How to Protect Your Fingernails While Playing the Guitar
Protecting your fingernails is crucial when you play the guitar. The length and condition of your nails may affect the sound of your music. More importantly, damaging them may be painful and could even hinder your playing. There are some simple steps you can take to protect your nails while playing guitar.
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Instructions
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Clip your fingernails to a suitable length, making sure that they are not too long. Nails on the hand that holds the guitar's fretboard should always be shorter than those on your strumming hand.
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Use an emery board to file your fingernails into a shape that is conducive to strumming your guitar. Round is probably best, as the edges from a squarish shape could get caught on the strings. Also, file your nails from the outside in from the top to avoid splitting, which most often happens when you play guitar immediately after clipping.
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Apply at least three or four layers of nail hardener or lacquer to your nails. This strengthens your fingernails by coating them.
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Use rubber gloves to do activities that require your hands to be in water, such as washing dishes.
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Use your non-strumming hand to do certain activities, like reaching for a door handle.
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Tips & Warnings
Carry an emery board with you at all times so that you can easily repair a break or chip in your fingernails.
Be aware of everyday objects that can prove detrimental to your nails (e.g., a storm window that hasn't been opened for a while might be stuck and difficult to open). Take extra care when handling these objects.
References
- Photo Credit pretty girl playing guitar image by Gleb Semenjuk from Fotolia.com
