Yes, in this case that’s what happened to me. But that doesn’t mean actual religious passion is a bad thing. It was a metaphor. The people who made me feel like I wasn’t trying hard enough never considered that it might be possible that my nails would never recover. They took on faith that their way would always work, and I allowed myself to get sucked up in it for 20 years. It’s my bad, I suppose. Just hoping to raise some awareness for other CG players and teachers.

This post may go better with the prior thread, but that seems to be over now

I struggled with weak and broken nails for 20 years. In that time I used every technique ever espoused. Onymyrrh, vitamins. supplements, even Rico Nails. What made me keep trying was everyones ABSOLUTE certainty that if I only persevered with “x” I would soon have a complete set of proper nails.. When each technique failed, the teachers and proprietors of these techniques always seemed disappointed in me, as though I didn’t do it correctly or long enough. And so on, for 20 years.

Rico Nails worked OK, but for me they were a hassle to take on and off. But using them made me more open to fake nails. Here in Hawaii, I began to notice many of the performers around here also use fake nails, quite long in some instances. Finally I bit the bullet and walked into a Nail Shop, closed my eyes, and said ‘do me”.

What I didn’t realize was how my guitar technique, especially the sound, had suffered for not having a consistent set of nails. Once I got them shaped the way I like, my ability began to just explode. All that pent up ability just waiting for a way to express, I guess.

What I’m trying to express is that in the guitar world, nail techniques become a religious passion. And that can keep people from wanting to ‘lower’ themselves to what will actually work. I wish I had not wasted such a long time trying to get the perfect natural nail. The nails I use are very strong, I can do yard work in them, and only require the occasional upkeep from the salon, for about $20. Everyone has noticed how much better I play, I’m getting much wider ranges of dynamics, my attack is punctuated, my runs are quicker.

Guitarists, do your best for a couple of years. Then go get the fake nails from the Salon. Don’t let people tell you that this is an imperfect solution.