Originally Posted By: bobcflatpicker
Billy,

I've never heard of a fingerpicker using cosmetic nails, although that doesn't mean some haven't.

It's always been bare fingers, fingerpicks or chicken pickin'.


Edit: And of course thumb pick and bare fingers.


Many do. The professionals do it because they can't afford a broken nail when they perform every day. Some are lucky and have very strong natural nails. I used to use a hardener on mine but it got to be where they would still tear or split. Just not good DNA I guess. I find the acrylic nails work great. I learned to play watching Chet Atkins and he always used his nails so I did too. Of course classical players all use nails.


My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.