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Question: Guitar sect- My guitar teacher said i should grow nails to play!.!.!.!.!?
i just started to learn the guitar and the teacher said i should grow some nails as he wants me to use my nails instead of a pick!. But the problem is my nails are really unhealthy!. Does anyone know how i could get healthier nails!?Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
I had the same problem years a go when I started to play!. but I found a little secret that I'm going to share with you now!.!.!. Nail lacquer!.!. Yes that's right nail lacquer!. You apply to your nails over night and once or twice during the day!. As you apply it, the layers build up on your nails giving them super strength!. Don't worry!.!. it's clear liquid so no one will think you're a GIRLIE!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!. give it a go it worked for me!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

I think that growing your nails is only good with the hand you play with and not the one you use on the fretboard because it really obstructs your playing!.

Simple washing your hands when you have a bath/shower regularly will help!. Wash around and under nails!. Of course don't grow them too long because they'll annoy you in your normal life and you'll end up scratching people by accident!. Trust me I've done it before!.

I also advise playing with your fingers (your long nails will help here) and then play with a pick/plectrum as you need to get used to both ways of playing!.

I think that when growing your nails it gets impossible to keep them clean, don't hesitate to cut them short!. It won't stop you from playing, it just helps some people to play easier!. You'll be able to play the guitar just as well, trust me!.

Maybe if you visit a Holland and Barrett, they'll have something for stronger nails but I've never needed it!.
Hope that helpsWww@QuestionHome@Com

Perhaps your instructor is guiding you toward fingerstyle playing abilities rather than relying solely on the straight pick!. If that is what you want to explore then consider the replies given by the three preceding my response!.

I play fingerstyle, such as the method of Chet Atkins, and during my professional years my nails were my chief concern!. I learned that a strong, clear nail polish helped to strengthen them, but also a hair rinse with a lot of collagen was helpful!. As others have pointed out, a healthy diet is crucial!.

Long nails on a mechanic's hands are difficult to maintain, and sometimes on hands of clerical personnel, but concessions can be made!. Artificial nails are good for the moment, but they weaken the natural growth of nails and cause dependency on them!.

You'll have to determine for yourself which avenue you prefer: fingerstyle or straight picking!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Two issues here - I think your guitar teacher is being very rigid - at this stage you should be enjoying your instrument, not obsessing over the nails or pick argument; you can do that later!.
Second, to get healthy nails, eat a healthy, well balanced diet; extra calcium may help but don;t over do it unless you fancy kidney stones!Www@QuestionHome@Com

nails are used in playing classical guitar!. There are numerous products in the drug store for building strong nails!. Knox Gelatin advertises it's use to build stronger nails!. there are also clear nail polish which helps strengthen nails!.
My own nails are very brittle during the winter, and I use clear polish that has no sheen!. No one seems to notice that I wear nail polish!.Www@QuestionHome@Com