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Classical Guitar Nails and Bass

lukelogandennis

lukelogandennis

Nov 29, 2008
164
2
36
Murray, KY
#1
I'm a classical guitarist. As you know the right hand has the nails grown out in order to get the right tone and what not.

I've found this to be somewhat annoying on the bass.

How can I protect the nails when playing bass?
Can I EQ the nail out of my sound?

:help:
 
#2
lukelogandennis said:
I'm a classical guitarist. As you know the right hand has the nails grown out in order to get the right tone and what not.

I've found this to be somewhat annoying on the bass.

How can I protect the nails when playing bass?
Can I EQ the nail out of my sound?

:help:
Click to expand...


Being an ex classical guitar player myself. I feel your pain and frustration.

You can to a degree EQ it out. It will also still sound to a great extant like you are playing with a pick. You'll probably find a lot more satisfaction and peace to go with the flow and EQ yourself a really nice pick type tone.

Crazy glue on the contact edge of the nail does a lot to save the wearing down of the nail.

What you probably won't be able to do (because I couldn't and lord knows I tried) is find a length, EQ, technique, that will allow you finger nails and the ability to slap without either sounding like total dookie, occasionally ripping a nail off or both.
 
#5
I use my nails, while other guys don't want any nails on bass. Depends on the tone and attack you want.

I find the best length for me is about 1/16th or maybe 3/32nds.
Basically, a little white showing that you can bring into play as needed.

I don't know how much you need for guitar. The superglue suggestion will help some
 
#6
I have no problem with this, either whith the sound or my nails, and use almost the same technique on bass as on classical guitar.
I guess you could EQ the sound pretty much out by cutting the right band of highs.
 
#7
I cut some high mids to dial out my nails, for the most part. But, don't worry so much. I have found that using my nails has given me a unique sound of my own. It comes in handy sometimes when I want a tad bit of an edge to the notes. Like Cristo, I keep the nails about 3/32" long. It's enough for me to play guitar, and short enough to not break as easily. I don't break them playing bass since I have a somewhat light touch. I break them doing other things. Drives me crazy when that happens. But, you can still play bass with no nails.
 

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