|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317 |
I play a somewhat finger style with a thumbpick. I do the Freight Train, Wheels, etc Chet style, but I also use the thumbpick for swing music and comping. I have tried many different avenues including geletins and liquid silicon to have those nice thick oval finger nails, but I inherited my mothers nails: soft and flat so I tear and shred fingernails easily. When I was backing a wanna be folksinger ala Gordon Lightfoot, Clancy Bros, I used silver banjo picks on my 12 string, six string and my six string with Nashville tuning. Otherwise I wouldnt have lasted an evening. My partner refuses to let me wear fake nails. Currently I am trying a product called FlexNail. I just apply it to the cuticle area of my right hand as it allows the nail to breathe. Then I apply Hoof Laquer or other Hard as Nails products to the upper end of my nails. This gives me a level of structure and thickness. I tried crazy glue and it works good however you have to be carefull not to apply it fully to your nails (leave the cuticle bare) because the glue is very effective in sealing off your nails which can apparently cause other problems such as fungus and nail separation. Certainly any product applied to the nails should be removed on a regular basis. I sure would welcome a lot more discussion on this subject as I still havent found the right one for me, Thanks for starting it, DennisD
There are only 3 kinds of musicians: those that can count, and those that can't!
PC AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4 GHz, 8gb RAM, 1T HDD, Windows 10,
Reaper 4.77, BIAB2018, PTPA12, RB2018, Roland VS-880 DAW
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
I'm sure, with todays technology and advances in materials, there are better solutions than the one's we're discussing above. The trick would be to find a materials scientist that fingerpicks on a steel string and also has weak nails, and excite his imagination.
Anybody know someone like that ? : )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116 |
Quote:
I'm sure, with todays technology and advances in materials, there are better solutions than the one's we're discussing above. The trick would be to find a materials scientist that fingerpicks on a steel string and also has weak nails, and excite his imagination.
Anybody know someone like that ? : )
Fred and Helen Kelly are a home business operation. Fred has been finger picking in the Merle Travis style since he was a boy. As a musician he was quite aggravated with the choices available and started making his own picks. He started his business out of his home in 1994. His website says that he now makes 58 different kinds of picks. The freedom finger pick that I talked about is quite unique in its construction. It worked pretty well for me without my poster putty addition but that little addition to preclude movement off the nail made a great product fantastic for me.
I'm not trying to spam the freedom pick. It is one of the best things since sliced bread though.
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Thanks to Keith S for the headsup about the old wive's tale.
I once had a classical guitar teacher, long ago, who advised me on that gelatin makes strong fingernails tip.
And now, after years of eatin' that crap maybe once a week I find that my fingernails are likely just strong claws to begin with.
Will probably continue to eat it because the sugar-free Jello mimics a dessert and doesn't add to the calorie count enough to bother, though.
Thanks again, Keith.
"I din' know dat..."
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
another thing I do:
the metal picks used with banjos always seem sharp around the edges to me. No matter how I adjust them, the metal edges dig into my fingers
So what I did was dip the wraparound part of the pick in the stuff that's sold in hardware stores to put a plastic coating on tool handles. (You may already have a can of it in your shop.) It air cures pretty quickly, and it completely covers the sharp metal edges. Since those picks are bendable, you can easily reshape them to account for the added thickness.
It also seems to help the picks stay on.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,746
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,746 |
I go to a local nail salon. They use a white powder and dip the brush in what I assume is acetone, then paint it on. They can form the nail in any way or thickness you like. Cost around 20 dollars or less. Last for about one month for me. Looks pretty natural.  I have tried doing all this myself. I just get better results from a professional. You do not have to finger-pick to use this sort of thing. Also, modifying plastic thumb picks is common. Here is a photo of a standard Dunlop and one I modified.  Billy
Last edited by Planobilly; 05/17/23 08:12 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 735
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 735 |
Many professional fingerpickers go to the salon and get acrylic nails, as Billy mentions. Most places will do the 3 or 4 fingers on your picking hand for about 10 to 15 bucks. There are some old wives' tales about letting your nails breathe and not leaving these fake nails on too long etc. That is just an old wives' tale. Your nails don't breathe. They get their nutrients from your blood system. As for your cuticles. The most important thing it to not damage them. There is no harm is they are covered etc. They are there to provide the barrier at the base of the nail to prevent infections etc. If you ever do go to a salon to get fake nails, they will push the cuticle back and even trim it with cuticle scissors to keep it healthy. The professionals that don't have great nails to begin with need the fake ones to make their living. Chet used to wear a glove on his right hand when traveling and before shows to protect his nails. I have seen him play with a fake nail on one of his fingers before, obviously damaging it at some point. There is a good product out that called Guitar Player Nails. Guitar Player Nails They are kind of a chore to use, but you may get the best nail you have ever had when you are done. They have videos and pictures explaining the whole process. I use my natural nails now. I used to use the acrylics but I got tire of doing that and my real nails are pretty good. I file them regularly and shape them as well and use Hard As Nails by Sally Hansen to keep them hard and try to protect them. You need to learn how to file them properly so as not to create weaknesses that will sometimes split etc.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 735
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 735 |
Eat. Gelatin.
Find out the foods that contain natural gelatin, such as fish and foul skins, etc. and also plain old "Jello" - and add it to your weekly diet regimen. No need to overdo this one, but not paying attention to it can be the kiss of death for the guitarist's nails.
Check out Tommy Emmanuel and the use of Thumb Pick with fingernails. Also check out how he grabs the thumb pick much like it would be a standard plectrum when circle picking those awesomely fast and accurate single note lines.
For Flamenco, which I understand Joe is studying right now, I'd go with Paco de Lucia method. Nylon strings and fingernails.
--Mac Tommy does not use his nails. His nails on his right hand are cut as short as possible. He has callouses on his right-hand fingers and that is where he gets his tone. I had the chance to talk with him about this about a year ago. He said he never could get a good sound with his nails but found that if he built up the callouses it was just what he was looking for.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 735
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 735 |
Just remember if you have long fingerpicking nails on your picking hand, you may want to keep it in your pocket if you go into any redneck bars!!!! Buster B. Jones used to tell that joke every year in his "office" at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society convention. His office was the Bar in the lobby of the Sheraton Music City where the convention is held. RIP, Buster.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,746
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,746 |
I think what Joe said about Tommy is true for many blues players I have known.
They developed callouses on their thumb and fingers. I know for sure that was true for Gate Mouth Brown. I think T-Bone Walker played with the nail on his first finger. I am not sure. A lot of water has run down the Mississippi River since the last time I saw him play...lol
Billy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
Wow. 10 year old thread revived. Is that the record?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,130
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,130 |
Wow. 10 year old thread revived. Is that the record? ' It'd be close, I think I've seen something a little bit older, but it would be close for sure.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149 |
I used to lose a lot of fingernails to breaking and splitting. For health reasons I now take a multivitamin tablet and a calcium tablet every day. I now have tough nonsplitting nails. Try it if you have the same problem.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2 |
I take Biotin which is a supplement for nails. Nails are slow-growing so it takes about three months before you see the benefits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 735
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 735 |
Wow. 10 year old thread revived. Is that the record? I saw it was quite old, but someone had started it up again so I chimed in!
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,130
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,130 |
Nothing wrong with picking up where we left off. After all, it is the exact same topic.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,517
Posts806,007
Members40,142
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean