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Fingertips or fingernails?

#21
The only thing I find is that when my nails get longer, it slows down my fingers so I keep them really short. HOWEVER,if they are longer, it sounds better on my acoustic with the bronze strings :) I can't really play that too fast anyway.

You should do whatever feels/sounds right for you.
 
#22
I grew up listening to Geddy, Squire and many other prog bassists. Since I can't play with a pick, I always played with my fingernails to get their tones.

Now that my musical taste has changed, my fingertips should be the tool. Actually, I just practiced with fingertips on my Lakland DJ strung with steel Lo-Riders and they are burning! I can play with my fingernails forever. I guess my fingernails have hardened over the past 20 years or so.
 
#26
Chrisk-K said:
I just want to clarify one thing. When you guys say you play with fingertips, does it mean than your fingernails never touch the strings?
Click to expand...

I personally try to keep my nails from striking the strings.

Also, if you can manage playing nail style, go ahead! I'm definitely not against the idea. I personally find it very difficult to play this way, not in the least because it hurts! I think my nails are a bit weaker than the average person, as well.
 
#27
finger nails? yuck and ouch.
get a finger pick, same premise.
scalesteel-finger-picks-2.jpg
 
#29
Fingernails are good for acoustic and classic guitars but not for bass, just compare the two strings and you'll see why.

I'd suggest you change to fingertips but then again, if you prefer fingernails and if your nails can handle, suit yourself, who knows, maybe in a few years kids will be playing with their nails to mimic you.
 
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#32
i HATE when the fingernails on my index and middle finger start to get involved. it's not so bad on the other fingers because that can sometimes be useful. one thing i did that was cool was to use metal fingerpicks and put them on my fingers upside down. basically so they covered the pad of the finger. i wanted to get a pick sound with my fingers and it actually worked pretty well.
 
#33
NKBassman said:
If there is any white showing at the end of my fingernails, they are too long...
Click to expand...

I do the same. If I can peel a sticker off something, pick up a coin off the floor, or pick my nose then I've got too much fingernail.

But back to the OP, if you like using your fingernails and get the sound you want by doing it then do it. There are no rules.
 
#35
dalkowski said:
Seriously, I've never understood how "nailers" don't have shredded nails after a set or two. But whatever works for the individual, works.
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I have healthy nails, but they'd crack and split if I tried playing with them (I know from other experience), and I don't like the sound of nails anyway. For me, I say why bother when a pick is so handy and sounds better to me? Others may be more successful with their nails.
 
#37
Interesting thread, I'm still fairly new to the bass, and thought that fingernails were simply something that got in the way and created some awkward sounds for me, so I go with the show no white clipped approach. Never occured to me to conciously try to hit the strings with my fingernails for a different sound. Not sure how comfortable that would be, but maybe an interesting experiment someday.
 
#38
My opinion (stopped using a pick 30 years ago) it all depends on sound you want. First, outside of breaking a nail here and there, never had them shred as suggested. They are cut in such a way that I can use my nails or if needed with a slight turn of the wrist, I have just skin. Believe me, I can cut your heart out with these things and after years of doing it they are hard. Each of the three are cut different to allow for angle. I certainly would not play any other way or use a pick. Again, just opinion but it is the way to go if you need that pick sound and want speed also. Remember for the ones who will slag me saying pick is faster, I can have a finger on four strings (if use my thumb too) at once, can you with a pick?
 
#39
When my nails split or tear on my right index or middle finger as they have on occasion, I cannot play or practice. So no nails for me, I trim and file them at the first sign of a click. I've relearned to use a pick to some degree in the last two months after not using one for almost 30 years. Since I use flats, I'm not sure nails would get me anything I couldn't get otherwise.
 
#40
My attack starts with the pad of my finger and the ends with my finger nail.

I love the tone I get with it, it's like the best of both worlds, most of the thump of my pads but with the bite and articulation of a pick.

I can switch between it at will, if I'm playing something hip-hopish it's all thump thump but if I want punk it's all nails. I usually go somewhere in between the two most of the time. My nails are freakishly hard and grow extremely fast. I can clip them down to the whites and they are back to pre-trimming lengths in two days.
 
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