G string jams right underneath my index fingernail!

[MDBass]

This video is how I learned to slap. Maybe it will help you overcome the "bloody fingernail" problem?

Alexis is such a monster: I had him show me a few of these tricks in person, and they’re even more impressive than on video.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Probably some technique changes are needed. If you're fingernail is bleeding (that's very punk, BTW) most times when you're playing, you gotta take care of that. I don't really care for them, but you may be the perfect candidate for a ramp between the pickups. If you don't know what I'm talking about. I can find some pics / links.

 

[Sands]

My nail is as short as I can cut it. Here’s a picture to try and show you what I mean. When the string goes underneath my nail like that it’s when I’m in motion of going to pop up the D but I miss the spacing a little bit and it digs right underneath

I have the answer. Don’t do that. Ever.

 

[Sands]

I have the answer. Don’t do that. Ever.

Reposition your hand.

 

[Tim See]

If you keep doing this the nail will separate from the bed - so if at the point of bleeding you really want this not to recur for awhile - preferably a couple of months as once the separation keeps happening it may not reattach fully - reattachment generally does occur but it is a slow process. Now, super glue can be a real help here esp if you're trying to prevent the string getting in between and doing it again.

(How do know all this? I'm a climber so I've been dealing with this issue for a while now. High pressures have resulted in some nail/nailbed separation, moves the edge you cut back. It's super annoying because obviously you don't want to stop, whether it's playing or climbing.)

 

[FunkyD]

Stay out of go-go bars.

 

[iiipopes]

It's not the length of the fingernail. It is the contour of how it is cut and the position of the finger. I play with very short nails. But still on occasion the nail can still grab. It doesn't hurt, but it causes the twang inconsistent with the rest of the notes' articulation.

Study double bass pizzicato technique. The plucking wrist is rolled slightly inboard so more of the side of the finger plucks the string instead of the end or the tip, which can cause the fingernail to grab.

 

[Thegrandwazoo]

Stay out of go-go bars.

 

[Killing Floor]

Pictures of bloody cuticles or it didn't happen.

 

[Brother Goose]

OP started popping with the corner of his fingertip instead of square on.

Should be well on his way to slappity glory by now!

 

[Lagado]

You're not curling under enough, that's why the nail is hitting the string. All you want under the string is the tip of the finger, no more than that.

 

[mcnach]

I used to use my middle finger to pluck whenever I would slap but now I use my index finger to pluck and probably 1 or 2 times out of 10 on my way down to pluck underneath my D string my index finger will hit directly on the g string and it goes right underneath my finger nail and sometimes causes it to bleed. Is there any tips I should be aware of or will I just get better at aiming my finger over time?

Is your nail very long?
If yes: cut it.
If not, just practice slowly and improve your aim, it sounds like your finger position is wrong. When I pop a string the nail is not even close, unless I want it to.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

You've exceeded your speed limit, take a break and let the nail heal. Then start back up but don't do it until you're bleeding this time. Work slowly back up in your practice time. At least a week of rest might help.

If you're nail is tearing, clear nail polish will help.

And I'll end on an old joke, I said doctor my finger bleeds when I try to slap, the doctor says don't do that!
Dirk

 

[Allan Allan]

You need to slow down and fix your technique. That's it. It's not a fun solution, it's not a quick solution, but it is the only correct solution.

 

[fhm555]

My nail is as short as I can cut it. Here’s a picture to try and show you what I mean. When the string goes underneath my nail like that it’s when I’m in motion of going to pop up the D but I miss the spacing a little bit and it digs right underneath

Short as your nail is and it’s still catching? Maybe try filing a slope on the front of your nail? Or maybe lighten up on your attack a bit.

 

[Ewo]

Singing with the choir on this:

The pic looked like your popping fingers were perpendicular to the string. Try changing that to an angle, fingers pointing toward the end of the neck a bit. That will also help you catch a bit of the finger's meat; if you're using only the fingernail to lift the string up for the pop, it's not surprising the nail will tear.

As to how to get that angle with your fingers, try raising the bass on the strap so your forearm comes across the body at an angle, also. For me, it's optimal that the wrist is straight, since that facilitates the forearm rotation (one way for the thump, back the other way for the pop). I forget where I saw it (maybe Scott Devine..?), but the forearm rotation is much like turning a doorknob.

 

[HardNHeavy]

those must be some thin strings your using if you already cut your nails...change your technique as mentioned i guess

 

[Rabidhamster]

My nail is as short as I can cut it. Here’s a picture to try and show you what I mean. When the string goes underneath my nail like that it’s when I’m in motion of going to pop up the D but I miss the spacing a little bit and it digs right underneath

I hurt myself once or twice when I messed up and whacked my fingernail down on top of a string like that.
Only solution I can recommend is: don’t do that!

If you put your finger in the right place you won’t do that. You aren’t cramming your finger DOWN, your placing it under the string, then plucking up.

Also I wouldn’t be popping that string with the index finger, that’s generally on A. I would be middle finger popping it, or ring and pinky if my middle finger was indisposed

 

[Thehound]

Blood during a live show always goes over really well. Play till you bleed.
(then play some more)

 

[Sixgunn]

The god of flats and tort are telling you not to slap.