fingernail catching on string

[IanPearce]

As a novice I have one particular problem which I'm unable to solve.
Re: my middle finger right hand. Instead of a clean hit, the string sometimes catches between my fingernail and the pick.
If the answer is more practice then I won't be suprised.
Ian

[zbplayer]

It happens with me too.I just keep my nails cut short. Regards Graham

[Basil Henriques]

If I was to try and explain your problem, I'd say that PROBABLY your picks are too straight.

No.1. You shouldn't be considering "Hitting" the string, before plucking it the pick SHOULD be resting on the string, not somewhere suspended in space. Muscle memory plays a big part in picking technique, but muscles need a reference point, so you must anchor your hand in a "Home" position most of the time.

Modus operandi:- Decide which string, place fingerpick on the far side of the string, pull the string towards you and in an upwards inclination. The pick should disengage and the note sound.
Picking is done with the finger muscles only and NOT by moving the hand.(Other than slightly, and in a complimentary upwards motion)
MOST of the top players (that know) curve the pick around the end of their finger and the end of the pick is usually positioned such as to prevent the nail from catching the string.(No matter what length the nail is)

Not set in stone, as future replies will demonstrate, but mentioning demonstrate, that's what I'll do in the next few hours. I'll post a video on YouTube showing picking technique.

[zbplayer]

Thanks Baz.Will be watching the tube and will discard the nail clippers for the moment. Regards Graham

[Basil Henriques]

I also play "Classical Guitar" and you know how one must groom the right hand nails..I have no problem marrying both techniques, with obviously longish nails.

[Paul Brennan]

This reminds me of a very interesting thread in the US forum a few years ago:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... re+loading

The author of this respect commands some respect I think.

[Basil Henriques]

Right on Paul..Sorry about the delay in posting the promised video, I've been tidying up loose ends after the funeral service yesterday for Archie Cox (Bill Cox's brother).
Archie,was the Ukulele player in the original Waikiki Islanders, and my Wife Pat's uncle. Below is a picture of the Waikiki Islanders in 1937..The family group that Pat and I perpetuate to this day, still playing gigs..
Archie was 95 so he had a "Good Innings" strange co-incidence, he died on November 6th. Bill Cox's birthday..



Video is processing and will be posted later today/tonight

[IanPearce]

Thanks guys,
Basil ! you're a hero, I'll try doing all that you suggest. Looking forward to the video.
Graham ! strangely enough the problem is worse for me when the fingernail is cut short. I guess it leaves more room for the string to enter
Paul ! thanks for posting the link supporting what Basil says.

[Basil Henriques]

Ian, I MUST apologise for not attending to this sooner, but the preparations for my Birthday Gig got in the way.. Anyway I haven't made you a specific video, but this one will give you a close-up of my bar and picking work.
2:14 is a close up, there are many more..



This is why my fingernails are neither long or short, in fact this a good example of the long and the short of it !


BTW ANY of the Brecon Lua videos will give you an insight into bar and pick usage..

[IanPearce]

Belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY greetings to you Basil.
Many thanks for posting these clips. I managed to pause on some good close ups and I
realise that I'm pushing the picks further onto my finger than may be necessary. I’ll try
some different positions.
Very skillful playing on Maria Elena. I even think there was a fleeting reference to
Johnny B Goode
Thanks again,
Ian