Learning to play the guitar is a new and exciting endeavor to adore.
However, if you are a woman who loves a fresh gel manicure, these two passions seem to be on opposite ends of the spectrum- but they don’t have to be.
It is absolutely possible to play the guitar with gel nails. The key is to keep the length of your nails to a manageable level.
Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions regarding nail care and guitars.
It is important to understand how to protect your nails while maximizing your ability to learn chords.
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Can You Play the Guitar With Long Nails?
As mentioned above, the length of your nails will be the greatest factor in playing the guitar.
Traditionally, any nail length that exceeds the flesh on your finger is considered “long.” However, many guitarists can play with long nails.
The key is to adopt a playing style and technique that works for you. Everyone is different, therefore some people will find it uncomfortable to keep their nails long.
There is a fine balance between “acceptable” and “too long.” Beginners may find long nails too difficult to maneuver.
The biggest concern with very long nails is the inability to push down on the strings properly.
Pushing down with long nails may cause you to break one or cause some degree of hand/wrist pain.
Trimming your fretting hand and not your strumming hand looks odd and most guitarists won’t do this.
Instead, the best way to get around this is by open tuning, angling your fretting fingers and using the fingerstyle guitar technique.
Can You Play the Guitar With Fake Nails?
Similar to long nails, fake nails also pose a challenge. Fake nails are typically longer than natural nails and thus run into the same difficulties.
In addition, fake nails can break and chip easier because they are made from plastic.
There is another type of nail known as a “press on” nail. They fall into the category of fake nails and can be more difficult to work with.
Press on nails adheres to your natural nail with glue. The entire nail will come off with enough pressure.
For these reasons, playing the guitar with fake nails is possible but not necessarily advised.
Can You Play the Guitar After a Manicure?
Thankfully, there is a silver lining when it comes to nail care and guitar playing.
Unlike artificial nails, a simple manicure poses no harm to guitar playing. Nylon-string guitars are better for your manicure than steel strings.
Steel strings can damage your nails easier. Also, electric guitars tend to be strung with much thinner strings compared to acoustic instruments.
Therefore, if you are learning on an electric guitar, you likely won’t need to worry about your manicured nails.
Electric guitars can be played with less force and those with weak nails find it relatively easy.
How Do I Protect My Nails While Playing the Guitar?
There are numerous ways to protect your nails during playing. First and foremost, a strong healthy nail starts with proper care.
This is why strengthening nail polishes and serums are very helpful. However, there are other ways to protect your nails such as taping them and using fingertip protectors.
Taping your nails is a quick hack to use on the go if you have no other supplies with you.
You can use clear tape to cover the edge of each nail only. It shouldn’t affect the sound when applied correctly.
This option is ideal for times when you need extra protection or your nails are highly sensitive.
The second option is using fingertip protectors. These protectors are made for nails and are easily slipped on/off.
They can be used with all string instruments including guitar, bass and mandolin. They have a good grip and won’t slip while playing.
Summing It All Up
The importance of nail care can not be emphasized enough. Looking after your nails is important for building good playing habits.
Gel nails, long nails and even fake nails can be managed under the right conditions.
Try playing with different nails lengths and manicure styles before deciding what works best for you.
Ultimately, comfort and ease while playing will yield the best results.