Finger Nail Length for finger picking.

[eyeballz03]

Hi, I have been playing the guitar now for about 13-15yrs. But I have always played with a pick. I have been playing around with finger picking and I was just wondering how long should I let my nails grow in length? I have beentrying different lengths and even different angles filing them down in different shapes. The the other day I saw a guy that had very long nails and was playing Latin type music. I couldnt really see the shapes or angles of his nails but shook his hand and commented on his playing and I did notice that those things were long. Any suggestions. or Just stay with what work best for me the flatpick?

[eische]

hmmm, I posted that in the nail-baiting thread, but here you go, just one more time :D :

The length I experienced best for playing is differing from finger to finger. The longest is the thumb-nail with about 5-7 centimeters (depends a bit on the shape of your fingers, if the last segement points upward you come along with shorter nails), the next in length is the pinky, about 1 cm shorter and then the fingers in order ring, middle, index becoming shorter each about one centimeter again, so the index is the shortest with about 2-3 cm...

...also get them in a round to flattopped shape, because then they have the most stability and are still variously enough to use - and (against any »masculine growl«) try and file them, don't use scissors or a clip, because filing will make them stronger and seals the surface more, so they won't break that easily...

...whatever you do, don't grow them too long, you won't need it and it will start »raindrop«-noises before the notes, because you hit the strings with your nails without really controlling them as a fingermovement...

[eyeballz03]

eische, Yeah, That what I have been doing using a nail file and rounding my nails. I have also tried filing them into a point but that doesnt work very well for me . I just about do everything that you suggest and it its all good for me. But when I saw that other guitarist playing like he was I thought my goodness what long fingernails that guy has. Maybe it is important to his playing style. Thanks for the info. Peace

PS,
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