Martian

So I make no secret of the fact that I'm a guitarist. I am a peculiarity amongst guitarists, however, in that I have a marked distaste for the plectrum. I don't like using picks; I find them awkward and uncomfortable. I have achieved a modest degree of ability with one, but I am not as fast or precise with a pick as I am when using my fingers.

So.

I have recently begun studying classical guitar. This is a natural fit for me, since classical guitar as a style requires the guitarist to fingerpick anyway. The fingerpick techniques that I am learning and refining for use in this style seem like they'd be applicable to other styles; however, it is difficult to play cleanly on an electric guitar through distortion with fingers. One needs the clear definition and sharp attack afforded by either a plectrum or by nails.

I have begun keeping me nails in a peculiar configuration that is often seen in guitarists, particularly those who practice the classical style. The nails on my left hand are kept neat and trimmed to near surgical standards, so as not to damage the fretboard. The nails on my right hand are allowed to grow out, so that I may use them to pluck the strings while playing. I have learned through trial and quite painful error that I need to file off any sharp points on the edges, or else they'll catch on the strings and tear. However, I find my nails still aren't strong enough for my liking, and occasionally bend and break while playing. This is a painful event, and causes me inconvenience as I have to trim and file the nail, then wait for it to grow back. I would like to avoid this.

My question to the ladies of the forum (or the guys, if any are knowledgeable on the subject) is how can I add strength and rigidity to my nails? Is there anything I should be doing to care for them aside from occasionally trimming and filing them down? What sort of file should I be using? I'm using the one that is attached to my nail clippers currently, since it was handy and available, but if there are better ones to be had I'm not opposed to getting one. Practices that are traditionally considered effeminate don't scare me either; this is for my art, after all, and is worth it. I don't have any particular desire to colour them, but will certainly use a lacquer or something similar if it will help me achieve the desired effect.

Should I be seeking professional help? Where would I find such a professional, and would they be willing to cater to my rather specific needs?

I am clueless. I need guidance. Help.

__________________
I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

Grasshopper Green

Sally Hansen makes a clear strengthener called Hard As Nails that is pretty good.

Get a decent file...the ones that come with clippers are crap and will weaken your nails. Decent emory boards are not that expensive and can be found in any drugstore or supermarket. File in one direction...don't "saw" back and forth when you are smoothing an edge. Sawing weakens them as well.

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"They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king"

Formerly Medusa

Martian

How does one use this strengthener? I suppose the instructions will be on the bottle. Is it expensive? That's not necessarily a deterrent, but forewarned is forearmed.

An emory board is a type of file, I gather. Should I be doing this often? My nails are constantly being chipped and roughened up by the strings. I suspect this is a natural side effect of steel strings versus keratin nails. Should I be smoothing them daily? And when I do I go up and down or side to side, or does that matter?

Thanks for your insight. I am clearly out of my depth on this one.

__________________
I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

Baraka_Guru

Studies have shown that biotin (aka vitamin H or B7) strengthens nails and hair. You're generally looking at milk, liver, egg yolk, Swiss chard, romaine lettuce, walnuts, and almonds for ample sources of that.

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—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

Bear Cub

If you have any isues with them cracking or breaking during trimming at all, try trimming them right when you get out of the shower, as they're softer/more pliable at this time.

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diddagirl

OPI makes an AMAZING nail strengthener called "Nail Envy". The make it in a matte or glossy finish (guessing as a guy you may want the matte).... it is salon strength, so works very well and must usually be purchased in a salon or nail parlor type place. Cost- around $18...

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Grasshopper Green

Martian, the Sally Hansen stuff is kind of like clear nail polish..you apply directly to the nail. It's not that expensive...I'd say around $4-5 for a bottle.

Yes, an emory board is a type of nail file. Try to look for one with multiple textures (almost like sandpaper)...kind of like this:

http://www.essence.eu/uploads/tx_cos...le-4in1_01.png

The grain on the file will range from somewhat rough to very fine. When you file, go with the natural shape of the the nail, so in a somewhat rounded motion.

I second Baraka...biotin is great for nails. Get a supplement or add foods rich in it to your diet.

Also..I just found this that might be helpful:

http://www.guitarsite.com/nails.htm

Good luck!

__________________
"They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king"

Formerly Medusa

snowy

The Sally Hansen Hard As Nails is fantastic stuff, works well, and it's not too pricey (under $3 a bottle here). I'd recommend looking for a file with multiple textures, like Medusa suggested. I use one that's a little fancier than what you'll need; the basic Revlon emery boards should suit your purposes, as you're not looking to buff and shine your nails, just shape them to your specifications. They come in two sizes, take your pick. Furthermore, only file one direction--don't do it back and forth, just one way. Usually what I do is clip my nails after I get out of the shower, sort of in a V-shape so there's a point at the very end. Then I file the point down so that it's a rounded shape.

If you have any more nail questions, you know where to find me.

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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

vanblah

I believe Leo Kottke used to use superglue on his fingernails. May have just been an '80s rumor.

Martian

No I don't. You've not been online lately.

I picked up some Revlon emory boards after work, along with some nail strengthener stuff. It's not the one you recommended. I knew it was a name, but couldn't remember what it was, so I just asked the lady in the cosmetics department. She looked at my kind of funny, but that's okay. Suffer for your art and all.

Anyway, it's supposed to be good and has vitamins and stuff. Sadly I broke a nail today and ended up just trimming them down; the plan is to let them grow back a bit and then file them to the proper shape.

The cosmetics lady said something about clipping your nails with a straight edge to make them stronger? I didn't really understand what she meant. I can't have square nails. I mean, for one it would look funny, but even if it didn't I need some kind of a point to give me something to pluck the string with. It doesn't have to be like able-to-cause-puncture-wounds pointed, but at least sort of rounded.

Does anyone (Medusa) know anything about that?

__________________
I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

girldetective

If I were in your shoes I would go to a hip nail place and have a manicure. While there I would tell my manicurist what my goal was and ask what they suggest. I would watch them do the manicure and ask any questions along the way. The reason I use the word hip is that there are older lady nail places just like there are older lady hair salons where they do perms and stuff. You probably would like to talk to someone who gets your drift. It would probably cost you $10-15 and you could ask all the questions you wanted of an expert and have them show you what you need.

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As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons...be cheerful; strive for happiness - Desiderata

cyklone

there is a hand lotion called 'one and all' sold in Aus which woks quite well. Just rub on hands and especially finger nails after washing hands

Milkyway

Put strengthener on in thin coats-I know the point is to coat the nail but too thick and it just chips right off. Dip brush into bottle, slide the brush along the neck, rubbing the polish on one side of the brush off, starting at the nail base, run one stripe in the center of the nail from base to tip, then do one stripe to the side overlapping slightly, then the same on the other side, finish by running the brush under your nail tip, yes under the tip, even if super short. Apply no more than once a day and no less than every third day, and after two weeks take off completely and start all over, if you haven't already.

DO NOT use nail file daily, actually encourages tears. Every day or two is fine, even once a week. Trim nails immediately if they tear/break/crack. Take the vitamins recommended and be patient, nails are slow to strengthen, but you'll get there.

Sound like too much work? After three months you should have strong healthy nails and could probably get rid of the strengthener all together and just rub some oil (like olive oil or vegetable oil) on your nails and cuticles a couple times a month-bonus you can you the oil for other stuff too.

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Willravel

QFT

You'll want to try it naturally first. If it doesn't work, at least your eating healthy. Besides, almonds are delicious. I'm eating some right now.

Martian

Meant to address that.

I have ample sources of B7 in my diet. I eat yogurt pretty regularly (probiotic yogurt aids digestion, which is sort of important for me) and gave up iceberg lettuce in favour of romaine a while ago without even knowing the that it had B7 in it; I just think it tastes better. I eat salads at least twice a week, so it would seem that there's no shortage there.

Addressing other posts:

Australian products don't do me a lot of good in Canada, but thank you for trying.

Regarding the strengthener, I think that maybe Milkyway is thinking of stuff that's different from what I have. I don't think it'd be possible to apply what's in the bottle here in a thick coat, since it's not that thick. It'd just make a mess. The instructions say to use it 3 times a week for a few months, but don't mention anything about removing it. I think it's supposed to soak in. Y'know, like skin lotion but for nails.

I considered getting a manicure, but the problem is that I don't even know where any nail salons are, let alone which ones are or are not hip. Quite apart from that, I'm not even sure a manicurist would be willing or able to cater to my particular needs.

I know precisely what I want. All I need is a little help in getting there. If I have to use a bit of trial and error to get the shaping and such down, then so be it; it's not like they won't grow back. So all I really need at this point is helpful advice on how to get the necessary strength and rigidity so that they don't keep breaking. You've all been quite helpful in that regard, and have my thanks.

__________________
I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame