when I began to study finger-picking. Since I was starting from scratch in that arena, I payed close attention to develop my right-hand "classical guitar" technique properly, carefully avoiding letting any bad habits take root. One decision I made almost right away was to not use my nails as a substitute for the flat pick. I quickly discovered I loved "feeling the strings" with my right hand. That made me feel so much more connected to my instrument than if I had gone with using my nails. Certainly (as you pointed out, Alan) I probably gave up some flexibility in my playing by going "nail-less" but to me the pleasure I get from "feeling" far outweighs the disadvantages. Now, I can't really imagine letting nails come between me and my instrument. 😎
I am a "no nails" player. I study under Hector Garcia, who studied under Emilio Pujol, who studied under Tarrega. Hector played with nails for nearly 30 years, but told me it was because of Llobert's variations of Sor that he decided to go "no nails" (Llobert also studied under Tarrega). Anyway, it works for me, though it makes a lot of things more difficult. I think it remains a personal choice, but I don't feel that players are in any fundamental way limited by the decision one way or the other.
Im trying to learn fingerpick no nails, should i start with a basic fingerpicking instruction, or what advice do you have for me? Pls dont say practice because im v new, and just learning chords but i dont say know how to play a g chord fingerpicked, like do f,m,r finger alwYs stay on strings g,b,and e respectively?
@@skaterdude7277 I don't think you should start with fingerpicking if you are just starting off. When you get more advanced most of your progress is mental rather than physical, but early on practice is the only way to improve.
Mark, Emilio Pujol’s Rational School for Guitar in 3 volumes is full of detailed discussion on playing without nails. It is published by Orpheus and will be available on- line. Also check out Rob McKillop’s site on RUclips
I used to play with nails back in school but now I mostly play the piano while teaching a bit of guitar, so there is no way I could have nails. So, thanks for the video. It was reassuring
Saxophonist (main axe) and pianist (my double) here. Guitar (totally new to me) is / will be my "triple." I would think nails would ruin piano, correct? Thanks if you see this!
@@jeffreynewton5324 I play piano, bass guitar, and classical. The worst possible combination of instruments since I can't play piano or bass with long nails, but then I can't play classical guitar properly without nails.
@@jazipc4230 That's a bummer! I am just getting into guitar, as my "triple." No nails for me, but I guess one can use those add-ons? I do note that there is a school classical guitar playing that does not use nails... Piano with nails would be impossible. Probably wouldn't matter for saxophone, but would for typing, and I write for a living.
This video's almost 2 years old now with over 88k views and still not a single dislike as of the time I'm typing this. Keep up the incredible work Allen!!
Fascinating subject and comments were a heaven send. I spend a lot of time working with dressage horses and doing all the barn chores associated with them. Even working with gloves, and taking protein for my nails to make them stronger cannot eliminate all breakage. It only slows it down. This is an ongoing conflict with my love for playing classical guitar (and fingerstyle jazz on nylon strings). This video and comments have caused to me to re-think my situation. I had no idea that some of the founding fathers of classical guitar had actually preferred to go nail-less. This is very encouraging. It caused me to remember that I could actually play faster without the nails (albeit with less volume) because there was less resistance. I made sure I subscribed to this channel given the insight and relevance of this subject. Keep up the good work! I hope the level of commentary remains this high on all the videos from this channel.
@@acbulgin2 Thanks very much for the thoughtful comment and the reference. Playing a lot of different styles and instruments is kind of a double edged sword, isn't it. Best regards!
@@acbulgin2 Your reply begs another question re: Bach's Prelude in Dm. What do you think the original tempo was for that piece? From what I've been able to observe, I cannot imagine a lute being played as fast as Segovia and others have played that piece on guitar. Your thoughts?
@@acbulgin2 thanks for the detailed and insightful response to my question. The information you shared was probably unknown to about 90% of the guitarists who at least attempt to play classical. Your summary is sage advice that I should probably internalize. Once again my sincere thanks. Best regards!
As a woman, who sometimes paints my fingernails, it bothers me when they are all different lengths, so I keep them all short because you can play right hand with short nails, but you cannot play left hand with long ones. Solved! I also think if you're a person who just plays for yourself, no reason to mess with nails. It's easier to just keep them short so you can practice consistently and not worry about it. Who cares about how much sound I project? Nobody is listening.
Thank you for this video, Allen. Like Raymond and H-man below, I have weenie nails and have never been able to get them very long without breaking or tearing. I too have tried various products. Nail polishes marketed for "strengthening" only seem to make them more brittle. I've gotten pretty good with nail files over the years, but my nails are thin, and when they do start to get longer, they sometimes curl in ways that are not conducive to guitar playing. I had read elsewhere that playing with nails is a relatively recent development historically speaking, and it was encouraging to hear you reinforce that. I appreciate your online classes. Keep up the good work!
@Richard Anderson I am in the same boat as you (thin hooked nails), and tried basically every product out there (gel and acrylic nail extensions, glue on/stick on nails, coatings, etc). Without getting into details, coatings usually didn't do anything, fake nails worked, but completely destroy the underlying nail plate and were too "high maintenance" for me to bother with. Eventually, with a lot of persistence I did figure out a way to get my natural nails to "work". Please see my comment elsewhere in here for exactly what I did, and I hope that can help you. Basically you want the absolutely shortest possible nail you can to still engage the string, and you want to hit the string with the nail sort of edge-on (rather than perpendicular to the string like a guitar pick).
I'm both a professional guitarist (electric, primarily) and double bassist. The double bass destroys nails, so I have no option to grow mine out (electric bass also is not kind to nails). Nails on electric guitar (in my experience) are a bit too harsh on an instrument that can easily become too bright. That said, on nylon I've never been happy with my nail-less tone and have been recently experimenting with Rico Nails for some all-nylon gigs I've played. The increased tonal brilliance and projection really makes a huge difference, just as this video describes. The other huge improvement I've noticed, which I'm surprised wasn't mentioned in this video, but a few other commenters have, is the increased clarity and control for fast passages. I can play quick lines so much faster and cleaner with nails than without. For now, I've settled with using Rico Nails on nylon and fingertips for all of my other playing, but I really do miss the speed that nails assist with when I'm not using them.
I am SO happy to see this video! This has become a nearly-constant debate among CGers and, frankly, I can't understand why. Nails are a fairly new technique, and artists like Virginia Luque prove that you can play just fine without them.
I have seen some videos with her but can't see - og hear - that she plays without nails. For instance this one: ruclips.net/video/dzaIjmZXlDM/видео.html Do you know of a video where it is more clearly that she is playning without nails?
@@BluntofHwicce Good info to add. It's true that she has nails that hit just below or at the fingertip, but they aren't ramped or shaped, and she plays with flesh.
@@ebbenielsen7 It's difficult to see, but there is a tonal difference. When she plays fast, it's easier to tell I think. There are interviews with her where she talks about it. rmclassicalguitar.com/interviews/virginia-luque/ The top video should make it easier to hear.
Nails have been used to play gut string instruments as long as they've been in existence. . .even predating the invention of the guitar. Lute players from the 16th century mentioned using nails. . .and the debate about nails vs no nails has been going on for at least 400 years!
There's no argument that having no nails offers you more control than with nails. It is much harder to soften and control your sound with essentially guitar picks at the tip of your finger. Traditionally, classical players do not use fingernails. It doesn't add depth to tone and truly just adds a little more accuracy and clarity, but you lose subtly and warmth and richness in your tone. The flesh of the finger is much sweeter than the sturdiness of a fingernail. There is preference however which ultimately makes your decision. But if your goal is to play loud and clear your entirely better off growing nails. If you want to play smooth and sweet and luxurious play with your fingers. At the end of the day it's up to how the player feels and how skilled they aee
I am an enthusiastic hobby player for a couple of years now. Finger style exclusively. I hate long nails, plus mine split all the time. I like the softer sound, too. Only hope it won't stop me on my current quest learning tremolo.
It’s definitely an interesting argument, what I found out over the years is that a lot of guitarists start using shorter nails over time. I had teachers that had long nails and I had others that barely used nails. There’s an interesting reading about that by Pujol “el dilema del sonido en la guitarra” the dilemma of timbre in the guitar, is a good read that goes over the argument of nails vs no nails.
Sor, Giuliani, Legnani, and , Tarrega, the father of classical guitar, all played without nails. the great nail players, all have beautiful tone that sounds as if they’re not using nails
I'm mostly asking because I also play piano so I can't really have longer nails. Makes me slip across the keys. Thank you very much for the video, I enjoyed it!
Thanks for the video. I used to play with nails but abandoned them a couple years ago because I'm a factory worker and I started playing the lute. Its completely viable to play without nails but the technique is alot different I now use thumb under or lute technique. The strings you use make a big diffrence, I now use gut and nylgut strings and silk wound core bases. You guys should check out rob mackillop he has alot of vids on the subject.
I play nylon strings without nails, and sometimes I use ''spectraliser'' plug-in from Wavelab software to get brighter acoustic guitar sound on recording.
I've been playing without nails for a couple years now. It helps me a lot for electric. Gives me a much better fingerstyle tone and makes hybrid picking much easier. but for classical I'm giving up a lot of volume and tone control like you say, but also I feel like I lose a good bit of speed. If I found myself where classical was my main thing again, I'd probably grow my nails back :/
"you don't have to lick your fingers if you're playing without nails, but you have the option to. Of course you can lick your fingernails as well..." This was the ending to this video I never saw coming.
Loved the vid. Informative, entertaining and hilarious. It's got that North Battleford Saskatchewan, Public Access TV vibe going on. I give it 4.5 / 5.
Great video, nails are great but also a lot of frustration. I may actually file mine off, (acrylic) and try it without. The playing from the (big) knuckle technique was new too me. Thanks for the tip👍.
I found that on steel string without nails you eventually get right hand finger tip callouses, if you play enough, and playing with callouses is "similar" to playing with tip+nails. Nylon is too soft to keep right hand callouses, so it's fingernails for me! :-)
Felicidades. Supongo que conoces el método de guitarra de Emilio Pujol y el de Pascual Roch. En ambos se explica detalladamente la técnica correcta para pulsar sin las uñas. Saludos desde Madrid.
thank you..this is very helpful..I have tried both techniques and still haven`t settled on one in particular..it`s probably a good idea to file your nails even if you play with the flesh..it sensitizes them..when I`m done I rough up the tips of my fingers with fine sandpaper..just a suggestion
Schools here in the philippines normally dont allow long nails and hair so i leave a little white on the nail and i already have calluses on my picking fingers for fingerstyle
I have been acquainted with the Manuel Lopez Ramos technique, it doesn't require long finger nails, it is very powerful however, fingers kind of do a pizzicato, it's not a pizzicato, just kind of, it works incredible and delivers very powerful sounds.
I am cursed with two bad nails; middle and ring; Thin, hooked, brittle. Once in a blue moon all four nails are decent. Otherwise I don't play the classical guitar. I've tried fake nails glued on at a nail salon. It is expensive. The ladies don't understand what I am getting at. And ultimately once the fake nail splits off you are left with a nail bed that is as soft as tissue paper. After watching this vid I am inspired to take up the no nails approach.
Been learning guitar for a year now. Switched from pick to fingerstyle seven months ago. Don't have nails. I am Germophobic, so can't get myself to grow them. Happy with my no nail playing.
thank you! i really would love to play classical guitar, but was worried i would NEED nails in order to play ...normal? i don't know. but it's great to hear that i don't need to have long nails! thank you! :)
You can't play as fast without the nails. Mine are weak. It sucks. Slows me down, and fake nails sound great until it breaks off and takes your flesh with it.
What about speed? I find that's the first thing that goes when I have to play without nails. I find it really tough to play fast passages with the fingertips.
For me, music is just like art. No limitations and the only main rule is, be creative. I'm not a professional musician or a guitarist myself, but giving restrictions or laws on playing a certain instrument is just removing the joy of making music. Classical guitars are just acoustic guitars with nylon strings.
You've got that backwards. Acoustic guitars (which came much later) are classical guitars with steel strings! Plenty of steel string acoustic players use nails too, Most use synthetics, or reinforce their existing nails. One example is James Taylor, who has put up a nice RUclips video on how he does his nails you can check out if you're interested. Anyway, nobody is laying down law here; this is just a discussion of why you might choose one way vs the other. The fact is, if you look at professional musicians who play nylon stringed guitar for a living. . .I think they qualify as "artists". . .the overwhelming majority of them choose to play with nails. Of course that doesn't mean you have to, but I think if you're serious about playing classical guitar you should at least give the matter some real thought. Wish you the best in your playing.
@@jgrossma The playing depends on every players' choices when it comes to comfortability, playability, etc. The matter, is what their creative minds can do in playing a certain instrument.
I always play tremolo with different nail length on a,m,i, some times the nail broken naturally. the finger with no nail will put more strenth to play, so it can help the independence of the finger.
My index nail was damaged about ten years ago, it now will split in two in the middle if I let it grow to a reasonable length for playing, resulting in snagging on the string damaging it further. So I have to keep it short. Since the accident there are defined ridges running up the centre of the nail that cause this. Also I have played bass in bands occasionally and long nails really are not suitable for bass picking, so I had to keep them short at times anyway.
once i tried to grow up nails to see how it effect guitar playing and it is too different and i'm not talking about sound but actually it let you play lot easier. I was happy until i start to play my piano :D Than i cut them down as fast as possible like instantly.
I have been playing guitar for almost like 10 years now..but it was an amateur stuff..after watching few of your videos..i am very keen on learning classical way of playing..kindly let me know if you take online skype classes..
Learning the classical way is learning the hard way, like violin, piano, etc. Classical guitar is extremely hard to learn by yourself, if you do learn by yourself it will likely only be a fraction of classical guitar. Or... You're just gonna be learning guitar in a non classical way.
This is good to know I have the weakest nails on the planet and I've tried just about every product to strengthen them to no avail they just break instantly if longer than about a millimetre.
@@ruelguitar2k No - stay with it. A little bit of nail is better than no nail. I can get by with about 1mm of nail. I think the more you use your nails the stronger they are
@@roxammon5858 i''ll try it as an experiment. I tried it briefly but it's so hard to play scales without nails. Maybe the hand soap i use is just too harsh for my nails.
According to Segovia : You need “ Just enough nail to support the flesh “, whatever that means. My instructor kept a B&W photo of Segovia’s right hand in playing position from above on his music desk. I saw it for years, literally. Still yet, I was trained with nails. As a matter of fact, the CG Society is is the only place I can stand around and have a meaningful conversation about nail care with other men:) Emergency replacement day of the gig, wearing gloves ( right hand only). In depth dinner conversations always leads to nail talk. What may have led me to the ‘no nail technique ‘ was a desire to play as it was conceived, meaning a lower than A=440, I’m currently at 432, Mozart’s A. So, what’s next? Candle light rooms ? gut string? Could be. I only want to hear and play it as it was conceived. Now, interestingly, after playing since 1975 , with nails, I’m going naked. If Sor and TARREGA can do it, surely can I. Currently playing BWV 1007 ( the entire suite) daily as a warm up and mantra. I’ll admit it is a tough change. But I’m trying to use just enough nail to support the flesh. Thanks for the video.
James- , You could be right about what Segovia meant. I’m making headway. As far as the strings go, I may check out the TARREGA era strings. Although I do like and have studied Sor, Baroque, Renaissance and TARREGA, South American and such, seems to be what interests me. Thanks for the heads up on the synthetic strings, don’t really like using animal products, if I can get by. Although the carbon fiber never felt good to me. Still would like to know what Segovia tuned his A to. Can’t really see him going 440 unless he is with an orchestra. He learned way before that was set. Thank You for the input.
James- , I’ve been using 432 for about four years or so. I tried 415, but that just seemed too low. I’m also using some high tension strings that Lily Afshar put me on. But the tension is less because of the lower frequency of course. Good idea about the tuner, I do have one. Thanks.
I think it has to do with the shape of your finger tips. I have finger tips shape like spatulas. It worked great on the piano but totally sucked on the guitar as I get my fingers stuck in between the strings.
I notice if you pluck the string hard enough it is as loud and has the same pitch as a nail pluck. Except it is a warmer sound and not as bright. It is just hard to pluck strings as fast and hard as with nails. It takes a lot kore muscle control over the hand. Tarraga did tremolo with no nails, no one should have excuses
I tried no nails and I don't feel I can play as well.... And I'm no good, so that's worse! Somehow I broke the ring finger fingernail at the root when I was little, so it is always splitting at the same point. Useless after a few mm of growth.
HERE'S THE ANSWER: I've been a player for 58 years now. I do not play classical (which I love and admire), but I do play acoustic guitar and very much need nails. For YEARS I have had to deal with self-destructing nails ... anyway you can imagine them going down, they went ... to the point that I quit playing acoustic, and quit using my fingers to play electric. I tried everything you can think of, at least that I could think of, to remedy the situation, with no results. Then a friend recommended that I begin coconut oil as treatment for my asthma, as recommended by Ray Peat. After a couple weeks, I looked down at my fingernails by accident, and discovered they were whole and intact and thick and hard. A tablespoon AM and one PM seems to do the trick (nibble on it, do NOT take all at once!). If you vary from that, the nails will decline, at least, mine did. NOW ... If you are concerned about all that fat clogging your hearteries, then review LynnCapehartWellness.Com BLog 6, and learn what you can take that WILL CLEAN THEM OUT! I am proof positive of that. Whether you do it for the coconut oil or not, pretty sure you need it anyway. One last thing: Life is short. Death comes sooner than we would like. Make SURE you do not leave this world without taking Jesus with you. He made the universe. He made this world. He made me and you. He made rules for us to operate in, and knowing that we could not and would not live up to those rules, made a way around His own rules, by dying on a cruel cross, so that if you believe in His sacrifice for your sins and repent from them and confess that He is LORD, you shall be saved! Which leads us to ... Merry Christmas!
well I did the opposite, I used to play without nails and now I play with nails..the most evident change was my "picado" speed" is waaay faster now and more accurate.. also the lower strings sound way better
The only thing with me is catching my nails on things and so on, plus i am a nail biter, so no nails will be the way for me, ( tho its 2 weeks since stopped nail biting,so i will try ) it's just the way it is, probably not ideal. However , i have used a pick for years, love my blues, blues rock ,( yes i know you can finger pick blues to ) so NOW , TODAY , i am embarking on my classical journey , probably with this gentleman , and i am very VERY excited and its a bit of a revelation , not a religious one tho, i'm not with the fairies , no offence.
BTW, I have REALLY thin hooked nails. It took me fully three years to figure out a length/shape of nail and stroke technique that I can actually play on without quickly breaking. Never thought this would ever work. . .but with persistence I got it to. Still can't get my thumbnail to work because the wound bass strings quickly chew it up, so I play with a mostly non-nail thumb technique a bit like a bass pizzicato technique.
Here's the secret for thin hooked nails. Keep nails SHORT, you want only about 0.7mm protruding from the tip when viewed from the palm side. Longer than that, you'll get a thin tone and they're much more likely to break. Nail is filed to same shape as fingertip; no special "ramp". Make sure NON striking side of the nail is also short, because this reduces chance for broken nail. Strike string with FLESH FIRST (close to nail) then push through to engage nail. Finger is curved so nail strikes string at maybe 30 degrees above parallel to the fingerboard. You *do NOT* strike the strike with the nail perpendicular to the string like a guitar pick. That's one of the non-obvious things here. Nail should be nearly flat to the string so your pushing the string with the nail almost END ON. Shape nail with FINE file or emery board every other day (or more frequently). Good luck.
i get why people use fingernails. it's a lot easier to control how loud a note can get. but for me personally, nothing is more satisfying than feeling the strings with your finger tips. it's the feel of the strings that does it for me
Modern technically advanced repertoire is impossible without nails. Non classical intermediate music on a nylon string guitar is possible however. Helps if you have an outstanding guitar that has a lot of projection in the first place.
I don't know that its "impossible" to play more difficult pieces w/o nails, you just lose tone color, projection, and articulation. People do play tremolo without nails, and lute players play some fairly difficult repertoire w/o nails. What I personally find is that playing w/o nails takes a totally different technique to get any kind of actual volume, and switching between nails and no-nails is maddening. As my instructor put it "nails vs no-nails fought. . .nails won".
An old injury keeps me from being able to grow a thumbnail on my right hand reliably, and my day job is pathologically destructive of fingernails. It simply makes more sense for me to learn no-nails technique than to attempt cultivating nails.
i have lost a part of the middle finger of my right hand - therefor i don't grow a usable nail there. Would you recommend to use some kind of artificial finger pick ( like the ones some ppl use at their thumbs ) or just to find a workaround that suits me and my other ( healthy ) fingers ? I d be grate-full for any advice!
Hi Soeren, I lost the tip of my RH index finger when very very young. It was surgically sewn back on but can never grow a nail. Later when taking up classical guitar I tried using my little finger instead of index finger to get that nail sound but even though the pinkie is the strongest finger it means having your wrist in an uncomfortable position. And I do not like maintaining fingernails. So I play with no nails and callous' on all my fingers. I use the GripMaster to produce callous'.
My nails are flat instead of curved. So, they grow downward forming into hooks that grab the strings instead of plucking or gliding across them. In short, it sucks!
Sor and Tarrega played on gut strings which were much rougher than nylon. This texture would provide friction without the need for nails. I had one student who worked on industrial equipment so nails were not an option. I had him try bow rosin on his r.h. fingertips and it worked on nylon strings so he was able to enjoy playing classical guitar. I've played without nails but found it dissatisfying. I don't know where one could buy unpolished and unlacquered gut strings to try and see what lute players, Sor's and Tarrega's experiences were.
Aquila (Italy) makes classical guitar strings designed to emulate the feel and sound of gut ones. In fact the new Martin "Magnifico" classical strings have the gut-like nylon trebles made by Aquila. I've got a set on my guitar right now and the trebles do have a very slightly rough or matte textured surface.
I tore the a nail trying to play artificial harmonics. I cannot get enough force on the string without nails to sound the harmonic. Maybe if I really devoted myself to nail-less playing I could manage but I much prefer nails. Unfortunately my keratin production dna is weak.
Do you have any recommendations on strings for "no nail" players? I've been playing guitar for 25 years, but new to nylon strings. Are there any certain types that project more? A harder tension maybe?
I can't keep nails on their thin and break easy, I might try this liquid clear nail goo that you just squeeze it out on your own nail and file it to shape from there. I tried the fake nails but they just don't fit right . There's a guy on here (RUclips) that explains it in detail and there stronger he says and look natural . I glued the fake ones on and they looked like a 5 yr old did it liquid clear is best but involved with hardners and heaters etc. If anyone wants to check it out just punch in fake finger nails and how to apply them fore classical guitars. He's good at it when I got done doing mine they were pointing wrong and the fake nails looked white and not normal, so I removed them. Might try this guys suggestion but know I'll have to go to a nail specialist to get it right. I couldn't find that clear plastic liquid nails no where in this town.
Guitarists have been playing WITH nails for centuries. . .also without. As my guitar instructor says, the nails vs no nails fight has been going on for centuries. ..nails won.
Using fingerpicks on classical guitar is tough, because you lose a lot of the "touch" and its hard to control tone color. I don't know any pros or even serious amateurs who use them. They can also damage the soft top of a classical, if you're not careful. The "Alaska" picks (which are plastic) will give you some touch, but you basically need nails to hold them in place anyway, so they aren't the greatest answer. I've seen a few fingerstylists who use a thumbpick on nylon, but they're not really classical players. For flamenco? Forget it. . .your first rasgeado and these will be flying across the room. Personally, I'd rather just play with skin then mess about with fingerpicks for classical.
Try it ou today. And i don't like it. Can't say it sound is better or not, because there is no sound anymore. For me, no nail playing is impossible. However, it will be a guitar free week...;-)
I keep wrestling with nails. Mine tend to crack. Then that puts me in the position of a flat tire. Maybe for the time being I should just go without nails.
Playing without nails works only in guitars built-in before 1970's. Unless you play a flamenco guitar with a really low action( Carles Trepat talks about this topic). Also the gut strings and the low frequencies in what old players tune their guitars are another important factor in the achievement of a warm beautiful tone without nails. With nylon and modern guitars is almost impossible to get a beautiful tone like segovia's in the 1920-1950 , when the strings changed to nylon and guitars became louder the not nails game changed for everyone unless you play an old or historical guitar.
@@jamess9579 Cruel to the silkworms? Very few people use gut strings any more, usually only period musicians, but any such strings made today are made from cows and sheep killed for food. Regardless of what you might think about that, no "extra" animals are killed to make these strings. If their gut weren't harvested for strings it would just be discarded unused.
Can you play without nails? Absolutely, and many do. I certainly wouldn't NOT play just because I had trouble with nails. But there are reasons why >95% of pro classical and >99% of flamenco players use nails. You get better projection, articulation, and variety of tone color. Try to play a tremolo without nails. . .yes it can be done, but its not the same thing at all!
See my comment elsewhere in here. Honestly, you're probably better off just learning to play with skin only than using fingerpicks. Or switch to plectrum bass!
No matter how good you are and "Tárrega played without na.." yeah ok, playing cassical guitar without nails WIL limit you to some extent and you won't be able to execute some techniques.
Click Here to Read More about Classical Guitar with No Nails.
ClassicalGuitarShed.com/classical-guitar-without-fingernails/
I have a question about isolating or eliminating the smaller knuckles. It looks like you are relaxing the small nuckle to the point where it is bending backwards. I have what my friends have deemed " sausage fingers" lol. They are very stiff and thick and when I try to "push" through the strings I not only pluck them ridiculously hard but they continue on and hit the string above. Any advice? Thank you!!!
I go No Nails. I like the warmer tone and also long nails make me feel like my hands are dirty all the time
The tone is warmer with nails with correct tecnique...
@@noseman1397 If you keep the nails short, you can alter the amount of nail vs flesh you get in contacting the string, and you can get a "flesh only" type tone, if you want one.
The problem with a flesh only tone is that it cant be as articulated as a nail and flesh combined type of tone, if done correctly. Only flesh also leads to less controll in both tecnique and dynamics.
@@noseman1397 Why does it affect the technique and dynamics? (No disrespect, I'm genuinely curious)
@@hdwitzka no nails leads to less control of your right hand fingers while playing as well as reduced clarity in the tone and sepereration of Notes. A corretcly shaped nail makes it a lot easier to play fast passages. Using nails also opens up for greater variety in tone production. You can get a really , warm sound, or a thinner bright sound. In addition you will get more sound out of your guitar if you use nails, with proper tecnique.
A combination of better tecnical prestige and better tone production makes nails the better choise. The only downside to nails is having to live with them in your daily life. And always making sure they are in perfect condition.
I have been playing guitar for 38 years and 24 years ago I was in an accident where my picking hand was damaged. My Index, Middle and Ring finger were eviscerated and my first thought was I would never play guitar again. At the time I was learning flamenco and working on my five finger technique and this accident put a stop to that where I lost part of my middle finger. Thankfully the others were able to be saved. I took me some time to recover and I eventually began to play again and started to compensate for what I lost, yet, the loss of the middle finger and the lack of nail growth was discouraging but I didn't give up. We learn to adapt and flourish in our own ways and I rely on flesh instead of nail to bring out those nuances we strive for when playing in any style. Because at the end of the day, its about the love of music and creating your own style.
That's one of worst nightmares, how is your progress now?
@@therecanbeonlyone_6357 In some areas I have progressed well, but my finger style is messy and I have learned to work with what I have.
@@elliepaige5514 thanks for reply, good you didn't quit.
And I have been playing since the age of four. I,m seventyfour now and had enough of this. I rather step out in the woods listen to the birds instead. That gives me much more.
gross
Up next, make a video about classical guitar with no fingers
Lol
Is this some sort of sick joke?
@@ewigerschuler3982 yes
I don’t see why not. People make RUclips comments without brains sometimes.
@Zatoichi that's awesome and inspiring! Most likely better thsn i am
As a guitarist who grew up in the flat-pick rock guitar genre, my whole world changed 4 or 5 years ago when I began to study finger-picking. Since I was starting from scratch in that arena, I payed close attention to develop my right-hand "classical guitar" technique properly, carefully avoiding letting any bad habits take root. One decision I made almost right away was to not use my nails as a substitute for the flat pick. I quickly discovered I loved "feeling the strings" with my right hand. That made me feel so much more connected to my instrument than if I had gone with using my nails. Certainly (as you pointed out, Alan) I probably gave up some flexibility in my playing by going "nail-less" but to me the pleasure I get from "feeling" far outweighs the disadvantages. Now, I can't really imagine letting nails come between me and my instrument. 😎
Damn.
Agreed! I love the feel of using finger tips. It feels natural and like a better connection with my instrument!
I am a "no nails" player. I study under Hector Garcia, who studied under Emilio Pujol, who studied under Tarrega. Hector played with nails for nearly 30 years, but told me it was because of Llobert's variations of Sor that he decided to go "no nails" (Llobert also studied under Tarrega). Anyway, it works for me, though it makes a lot of things more difficult. I think it remains a personal choice, but I don't feel that players are in any fundamental way limited by the decision one way or the other.
Im trying to learn fingerpick no nails, should i start with a basic fingerpicking instruction, or what advice do you have for me?
Pls dont say practice because im v new, and just learning chords but i dont say know how to play a g chord fingerpicked, like do f,m,r finger alwYs stay on strings g,b,and e respectively?
@@skaterdude7277 I don't think you should start with fingerpicking if you are just starting off. When you get more advanced most of your progress is mental rather than physical, but early on practice is the only way to improve.
Mark, Emilio Pujol’s Rational School for Guitar in 3 volumes is full of detailed discussion on playing without nails. It is published by Orpheus and will be available on- line. Also check out Rob McKillop’s site on RUclips
This man looks like something between Mycroft Holmes and Jimmy Carr...
....and Michael Keaton
Not nearly so funny.
Yes Mycroft! I doubted he was the twin brother for a second
I was going to say Jello Biafra from the Dead Kennedy’s.
Thank you!!! I was think the same lol
I used to play with nails back in school but now I mostly play the piano while teaching a bit of guitar, so there is no way I could have nails. So, thanks for the video. It was reassuring
Saxophonist (main axe) and pianist (my double) here. Guitar (totally new to me) is / will be my "triple." I would think nails would ruin piano, correct? Thanks if you see this!
@@jeffreynewton5324 I play piano, bass guitar, and classical. The worst possible combination of instruments since I can't play piano or bass with long nails, but then I can't play classical guitar properly without nails.
@@jazipc4230 That's a bummer! I am just getting into guitar, as my "triple." No nails for me, but I guess one can use those add-ons? I do note that there is a school classical guitar playing that does not use nails... Piano with nails would be impossible. Probably wouldn't matter for saxophone, but would for typing, and I write for a living.
This video's almost 2 years old now with over 88k views and still not a single dislike as of the time I'm typing this. Keep up the incredible work Allen!!
Oh well, that must be changed right now. I did not like it at all.
Fascinating subject and comments were a heaven send. I spend a lot of time working with dressage horses and doing all the barn chores associated with them. Even working with gloves, and taking protein for my nails to make them stronger cannot eliminate all breakage. It only slows it down. This is an ongoing conflict with my love for playing classical guitar (and fingerstyle jazz on nylon strings). This video and comments have caused to me to re-think my situation. I had no idea that some of the founding fathers of classical guitar had actually preferred to go nail-less. This is very encouraging. It caused me to remember that I could actually play faster without the nails (albeit with less volume) because there was less resistance. I made sure I subscribed to this channel given the insight and relevance of this subject. Keep up the good work! I hope the level of commentary remains this high on all the videos from this channel.
@@acbulgin2 Thanks very much for the thoughtful comment and the reference. Playing a lot of different styles and instruments is kind of a double edged sword, isn't it. Best regards!
@@acbulgin2 Your reply begs another question re: Bach's Prelude in Dm. What do you think the original tempo was for that piece? From what I've been able to observe, I cannot imagine a lute being played as fast as Segovia and others have played that piece on guitar. Your thoughts?
@@acbulgin2 thanks for the detailed and insightful response to my question. The information you shared was probably unknown to about 90% of the guitarists who at least attempt to play classical. Your summary is sage advice that I should probably internalize. Once again my sincere thanks. Best regards!
@@acbulgin2 Dude...ya really need to do your own channel. If you go that route, let me know. I'll be your first subscriber! Have a great New Year!
As a woman, who sometimes paints my fingernails, it bothers me when they are all different lengths, so I keep them all short because you can play right hand with short nails, but you cannot play left hand with long ones. Solved!
I also think if you're a person who just plays for yourself, no reason to mess with nails. It's easier to just keep them short so you can practice consistently and not worry about it. Who cares about how much sound I project? Nobody is listening.
Thank you for this video, Allen. Like Raymond and H-man below, I have weenie nails and have never been able to get them very long without breaking or tearing. I too have tried various products. Nail polishes marketed for "strengthening" only seem to make them more brittle. I've gotten pretty good with nail files over the years, but my nails are thin, and when they do start to get longer, they sometimes curl in ways that are not conducive to guitar playing. I had read elsewhere that playing with nails is a relatively recent development historically speaking, and it was encouraging to hear you reinforce that. I appreciate your online classes. Keep up the good work!
@Richard Anderson
I am in the same boat as you (thin hooked nails), and tried basically every product out there (gel and acrylic nail extensions, glue on/stick on nails, coatings, etc). Without getting into details, coatings usually didn't do anything, fake nails worked, but completely destroy the underlying nail plate and were too "high maintenance" for me to bother with. Eventually, with a lot of persistence I did figure out a way to get my natural nails to "work". Please see my comment elsewhere in here for exactly what I did, and I hope that can help you. Basically you want the absolutely shortest possible nail you can to still engage the string, and you want to hit the string with the nail sort of edge-on (rather than perpendicular to the string like a guitar pick).
I'm both a professional guitarist (electric, primarily) and double bassist. The double bass destroys nails, so I have no option to grow mine out (electric bass also is not kind to nails). Nails on electric guitar (in my experience) are a bit too harsh on an instrument that can easily become too bright. That said, on nylon I've never been happy with my nail-less tone and have been recently experimenting with Rico Nails for some all-nylon gigs I've played. The increased tonal brilliance and projection really makes a huge difference, just as this video describes.
The other huge improvement I've noticed, which I'm surprised wasn't mentioned in this video, but a few other commenters have, is the increased clarity and control for fast passages. I can play quick lines so much faster and cleaner with nails than without. For now, I've settled with using Rico Nails on nylon and fingertips for all of my other playing, but I really do miss the speed that nails assist with when I'm not using them.
Fun presentation! Enjoyed your humour!
Lots of love and Shalom from the UNITED Kingdom
I am SO happy to see this video! This has become a nearly-constant debate among CGers and, frankly, I can't understand why. Nails are a fairly new technique, and artists like Virginia Luque prove that you can play just fine without them.
I have seen some videos with her but can't see - og hear - that she plays without nails. For instance this one: ruclips.net/video/dzaIjmZXlDM/видео.html
Do you know of a video where it is more clearly that she is playning without nails?
@@BluntofHwicce A bit like Segovia - his nails were also rather short?
@@BluntofHwicce Good info to add. It's true that she has nails that hit just below or at the fingertip, but they aren't ramped or shaped, and she plays with flesh.
@@ebbenielsen7 It's difficult to see, but there is a tonal difference. When she plays fast, it's easier to tell I think. There are interviews with her where she talks about it. rmclassicalguitar.com/interviews/virginia-luque/ The top video should make it easier to hear.
Nails have been used to play gut string instruments as long as they've been in existence. . .even predating the invention of the guitar. Lute players from the 16th century mentioned using nails. . .and the debate about nails vs no nails has been going on for at least 400 years!
There's no argument that having no nails offers you more control than with nails. It is much harder to soften and control your sound with essentially guitar picks at the tip of your finger. Traditionally, classical players do not use fingernails. It doesn't add depth to tone and truly just adds a little more accuracy and clarity, but you lose subtly and warmth and richness in your tone. The flesh of the finger is much sweeter than the sturdiness of a fingernail. There is preference however which ultimately makes your decision. But if your goal is to play loud and clear your entirely better off growing nails. If you want to play smooth and sweet and luxurious play with your fingers. At the end of the day it's up to how the player feels and how skilled they aee
Thank you! wow so many interesting, in depth theory and practice videos
I am an enthusiastic hobby player for a couple of years now. Finger style exclusively. I hate long nails, plus mine split all the time. I like the softer sound, too. Only hope it won't stop me on my current quest learning tremolo.
It’s definitely an interesting argument, what I found out over the years is that a lot of guitarists start using shorter nails over time. I had teachers that had long nails and I had others that barely used nails. There’s an interesting reading about that by Pujol “el dilema del sonido en la guitarra” the dilemma of timbre in the guitar, is a good read that goes over the argument of nails vs no nails.
I like it. I have never played with nails and likely never will. I appreciate the video
Sor, Giuliani, Legnani, and , Tarrega, the father of classical guitar, all played without nails. the great nail players, all have beautiful tone that sounds as if they’re not using nails
I'm mostly asking because I also play piano so I can't really have longer nails. Makes me slip across the keys. Thank you very much for the video, I enjoyed it!
Thanks for the video. I used to play with nails but abandoned them a couple years ago because I'm a factory worker and I started playing the lute. Its completely viable to play without nails but the technique is alot different I now use thumb under or lute technique. The strings you use make a big diffrence, I now use gut and nylgut strings and silk wound core bases. You guys should check out rob mackillop he has alot of vids on the subject.
I play nylon strings without nails, and sometimes I use ''spectraliser'' plug-in from Wavelab software to get brighter acoustic guitar sound on recording.
Thank you! I'll get that one - I figured there was an effect solution!
I've been playing without nails for a couple years now. It helps me a lot for electric. Gives me a much better fingerstyle tone and makes hybrid picking much easier.
but for classical I'm giving up a lot of volume and tone control like you say, but also I feel like I lose a good bit of speed.
If I found myself where classical was my main thing again, I'd probably grow my nails back :/
"you don't have to lick your fingers if you're playing without nails, but you have the option to. Of course you can lick your fingernails as well..." This was the ending to this video I never saw coming.
No once cares clown
Loved the vid. Informative, entertaining and hilarious. It's got that North Battleford Saskatchewan, Public Access TV vibe going on. I give it 4.5 / 5.
Great video, nails are great but also a lot of frustration. I may actually file mine off, (acrylic) and try it without. The playing from the (big) knuckle technique was new too me. Thanks for the tip👍.
Allen Mathews, you are my hero! :)
Thanks for explaining this subject.
I found that on steel string without nails you eventually get right hand finger tip callouses, if you play enough, and playing with callouses is "similar" to playing with tip+nails. Nylon is too soft to keep right hand callouses, so it's fingernails for me! :-)
Felicidades. Supongo que conoces el método de guitarra de Emilio Pujol y el de Pascual Roch. En ambos se explica detalladamente la técnica correcta para pulsar sin las uñas. Saludos desde Madrid.
life changing info- I quit years ago cuz I couldn't grow nails thank you so much!
Thank you so much for the information!
Many of us play electric and that shreds them to bits so yes!
I'll check that out. Thanks for the tip.
thank you..this is very helpful..I have tried both techniques and still haven`t settled on one in particular..it`s probably a good idea to file your nails even if you play with the flesh..it sensitizes them..when I`m done I rough up the tips of my fingers with fine sandpaper..just a suggestion
Schools here in the philippines normally dont allow long nails and hair so i leave a little white on the nail and i already have calluses on my picking fingers for fingerstyle
I have been acquainted with the Manuel Lopez Ramos technique, it doesn't require long finger nails, it is very powerful however, fingers kind of do a pizzicato, it's not a pizzicato, just kind of, it works incredible and delivers very powerful sounds.
Wow..I was thinking about nails from last 2 weeks and got the answer. Thanks
I am cursed with two bad nails; middle and ring; Thin, hooked, brittle. Once in a blue moon all four nails are decent. Otherwise I don't play the classical guitar. I've tried fake nails glued on at a nail salon. It is expensive. The ladies don't understand what I am getting at. And ultimately once the fake nail splits off you are left with a nail bed that is as soft as tissue paper. After watching this vid I am inspired to take up the no nails approach.
Tarrega himself changed from nails to fingertips and back. Nails give a louder sound and much more options in dynamic, so nearby all profs uses them.
What evidence do you have that he changed back to nails? Citation, please.
Listen to Roberto Toufic. A Brazilian guitarist who gets amazing dynamics w/o nails. One of the best Brazilian Jazz guitarist in the world.
Been learning guitar for a year now. Switched from pick to fingerstyle seven months ago.
Don't have nails. I am Germophobic, so can't get myself to grow them.
Happy with my no nail playing.
thank you! i really would love to play classical guitar, but was worried i would NEED nails in order to play ...normal? i don't know. but it's great to hear that i don't need to have long nails! thank you! :)
You can't play as fast without the nails. Mine are weak. It sucks. Slows me down, and fake nails sound great until it breaks off and takes your flesh with it.
K boomer
Get off my lawn, dork...
@@spaceantelope1 damn grandpa
Hunni k boomer
@@spaceantelope1 *zoomer
Excelent video.
What about speed? I find that's the first thing that goes when I have to play without nails. I find it really tough to play fast passages with the fingertips.
Exactly what James said except I've been playing for 14 years 2 yrs with nails a long time ago
I cut my nails because of speed
I can not really control them as the same way i play without nails
For me, music is just like art. No limitations and the only main rule is, be creative.
I'm not a professional musician or a guitarist myself, but giving restrictions or laws on playing a certain instrument is just removing the joy of making music.
Classical guitars are just acoustic guitars with nylon strings.
You've got that backwards. Acoustic guitars (which came much later) are classical guitars with steel strings! Plenty of steel string acoustic players use nails too, Most use synthetics, or reinforce their existing nails. One example is James Taylor, who has put up a nice RUclips video on how he does his nails you can check out if you're interested. Anyway, nobody is laying down law here; this is just a discussion of why you might choose one way vs the other. The fact is, if you look at professional musicians who play nylon stringed guitar for a living. . .I think they qualify as "artists". . .the overwhelming majority of them choose to play with nails. Of course that doesn't mean you have to, but I think if you're serious about playing classical guitar you should at least give the matter some real thought. Wish you the best in your playing.
@@jgrossma The playing depends on every players' choices when it comes to comfortability, playability, etc. The matter, is what their creative minds can do in playing a certain instrument.
Aren't nails louder tone that timbre mixed with the flesh too, while no nails is more rounded sound?
I always play tremolo with different nail length on a,m,i, some times the nail broken naturally. the finger with no nail will put more strenth to play, so it can help the independence of the finger.
Bless you sir,
A lot of forums are full people pulling defenitive non-nuanced answers out of their butt
My index nail was damaged about ten years ago, it now will split in two in the middle if I let it grow to a reasonable length for playing, resulting in snagging on the string damaging it further. So I have to keep it short. Since the accident there are defined ridges running up the centre of the nail that cause this. Also I have played bass in bands occasionally and long nails really are not suitable for bass picking, so I had to keep them short at times anyway.
once i tried to grow up nails to see how it effect guitar playing and it is too different and i'm not talking about sound but actually it let you play lot easier. I was happy until i start to play my piano :D Than i cut them down as fast as possible like instantly.
I have been playing guitar for almost like 10 years now..but it was an amateur stuff..after watching few of your videos..i am very keen on learning classical way of playing..kindly let me know if you take online skype classes..
Learning the classical way is learning the hard way, like violin, piano, etc. Classical guitar is extremely hard to learn by yourself, if you do learn by yourself it will likely only be a fraction of classical guitar. Or... You're just gonna be learning guitar in a non classical way.
This is good to know I have the weakest nails on the planet and I've tried just about every product to strengthen them to no avail they just break instantly if longer than about a millimetre.
Me too. I find they weaken if I have had my hands in detergent or water for any lengthy period. About 1mm is my limit too.
Me too as i grow older my nails become weaker. I might go with the no nail route in the future.
@@ruelguitar2k No - stay with it. A little bit of nail is better than no nail. I can get by with about 1mm of nail. I think the more you use your nails the stronger they are
@@roxammon5858 i''ll try it as an experiment. I tried it briefly but it's so hard to play scales without nails. Maybe the hand soap i use is just too harsh for my nails.
What about thumb picks? Are they a no no for classical guitar?
According to Segovia : You need “ Just enough nail to support the flesh “, whatever that means.
My instructor kept a B&W photo of Segovia’s right hand in playing position from above on his music desk. I saw it for years, literally.
Still yet, I was trained with nails. As a matter of fact, the CG Society is is the only place I can stand around and have a meaningful conversation about nail care with other men:) Emergency replacement day of the gig, wearing gloves ( right hand only). In depth dinner conversations always leads to nail talk.
What may have led me to the ‘no nail technique ‘ was a desire to play as it was conceived, meaning a lower than A=440, I’m currently at 432, Mozart’s A. So, what’s next? Candle light rooms ? gut string? Could be. I only want to hear and play it as it was conceived.
Now, interestingly, after playing since 1975 , with nails, I’m going naked. If Sor and TARREGA can do it, surely can I.
Currently playing BWV 1007 ( the entire suite) daily as a warm up and mantra.
I’ll admit it is a tough change. But I’m trying to use just enough nail to support the flesh.
Thanks for the video.
James- , You could be right about what Segovia meant. I’m making headway. As far as the strings go, I may check out the TARREGA era strings. Although I do like and have studied Sor, Baroque, Renaissance and TARREGA, South American and such, seems to be what interests me. Thanks for the heads up on the synthetic strings, don’t really like using animal products, if I can get by. Although the carbon fiber never felt good to me. Still would like to know what Segovia tuned his A to. Can’t really see him going 440 unless he is with an orchestra.
He learned way before that was set. Thank You for the input.
James- , I’ve been using 432 for about four years or so. I tried 415, but that just seemed too low. I’m also using some high tension strings that Lily Afshar put me on. But the tension is less because of the lower frequency of course.
Good idea about the tuner, I do have one. Thanks.
I think it has to do with the shape of your finger tips. I have finger tips shape like spatulas. It worked great on the piano but totally sucked on the guitar as I get my fingers stuck in between the strings.
I notice if you pluck the string hard enough it is as loud and has the same pitch as a nail pluck. Except it is a warmer sound and not as bright.
It is just hard to pluck strings as fast and hard as with nails. It takes a lot kore muscle control over the hand.
Tarraga did tremolo with no nails, no one should have excuses
I tried no nails and I don't feel I can play as well.... And I'm no good, so that's worse! Somehow I broke the ring finger fingernail at the root when I was little, so it is always splitting at the same point. Useless after a few mm of growth.
HERE'S THE ANSWER: I've been a player for 58 years now. I do not play classical (which I love and admire), but I do play acoustic guitar and very much need nails. For YEARS I have had to deal with self-destructing nails ... anyway you can imagine them going down, they went ... to the point that I quit playing acoustic, and quit using my fingers to play electric. I tried everything you can think of, at least that I could think of, to remedy the situation, with no results. Then a friend recommended that I begin coconut oil as treatment for my asthma, as recommended by Ray Peat. After a couple weeks, I looked down at my fingernails by accident, and discovered they were whole and intact and thick and hard. A tablespoon AM and one PM seems to do the trick (nibble on it, do NOT take all at once!). If you vary from that, the nails will decline, at least, mine did.
NOW ... If you are concerned about all that fat clogging your hearteries, then review LynnCapehartWellness.Com BLog 6, and learn what you can take that WILL CLEAN THEM OUT! I am proof positive of that. Whether you do it for the coconut oil or not, pretty sure you need it anyway.
One last thing: Life is short. Death comes sooner than we would like. Make SURE you do not leave this world without taking Jesus with you. He made the universe. He made this world. He made me and you. He made rules for us to operate in, and knowing that we could not and would not live up to those rules, made a way around His own rules, by dying on a cruel cross, so that if you believe in His sacrifice for your sins and repent from them and confess that He is LORD, you shall be saved! Which leads us to ...
Merry Christmas!
Great
Thank you for the helpful video. Cam you suggest me a site/app where I can clear my doubt about classical notation or sheet music.
well I did the opposite, I used to play without nails and now I play with nails..the most evident change was my "picado" speed" is waaay faster now and more accurate..
also the lower strings sound way better
I go for no nails because my play sounds like crap using nails 😓😭
P.S. Can we do tremolo without nails?
as a violinist, I can’t have nails for guitar. this video is very helpful :)
Seriously ?
It bother your bow hold ?
I play violin too but holding bow is not that uncomfortable for me. It's acceptable tho.
For me it's just impossible to play without nails. I feel like someone cut off my fingertips and I can't reach the strings
I agree. Just sounds so muted and blunt without nails
The only thing with me is catching my nails on things and so on, plus i am a nail biter, so no nails will be the way for me, ( tho its 2 weeks since stopped nail biting,so i will try ) it's just the way it is, probably not ideal.
However , i have used a pick for years, love my blues, blues rock ,( yes i know you can finger pick blues to ) so NOW , TODAY , i am embarking on my classical journey , probably with this gentleman , and i am very VERY excited and its a bit of a revelation , not a religious one tho, i'm not with the fairies , no offence.
I prefer the warmer tone without nails. Sounds darker and harp like without.
BTW, I have REALLY thin hooked nails. It took me fully three years to figure out a length/shape of nail and stroke technique that I can actually play on without quickly breaking. Never thought this would ever work. . .but with persistence I got it to. Still can't get my thumbnail to work because the wound bass strings quickly chew it up, so I play with a mostly non-nail thumb technique a bit like a bass pizzicato technique.
Here's the secret for thin hooked nails. Keep nails SHORT, you want only about 0.7mm protruding from the tip when viewed from the palm side. Longer than that, you'll get a thin tone and they're much more likely to break. Nail is filed to same shape as fingertip; no special "ramp". Make sure NON striking side of the nail is also short, because this reduces chance for broken nail. Strike string with FLESH FIRST (close to nail) then push through to engage nail. Finger is curved so nail strikes string at maybe 30 degrees above parallel to the fingerboard. You *do NOT* strike the strike with the nail perpendicular to the string like a guitar pick. That's one of the non-obvious things here. Nail should be nearly flat to the string so your pushing the string with the nail almost END ON. Shape nail with FINE file or emery board every other day (or more frequently). Good luck.
i get why people use fingernails. it's a lot easier to control how loud a note can get. but for me personally, nothing is more satisfying than feeling the strings with your finger tips. it's the feel of the strings that does it for me
Modern technically advanced repertoire is impossible without nails. Non classical intermediate music on a nylon string guitar is possible however. Helps if you have an outstanding guitar that has a lot of projection in the first place.
I don't know that its "impossible" to play more difficult pieces w/o nails, you just lose tone color, projection, and articulation. People do play tremolo without nails, and lute players play some fairly difficult repertoire w/o nails. What I personally find is that playing w/o nails takes a totally different technique to get any kind of actual volume, and switching between nails and no-nails is maddening. As my instructor put it "nails vs no-nails fought. . .nails won".
All can be done with proper technique
Utterly wrong. Some pros play the most advanced pieces without nails.
An old injury keeps me from being able to grow a thumbnail on my right hand reliably, and my day job is pathologically destructive of fingernails. It simply makes more sense for me to learn no-nails technique than to attempt cultivating nails.
So if i watch a video on instruction for fingerpicking, will it transfer without nails
When my mom taught me guitar, first lesson was handing me a nail clipper
i have lost a part of the middle finger of my right hand - therefor i don't grow a usable nail there. Would you recommend to use some kind of artificial finger pick ( like the ones some ppl use at their thumbs ) or just to find a workaround that suits me and my other ( healthy ) fingers ? I d be grate-full for any advice!
Hi Soeren, I lost the tip of my RH index finger when very very young. It was surgically sewn back on but can never grow a nail. Later when taking up classical guitar I tried using my little finger instead of index finger to get that nail sound but even though the pinkie is the strongest finger it means having your wrist in an uncomfortable position. And I do not like maintaining fingernails. So I play with no nails and callous' on all my fingers. I use the GripMaster to produce callous'.
My nails are flat instead of curved. So, they grow downward forming into hooks that grab the strings instead of plucking or gliding across them. In short, it sucks!
Nice guitar ! It gets yellow and red at the same time
Sor and Tarrega played on gut strings which were much rougher than nylon. This texture would provide friction without the need for nails. I had one student who worked on industrial equipment so nails were not an option. I had him try bow rosin on his r.h. fingertips and it worked on nylon strings so he was able to enjoy playing classical guitar. I've played without nails but found it dissatisfying. I don't know where one could buy unpolished and unlacquered gut strings to try and see what lute players, Sor's and Tarrega's experiences were.
Aquila (Italy) makes classical guitar strings designed to emulate the feel and sound of gut ones. In fact the new Martin "Magnifico" classical strings have the gut-like nylon trebles made by Aquila. I've got a set on my guitar right now and the trebles do have a very slightly rough or matte textured surface.
I tore the a nail trying to play artificial harmonics. I cannot get enough force on the string without nails to sound the harmonic. Maybe if I really devoted myself to nail-less playing I could manage but I much prefer nails. Unfortunately my keratin production dna is weak.
“Of course, you can lick your fingernails, as well.” 😂
Is Alzapua possible without nails?
Do you have any recommendations on strings for "no nail" players? I've been playing guitar for 25 years, but new to nylon strings. Are there any certain types that project more? A harder tension maybe?
Hi Jackie. I play with no nails. I use the hardest tension strings I can find.
I can't keep nails on their thin and break easy, I might try this liquid clear nail goo that you just squeeze it out on your own nail and file it to shape from there. I tried the fake nails but they just don't fit right . There's a guy on here (RUclips) that explains it in detail and there stronger he says and look natural . I glued the fake ones on and they looked like a 5 yr old did it liquid clear is best but involved with hardners and heaters etc. If anyone wants to check it out just punch in fake finger nails and how to apply them fore classical guitars. He's good at it when I got done doing mine they were pointing wrong and the fake nails looked white and not normal, so I removed them. Might try this guys suggestion but know I'll have to go to a nail specialist to get it right. I couldn't find that clear plastic liquid nails no where in this town.
Harpist have been playing without nails for centuries.
Yes, completely irrelevant, but yes.
@@eduardobenassi3072 lol
Guitarists have been playing WITH nails for centuries. . .also without. As my guitar instructor says, the nails vs no nails fight has been going on for centuries. ..nails won.
@@jgrossma I would agree, nails won. Still enjoyed your post on the topic. Thanks for posting.
There're always those finger picks you can buy, just make sure they fit. Only problem is losing them
Using fingerpicks on classical guitar is tough, because you lose a lot of the "touch" and its hard to control tone color. I don't know any pros or even serious amateurs who use them. They can also damage the soft top of a classical, if you're not careful. The "Alaska" picks (which are plastic) will give you some touch, but you basically need nails to hold them in place anyway, so they aren't the greatest answer. I've seen a few fingerstylists who use a thumbpick on nylon, but they're not really classical players. For flamenco? Forget it. . .your first rasgeado and these will be flying across the room. Personally, I'd rather just play with skin then mess about with fingerpicks for classical.
Well I didn't know that. All these years I thought I couldn't play guitar because I was tone deaf now I know it's the nails.
Try it ou today. And i don't like it. Can't say it sound is better or not, because there is no sound anymore.
For me, no nail playing is impossible.
However, it will be a guitar free week...;-)
This guy looks like Jello Biafra from The Dead Kennedy’s.
If Jello went to Juliard
I keep wrestling with nails. Mine tend to crack. Then that puts me in the position of a flat tire. Maybe for the time being I should just go without nails.
Playing without nails works only in guitars built-in before 1970's. Unless you play a flamenco guitar with a really low action( Carles Trepat talks about this topic). Also the gut strings and the low frequencies in what old players tune their guitars are another important factor in the achievement of a warm beautiful tone without nails. With nylon and modern guitars is almost impossible to get a beautiful tone like segovia's in the 1920-1950 , when the strings changed to nylon and guitars became louder the not nails game changed for everyone unless you play an old or historical guitar.
Old school gut & silk strings get a better but softer tone with no nails.
Except they're really cruel to animals and it would be massively selfish to use them to satiate your pleasure of music. So yeah, there's that....
james s hardly anyone uses such strings anymore. I was simply relaying information
@@jamess9579 Cruel to the silkworms? Very few people use gut strings any more, usually only period musicians, but any such strings made today are made from cows and sheep killed for food. Regardless of what you might think about that, no "extra" animals are killed to make these strings. If their gut weren't harvested for strings it would just be discarded unused.
My ring finger nail grows 2x as fast as all my other nails...anyone else?
5 STARS!
--Van
Wolverine?
Can you play without nails? Absolutely, and many do. I certainly wouldn't NOT play just because I had trouble with nails. But there are reasons why >95% of pro classical and >99% of flamenco players use nails. You get better projection, articulation, and variety of tone color. Try to play a tremolo without nails. . .yes it can be done, but its not the same thing at all!
I wish I could keep nails but also play electric bass where the nails are problematic. Recommended finger picks for classical guitar, anyone?
See my comment elsewhere in here. Honestly, you're probably better off just learning to play with skin only than using fingerpicks. Or switch to plectrum bass!
I like how you put yourself in our position by flipping the guitar upside down
I hate playing with fingernails, I'm a bass player though so I'm used to no nails
I'm in construction and I break my nails if I grow them out :(
Rusty Shackleford
Me too. That’s why I quit playing classical/spanish guitar.
No matter how good you are and "Tárrega played without na.." yeah ok, playing cassical guitar without nails WIL limit you to some extent and you won't be able to execute some techniques.
wrong.