For all of you out there who play keys how much do your nail length affect you

i know ifts good for some who play guitar an/who plck strings buts whats it to keyboardists

ive recently let em grow long for no reason but tend to hear the clicks when i strike keys. it also affects my playing

anyone ever thought about this

.... another question..... don't they break through the rubber gloves dentists wear?!?!
t.

rubber gloves??? yikes.
Although it is not a make me or break me thing. Nails certainly do effect my dexterity. I used to keep them the slightest bit past my finger during my high velocity years like when I was 20 and had right hand speed even Wakeman would rival. I keep my fingernails at optimum length for my beautiful and dedicated wife. Being twice her age, I'm her cradle robber, so that's the least I can do.

I think they can't be too short but too long. Look at Billy Joel: one of the greatest "Piano-men" ever has nearly no nails.

Always a problem to me for years.
Short as possible for keys.
So no classic guitar play if I'am in a key mood.
If I'm in a classic guitar mood , no keys.

long fingernails are disgusting...

Long fingernails are NOT good for a guitarist. You can't push the strings down properly with them long. As for keyboard.. same thing (Not to mention you may break a nail if you end up playing like Tori Amos (BANG !! BANG !! BANG!!!). Cut them down as short as you can get them for optimal control of your instrument (Or if you're in one of those freaky bands and wanna try for a really wierd look, have them removed altogether Hehehe !)

Keep them cut as close as possible! I also keep a small container of my wifes powder close, so I can use it on the tips of my fingers. Anyone that hasn't tried it needs too.
I don't know it works on weighted keys, but on nonweighted it works great!
Nobby

------------------


[This message has been edited by Nobby (edited 08-10-2002).]

Actually, many classical guitarists have very long nails on their plucking hand. I can see where it would be difficult to control string presses on the fretboard, but in fact, long nails are a plus for the other hand. Finger style picking is greatly enhanced by the sound of the fingernail, and many players file their nails at an angle so they are very strong at the contact point and thinner at the other side.
As for keyboard playing - I've never had them very long, and do not intend to change at this very hectic stage of my career. I have 20 more years to pound the ivory (plastic?) and I don't want to change anything that works. I fingure, I'll slow down a bit after I hit the big Seven-Oh.
.....maybe not....

love your optimism

*cough* iraq *cough* pre-emptive strike *cough*