June 10, 2014
Fingernails
Too much emphasis gets placed on right-hand
fingernail shape when people are starting to play classical or fingerstyle
guitar. I think that is much more important to learn to play from the tip of
the finger and get a very quick release off of the string when plucking
(without the nail), and then add a small amount of fingernail to support the
sound as your playing progresses. Many guitarists will grow long fingernails
and gradually lose all contact with the fingertip when plucking a string. My
point is that you need to take time to get your right-hand attack consistent
and relaxed, and then add fingernails. This will take anywhere from three to
six months.