901 Reply by Classical Guitar

(27 replies, posted in Acoustic)

One more thought. This is a video of Andes Segovia who is considered the father of current classical guitar. He was born in 1893 and in1928 Segovia made his American debut in New York City. This is video of him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eBnfzngq9Y

What is interesting is he had short stubby large fingers and most of the early players did not have long finger nails. It was unheard of then and the long nails are more of recent trend. You do not need long nails to finger pick. I do concerts and have never had long nails. Today many of those you see with long nails cut some of them from ping pong balls and glue them to their nails and coat them with layers of hardener. They then shape their nails to look more normal. When you look at them they look long yet they look  white in color.

My point is any one can learn to play either classical guitar or steel sting guitar without long nails. And as Andes Segovia proved long ago, you can play great with short stubby fingers without long nails. There are no rules on who can learn to finger pick and who can not. You just need to spend the time to practice and learn to play the music you like.

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902 Reply by Classical Guitar

(27 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Here is another very good video on finger picking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHDwX3HT9oA

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903 Reply by Classical Guitar

(3 replies, posted in Acoustic)

You will like the Cordoba and their build quality is very consistent, and the price is reasonable. Plus you already own a D10 Cordoba so you know their quality.  After you receive it let us know how you like it.

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904 Reply by Classical Guitar

(27 replies, posted in Acoustic)

I have played classical guitar for a very long time and I also teach classical. I agree with those who say to practice finger picking slowly and gradually increase speed. If you give up using a pick and just use your thumb and fingers it will soon become a natural progression. Another suggestion, you do not need to grow out long nails to finger pick. Personally I play without nails on my right hand and have caluses on my finger tips and believe you feel the music more than those who play with finger nails. For those who are self taught watch some videos of Travis picking. It is a good start and once you have the general feeling of using your thumb and two fingers and it feels good, then you can use your thumb and three fingers and then you can use your right hand at will depending on the song you want to play. The entire process can take a year or longer however once you devote the time you will have the talent forever.

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