We may not care about nails, but clear and well-shaped fingernails will be important for classical guitarists. They will help you to get clear and beautiful tones when playing music. Then, proper tools to shape and maintain your nails will make a difference in your playing experience. Too long, too short, or uneven nails may also produce unwanted sounds due to interference with proper technique.
This tutorial is dedicated to the best tools to shape nails for guitar players. We’ll show you everything from crystal files to buffing blocks and give you some useful tips on maintaining your nails properly. Keep on reading to pick your favorite nail tools and make those sounds perfect.
Do Classical Guitarists Need To Have Long Fingernails?
Long fingernails in the picking hand can be very useful in bringing out a full and rich sound from the classical guitar. While one can use the palm to mute the guitar, he can achieve a wider range of timbres, from soft to strong tones with the nails. The greater length of nails gives more control so that the player can produce notes more precisely with varied textures.
Not all classical guitarists choose to keep their fingernails long, though. Some players like to use only the tips of their fingers to get a softer tone. However, longer nails are a popular choice for achieving the traditional clarity and volume associated with classical guitar.
Best Choice of Nail Care Tools For Guitar Players
Keep in mind that not all kinds of nail tools will be good for a guitarist. The material is very important to ensure the nail shaping is smooth and correct. Now, it’s time for you to explore the best (and worst) nail care tools for classical guitarists. While nail sandpaper and polishing paper are the most common choices that you can buy easily at very low cost, file and buffer are 2 kinds of the best tools to shape nails for guitar that you can’t miss. Even if you are playing classical or modern electric guitar, you will need to shape your nails correctly.
Best Crystal Nail File
G. Liane Crystal Glass Double Sided Nail File
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: G. Liane
- Material: Tempered Glass
- Include: 1 file
$8.98/count
- Produces smooth, snag-free nail edges
- Extremely durable
- Maintain effectiveness for a long time
- Hygienic, washable, and eco-friendly.
- Come with a protective case
- The case lacks a premium feel
Why We Love It
This G. Liane Crystal Glass Double-Sided Nail File has a thoughtful design and exceptional performance. This premium nail file provides a soft yet very effective surface for filing that is ideal for shaping both natural and artificial nails. It leaves your nails healthier and polished without any snags or chips.
One of its standout features is its hygienic nature. In addition, it has a nonporous glass surface that inhibits bacterial growth. Thus, it is environment-friendly and can be reusable once washed. These guitarists fingernails file also come with a protective box accompanied by a hard case and cleaning cloth. However, the box seems to be light and feels less high-quality than the outstanding quality of the file, which subtracts a little from the overall impression.
Best Lightweight Glass Nail File
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Bona Fide
- Material: Glass
- Include: 1 file
$7.99/count
- Gently seals and smooths keratin layers for healthier nails.
- Made of high-quality “Bohemian” glass
- Easy to clean, durable, & wear-resistant
- Lightweight & travel-friendly with a protective case.
- Filing long nails into shorter ones takes time.
Why We Love It
The Bona Fide Premium Czech Crystal Glass Nail File is manufactured from superior-quality Czech “Bohemian” glass. Combining quality craftsmanship with functionality, it is suitable for all nail types. The fine to medium grit allows for smooth filling while sealing the keratin layers in the nail. Thus, using this nail file will keep the edges smooth without a jagged touch. With frequent use over time, it strengthens nails.
You will be impressed since this is a tempered glass file. It works nicely even after several uses. The further protection from The hard plastic case included makes the file ideal for travel, storage, or even gift-friendly. Keep in mind that this file is more for refining nail edges than radically reducing length. Filing long nails down to a much shorter length will take you more patience.
Best Affordable Set of Glas Nail Files
Diodiva Crystal Glass Fingernail File with Case
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Diodiva
- Material: Glass
- Include: 3 files
$3.31/Count
- The set includes 3 vibrant-color glass files
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Durable, portable & reusable
- Affordable price
- Be careful not to drop as the glass may chip
Why We Love It
The Diodiva Crystal Glass Fingernail File with Case comes as a helpful and handy means to take care of one’s nails, especially for a guitar player. This pack of 3 pieces is impressive with vibrant colors (green, pink, and blue), which is both functional and aesthetically desirable too. They come with a case for its protection and can fit easily in any purse or bag for easy handling anywhere.
The etched filing surface is light, yet very effective, without damaging your nail. It seals the layer of keratin, hence helping to strengthen nails. On the flip side, some sensitive users could find it a little bit uncomfortable while filing with this tool.
Best Mineral Nail Buffer Block
Onsen Professional 3-Way Fingernail Buffer Block
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: 3 Onsen Secret
- Material: Mineral
- Include: 3 buffers
$13.95/Count
- Three-way functionality for a nail care routine.
- Add a natural shine to nails in many days
- Utilize Japanese hot spring minerals
- Replaceable pads for sustainability & longevity.
- Shine pads may wear out quickly
- Initial cost may be higher than the basic buffer
Why We Love It
The Onsen Professional 3-Way Nail Buffer Block is a novel and versatile tool in the care of nails, serving to file, smoothen, and polish the nails for natural shine and strength. The three-sided buffer provides the complete nail care solution: The white side polishes and protects nails every 10 days; The blue side stimulates nail growth every 10 days; And the light yellow side smoothens and cleans nail surfaces every 14 days. Particularly, its design boasts Japanese hot spring minerals. The polishing pads may wear out over numerous use cycles and may require replacement for continued performance.
Best Set of Nail Files & Buffer
3 Swords Germany Sapphire Metal Fingernail File Set
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: 3 Swords Germany
- Material: Metal, Stainless, Steel
- Include: 2 files & 1 buffer
$8.95/Count
- High-quality German engineering
- Effective for both natural & artificial nails
- Double-sided file design
- Compact & travel-friendly size
- Affordable with good value
- Lack of a protective case
Why We Love It
3 Swords Germany Sapphire Metal Fingernail File Set delivers professional-level manicures that every guitarist needs. The nail files are made from stainless spring steel with sapphire coating. They are sturdy and two-sided for guitarists to shape and smooth the nails. This set contains 2 sapphire nail files for fine and coarse surfaces and one 3-way nail buffer ideal for high-gloss finish. The great thing is that the set is beautifully wrapped, which makes it a nice present on any occasion. However, it lacks a protective storage case.
Best Compact Set of Nail File & Buffer
LePinko Nano Glass Fingernail File & Buffing Kit
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: LePinko
- Material: Glass
- Include: 1 file & 1 buffer
$3.98/Count
- Bring glossy nails without the need for polish
- Hygienic & easy to clean
- Compact and portable
- Made of high-density nano glass
- Ideal gift for both women & men
- Affordable price
- May be too small for users with larger hands
Why We Love It
The LePinko Nano Glass Fingernail File & Buffing Kit offers an innovative, health-conscious nail care solution. It helps to give great polish to your nails without the use of chemical products or damaging grits. LePinko nail tools are produced with high-density nano glass, which is extra durable and hygienic.
Moreover, it gives a long-lasting polished effect that can last at least a week and is suitable for all types of nails – thin, brittle, ridged, or thick. You will get shiny nails within only 30 seconds. Many users praise the polished effect and ease of use, saying it’s addictive. The minus is that people with bigger hands may feel the tools are too small to use comfortably.
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: HealPure
- Material: Glass
- Include: 2 files & 2 buffers
$7.99/Count
- Durable & reusable tempered glass material
- Provide a natural, glossy finish without chemical
- Works on all nail types
- Come with a stylish metal storage box
- Perfect for gifting
- Can reduce nail thickness with excessive use
Why We Love It
HealPure Glass Nail File & Shiner Premium Set is a wonderful option for someone who prioritizes healthy, polished nails without using chemicals. This kit includes 2 glass nail files and 2 nano glass shiners. This is a physical buffing method that provides you with a high-gloss finish, like a clear polish without chemicals.
The set is reusable, hygienic, cost-effective, and comes with a convenient metal box for portability. One drawback is that overusing shiners to get a high gloss may remove some nail thickness. This will be a disadvantage for those with thin nails.
Worst Fingernail Care Tools That Guitar Players Shouldn’t Have
Emery Boards: Why They Aren’t Good for Guitar Players
Emery boards are a very popular choice for many people to fix their nails. However, they are not the best tools to shape nails for guitar. The rough grit of emery boards is too abrasive. Hence, it causes uneven edges and a rough surface of the nail, which then chips off easily. This will eventually make the nails weak and break finally. This is a frustrating outcome for the guitarist who wants well-maintained nails for a smooth and controlled sound.
Moreover, emery boards don’t give the same control level as glass or crystal files do. They tend to wear down rather quickly and often leave a coarse finish. This can hardly be refined to get clean, rounded edges for a consistent guitar tone.
How Long Should Fingernails Be For Classical Guitarists?
The length of nails for a classical guitar is the most important element in producing tone, control, and comfort while playing. Normally, the nails should exceed the fleshy tip by just enough to ensure a clear release of the string.
For guitarists, the length of nails should be around 1-2 millimeters past the fingertip. In such a way, one can use the flesh and nail together to create warmth in tone yet clear articulation when plucking the strings. If these turn out too short, the fingernails will not be able to reach the string correctly, which makes the tone muted or uneven. But if the nails are too long, they will be at risk of getting into the way, especially on the faster and more intricate pieces.
Which Is Suitable Nail Shape For A Guitarist?
The shape of the nails is really important for the guitar player, particularly in the case of fingerstyle or classical guitar. They determine how well your fingers glide over the guitar strings and influence the kind of sound you develop. Below are some of the most common nail shapes you may want to know:
- Square Shape: The square nail has a flat edge with sharp corners, thus being strong. However, it usually produces a harsh and scratchy tone on the strings. It may also promote an uneven jagged stroke.
- Round Shape: Round nails conform to the natural curve of the fingertip and hence are easier to take care of. It will catch fewer strings, and give a full, smooth sound.
- Oval Shape: The oval is quite a popular shape due to the combination of rounded edges and an elongated surface.
- Almond Shape: Slightly pointed at the tip, the almond lends a longer surface area, much just like the oval, and produces a bright tone. However, it would wear down easily because of its thinner edges.
- Pointed/Stiletto Shape: These shapes are fancy but not practical for a guitarist, especially for those just starting to learn guitar. They are frail, break easily, and cannot provide the control needed at the point of release on the strings.
Ideal Nail Shapes for Classical Guitarists
Round and oval are the most suitable shapes of nails that guitarists should have. These shapes offer a good balance of length, control, and durability. The large surface area will provide warmth and smoothness in your tone while at the same time being comfortable and easy to manage. Oval-shaped nails are even more favored because the sound produced is consistent and clean.
How To Shape The Thumb Nail For Guitarists?
Shaping your thumbnails will follow the same principles as your fingernails. The main difference is the contact point of the thumbnail with the strings. This will depend on the wrist’s height. So, you need to do some experiments to know how to shape your thumbnail correctly. For example, if the nail gets too much to the strings, you will need to make it a little shorter.
Last Words
If you are a guitarist, having the best tools to shape nails for guitar makes all the difference. Glass nail files will be your best choice. For a lasting finish, you also will need buffer blocks to help nails glide effortlessly over strings. While some tools, like crystal nail files, are gentle yet effective for shaping and smoothing, others like emery boards, should be avoided due to their rough texture. Investing in quality nail care tools is a worthwhile step to enhance your sound and technique.
