Struggling With Combining Two Styles :(

[Jak Angelescu]

Hey guys, I finally took a break from some stuff and sat down and started playing classical guitar. I missed it so much. I don’t get to play it as much as I use to. I started growing my picking nails back out and got them all nice and filed. But it occurred to me that when I went to go do the Buried Alive intro, I cannot tap at all with my right hand when my nails are that long. It just doesn’t work
So off my nails went to do the intro, and now playing classical style is hard again. I know that some people don’t grow out their picking nails for classical guitar studies. But it doesn’t get the same sound and certain techniques are MUCH MUCH harder without the longer nails. Also, when my rhythm hand has longer nails, I go to do economy picking or sweeping and I can bet 10000% my index finger nail catches the string.
I’m so confused
I grow out my nails and I struggle BADLY with tapping
I cut my nails off and I struggle badly with classical.
Any advice would REALLY be appreciated!!!

 

[idssdi]

This sounds like a case of making a choice to me. I attempt to play classical type stuff too(very poorly.it has to be said) but I don’t grow out my nails simply because I prefer to play (hard)rock/blues/(gypsy)jazz/metal so I don’t want to sacrifice some of the stuff I do there to play classical but I think that’s a decision for you to make!
FIY the notes of the tapping harmonic in the intro of buried alive can also be achieved by playing a natural harmonic at the 5th feet of the high e string(I believe, it may also be the b-string) and the 3rd fret of the D string.

 

[Kate Bartels]

That’s really funny you just happened to post this. . I was going to post something recently but didn’t know if anybody would even comment anyway. . I wish I had an answer! I have been struggling for weeks and just gave in and cut them off literally today I hope someone else has some advice because I’m kind of bummed.

 

[idssdi]

Kate-please post your troubles if you have them. There will always be at least someone who replies!

 

[Jak Angelescu]

@ids you make a really great point there. Looks like I have some thinking to do

 

[Sayonil Mitra]

I don’t know how it sounds Jak. But I will say cut your nails and get some nail picks (i think that’s what it’s called).
(I don’t anything about classical/jazz playing….so can’t say it that effects the tone/playing)

 

[Dominik Gräber]

Jak, remember when I asked you whether always using the pinky in the HTTK solo may be not a good idea because of strength reasons? Well it was simply something I had to work on. I think it is the same with classical here. It IS possible to play without your nails grown out, so that is something you can work on. And I bet when you decide to grow them out you will have an even easier time playing classical.
Another option might be completely forgetting about a pick at all. No idea if it works for you, but as far as I know Chris Zoupa on Youtube is using is thumb nail for EVERYTHING. Like playing the Paradigm solo with only his nail. Maybe give this a shot?

 

[Filip Tomiša]

It might be much harder to play without nails but remember, you are only limiting yourself in your head. It will take you longer to master that technique without nails but good things never come easy . You can also get those picks that you put on your fingers like rings, I think Tommy Emanuel uses them and your problem will be solved, it might feel weird at first but you’ll get used to them if you start using them

 

[Andrew Milner]

You could try tapping with your pick. It’s not ideal, but at least attempting it might help. I haven’t played classical music so I don’t know how big your nails are supposed to be, but it shouldn’t be a problem.
Otherwise yeah, you’ll probably have to make a choice. Or as other suggested, learn to play without nails.

 

[Ed Seith]

Filip’s idea may be the only viable solution, long-term. Finger picks definitely have a different tonality than natural nails, but there don’t seem to be a lot of choices. Maybe you could scour the interwebs for old Yngwie interviews in guitar magazines to see if he addresses that? I did once see The Swedish Meatball live and he played a few classical pieces in the middle of the set (Brilliant player ruined by shitty attitude!).