Totally practical - nail shape and length

[blueharp]

What shape/length do you all prefer?

I have mine shaped to points extending about 3-4mm beyond the tips of the fingers.

However I have noticed that Gong Yi has a much more rounded shape.

There don't seem to be any guidelines for the length/shape of nails. Well at least in English! I can't read Chinese without the help of translation software.

Also, does anyone use hardeners? My nails are rather thin and soft.

Steve

[Charlie Huang]

My nails are slightly rounded and I keep them to about 3-5mm long. At first, my middle finger nail had the tendency to break, but it doesn't anymore. Because I have slender and thin long fingers, I have to have my nails slightly longer than average or I wouldn't be able to play a crisp clear sound.

As far as the 'correct' shape and length, that is all relative. You have to discover that yourself as everyone's hands and fingers are different. Basically, you shouldn't cut your nails too short (or it'll hurt your fingers and create a 'wooden sound') or leave your nails too long, as that'll make things difficult.

I do not use artifical nails (if that is what you mean). They are bothersome and can be a bit 'obstructive' for me. But if you have very brittle finger nails, then you'll have to out of necessity. Generally, one should not use artifical nails.

[blueharp]

So far the pointed shape is working for me, so I'll keep them for now.

What I meant by "hardener" is something used by manicurists (and guitarists) that is similar to nail polish, only harder. It is supposed to help weak nails by reinforcing them.

I am studying guqin independently for now and don't have a teacher to ask simple questions like this, so I genuinely appreciate the response.

Steve

[Jin]

certainly, using nails is one way of playing.
but you can also, as many masters would do, use the
flesh of your finger tips to play instead.

[Charlie Huang]

For the qin to sound right, you need something hard to pluck the strings with. I found that the sound is very hollow if I used pure flesh to pluck a string with. If one needs to use artificial nails, then they must be custom shaped. Using guzheng or pipa nails won't do as they are too long and shaped incorrectly.

I read the Yuguzhai Qinpu and it suggests you use a Chinese herb called Bai Ji and green ginger in equal amounts, boil them in water until thick, allow to cool, then apply the gel to the fingernails. Do this once everyday and after a few weeks, your nails would become stronger. Of course, since it's from an ancient qinpu, I dunno if it would be a guarenteed success, but worth the try since I know bai ji is used for guling dimo onto dizi, so it may have a hardening property, I'm not sure.