Problems with long nails

[Si]

the top of my tiao finger nail has just got ripped off! I now feel a bit handi-capped, especially when i try to tiao and there is no nail there anymore to contact with the string.

Hahaha

[Charlie Huang]

That happens. But after a year, your nails are more stronger. Also, nails break more often if you are plucking too hard (as it was the case for me). You need to pluck more lightly, you do not need too much force to sound the string. Biggest problem with beginners is that they pluck the string too hard and forcefully. The phrase 彈欲斷絃 doesn't mean pluck the string like you want to break it, but you should pluck it so as if it is effortless to the extent you do not feel the pressure. Thus, do it more lightly.

[SCWGuqin]

Two things really help:

1) Keeping your nails trimmed. Learn what's the minimum length you need to be effective, and try to keep 'em that way.

2) Strengthening gel applied to your nails. There are many varieties of these; you can probably find them in a cosmetics or convenience store. It changes the sound somewhat, and if you're skillful can be sculpted in various ways to e.g. thicken the nail-tip. On the other hand, since it looks like nail polish, if you're self-conscious about your already indulgent-looking nails this can be a source of further embarrassment...

I also note the following.
The only nails that really need strengthening are index and middle. Thus keep close watch on those. Thumb is pretty much unbreakable given the forces it's subjected to in qin play. As for ring finger...I...have a rather heterodox perspective on ring finger. My feeling is: use the ring finger to play "gou" notes that you want to hit really hard--hard enough to potentially damage your middle finger nail. Why? Because the middle finger is so indispensible, if you break it in concert, you're dead. Better to "risk" an inessential nail.

[Charlie Huang]

After my dapu of Youlan, I keep asking myself why has the ring finger gone out of use? I now sometimes use da instead of gou if the situation naturally permits me to do so.

[Si]

Yeah, is it not used much now?

I used it in Lin Zhong Yi and very fequently in SRC. Both are in Ling Zhong mode - does that mean anything interesting?

Has anyone noticed in places like Singapore you see strange men with very long middle or ring finger nails. What do you think they are for........






picking their ears!!!!!

[calden]

Some ideas on nails from the world of fingerstyle guitar...

I fully agree with UV that nails should be kept trimmed. You should use an emery board, not clippers which leave a ragged edge and the possibility of cracking at the edge. Also, don't play for an hour after bathing. The nails are much softer then and thus prone to breakage.

Include good protein in your diet. If you don't eat meat, take a gelatin capsule (unless you don't want to eat animal parts.) Eat lots of jello. A steady diet of this stuff will greatly strengthen nails.

Any kind of finger exercise that promotes slight stress and blood flow, done on a regular basis (i.e. daily) will promote really strong nail growth. The more blood that flows to the fingertip end the more nutrients go there.

I've also heard that some nail conditioners work well.

Carlos

[Si]

is jello what we in england might call Jam?

[Charlie Huang]

Jello, in proper English, is jelly or gelatine.

[Si]

what you mean what kids eat at parties - wobbly jelly!!

how can that help with nails - it must be 99% artificialflavourings etc !