Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm looking for a pick sound, but I play fingerstyle... so I am growing out my nails on my pointer, middle and index fingers. Any advice on nail-care? I was told to use nail hardener.

..... Dude... no offense but just learn how to play with a pick. It well come after while.

I dunno. Geddy plays just fine with his nails. I don't know of any other bassists who play with their fingers like that very often, but I'm sure they're there.

If you use your fingernails they will go through a physical adaption and harden and thicken over time. The same applies to athletes toenails when running is involved especially when there is particular stress on certain toes.

I'm primarily a finger-player raised on Geddy, and I've always loved the clickety-clack of the nails on my index and middle finger when they're on the long side, even before I found out how Geddy uses his nails. (Kismet!)

I've been playing nearly 30 years, but I've never noticed that those two nails are any thicker than the others. I usually end up trimming them back a bit when they start breaking & splitting.

A fungus can make your nails real thick. Maybe Geddy has a fungus he just can't/won't get rid of?

You can use nail polish or nail hardener or start eating gelatin to try to strengthen your nails, but you may find they still break, especially in winter. I keep my index and middle nails just slightly long and find that by changing the angle of my fingertips, I can get both pick and finger sound pretty easily. However, if you want a rapid Squire-type sound, I think you'll really have to use a pick -- Chris used to use Herco nylon.

I get a little worried when men start talking about "breaking nails"!

However Lee Sklar plays is good enough for me!

Watch out Charly .. I'd scratch your eyes out if I hadn't just done my hair.

LOL! At least we have a good time here!

Does this bass go with my outfit? I think i need different shoes..... Oh that reminds me. Looking in the fender line up book thing. And theres a picture. Checker board guitar... really small checkers tho. But anyways the girl had a matching outfit for it and everything. I think it was Avril tho... so it doesnt surprise me. I dont think she really even plays the thing. Kind of sad when the image is more important then the talent. After all your suppose to listn... not just watch.

John are you gonna get them painted too? Cause i suject fireglo if you do.

When did they add in all this fancy stuff btw? this is kinda kool. They should make the colors a little different. Like do a flireglo effect and maple colored font? I dont know sorry for this message i just really wanted to miss with the effects.

jacob, chill with the red text will ya?peter gave us some toys to play with ,oh boy!

Im sorry. I was just playing with them. I didnt plan on righting like that always. Just that once to see it lol. My bad.

Toy's have always been there, they're just so very easy to use now ....

Chi Chen from the Deftones manages to get a near picked sound from his Precision...fingerstyle with FLATWOUNDS.
I play fingerstyle primarily, use a pick where I need the speed, but I find adapting your fingerstyle and smart use of EQ on your amp you can get a pretty chunky pick-like tone (but with the added low-end you get from using yer fingers).
If you do use your nails, don't be like me and spend the other half of your free time fixing 2-stroke engines...gas kills your nails!

For those that poke fun at fingernails... don't even bother talking to classical guitarists... you might get yourself hurt.

I also play with a pick... but I greatly prefer the feel of fingerstyle. Nails is also more unique to me... if I wanted to be like everyone else I would sell my ric, grab a pick and play a fender or music man (yes I have a jazz bass and I love it... but this is a ric forum so I have to take a shot)