Thanks for watching. Here's my full lesson and McAllister's vid as well: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/shape-nail-hot-spoon/ Enjoying my channel, visit my support page: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/donate-support/
I learned this from Renato Bellucci. He uses a soldering iron. I use a spoon under the nail and heat the top of the nail with a soldering iron. Obviously, I'm very careful not to overheat the nail. Also, I pinch the sides with a reshaped clothespin to set the c-curve. The c-curve is very important for proper, overall shape, and strength. The best shape is like that of an AlaskaPik.
I have hooked nails on all IMA fingers and have tried the spoon (without the protection) and chickened out, but I am able to straighten them with some judicious tooth bending. This has the added advantage of preventing folks from borrowing my guitar.
Before watching your great video on fingernails, I had the devil's own time trying not to have them break frequently. I thought I had tried everything, but you commented that it's important to keep the nails from getting dry and brittle, that moisturizing them is essential. I took your suggestion to heart and since then, 2+ years ago, not one failure. Throughout the day I lightly dip the tips in Burt's Bees hand salve, a mix of wax and oil. They are long and incredibly strong, holding up during active use as a wood craftsman and tree worker. My wife thinks they're scary! My "m" nail has the downward hook that your "i" does, and I'll try this method to improve its shape. Thanks for all your great knowledge and instruction.
This is excellent. Thank you. I have used women's artificial toe-nails (Kiss brand) for about 20 years now. I just cut my real nails short, cut and shape the artificial nails, then superglue them on. It has worked well for me. I kept messing up and breaking my natural nails doing general home maintenance, yard work, and repair work on things like cars, lawnmowers, bicycles. They normally last up to a week or so, but I occasionally damage one or it gets too short from filing and I have to replace it.
Ya, lots of pros use fake nails now and there are dedicated products etc. For some people though it's a moisture issue with natural nails. Hydrated nails bend instead of break.
I have long nails and they are terribly hooked. I have to go through this every week but I do it a little differently. I've started using a large tube that provides a good curvature and heat the nail from the top with the spoon tip so there's no heat next to my flesh. After I get them straight I put three coats of clear nail polish on and that helps keep them straight.
Oh wow this is a game changer, I didn't think anything could be done about this other than tactical filing, which results in very short nails. Just gotta go buy a cheaper spoon to scorch :D
Yes, that might be better but really you shouldn't do it long enough for significant danger. My metal thing doesn't get hot at all. But you can slip and cause injury so of course do it at your own risk always and be careful. Like I say in the video, don't do it!
Omg just the video I needed, I didn't even know it was possible, I've been desperate about my middle fingernail that bends so badly... Will try this right away (and I'll sure hold you responsible if I burn myself). Thank you very much !
@@Thisisclassicalguitar I might have slipped a little and indeed, hot it was (no injury though). But it worked so well ! My playing has changed a lot, I can't believed how smooth it is now. And I wonder if it wouldn't harden the nail in the meantime -- which I need too, so it's great. Thank you again !
Ya, I wonder how many people think it's their technique. Although I did used to use a shape that kind of worked despite the dip but the spoon is the best solution for me.
Maybe try a hair dryer? Some have an attachment to concentrate the flow of air. You might find a support/form to put under the nail, then heat it with the drier and let it cool. Nails are similar to hair. Why not?
Hot water softens nails.(5 minutes ) That preparation then an air dryer with a metal shaper could get the result . Brass wire shaped into plectrums under the nail could work .I will be experimenting on this soon .
I prefer an open campfire and a hot branding iron. Of course, I do have to take a shot of rye whisky a grasp a piece of wood between my teeth before beginning. (Haaa... Just kidding! 😅🤣😂)
It is a lot of maintenance but many people feel it is a major part of their sound. I think having some nail offers a lot more possibility in tonal variation in comparison to only flesh, but it is up to the player at the end of the day.
Great! Will test tomorrow. I have the same nail shape on all nails. I am fine with that, but i can't play apoyando with this hawk claws like nail shape. Maybe this is a solution.
Thanks for watching. Here's my full lesson and McAllister's vid as well: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/shape-nail-hot-spoon/
Enjoying my channel, visit my support page: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/donate-support/
Just don't let anyone find your burned spoon, they are liable to get ideas. Choose life!
It is indeed some shady business.
I learned this from Renato Bellucci. He uses a soldering iron. I use a spoon under the nail and heat the top of the nail with a soldering iron. Obviously, I'm very careful not to overheat the nail. Also, I pinch the sides with a reshaped clothespin to set the c-curve. The c-curve is very important for proper, overall shape, and strength. The best shape is like that of an AlaskaPik.
Interesting. Do you use the clothespin immediately after the heating of the nail? I've love to see a picture of the clothespin.
I have hooked nails on all IMA fingers and have tried the spoon (without the protection) and chickened out, but I am able to straighten them with some judicious tooth bending. This has the added advantage of preventing folks from borrowing my guitar.
Before watching your great video on fingernails, I had the devil's own time trying not to have them break frequently. I thought I had tried everything, but you commented that it's important to keep the nails from getting dry and brittle, that moisturizing them is essential. I took your suggestion to heart and since then, 2+ years ago, not one failure. Throughout the day I lightly dip the tips in
Burt's Bees hand salve, a mix of wax and oil. They are long and incredibly strong, holding up during active use as a wood craftsman and tree worker. My wife thinks they're scary! My "m" nail has the downward hook that your "i" does, and I'll try this method to improve its shape. Thanks for all your great knowledge and instruction.
Great to hear!
This is excellent. Thank you. I have used women's artificial toe-nails (Kiss brand) for about 20 years now. I just cut my real nails short, cut and shape the artificial nails, then superglue them on. It has worked well for me. I kept messing up and breaking my natural nails doing general home maintenance, yard work, and repair work on things like cars, lawnmowers, bicycles. They normally last up to a week or so, but I occasionally damage one or it gets too short from filing and I have to replace it.
Ya, lots of pros use fake nails now and there are dedicated products etc. For some people though it's a moisture issue with natural nails. Hydrated nails bend instead of break.
Started hooking on my I first now my M. Much appreciated
Hope it helps. Be careful.
I have long nails and they are terribly hooked. I have to go through this every week but I do it a little differently. I've started using a large tube that provides a good curvature and heat the nail from the top with the spoon tip so there's no heat next to my flesh. After I get them straight I put three coats of clear nail polish on and that helps keep them straight.
Interesting! When you reheat it does the nail polish melt or anything?
Oh wow this is a game changer, I didn't think anything could be done about this other than tactical filing, which results in very short nails. Just gotta go buy a cheaper spoon to scorch :D
It freaking works great!
So glad to hear that!
Can't you use a "protector" which is not metal and heat conductive? A piece of wood or card, for example?
Yes, that might be better but really you shouldn't do it long enough for significant danger. My metal thing doesn't get hot at all. But you can slip and cause injury so of course do it at your own risk always and be careful. Like I say in the video, don't do it!
Omg just the video I needed, I didn't even know it was possible, I've been desperate about my middle fingernail that bends so badly... Will try this right away (and I'll sure hold you responsible if I burn myself). Thank you very much !
Haha, don't do it! Even with protection it's still dangerous. I slipped the other day and the spoon was...hot. But it sure does help.
@@Thisisclassicalguitar I might have slipped a little and indeed, hot it was (no injury though). But it worked so well ! My playing has changed a lot, I can't believed how smooth it is now. And I wonder if it wouldn't harden the nail in the meantime -- which I need too, so it's great. Thank you again !
@@Thisisclassicalguitar Looks like the problem was my way-too-much-curved nails, while my technique was right all along...
Glad to hear it worked out!
Ya, I wonder how many people think it's their technique. Although I did used to use a shape that kind of worked despite the dip but the spoon is the best solution for me.
Great video quality, well done.
Thanks, it's actually a bit difficult to watch my hands through the camera to make it's focused while dealing with the hot spoon!
Maybe try a hair dryer? Some have an attachment to concentrate the flow of air. You might find a support/form to put under the nail, then heat it with the drier and let it cool. Nails are similar to hair. Why not?
Not sure if that would be enough heat. I tried heating the spoon with hot water and it didn't work as well as a flame.
Hot water softens nails.(5 minutes ) That preparation then an air dryer with a metal shaper could get the result . Brass wire shaped into plectrums under the nail could work .I will be experimenting on this soon .
I prefer an open campfire and a hot branding iron. Of course, I do have to take a shot of rye whisky a grasp a piece of wood between my teeth before beginning. (Haaa... Just kidding! 😅🤣😂)
Nail branding is definitely the future.
Playing with nails seems like a lot of maintenance. Have you ever tried cutting your nails short and playing with just the flesh?
Yes, you can play guitar without nails but nails do offer some clarity, volume, and control.
Tried and I hate it. Nails are necessary.
It is a lot of maintenance but many people feel it is a major part of their sound. I think having some nail offers a lot more possibility in tonal variation in comparison to only flesh, but it is up to the player at the end of the day.
Tested it, and it don't work for me.
For me, it's 2 minutes once in 5 days.
Interesting. I'd never heard of this. I no longer play classical but I use nails on steel strings. My index finger is very similar to yours.
Hmm, it might not matter as much on steel-string but not sure. I guess it depends on if the nail is used as a ramp in the same fashion.
I have a similar bend in my m finger nail. Might try next time with a heated object. It is only keratin (hair) after all. Cooking hot.
Sometimes an alternate nail nail filing shape can do it but it not this is an option.
Great! Will test tomorrow. I have the same nail shape on all nails. I am fine with that, but i can't play apoyando with this hawk claws like nail shape. Maybe this is a solution.
Sometimes an alternate nail nail filing shape can do it, lots of experimentation is needed but this is a last resort!
Use a candle
Instead of a lighter? Why? I did try using boiling water to heat up the spoon but it didn't really work.
@@Thisisclassicalguitar just convince though I guess you don’t have to heat it for that long
pov: you try to justify your high consumption of some illegal substance
Indeed, I heat up rare cheeses and make myself mini fondues. I know it's wrong but I must.
burning white stuff on a spoon...oh oh
Yes! White cheddar fondue time!