I've been playing guitar for many years and eventually moved away from using a pick in the right hand to strum or pick the strings. This is commonly referred to as 'finger style' picking. Of course if you are a classical or flamenco guitarist then using the fingers on the right hand is just common place.
The problem we face is that on a steel string guitar, the steel is thin and acts like a file and will wear the picking nails down quickly. The classical players don't have this problem because they play nylon strings and although the wound bass strings can wear the nails, they have more of a problem just keeping their nails from breaking as they move about their everyday world.
Flamenco players have the additional problem of using 'golpe' techniques where they tap the guitar with the fingers of the right hand. BTW, this article is written from the viewpoint of a right handed guitarist ;) When the flamenco guitarist golpes too hard, the nail can be splintered.
In all cases winter, cold weather, and low humidity make it difficult to keep nice looking nails because they are so prone to breaking under these conditions.
This blog was created to collect and dispense ideas on how to care for and specifically strengthen your nails. Please contribute your experiences about what has worked for you as well as what has not. I've personally tried various techniques and I'll share these through various posts. Till then send me your methods for guitar fingernails.
