[Help] Fret hand fingernails getting in the way

[spitfire]

I'm a noobie who just started self picking guitar.

I used to having long fingernails that overgrown the skin, and I realized this is a serious problem on my fretting hand as the fingernails, get into the way.. resulting to string mutting or buzzing.

I've tried cutting my nails as short as possibly can but to no avail. Does this mean that i need to build up calluses on finger end such that my fingernails will not get into the way? Anybody had any experience to share? :mrgreen:

Thanks.

 

[RayKnight]

Your point-end is supposed to be on the strings like how you'd tap something. So your finger nails have to be away from the strings that you're fretting. I hope that made some sense.

 

[MonkeyVibrations]

maybe its the way ur pressing down the strings. Personally, i find that calluses get in the way and i alway thin them down.

 

[spitfire]

yes i understand that my fretty finger need to be perpendicular to the fret board when pressing the string down, however my finger nails get in the way. I'm to the point where i cant trim my nails anymore without cutting into my flesh.. *ouch*:shock:

 

[lightice]

Try pressing on the string on the bit that's further away from the fingernail. You're probably curling your fingers too much. And try to start off using a light touch. That way you don't have to press so hard.

 

[eclipze]

maybe this is the way out

what size is your fretwire?
if it thin or medium jumbo... change it to Jumbo or super jumbo...
and maybe.... scalloped your fretboard

 

[spitfire]

if i dont curl my finger too much.. i will start muting the neighbouring strings..

Not too sure about my fret wiresize.. juz came original with my standard beginner guitar package...

guess i need to implant some callouses to my fnger tips asap.

 

[cold_static544]

if you've cut your nails till it hurt, practicing more might help.

 

[Breen]

you should fret with your finger tips where your fingerprints are at. It's guarantee the way your fretting. You don't need to change your neck/frets nothing. Experiment as much as you can and study what is getting in the way. Do it slowly and patiently and soon your chords and notes will be ringing out~

 

[atzw_87]

To TS,
i think i had the same situation, i think u just have to cut the little skin thats with the protruding nails, just keep trimming them as short as u can.(or u can use the paper edge to cut the skin tissue) Now my fretting hand do not have this problem but my playing hand nails are all still long at like urs cant be trimmed short.
hope this helps.

 

[Breen]

To TS,
i think i had the same situation, i think u just have to cut the little skin thats with the protruding nails, just keep trimming them as short as u can.(or u can use the paper edge to cut the skin tissue) Now my fretting hand do not have this problem but my playing hand nails are all still long at like urs cant be trimmed short.
hope this helps.

I never had to cut any part of my body to play guitar so I hope no one else has to too!

 

[Likui]

cut what skin?? i never need to do that

 

[Jellymiu]

I have the same problem, only with the index finger. I'm borned with pointed fingernail (on the index finger). And was depressed when I tried to press on the string but couldn't because of the nail. I thought I couldn't play the guitar, but I refused to give up. I tried my best to trim to the edge. Just slowly trim it, whenever you see it growing out a little, you trim. But don't trim till bleed la...And continue to practise on your guitar. As time goes by, your flesh on the fingertip will grow to be over the nail. (hopefully) lol...I'm still in the process. But now my fingers are all calluses, YEAH!!! Way to go!

 

[bf0502tr]

well i had that prob at one time and i realised it's just got to do with the way you fret. if you fret too near the tip of your fingers then of course your nails are gonna get in the way. just practice fretting further and further away from your nails till you get a spot where nails just aren't in the way anymore. i've had long nails like almost 3mm long and still don't find the need to cut them...except when got parade then those buggers force me to trim them -.-

btw...abt the callouses, after playing the guitar awhile, you'll realise that they're just gonna come and go. i don't really get callouses anymore, the skin at my fingertips already got used to it so the skin there is just rather hard now. no unsightly callouses

 

[Jellymiu]

well i had that prob at one time and i realised it's just got to do with the way you fret. if you fret too near the tip of your fingers then of course your nails are gonna get in the way. just practice fretting further and further away from your nails till you get a spot where nails just aren't in the way anymore. i've had long nails like almost 3mm long and still don't find the need to cut them...except when got parade then those buggers force me to trim them -.-

btw...abt the callouses, after playing the guitar awhile, you'll realise that they're just gonna come and go. i don't really get callouses anymore, the skin at my fingertips already got used to it so the skin there is just rather hard now. no unsightly callouses

yeah, callouses come and go indeed.