So I've been playing for nearly 8 years. I've never used a pick, on my basses that is, I play plenty of guitar. I play prog. metal. And its quick stuff. Recently this summer my band has been playing a lot of outdoor shows and my humidity has been causing my fingers to stick to the strings, causing me to loose speed and accuracy in my plucking. I have one solution myself, and that is to wipe the sweat off my forehead and use that as a "lubricant", but I can only do that after I've been playing for a few minutes. My fingers are usually sticky right before I go on. I was wondering if I could coat the tips with something that will create a slick surface and with reduced friction. I have good thick callouses but they get all tore up after I play. So if I could maybe use super glue... HalP!

Cyanoacrylate, or super glue, was originally developed as a field suture around the Viet Nam era. Don't know if it will work for you but I don't think it will hurt to try.

Try some Fingerease: http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fingerease-Guitar-String-Lubricant?sku=420450

Bucket of fried chicken right before you go on.

Bucket of fried chicken right before you go on.

Sound advice. Or some other natural grease you rub into your hands thoroughly, like the sweat you wipe off your own head - it's the tallow doing the trick.

Maybe some pushups to warm up the crowd :cool: and get you real sweaty.


I don't trust silicone sprays, because they might comprimise the finish of your instrument, especially in non-coated fingerboards.

Also, just remembered reading this in some magazine a while back, but the grease on your nose should work too.

I tried the super glue. At first, it seemed like it was a horrible idea. It took almost 20 minutes to dry completely. But after it dried it left a smooth finish on my finger tips, almost glossy. And I can honestly say, it has helped a ton.

If anyone else has any input on this, please share. Maybe some alternatives to super glue.