Classical guitarist looking for some advice

[Paul_B-C]

I'm looking at picking up a bass guitar to add another string to my bow as it were. As a classical guitarist, however, I need to keep my nails in tip-top shape, and a recent visit to the local music shop proved that my nails are no match for bass guitar strings.

So, my question is this: are there any varieties of bass strings that might be kinder to my nails, or should I just use a pick and deal with it?

[WalterBush]

Well, I play classical guitar with no nails. It drove my instructer nuts all through college, but it affects my taste in guitars more than my playing technique.

Chances are, though, that you're a much better player than me. If you're worried about it, use a pick. There's no shame in doing so, and they even make rubber or felt ones for bass if'n you don't like the clangy attack a standard plastic plectrum makes.

One of the guys I studied guitar with in college made a LOT more money as the bassist in an Irish folk music band then he ever did as a classical guitarist, too. Good string to add to your bow

[ParadigmBass]

Play flatwounds, or groundwounds if you prefer more of a roundwound sound and tension. They're smooth, and won't rough up your nails.

[René_Julien]

In my opinion it's just a different technique you have to learn.

I play a lot of fingerpicking on bass, like a classical guitarist would.
I often play classical guitar myself just for the sake of practicing finger strength, nuances, etc... all the wonderful things you can do on a classical guitar. (I'm not actually good at it, but I like classical guitar and performers who can play it well.)

So my fingernails I also keep in top shape, I suspect much like yours.
When playing on bass and I want regular plucking, the flesh of my fingertips are pulling the strings.
It's just a different technique you have to learn.

In your case: digging in. (You'll hear that phrase quite often if you're going to hang around here. )
That's something I assume you never had to do on a classical guitar. (At least, not as severe as on bass guitar.)

You have to keep in mind that a bass guitar is not as delicate as a classical guitar.
Compared to bass, all you ever did was gentle touch on strings.

Try to approach bass playing differently.
Your plucking fingers need to go between the string, and under it. As where on your classical guitar you approach your strings more from directly above.
Also, try to keep your hand more flat and not hovering above the strings. Even try with resting your palm on the body.
If you play standing try to hang your bass lower... so the instrument hangs lower than what you are used to with the classical.
You'll be more comfortable playing this new instrument, electric bass, if your elbow is in not such a sharp angle as it is on a classical guitar when sitting down.
(Although, keep in mind this is my opinion and advice for what it's worth. A lot of bassist prefer to hang their bass high... even up to their chest. I personally feel this is not ergonomic.
I play metal... huge disclaimer also. )

And: practice, practice, practice....

my 2 cents



Welcome to the world of bass.

I've always been an afficionado of classical guitar.
IMO (in my opinion) when it comes to playing technique it's easy for a bassist to pickup classical guitar or vise versa in your case.

[phektus]

If your nails are touching the strings then you're plucking the bass string too hard. But that only applies if it's below quarter an inch long. IMHO