Fingernails good or bad? How to keep them a decent length?

[Murmaider]

I've been playing for about a year now and I have to say I feel much better when I have a bit of fingernail-action going on. It makes the attack sound much more appealing to me, I feel faster, I feel more fluid, everything. I've played things and cut my nails and tried to play them afterwards and it just wouldn't be the same, I'd mess up much more easily (even though I have nails, I still hit the string with my fingers and not JUST the nail) and I become very frustrated with my progress much more quickly, I feel like I take a step backwards every time I clip them.

Is there a way around cutting them? Is this some sort of no no and I shouldn't rely on my nails to make me sound good?

 

[Shabz]

just buy a nail file and maintain them at your favourite length?

 

[Rob22315]

Great for guitar, bad for bass. I keep my nails on my right hand long for guitar but have resorted to using a pick on bass because there's an annoying clack when my nails hit the string.

 

[Rob22315]

Maintaining them depends on the condition of your nails and what you do with them. If you do a lot of manual labor, you might consider getting some mechanics gloves off Amazon to protect them. If you have splitting or curling problems, go see a salon or consult the classical guitar forums - those guys are paranoid about their nails.

 

[INTP]

I'm pretty sensitive to the length of my nails on my plucking fingers. Too short and they dig into my fingers, and too long and they interfere with the strings. I just cut them frequently and have emery boards to clean them up as needed. I'm not quite as diligent as a classical guitar player, but I am sure I give my nails more attention than the average person does.

Use whatever length works for you.

 

[fearceol]

Use whatever length works for you.

+1.

OP, there are no hard and fast rules. If you are happy playing with long nails and you get the sound/tone you want, then I dont see any reason to change.

 

[MrLenny1]

Bad, too much string noise.
I keep a nail trimmer & file in my Gig bag.

 

[Jensby design]

just buy a nail file and maintain them at your favourite length?

This.
I've been doing this for years.
Before I play a gig I: file my nails, stretch, and wash my hands in scalding hot water.
Consistent breaking point while plucking, comfortable reach, and clean dry hands.
Nothing wrong with taking things seriously when you want to do your best.