Fingernails

[chapperz66]

Is there anything that can be done to harden/strengthen fingernails?  My nails (amongst other things) used to be rock hard but as I get older they continually break - often lengthways down the nail rather than across them.  What doesn't help is playing keyboards and trying to do Jon Lord impressions.  Bits of nail fly everywhere.

I have tried some nail polish (a bit suspect I know, but I was never confused...) that claim to harden nails but no joy, and can't do the finger pick thing as they are not ideal for classical style.

Any suggestions?  Other than don't do the Jon Lord thing.

Paul

 

[Hilary]

You could try rubbing oil into the nails and the cuticals, once a day. Almond oil's good (not if you're alergic to nuts though) but olive oil would do. Just a dab though, on each nail last thing at night

[Geir]

I have the same problem Paul.

I also struggle to find the optimum length! If I grow them long enough for fingerpicking on guitar, they are in the way when playing keys, AND they're sure to break when I play the bass.

I might try that oil thing Hilary, but knowing myself, it'll probably last 4 days before I forget it

There must be some superstrong manly stuff we can use ?!?!??! What do the pros do ?

[Farrell Jackson]

A while ago I ran across a youtube video of James Taylor's guitar lesson on nail care. I wasn't looking for nail care (truly I wasn't lol) but for guitar picking lessons from the master. I found the video again. It's quite a process that he uses but it must work for him. I haven't tried it but let me how it works if you do. Here's the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg-sKkodn9w The picking lessons are pretty good too.

Farrell

[thetworegs]

Metal nails that's the manly answer a bit like shoes for a horse but on a guitarist instead the nails hurt a bit bit it's worth it! ..... Are you sure you weren't Farrell it's 2015 now there's no shame ......  Honest

[Flash Harry]

You can get stuff to paint on them - I know the girly nail varnish stuff argument - but ask in Boots - they have some really good stuff in and it's not red and it's not shiny. 

[Blooby]

I'm finding that bright pink nail polish works the best.

But perhaps i reveal too much.

Lurker

[Bluesberry]

Bruce Cockburn has been putting crazy glue on his for years and years, swears by it.  He is primarily a finger style guitarist who is known to dig in hard with his nails.

[Groundy]

Mine are just the same, I give up and cut them a couple of times a week.......

[Hook]

Remove them entirely!
Evolve on!