So many years ago attempted to learn guitar but gave up. Ive decided to give it a go again. But im hearing that there is no way I can play with long nails. Anyone who plays know if this is correct and anyone knows of any good places for lessons or should I just try teach myself? Thanks.

you might get away by just playing power chords though your strumming hand will benefit from long fingernails

Plenty of guitar players go half and half; one hand with beautiful long nails for a plukin those strings, one without. Music is fashion so no need to worry about the look

BS aside, guitar isnt my instrument so I cant give a serious answer about fingernails. But I always recommend lessons to anyone wanting to learn an instrument.

Short nails and calluses are necessary for proper shredding of the gnar!

what is "teaching myself" ? Heaps of good people on tube who explain you everything. I used to teach myself when I was a kid. It sucks. It took me ages to work out how to play "wish you were here" intro. that was before YouTube era !

Definately, if your right handed you'll need to keep your left hand nails short, they get in the way. (opposite if your left handed)

I tend to keep my right hand thumb, index and middle finger a bit longer for finger picking

also good for picking your nose

If you're committed Kat, learn with a pick. At least for the string plucking/strumming hand, the other isn't really an option, unless you want buzzing from touching a nail.

The sound with a pick is always consistent, and using a pick, a broken nail in your case won't be an issue.

If you decide to give it a miss, your nails will grow back pretty quickly.

BTW, DirtyHarry, if you happen to read this, please check your PM's.

Good luck Kat, it's good fun.

Regards,

Hey Kat,
Anyone who plays guitar is learning, so join in !
I agree with a few from above, you will have to sacrifice your nails
If you can find someone to teach you for a start it will really help, then the internet

What you want to play? Classical, blues, rock ,flaminco, solo in a band? I play Spanish the main key is to work out what u want to play, buy a good guitar and treat it like Your baby, and then work hard from there! I play 3 hours practice Spanish per day.and I'm still never as good as I would like but I'm happy.

Try this guy he rocks for teaching best to start with a nylon

This guy is also awesome but expect at least 10 years of practice to get anywhere near his sounds!

Or you can practice some rock with tits!

Grow and shape your nails on the right hand and then play real guitar !

This guy is my fav teacher!

I think Ill get proper lessons and cut nails. I already live in house with guitars but I will buy my own. Like anything I guess Ill need lots of practice. I do prefer acoustic too. So I guess Ill track down lessons somewhere in Perth.

Select to expand quote

dmitri said..
what is "teaching myself" ? Heaps of good people on tube who explain you everything. I used to teach myself when I was a kid. It sucks. It took me ages to work out how to play "wish you were here" intro. that was before YouTube era !

haha! I have just learned that intro, took me two weeks with youtube lol

try "Guitar by the Glass" in fremantle
glass of wine provided with the lesson

Select to expand quote

genuine said..

dmitri said..
what is "teaching myself" ? Heaps of good people on tube who explain you everything. I used to teach myself when I was a kid. It sucks. It took me ages to work out how to play "wish you were here" intro. that was before YouTube era !

haha! I have just learned that intro, took me two weeks with youtube lol

Haha? Which one, there's 10 pages and counting of "wish you were here lesson" on youtube. You gotta hand it to youtube.

Select to expand quote

Ian K said..

genuine said..

dmitri said..
what is "teaching myself" ? Heaps of good people on tube who explain you everything. I used to teach myself when I was a kid. It sucks. It took me ages to work out how to play "wish you were here" intro. that was before YouTube era !

haha! I have just learned that intro, took me two weeks with youtube lol

Haha? Which one, there's 10 pages and counting of "wish you were here lesson" on youtube. You gotta hand it to youtube.

I looked at plenty and also pros paying the song where I could watch how it was done. never picked up a guitar before that. trying a few others like nirvana (some are easy), wonderwall (harder than you think )

If you want to keep your nails and play the guitar, learn slide - else cut em.

Select to expand quote

kat75 said..
So many years ago attempted to learn guitar but gave up. Ive decided to give it a go again. But im hearing that there is no way I can play with long nails. Anyone who plays know if this is correct and anyone knows of any good places for lessons or should I just try teach myself? Thanks.

Can't play with long nails, eh?



Ole! Viva los Gitanos!