Acrylic Nails and Guitar Playing: Challenges and Opportunities

Indie Arie, a renowned guitarist, performs with long nails, which I find impressive. However, both natural and artificial nails present their own set of challenges when it comes to guitar playing. In this article, we will explore the effects of acrylic nails on guitar playing, including the pros and cons, maintenance requirements, and the experiences of professional and amateur guitarists.

Introduction to Acrylic Nails in Guitar Playing

For many guitarists, especially those who are not used to playing with nails, the transition to acrylic nails can be quite difficult. I, as a male guitarist, often replace broken natural nails with acrylic nails. My fretting hand, on the other hand, has extremely short nails.

Comparing Acrylic and Natural Nails for Guitar Playing

It is often debated whether playing with acrylic nails is more challenging than natural nails. Pro classical and flamenco guitarists, as well as some steel string players, opt for acrylic nails or synthetic gel nails. These materials are harder and more resistant to wear, which can be advantageous for intricate playing techniques.

For instance, I tried acrylic nails and found them to be significantly better than my thin and brittle natural nails. Acrylic nails provide superior contact and are less prone to wear. This is observed by professional guitarist Indie Arie, who also plays with acrylic nails because his natural nails are soft.

Challenges of Using Acrylic Nails

While acrylic nails offer several benefits, they also present challenges. The application process is more complex and requires regular maintenance, often involving trips to a nail salon. As an amateur guitarist, I find this to be too much hassle. Additionally, applying acrylic nails can damage the underlying nail plate, making it difficult to switch back and forth between natural and artificial nails.

Professional Considerations

For more serious or professional guitarists, the commitment to using acrylic nails can be worth it. Many professional guitarists, such as the finger picker I admired during a concert, opt for acrylic nails to enhance their playing. These guitarists often have a strong foundation in ordinary nail care and are willing to invest the time and effort required to maintain their artificial nails.

Personal Experience

Back in the day, when I was an intermediate guitarist, I attended a nationally touring Christian gospel music show. There, I had the opportunity to see a masterful finger picker, the composer of the show, performing with acrylic nails on his hands. He played with great skill and efficiency, which inspired me to try acrylic nails for a time. However, I found it difficult to maintain them consistently and eventually gave up.

Despite the challenges, many professional and amateur guitarists still find value in using acrylic nails. Whether for enhanced playing techniques or simply for aesthetic purposes, acrylic nails can be a valuable tool for those willing to invest the time and effort into their maintenance.

So, if you are curious about trying acrylic nails for your guitar playing, weigh the pros and cons carefully. It may be a challenge, but the possibilities are certainly exciting.