Gel Fingernails for Guitar Players
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- Press CC button for detailed instructions. This video is for serious guitar players that must incorporate the use of fingernails in their everyday playing/practicing schedule. I play and practice at least 30 hours a week on a regular basis and cannot keep my right hand nails long enough without breaking them. This is the safest and least toxic of all the methods I've tried.
Note to steel string players: gel builder nails, even when built very thick will only tolerate an hour or two of playing before chipping, the chip becoming a catch on the string which you have to smooth out with a file. Do that twice and you’ve filed down to the point of unworkability. So 3-5 hours of playing is the most I’ve ever been able to get from gels on steel strings. Had to change to acrylic.
Same here.
Thank you for making this video! I’m a semi-pro guitarist and I think your playing was great. Everyone is a critic. Your responses are very professional and humble. If people don’t appreciate your contribution here, they can go make their own video. It takes guts to put yourself out there like this and I applaud you, thanks again. 😊
Jim, I'm back. After about a 5 year break (only playing electric) my passion for Classical has returned. I purchased a few new guitars , (which is really exciting) for any guitar player.
I'm sorry I did not read your reply to my post till recently.
I definitely approached it the wrong way b4. And now Part of my arsenal of nail care is Ultrathin adhesive tape. This is very easy to use and remove if you have to.
I have to use something ,as my nails are naturally thin and soft, so this allowed me to play immediately !!.
Anyway glad your still here, great playing !!
Thanks! I've been doing 30+ hours in the studio, multiple instruments. Bare skin now, no nylon string anymore or rarely.
I watched the video, read the whole conversation. Was glad to learn about nail care but also at the same time get a masterclass in how to deal with aggression, trolling and general a%%holery. Job well done Sir, I can't get any of those items here so will try the natal vits for now. Am also finding that real coconut oil helps, around the cuticles, also wear gloves when washing dishes, water softens nails, especially soapy water, avoid that. Also, pay attention to filing properly, make sure to file right down at the edges of the nail where it meets the side cuticle, so it doesn't stay like a "ledge" ready to tear. Round them off, take your time, make it a daily ritual and go slowly. Just paying attention to them goes a long way. Thanks for the vid, will try to get this later.
To be honest, I've shifted toward using most skin, only because I play more acoustic and electric guitars. There are still great acoustic and electric players that use nails.
I had never even known this was possible! Very eye opening.
My current focus is the nutritional approach, but I’ll keep this in reserve. Thanks!
Hi may I ask what is your nutritional approach? I have a sulfur defect apparently which means I don't utilize it well at all.
@@nibornnyw3185
Sure. Glad to oblige:
I go as organic as possible. No processed foods. No boxed foods. No wheat or commercial bread, although I do eat Ezekiel bread.
I eat meat once in a while when I feel the urge, but my main focus is on enhancing my micro-biome. Lots and lots of fermented foods. Fresh fruits and berries, organic salads and tons of watermelon in the summer time. I make numerous smoothies. Lots of organic apples and lemons, mangos, kiwis, fresh red cherries, blueberries, raspberries, mangos. Lot of organic soup and occasionally some brown rice. Regular consumption of avocados and wild salmon. Figs, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, almonds, etc.
Heavy on home grown sprouts. Fresh juices. Copious amounts of chia seeds. They fill me up and add bulk and are packed with nutrition.
I use supplements such as cayenne, maca, schinzandra, moringa, spirulina, cacao, hemp hearts, ginger, yohimbine, aloe, and many more.
Plus I use honey and bee pollen a lot.
Those are a few things I use. I’m approaching 70 and can run circles around guys half my age. Most people tell me they think my age is 20 or 30 years younger than my chronological age. Every day I bicycle a few miles.
I don’t need or USE medications. I’m not on nor ever WILL be on Medicare because I’ve learned to care for MYSELF. I don’t NEED a stupid walker or chairlift or stairlift or wheelchair and I never will.
When I hit my 60’s, it was a WAKE-UP call for me. I was doing every thing under the sun to invite disease in my body. But I WOKE UP. I took the proverbial bull by the horns.
Started getting my nails done for playing about three years ago, and it changed my life. Seriously. I gig every week and do a lot of finger picking work. I used my own nails my whole life, but got to the point where I needed them all at 100% all the time because of my gig schedule. A good friend tried to get me to use finger picks, and I tried every kind I could find. I could never get used to them.
So I went to a nail salon and got them done. They never break, and I play pretty hard. I want to try doing them myself, so we’ll see. I’m at the point where my right hand feels naked without my nails on.
All of these techniques weaken the nails unfortunately. I started using skin but I don't play nylon strings much anymore.
I tried acrylic nails. Such a pain. Then I started taking pre natal vitamins every day. Problem solved. My nails are so strong I never break or tear them. Before that they were thinner than paper. Try it. Takes about a month.
Og DeMon .....What particular brand/name did you use? Any side effects or other info? Thanks
Just taking biotin or a biotin+keratin pill is better than doing a prenatal, especially if you already take a multivitamin. Prenatal vitamins are meant for prenatal women and are made to serve that purpose.
@@kbushehri I tried Biotin did not really help me? I’m going to try prenatal vitamins and see if that works?
@@stevewhite3753 biotin is for hair that’s why keratin is what makes up the nail
Just got the kit today., Can't wait to try it.
Understanding exactly how your fingernails are weak will inform what solutions work for you. I've tried this and other sorts of artificial nails but they all come off in a few days at most. Looking at the backside of the artificial nail under magnification reveals the problem. The glue bond hasn't failed: the top layer of fingernail cells -- which have separated from the underlying nail bed -- are still firmly attached to the underside of the artificial nail. You could have diamond grit electrostatically plated to your fingernails and it still won't make them any stronger if your nails are so soft that the various layers of your nail don't strongly stick together.
That's why you shouldn't peel them off. Use acetone to remove them. If you don't like the smell, you can soak small strips of cloth in the acetone, lay one on the nail, wrap aluminum foil around it and tape it with scotch tape. Leave it on for 15 minutes and scrape the nail off. Also, don't over sand the nail prior to applying gel.
It would seem to me that you have another problem that could be caused by a fugus as fugus lives beneath the middlelaer
I would think you should paint your nails with think soultion of cooked knox gelatin it is pure collagen it might bond with the collagen molecules of your nail aftet a week or two double the recipe for gelatin powder with just one portion of water bring to a boil and quickly pull if the fire let cool for 1 minutes and begin to paint on layers ( 2 a day)
If you dont have deitary restrictions eat it too (ie: kosher or Halal or vegin ) good luck
@@brucelevine6517 Interesting Bruce! I've heard of ingesting more gelatin but not actually putting it on the nails. What a concept, pure genius.
Thanks. Nice playing too!
Francisco Tárrega - Capricho árabe. Thanks for asking!
rowbocaster - tough one to play...
it helps if you play it at half speed : )
Thank you!
Great playing my dude
Thanks so much!
Well done. Effective and illustrative with a pleasant tune. Good tube!
Gread video and even greater music! Thank you! I am so tired of salons...especially since Covid hit
Thanks!
Seeing this video I don't feel alone anymore on the world. I do exactly the same!
Great video... Can you please disclose the name of the product and where to purchase.... Thank you
IBD Gel Builder. It's available on line and in beauty supply stores. I'm sure all the gel builders work fine.
I've tried salon nails but within a week my body feels like it's suffocating.
You have to watch out in salons. Not only do they put the acrylic on too thickly, they also sand your nails down too thin.
@@rowbocaster Why not put a link as to where to get this kit?
@@TimothyOBrien1958 It's not really a kit, just products that I've gathered. A kit is a good idea.....
What is the product list needed for these nails? They look like life savers!
Keen to post the video. Doesn't seem to be keen to anwer your very pertinent question.
I would have thought that the details should have been included, at the outset of the video.
ps Did you ever get an answer to your question?
At the very beginning I have all of the products pictured.
Gorgeous guitar playing.
Thanks!
Great vid! May I ask what Dremel tool you use? The ones on amazon are pretty costly!
That was the smallest Dremel tool available. I bought it for my shop a long time ago, I think I paid around $50 for it.
¿Alguien sabe cómo se llama ese barniz en español?
No es un barniz sino un gel que se endurece bajo una lámpara UV.
I have a huge problem with my nails especially with my index finger. Now every time it grows it brakes while I play, does this nail feel natural ?
Nothing feels as natural as your own nails of course. These feel more natural than acrylic nails because they are generally thinner. When I use them now, I try to use whichever natural nails will grow without breaking and apply the fake nails only on the problem fingers. I have the same problem with my index finger because I play electric and acoustic guitar with a pick. I try not to sand the fingernail too much before applying the nails because you will make your natural nails more thin. Try to take a break from using the nails while you're natural nails recover. Do not peel the nails off because that will take off a layer of your natural nail. I use acetone to remove them, but do that at your own discretion too. I find they are very natural feeling especially if you don't make them too long. You really don't need that much nail to achieve nice tone.
When using this method, always carry a nail file with you for minor touch-ups, as the nails continue to grow. And to have a better guitar playing comfort you have to learn to know the right nail length.
Personally, I let my nails grow to the desired length, then I use this method to wrap the nail so that it is stronger. I'm not trying to gain extra millimeters.
So my natural nails are shielded and give a good sound with good playing comfort
Does this damage the underlying nail ?
I can't get the IBD gel to cure, how powerful is your lamp?
That's a great question, I had to turn on closed captioning to check because I had forgotten how many watts it was. It's 36 Watts. It should cure in about 2 minutes.
@@rowbocaster thanks, I obviously need a more powerful lamp!
Jack E I think we need a bigger boat, haha!
How do I get the instructions? Not sure what you mean by CC button.
Closed Caption. I accidentally erased this video awhile back. It had over 80K views! I had the instructions on there. That's when RUclips would let you comment during the video. When I re-submitted, the only way to comment was with CC. Sorry 'bout that.
If you hover your cursor over the video, you'll see tools pop up on the lower right. You'll see CC there.
My fake nails always break off of my natural nail
Are the gel nails as strong as acrylic?
Not quite. They generally last a couple of weeks. Acrylics last about a month for me depending on how much I play bass guitar with round wounds strings. They put them on pretty thick and I find I have to sand them down to keep from clicking and getting in the way when I use a pick. Getting acrylics put on at a salon are very durable but you pay for it. I just had the p,i,and m done and with a $5 tip it was $14. The gels cost next to nothing after the initial expense of the supplies.
I found a nail salon that will use a thinner coat if you ask them. Warning, going through nail recovery from the acrylics. Probably looking at 6 weeks recovery time. The gels are easier on your nails. Keep in mind, they sand your nails down some before puttin' on acrylics. That may be the weak link. I might opt to sand my own slightly with fine sandpaper, not quite on the shiny side. I've been performing with almost no nails for half the summer. You can make whatever you have at the time work. Just practice frequently to maintain your touch. A working musician should be able to switch it up.
@@rowbocaster I've been doing acrylics for 25 years - I didn't know there was an alternative. I now live in the country, so the closest salon is 40 minutes drive. I will try the gel right away :) thanks for the video
Great. So where do I buy the kit?
Thanks.
If it looks painful, it must be PAINFUL!
Not painful but it is a pain, lol. I use mostly skin now that I've shifted toward steel string acoustic and electric.
How long have you been using it.???.....I used it for about a year and my nails got so thin and weak I had to stop all together........sold my classical and only play electric now.....
You have to take a break once in awhile. Also, you shouldn't peel them off. Use Acetone to remove any kind of fake nails.
I feel responsible, in a way, for you not keeping up with your classical guitar. Don't just stop playing during nail crises. I play with skin during those times. The nails will grow back!
I found a nail salon that will use a thinner coat if you ask them. Warning, I'm going through nail recovery from the acrylics. Probably looking at 6 weeks recovery time. The gels are easier on your nails. Keep in mind, they sand your nails down some before puttin' on acrylics. That may be the weak link. I might opt to sand my own slightly with fine sandpaper, not quite on the shiny side. I've been performing with almost no nails for half the summer. You can make whatever you have, at the time, work. Just practice frequently to maintain your touch. A working musician should be able to switch it up.
You can use fingerpicks instead of fake nail
@@shep6671 absolutely
What's the name of the song? It sounds awesome
Capricho Arabe, I think that's how you spell it. It's written by Francesco Tarrega
@@jimrowbottom9355 cheers
with the IBD you are using - will it set naturally or do you specifically need the ultra-violet light to cure it?
I bought a get that would not dry without a light. I believe most gels need a light. a guy in another video with that same gel, IBD Builders Gel, said that he needed a 9 watt lamp to dry the gel right. He had bought a smaller lamp that did not cut it.
Need the light.
What is the name of the gel you use?
IBD Builder Gel Clear
What is that piece?
I hate having long nails, is there something I can just put on and take off when I'm finished playing.
There are some picks you can put on temporarily but I haven't found any that feel natural. Please let me know if you find some. Having fingernails is a bit of a pain, I agree.
One thing to remember is short nails work the best.
Tiptonic. Check em out.
@@hiphopanonymous9703 you can play with no nails at all, many people do.
short nails are the way to go. mine are shorter when I _am_ playing guitar than they are typically when I'm not
How does sound ?
I have bite my nail my all life, to anxious and other disorder.. anyway now that i go back learning classical piece but also some fingerstyle arrangement , i really try want to have nail, i am loking at different solution i just order different finger pick like alaska pick and some other kind, but i am also looking for order fake nail or gel, and i wonder if with fake nail or gel , does your nails still can grow under ? because the main goal for me is to one day be able to play with my real nail.. but for now they just to short an damage.. almost nonexistent..
I have learned to play with very short natural nails. Any kind of fake nails will cause weak nails. You have to learn to play with short natural nails during nail recovery.
I would bite the nails on the left hand and steer clear of your right hand nails.
You have a cream (something like that) and its reaaaly bitter. You put it on your nails and it's a reminder when you try to bite them it sucks. Don't know whats it called but research a bit. You can always try not to bite them, with a bit of dedication you can stop and it's not that hard.
@@filiplukes7530 I've heard of that. Also used for thumb sucking woes in young children.
Take "biotin" strengthens nails and hair
Biotin supplementation.
The idea is good, but you are using totally old fashioned and weak material. I use UV curable professional material, which never breaks and keeps for 3 month with no peeling off from the natural nails. Even if you do garden work. For guitar nails you should not use beauty material from the nail shop like acrylic, acetone or gels. They are not durable and unhealthy. 🤓😋🥰
I too, am concerned about toxicity, especially with long-term use. Curious, which brand do you use for your fake nails?
@@chestercampbell1249 Dear Chester, I use LOCTITE AA 3504 and curing lamp SCANGRIP - UV curing. When hardened after approx. 2 minutes, I clean it with alcohol and put OPI Nail Envy (standard nail strengthener) on top. This gives a good sound on nylon string guitars and enhances durability. Normally 1 nail holds for 3 month until wear out without break or peel off. To make a new nail I just grind the old nail away with an Ealicere nail file 100/80, or similar (takes approx. 1 minute) , clean it with alcohol (isopropanol) and make new nail. Hope this helps. If you have more questions, let me know 🤓. Richard
@@UFO6600
Dear Richard, thank you for taking the time to share your process. I believe a number of members on the Delcamp guitar forum also use Loctite for their nails. My only concern is that it could weaken my real nail. I have hooked nails and currently use heated pliers to bend them. 😲 Chester
@@chestercampbell1249 I do understand your concern. You can use the small finger for trial. Another trick is to cover 3/4 of the nail. Leave the space where it grows. My nail never got weaker with this method.
@@UFO6600 I appreciate the helpful tips, I may try using Loctite in the future for a hooked thumbnail. So leaving 1/4 of the nail exposed keeps it strong. That's good to know!
What kind of a Gel?
IBD Builder Gel. You can see a pretty clear shot of it at 0:48
The rubato on Capricho Arabe seems a little too much; it throws the listener off and is pretty wild and unexpected. Stop arpeggiating everything, it ruins the emphasis of some chords and it sounds very annoying. It sounds like you read off the tabs and have never listened to the piece.
You have a version?
Your guitar-playing is very skilful, and would be 10X better if you didn't play this piece so far out of the rhythm in which it was written. You play a lot of it as if it was written in 6/8, where you are playing the beginning (after the intro) on beats 1, 3, 4, and 6, which makes it sound as if it's got a limp. it's in 4/4, so the melody and chords between the melody should be more even, andante, like 1, 2 ,3 ,4. Be different if you want - no other classical guitarist plays it that way, and maybe that's what you are trying to achieve: I just think the price you are paying in loss of musical flow is far too high. I feel the tone of the nails is too hard for my taste, it lacks warmth and mellowness. I'm still looking, and may try Walter Lupi's, or James Taylor's approach. I wish you all the best!
I agree, I'm really a hack when it comes to major concert pieces, lol.
That's the most horrible Capricho árabe I've ever heard. I hope that's not you... 30 hours a week to play like that
I don't get to play classical as much as I would like. I'm sure there are more horrible ones out there, keep searching.
You have a version of you playing it? I doubt it
this is not professionally done. You forgot filing and cuticle removement p.e.
I'm not a beautician, lol. So you can turn that thumb in the other direction and give me an A for effort ;^ )
rowbocaster this dudes an asshole. I betcha you could’ve done better
The criticism is welcomed. That's how we figure it out after all.
Fake nails sound just too plastic sounding and metallic for my taste (similar to the thin metallic sound of the guitar on the background, no offense intended to the guitarist). Nothing can replicate a warm and round natural sound coming from your own nails, the biological material the nail is made off can not be replicated as yet!.Reason for not testing the sound from the fake nail on each string vs regular nails on this video!
what's the name of the song you're playing?
never mind. Capricho Arabe.
Great Song but took me a year to learn.
From where I can order that gel ??
MOHD Adnan I found it online but you can get it at most beauty outlets.
Crappy!
what a poorly made video
Please provide a link to any of the high quality, interesting videos you've created . . .
Thanks! I admit I'm not a pro.
The background guitar playing is too amature.
And so is your spelling, my friend.
daveknow
Which spelling?
Check your dictionary.
Geric Soreda how is it amateur
Geric Soreda hahaha LOL
i dislike how the person played the song
You dislike how I played the song?
rowbocaster i believe you tried to do the song in your own way which i like, however i feel as though it has subtracted the beauty of the original song.
Thanks for the critique. Can you suggest a version you like? I'd be willing to listen to it to improve my version. I'd be very interested to hear your version.
@@wehtta8059 Working on a warmer tone that might enhance the beauty of this song.
@@rowbocaster sweet would love to hear it!