Thumbs up - calling all fingerpickers - show us your picking hand thumb nail

Neil replies to questions from our members.
michelew
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Mon Jun 07, 2010 7:06 am

I've tried metal and plastic fingerpicks too and they are just tooooo weird. My brain goes into a sort of spasm. It's the same with thumb picks, but worse because the action you need to use is different. I can't remember what I'm playing because I'm so distracted by the alien-ness of the fake fingernails. That's why I need to find the best shape and length for me, especially the thumb nail because I'm no ready to go through the brain pain of adjusting to fake ones. I think I'd go with out before doing that and take Jay and Suzi's approach.


wrench
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Wed Jun 09, 2010 4:08 pm

AAAAGGGGGHHHHH! I can try to fingerpick again in about three weeks. This will force me to post a video that really isn't ready for prime time. I have even more respect for good fingerpickers now.



EDIT: The image I can't attach shows my index nail shattered to smithereens.


michelew
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Wed Jun 09, 2010 4:29 pm

Ouch!!! How did that happen?


wrench
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Wed Jun 09, 2010 4:36 pm

michelew wrote:
Ouch!!! How did that happen?
It just got a little too long and got in the way while picking up a box. And I was going to trim them tonight. Oh Well. This drives me crazy, too because I really want post my first fingerpicking piece for you guys, but what I have recorded just isn't quite there yet. I tried the Jay and Suzi method, but I just can't get any volume. AAAGGGGHHHH!


michelew
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Sun Jul 04, 2010 12:23 am

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!! I just tore my thumb nail off again and it had almost grown back to a decent length. I can't believe it. And last week I needed to cut my finger nails short because one of them had received a cut across it somehow. AArrrhhhh!!!

Maybe it's a sign from the Goddess to start using a pick. And/or a lesson in patience and acceptance.

It's crazy making.


tovo
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Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 4:35 pm
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Sun Jul 04, 2010 12:27 am

michelew wrote:
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!! I just tore my thumb nail off again and it had almost grown back to a decent length. I can't believe it. And last week I needed to cut my finger nails short because one of them had received a cut across it somehow. AArrrhhhh!!!

Maybe it's a sign from the Goddess to start using a pick. And/or a lesson in patience and acceptance.

It's crazy making.
That's why I rarely leave the couch Shel. I bet you were working around the house when you tore off your nail. It's dangerous to be active!


michelew
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Location: Sydney, Australia
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Sun Jul 04, 2010 12:33 am

tovo wrote:
michelew wrote:
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!! I just tore my thumb nail off again and it had almost grown back to a decent length. I can't believe it. And last week I needed to cut my finger nails short because one of them had received a cut across it somehow. AArrrhhhh!!!

Maybe it's a sign from the Goddess to start using a pick. And/or a lesson in patience and acceptance.

It's crazy making.
That's why I rarely leave the couch Shel. I bet you were working around the house when you tore off your nail. It's dangerous to be active!
Too right mate!

Now I'm all disheartened and don't feel like playing. I might go and play with a knife.... (I'm making vege soup for dinner).

Michele


haoli25
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Sun Jul 04, 2010 2:34 am

Michele, have you tried applying a clear acrylic polish to strengthen your nails? I am one of the fortunate few that have very strong nails and they never break. But I do have a friend (a male) and he has always had problems with brittle nails and was constantly breaking or chipping them. An old classical guitar player suggested the clear acrylic polish to him and it has worked wonders so far. You might give it a try.


Bill


michelew
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Sun Jul 04, 2010 3:08 am

Thanks for the suggestion Bill. Oh, how my partner will giggle if she sees me putting on nail polish.

It has to grow first. And then I might just give it a go. Aahhhggg!! I guess I'll just need to toughen up and take the hassling.

It's worth it, it's worth it, it's worth it. I'm just practicing the affirmation. By the time I do it I should be mentally really. Should be...


Chasplaya
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Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2008 8:41 pm
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Sun Jul 04, 2010 3:20 am

You could always use artificial nails till your own grow. I've read articles where some professional guitarists have to do that. You can't leave them though as apparently your own nails don't grow as strong under an artificial one. I'm kinda lucky my nails are well as tough as nails lol...


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