Phil Goldenberg: Better Nails for Better Tone
Ever struggled with the right nail shape? Phil is here to help!
Nails are an integral part of tone production, but they are also notoriously hard to maintain. In this class I will teach how to identify common nail issues and how to fix them, as well as take an in-depth look at how the different parts of the nail come in contact with the string to make a beautiful sound.
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Hi Phil, I have deteriorating nails such that I only use fake nails. My actual nails are too fragile to play with. I have used Biotin and various other remedies / hardeners over several years to no avail. Interestingly, it is only my i, m and a fingers on my right hand that are affected. My RH thumb and pinky as well as all fingernails on my LH are strong.
Anyway, this may not be anything you have experience with but I thought I would see if you have any suggestions or resources.
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Hi Phil, my i and m finger tip joints are somewhat "twisted". This means that the angle of contact with the strings can be problematic. Not sure if you've seen anything like this before, but any advice on how to shape my nails to compensate would be most welcome!
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I noticed during one of your livestreams that you own a lute. How do you deal with the fingernails issue? I'm a guitarist who recently received a lute as a gift from my family. I would love to be able to play it well, as I adore Renaissance lute music, but I am so hesitant to clip off my nails.
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Hi Phil, I have a question about hook nails (sorry for my poor English, I am Italian...). I have such nails in my RH (see picture) and they hook on strings, expecialy with rest stroke. So I need to keep them very short. I am considering to use gel nails (sometimes I use fake nails but I would prefer a more stable solution). Any advice? Thanks, Stefano
End of the Year Challenge: Finish Strong!
