Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tuesday on August 8, 2010 at 9:09pm

Bumping! :)

Permalink Reply by Tuesday on September 5, 2010 at 4:43am

Okay people! :) Am I the only alopecia crazy enough to attempt classical guitar?

Permalink Reply by chani trav on October 26, 2010 at 11:43pm

i play acoustic steal string guitar. For acoustic steal string guitar you do not need long nails at all. you can simply play with a pick. hope this helps

Permalink Reply by Tuesday on October 27, 2010 at 6:53am

Thanks for the reply! :) I'm still wondering about the classical guitar. I've been taking lessons for a couple of months now and love it. I'm trying to grow out my right hand fingernails but the growth is very slow. I've managed to get one nail at the appropriate length with help of Nail Envy. But who nows how long nails will last.

Just for information's sake - classical guitar has nylon strings and is played with fingers and fingernails and no picks (at least in the classical method this is the case). The classical guitar is not played with a pick and it is different than a steel string guitar . It seems to be a controversy but for the most part classical guitarists use flesh and fingernail to create music.

Permalink Reply by Drakes on December 7, 2010 at 10:26pm

I finger pick it.. I'm not a classical guitar player.. mostly rock.. but I've played for years and when I took lessons I had to learn a few styles of finger picking.. I've seen (years ago) some classical guitar players with long fingernails.... not sure it's a 'must' though...

Wow.. some folks start at 'Marry Had a Little Lamb'.. You've jumped right in :)

Permalink Reply by Tuesday on December 8, 2010 at 7:59am

Fingerpicking sounds interesting. I am hoping as I continue the classical studies, I eventually can play other styles of music as well. I play piano as well - neither instrument by ear; I'm strictly a sheet music reader. So, I figured the classical approach was best for me. I''m looking forward to one day also owning a steel string and electric!

I should report too ... my right hand fingernails are slowly growing. With a combination of ridge filler, high high grade sandpaper for filing/buffing and Onyhmyrrhe (a nail hardener), I've managed to get some nails on my ost of my fingers. They just grow so darn slow!

You're right. I've come to realize the nails are not a must, though.

Permalink Reply by Paul on January 12, 2012 at 9:18pm

Hi!

I play classical guitar. I don't have AU but I'm still able to grow out my nails long enough to play. I don't grow mine out to the same length as most other classical guitarist because it's really not necessary. But if you have issues with keeping your nail's strong enough when they are grown there is a product called Hoof Maker by Mane and Tail. It's a hand lotion that strengthens your nails like magic. Also, if for some reason your nails break classical guitarists often do the ping pong ball trick. Basically you cut a ping pong ball with a scissor. Cut out the shape you need for your nail. Then super glue it one and then file away and shape it. We only do this for emergencies like if a nail breaks before a performance. Finger picks obviously dont work because you can't do classical techniques on them and fake nails are too thick. Well I noticed this was posted in 2010 but I hope you didnt give up on the guitar yet.

Permalink Reply by Tuesday on April 7, 2015 at 9:00am

Paul!  I only saw this reply today.  I had to thank you for your kind encouraging words. After I initially asked this question here, I started lessons, managed to (barely) grow a few fingernails on my right hand and began weekly lessons.  I fell in love with CG. I managed to get myself into a grade 4 level but then 2 years ago, our household had some job losses and we moved to another town for our new jobs. I had to stop lessons and have barely touched my guitar since 2013.  I miss it and I am frustrated when I play on my own (no teacher in my new area), I am studying piano and my right hand nails are non-existence.

If my nails do grow, they crack or split immediately. They are not weak so much as brittle.  Do you really think Hoof Maker would help?  I will try it again.  Your words have inspired me. Thank you.