Piano Forum

Piano Board => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: alzado on December 25, 2006, 02:54:53 PM

Title: Fingernails
Post by: alzado on December 25, 2006, 02:54:53 PM

Well, this particular forum is "miscellaneous," after all.

I keep mine carefully clipped.  I'm a male senior citizen.  I believe an important reason for that is not just good grooming, but because one's piano teacher or others who see you play are really going to notice! 

Also, it seems easier to keep the nails short for consistency.  That way, the chords will always feel about the same under your hands.

We knew one woman years ago who had a beautiful piano, and had a reputation of being a pretty good amateur pianist, but didn't play because she had long nails and did not want to shorten them.  Fashion won over musicality.

Speaking to the women out there, is it possible to play the piano with long nails?  Is the only option to keep them clipped short?

Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: brahms4me on December 25, 2006, 11:05:05 PM

I keep mine clipped and have to do it twice a week. 
Is it possible to play with long nails?  Is it possible to run the marathon in spike heels?  Well, you may finish but it won't be pretty. 

Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: mad_max2024 on December 25, 2006, 11:06:53 PM

I easily solve that problem by chewing them off at a daily basis...

Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: pianistimo on December 25, 2006, 11:24:15 PM

a ripped nail is harder to repair than a clipped nail.  but, they don't have to be all the way to the quick.  i mean - i have a good 1/4 inch on mine.  they only bother me at the 1/2 inch mark.  that is because of the black notes.  if you rip a nail - it's just a pain. 

playing with shorter nails gives you definately less to worry about.

Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: jakev2.0 on December 25, 2006, 11:49:32 PM

It's best to trim them close.

Horowitz had fairly long nails in his Moscow Recital, but you couldn't tell from the sound as he played flat-fingered.