Keeping nails and callouses just right

[batwoman]

If you file nails and and callous with an emery board, I've discovered a better option ... a crystal nail file. I was going through packets of emery boards and not getting a great result. The crystal number does a mighty fine job and seems to last for ever. You'll find it in the nail care section of the store.

For those who like to use an angle grinder or heavy duty sandpaper, this may be a more comfortable option, though not as character building 

[hilts17]

I bought a crystal file from Wolfram a couple of years ago. Great product! Just Google it as he has a website.

[DarrellW]

I use my Dremel with a diamond pad, v e r y carefully 🤣🤣🤣

[batwoman]

I use my Dremel with a diamond pad, v e r y carefully 🤣🤣🤣

I always knew you were a man of character Darrell 

[Sc0rn3d]

I'm glad you gave this tip. I was just dealing with it but after a while my finger tip grabbing on to a string and pulling it gets irritating. I will have to look into this. Thanks. The only thing I'm worrying about is accidentally using it too much and getting rid of the callus, hopefully that's not really an issue unless I use the sand paper like above

[batwoman]

The only thing I'm worrying about is accidentally using it too much and getting rid of the callus, hopefully that's not really an issue unless I use the sand paper like above

Hey S, it only takes a little bit of filing, especially if you're using a crystal file. Make just three or four light passes, rub your fingertip, if it's still catching, file a little bit more. Best to keep stopping and checking. Once your fingertips are smooth, that's enough.

I also find it works best to do this two or even three times a week in summer. Takes very little time. A lot of my playing is fingerpicking so I like to keep my nails similar in length, makes it easier to find the strings. Dramatic changes in nail length mess me up.

I don't have enough character to use an angle grinder 

[DarrellW]

I always knew you were a man of character Darrell 

Lol!!!
My wife stopped me using her stuff so that’s all I’ve got that’s remotely suitable, I’m now on the lookout for one of those crystal files 🤣🤣🤣 thanks for the heads up 👍👍👍

[batwoman]

Lol!!!
My wife stopped me using her stuff so that’s all I’ve got that’s remotely suitable, I’m now on the lookout for one of those crystal files 🤣🤣🤣 thanks for the heads up 👍👍👍

OMG Darrell I thought you were joking about the Dremel with a diamond pad.    Go get yourself a crystal file. Losing part of a finger could be something of an impediment for a guitarist.

[DarrellW]

I’m used to doing things carefully with the Dremel, I use it a lot for model making ( RC aircraft) so it’s quite safe....... unless I slipped 🤣🤣🤣 even then I would just have a sore finger end, it’s not a cutting disc it’s a polishing disc!

[Cue Zephyr]

I'm not sure if a crystal file is the same as a glass file, but I've used those for a while and they're great. I use it on my right hand finger nails to keep them strong when they're a little longer. I just cut my left hand finger nails because I don't need them for anything.

[Lord_Gigabyte]

My swiss army knife and a (glass/crystal?) file are the tools for me. I got the file from my wife's case so i'm not sure what it is, but it works.
My callouses seem to adjust themselves as they don't seem to need any attention. I mean, i don't need to do anythin, they're just...there.... 

[DavidP]

My callouses seem to adjust themselves as they don't seem to need any attention. I mean, i don't need to do anythin, they're just...there.... 

I tend to get grooves in mine, then the groove hardens and I get buzz and irritation.  I guess I am just not playing enough to take my callouses to the next level    I was happy when I started to develop a callous on the pinky but clearly still going to have to put in more hours ...

[Cue Zephyr]

I tend to get grooves in mine, then the groove hardens and I get buzz and irritation.  I guess I am just not playing enough to take my callouses to the next level    I was happy when I started to develop a callous on the pinky but clearly still going to have to put in more hours ...

My callouses are actually in the wrong place for certain chords and on certain instruments, so I sort of know what you mean. Very annoying indeed.

[Joerfe]

The first three years of playing I had to tame my callouses every now and then, but from that point on they seem to have settled in a place where I do not need to care about them at all. They are just there.
I like that.

[J.W.C.]

Same for me, Joerfe. I used to need to give my calluses more attention, but I rarely need to do much, these days. When I do need to touch up something I use the little metal file that folds out from my pocket nail clippers.