Guitarist Calluses and Nail Care: Handy Tips

[@rcuomo]

Nailed it.

[@DavilleeMusic]

rcuomo This comment is so underrated

[@tittlemanscrest420]

meh heh heh

[@barryweeks6229]

His hand was fingered for the job.

[@jojoforthereal5700]

This made me happy

[@igotdarkaether4813]

😂

[@SeattleRingHunter]

Short nails on your fretting hand. Longer nails on your strumming hand may be a benefit depending on you playing style.

[@KatoVanackere]

I got into guitar playing a month ago. I've been playing a few times a day. I'm improving really quick and I can feel the calluses building up. This was super informative! Tankssss

[@Nostrologyy]

when I was experiencing pain in my fingers I'd just keep playing, I loved it too much to stop lol when the pain would get unbearable I'd put super glue on my fingertips

[@larrylyons9362]

Me too--superglue if absolutely necessary.

[@1invag]

@@alyssasullivan5982 I think you could use that to your advantage. Like altitude training for your fingers, if you can get to the point where you play well with it on imagine how well you be able to poentially play once you remove that self imposed limitation

[@lgbtdestruction.9858]

God you pussies I endured a month of pain now I can play for upwards of an hour.

[@MFDOOOOM]

@@lgbtdestruction.9858 wow an hour do you want a fucking cookie

[@xanderfilms8820]

@@lgbtdestruction.9858 An hour is for babies! 4 hours non stop is were it’s at 😤😈

[@jojo1234a]

I pushed through my callus building, 10 minutes a day. A week or 2 later I can play guitar as long as I like. Yay.

[@eliasmontoya5058]

Jojo Sagewitch same thing, i only played about 15 minutes a day, just bearing through it, but our bodies adapt quickly

[@TheAdvide]

My calluses are ripping off, when I play on my skin underneath lol

[@deepsouthbass]

I busk. With round would 12's on my Martin I get 4 hours out of my fingers. After that they are so sore I have to stop. The last hour I play nylon on a ukulele. On my jazz guitar with flat wound steel I can go longer without pain.

[@kiillabytez]

@@TheAdvide Try applying a dab of mineral oil to the callous and rubbing it into the affected area.

[@thepoweroftheweed2215]

I was pretty masochist, I loved having pain on my fingers

[@himaneeshmishra4514]

Weirdly true, id push through it

[@Silverfirefly1]

The brain isn't great at distinguishing pain and pleasure, a lot of it is context and awareness. If you begin to associate the pain with the pleasure that you get from playing your guitar then the wires can get very crossed.

[@thecatladytm7172]

Yeah at some point I played for like, 9 hours almost straight, that was painful afterward, but in the moment I couldn't even feel it.

[@jimdesiderati7126]

This was awesome! My skin thickens so fast it is almost a daily effort to remove the excess. I use a Salon quality nail file. The thickness surely causes the skin to pull away from the nail also. especially in winter here in Pa. I do use Crazy Glue to keep playing at gigs and to rehearse if necessary, not on the tips but on the very tip where the skin joins the nail. It runs around the cuticle and eventually wears off without problems. It has worked for me now for 45 years. Other than a small tail, and a third arm, I have noticed no ill effect. The thicker callous formation will develop grooves that create trouble with the smaller strings getting lost in the cavern! Thus, resulting in needing to vice grip the neck to get the note at times. It is a challenge beyond compare. I can't play with the fake nails or tips. It is the price of admission for some of us too stubborn to quit. Thank you for posting this!

[@kiillabytez]

Well, you shouldn't be getting caverns in your callouses. Probably due to filing them so much. This means your callouses are "growing" uneven and I would suggest you to STOP filing them and start working in a dab of mineral oil into the callous. This will eventually even out the callous across the entire fingertip.

[@habanerat]

If you're a blind guitarist reading braille you could use your right hand! I hope all the blind guitarists out there see this. ; )

[@gracedosdos2039]

-_-

[@dianapalmer1499]

How can they SEE it if they're blind?

[@aerimei]

@@dianapalmer1499 smartphones have a mode for blind users that reads the texts that they should be 'reading' ;D

[@zachwalmer5343]

Diana Palmer that’s the joke😂

[@GpuInDanger]

I SAW what you did there..

[@dutchmenneer3289]

"handy tips" ... Ooh.

[@LydiaWalker]

My nails grow so fast! I trim my fingernails once a week. I try to make a routine to remind myself to trim them.

[@Pyxyty]

"They can also get in the way of fingering..." *awkward pause* "...uh, the fretboard"

[@theeflea03]

Damn literally answered every single question I could think of, and then some. Nice video 👍

[@andreeadobre3190]

Thanks for this video! I just started learning a week ago and it hurt like hell on the first day but my fingertips became desensitized super fast with playing 10-15 min every day just like you recommend, first in several smaller sessions. Now they're getting a bit hard and shiny and I practice much longer not feeling anything. I was starting to panic about the numbness but turns out it's emerging calluses, yay!

[@roadtrip7507]

Nice playing, and Thanks for the tips. I've used bandaids cut into strips, to extend playing time before calluses. A problem I have now: dents/grooves remain in my calluses from repetitive practice. When playing, a string will rest in the groove. To press it to the fretboard I must press harder, causing more flattening of the fingertip onto fretboard, and this interferes w/clear sound. Googled this tonight & many have this dent-in-callus problem. Some think it's from pressing strings too hard to begin with, possibly my issue. Called 2 local music stores but got no help. I read some people (lots) manage this issue and callus growth, by filing LIGHTLY a small amount off callus w/ a rough emery board. I might try filing. I wonder about super glue; but 1) want to research side-effects of letting it remain on skin; & 2) I know it's important to use extreme care. I've had accidents & one an end up losing layers of skin. On YT, to sub for a callus, a girl cut out circles of facial tissue. She would lay one on her fingertip playing surface, & use fingernail glue (behaves perhaps identically to superglue) to moisten it w/glue. Must let it dry though; & I'm not able to describe complications (there might well be some) since I've not tried it. Both types of glue can easily require remover containing acetone -- or straight acetone -- to get it off & you don't want to irritate or break the skin.

[@eggysalad5615]

"a bit everyday" yikes ive been playing my bass for about 1-3 hours a day for almost a week

[@musicmammal1583]

Amazing,just like the singer! Do not question his logic!

[@univacbill]

Great tip with the electrical tape! It beats my "tears running down the face" approach.

[@chryst1548]

Rubbing alcohol was my best friend for my first week or so playing - I'd dip my tips in & then blow on them...it helped tremendously! Now 3 weeks in I no longer need it. I'm ecstatic 😁

[@hdstudiosdanaandrobinjenki3992]

Sculpture acrylic tips on picking hand. put new skin on already built up caleass on fingerings hand when they hurt. takes about two weeks to build up caleass but pain will always be there if you play a lot in a day.

[@carmitab2645]

My calluses aren't all that thick but it still feels weird. It doesn't affect my life in any way, but it's just so annoying... It's like I feel dissatisfied that I can't feel my fingertips. Is this a normal thing? I just can't seem to get used to it even after I've been playing for a couple of years.

[@kiillabytez]

It's normal.

[@dynosaurrrr]

dammit now that i read this i will forever be dissatisfied

[@kiillabytez]

I really think you're overreacting and overthinking it. Just quit obsessing over it so much.

[@dynosaurrrr]

@@kiillabytez wait is this to me or to the person who wrote the original comment?

[@kiillabytez]

@@dynosaurrrr If it isn't prefixed with your name, then it's obviously directed to the original poster.

[@dancetheghostwithme7593]

I remember at my first guitar lesson, I started out with an acoustic guitar, (Washburn, not that expensive, but still a good instrument). My teacher was showing me some chords, and he would tell me to just leave my hand there, and keep pressure on the strings as he was talking. I did, and after a few minutes, my fingers started to seriously hurt from the strings digging into them, but he told me to leave them there. I kept my fingers in the same spot long enough that I passed the point of it being painful. Went through the rest of the lesson and couldn't feel a thing with the fingers on my left hand. XD

[@StopFear]

Good video. Answers many important questions. At the end there was mention of a "good balanced diet". I am not sure whether that was meant as a joke, but there are a few supplements people take to get better hair and nails. I think the most popular one that technically can help, if it is actually absorbed, is Biotin. Often it is added to supplements claiming to help men stop hair loss, but it does not help that . It is supposed to provide nutrient resource to just get healthier nails and hair. You can also apply moisturizing cream on the callouses if you think that its too dry.

[@robertblanks9602]

Baby oil works better

[@mstratocaster3608]

You can also use a Dremel tool. They have corded and cordless models and very small sanding discs. You can file and shape your nails very quickly. You can also take too much nail off and then your fingers will be sore. If you're going to use the Dremel just take your time and I believe you will be pleased with the results.

[@recordartistdyanvillavicen4539]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE LTIPS Jesse Ferguson :)

[@board_runner]

5:00 *Don't play with soaked fingers* I can confirm that this is importent‼ After fixing aquariums for like 6 hours, I never thought it would have an impact the next day, BUT... Starting to jam i like to access a note from far away like 2nd fret on 'G' and super fast to 'e' on 9th fret, or from 'D' note on B string to 'a' note on 10th. *THEY CAN CUT LIKE A CHEESE-CUTTING-WIRE* _-and they did, through the thick layer of dead skin ! _ Q: I just started playing after a very long break(5 months now after 8 years break), my problem is that the skin turns in to 'nail' or something like.. Biggest problem is that I cant feel anything when im playing, and I get these 'thorns'(clavus durus) on the tip. This was never a problem before, even though I could play for hours at the time. How to avoid, or keep it down? I did, by a mistake, get 0.12 round bound martin strings on after playing for a few months, it took less than a week to turn my fingers white(like my big toe), and I got back to 0.10 flat tops in less than two weeks. This is more than a month ago and the callas is still growing like weed, could the short use of those strings still be the cause? -I have been cutting or ripping off the nail-hard skin though; Gonna stop that, but is that it? -and I primarily play freestyle solo blues on a 'western' guitar with pretty much constant sliding, bending and pull-on/off's... Am I beeing too rough in the beginning, or is this a normal trade-off now that im also older? Could be nice with some experienc from others...

[@CHESTER9871]

11 year old me practising for 5 hours straight for 4 days Begins to bleed on the 5th day and hurts to the touch... Proceeds to practice some more anyways. I was a determined and dumb kid

[@kateonkeys1414]

Do you still have scars from that ?

[@lezamesiah2755]

Great Idea for a video! I love your singing & playing and this video is very interesting. Stuff I know, but hadn't really thought about. Thanks

[@Musabre]

Really helpful video. I just gifted my other half a brand new acoustic guitar, her first though, so I predict the early days of stinging fingertips and loss of morale that I went through so many years ago. She's a musical theatre performer so her hands need to be reasonably intact lol. Thanks for making this.

[@venutube5791]

Hi Jesse. Excellent piece of music in the beginning. Could u share the notations pl.

[@jeremyhatch1338]

You can also use rubbing alcohol instead of vinegar -- it has a similar drying effect. Significantly speeds up the callousing process.

[@myfingerpainting]

How do you prevent the string from sticking to to the callus (thus making unnecessary sound) as you release the pressure of the finger from the fret board when you play finger style?

[@BardofCornwall]

Hello there. I don't know if it's entirely possible to prevent, other than possibly not allowing the calluses to get too thick.

[@kiillabytez]

It's because there is a separation in the callous and the edge is catching the string the same way your fingernail does if too long. A dab of mineral oil rubbed into the affected area should help over time.

[@myfingerpainting]

@@kiillabytez thanks for that tip!

[@kiillabytez]

@@myfingerpainting Mineral oil works wonders on unfinished fretboards too. I'm glad I could help.

[@aishwaryaah7880]

I got my calluses after a week but they torn off 😭

[@Baci302]

Any instruction on keeping nails on the right hand in shape?

[@williamgrand9724]

I lost the tip of my pointer finger, i can still play but its little bit sloppy :(

[@thussprachscaramouchestra6593]

Wow! Me too! Mine is on the right hand. Keep up the fight brother! :)

[@williamgrand9724]

Yeah, lost mine on my fretting hand lol

[@thussprachscaramouchestra6593]

William Grand Look up Tommi Lommi from Black Sabbath. A bit of inspiration for us digital-ly? challenged! :)

[@williamgrand9724]

Yeah man, I know about him. He had it worse than I do.

[@thussprachscaramouchestra6593]

Sidney Turner Haha. I've heard of that gangster! Maybe I'll give him a wee listen :)

[@nospam1583]

My calluses get so thick that I have to shape and smooth them by lightly filing them with a fine grade fingernail file to maintain sensitivity.

[@reddevil9554]

My fingertips generally feel like the skin on dog paws, that's what I liken it to. If not played for a while they need toughening up a bit again, but it doesn't take long. When playing too much I generally need to clip some skin off here and there, especially if it starts to tear a bit and gets sharp, I use a nailclipper for that. I've also got toughened skin on my index finger with bar chords and with sliding up and down the neck, and some on the webbing between my thumb and index finger also from sliding up and down. My right hand is also toughened up in all the right places that I hit the strings hard with, I never use a plectrum, I've got five on one hand so can switch between strumming and picking while playing.

[@tounsinour5907]

Sometimes my calluses just start peeling and I don't know what to do about that. Does anyone have advice on that?

[@zachwalmer5343]

me too bro... i play water polo so every time i get out of practice my calluses peel off😢

[@aysearslan9136]

i need tips too like my hands are okay but my fingertips and nails look soo bad and it keeps on peeling..if anyone has advices..please tell

[@tounsinour5907]

@@aysearslan9136 So uh I figured out that after some time of building them they stop peeling as much and become kinda smooth. For your nails, you should keep them very short on the hand you use on the fretboard. You can do whatever you want with the other. There aren't really any other tips I could give you sorry

[@aysearslan9136]

@@tounsinour5907 i already do that..the nails on my left hand is short and nails for my right is at normal kinda..but i still have yhat issue..ill kinda try and do something about it

[@tounsinour5907]

@@aysearslan9136 Oh ok. That doesn't happen to me so I really don't have any tips to give. Sorry again

[@badpinkrecords]

The action on acoustic guitars are usually higher, too. I play a Gretsch Electromatic with .014-.058 right now, and it's actually a little worse than my acoustic (but that is strung .012-.052). It's definitely a callous builder! Someone asked me why I played strings that thick and tortured my fingers. My answer was, "Tone. If I have to be a masochist to get better tone, fuck it, I'm doing it."

[@BardofCornwall]

Good question: I don't finger pick enough to warrant growing them out. I'm technically plucking the stricks with my fingertips.

[@brownieadventuredog2131]

Callus don't bother me and also it helps but my problem is damaging nails , I got round shaped nails. When I play guitar , nails become more smaller and starts to break! Any solutions?

[@matilda7659]

You just have to cut the fretting hand's nails shorter

[@lovelytagsvpr]

Hi, the video was really helpful! I am a beginner who doesn't know to play with either a pick or using a fingerstyle. So, I just wanted to know whether it is a better idea to learn fingerstyle first and then using a pick? or the other way around? Could you please advise!

[@BardofCornwall]

Hello, I'm no expert on finger picking, but I think that it's best to start with the simplest method, which to me would be strumming with a pick.

[@munkandbear2818]

I would be interested in any advice on what to do when your callouses start to peel off of your fingertips and actually get hung on strings when playing.

[@BardofCornwall]

Hello. I usually carefully peel off the loose part, being careful that only that top layer comes off. If too much starts coming off with the loose part, then a sharp knife might be best for slicing off only the top dead layer.

[@Miocosplayyy]

I started guitar yesterday and I played for hours and today my fingers still have grooves in them.

[@nvdawahyaify]

I would have to say that the best thing for new guitarists is to play nylon strings or the lightest gadge steel string until you have built up a little callous. Then you go up in heaviness until you find what you like most. Nylon is good because it is soft relative to steel. Electric strings are softer than acoustic. Heavy electric sting are way thinner and easier to play than heavy acoustic strings.

[@walther9161]

I started learning watchmaking at the same time I was learning to play and I’m a lefty and play right handed so my “working” hand has calluses and makes it tough to use small tools…so keep in mind you lose a lot of sensitivity in your finger tips..

[@MrPatroclox]

Hi jess, i can't belive that anyone had my same problem! Last week i made a bad work when bend a string with my ring finger, and now nail has separeted from the bed. I can' t bend for sure now, and nail doesn't seem to heal, or it takes very long time. How can i repair my nail and improve the heal, i can't stand out of my guitar!

[@irishcanuck1271]

Thanks so much, I really needed this. Eh?

[@Lauriabrisson]

Thanks for the tips.

[@Adriancatdad]

Should I also trim my right hand fingernails for fingerstyle ?

[@BardofCornwall]

Hi Pax, many fingerstyle people grow some or all right-hand nails longer. Personally, I've never done that, but I play mostly with a pick.

[@YMarchogGwachul]

"Now, the rule of thumb... Haha, rule of *thumb*!" - useful video Jesse, thanks for this!

[@annehaulkham2294]

Thanks for the tips guys.... I’ll find another instrument to play!

[@dinkeredwards5187]

i have used Gorilla super glue gel,,i very thin coat and allow to dry for 30 minutes and it does work and doesnt crack..By no means is it a long term solution but my birdie or my middle finger get damn sore especially when doing alot of bends its actually the only finger tip ive had to do it on and it will last me through my playing session and same as a callus dont pick at it,,i only play electric guitar and ive always used ernie ball super slinky 9-42s for one ive used them for 30 years and second im 51 now and my old fingers are tryin to get a little bit of arthritis..Play on my friends have fun and enjoy yourselves

[@radytz.9890]

I developed by keep playing ahah, and when I was already done with the guitar I played a little piece on piano to chill.

[@radosawwalkowski5824]

For me calluses only decrease pain not sensitivity :P I feel the same way

[@Chikolad]

I've always had problems with my skin pulling back from the nail. I'm an amateur guitarist and have never learned from a teacher (and there was no KZbin growing up) so I never developed good technique and I thought it might be down to that. Even when I cut my fingernails very close it happens. Also thought that's just my body and tough luck for me... (I still kinda do) But now seeing that your nails actually got shorter on the fretting hand gives me hope! That's crazy

[@user-wz1hk9mu3j]

Thank you, really helpfull! What song is the intro by the way?

[@oishi9096]

I've been playing for a month or so I've got calloused fingers now, I just need to know how to cut my finger nails properly now :/

[@AkagiRedSun]

Finger pain I can deal it’s the wrist and the forearm muscle hurting due to getting used to holding the guitar form

[@BardofCornwall]

You should try tilting the neck upward towards your face. That can allow you to play with a straighter wrist.

[@smhmyhead1320]

What song is being played at the beginning? It's lovely.

[@BardofCornwall]

Hi Clara, it's an original arrangement by me.

[@smhmyhead1320]

@@BardofCornwall hey, it's great and thx for responding!

[@Vampgirl246810]

This really sucks bc I want to learn guitar but I want long nails... Well I guess I'll go cut my nails now :,(

[@clutch1141]

How did it go?

[@seriousxbox360player]

only cut the nails on your fretting hand

[@henrymccarty8014]

Lol i dont think she did jajaja womens nd their nails i mean if u like the guitar u have to do it

[@chieromancer]

When I started playing guitar, it took about a month of playing a hour or so a day until I got calluses. I would play until it hurt, then stopped until the pain when away, then play again. And I have whimpy girl hands.

[@univacbill]

Anybody who tries the silly superglue thing should keep nail polish remover at hand. That will dissolve the glue.

[@kiillabytez]

Not always. You need something with acetone in it.

[@dave6098]

that piece you were playing was really nice.

[@josephkingston8058]

I have used bandaids

[@abbyc9474]

the skin on the tips of my fingers peels off a little, how do you prevent that?

[@BardofCornwall]

Hi Abby, A little peeling is normal with calluses. Resist the urge to rip the entire callus off.

[@takeoff9216]

Same problem and i keep peeling it off..so it happen again and again and its so irritating.....

[@casuallyidiotic]

I've been playing for a solid year and had to endure the painful first 2 weeks. I dont know why but my fingers have lost their calluses despite my constant playing :/

[@mkeh5690]

Ur so lucky

[@frankenclouds5740]

Thats how mine get. After i build them back up usually after a couple weeks i can see skin peeling off and then they just stay soft but without any pain.

[@artistvivek6721]

Thanks for advise, Sir 🙏🥤🥤

[@angegegel]

Sir I have a question Why does my calluses looks ugly it's not flat it is kinda bumpy and What bothers me is when I'm playing the guitar My calluses keeps hooking with the strings and as the effect of that it would not sounds good

[@BardofCornwall]

If the calluses get so large that they hook the strings, you may need to file them down a little until they're smooth.

[@angegegel]

@@BardofCornwall Thank you very much 💟🙏🤗 but I've already cut it yesterday because I couldn't wait for your response, cause I also thought that you wouldn't reply because this video is about a year ago 😅, and I cut my calluses a bit too much so my finger hurts again when I press the strings

[@Polar_Bear7]

I held my fingers on my guitar tight for the entire video. The pain is disappearing

[@sudinstevevai]

Thanks!!!

[@michelledilullo2762]

Ow my fingers! It hurts so badly

[@RaurXDberry]

You'll get used to it

[@mansitopinta]

I have decent calluses, but... sometimes I just call it a day, not because they hurt, but because I feel like I am going to play through the callus, is this possible? If it happens, what should I do? Besides take a break from playing Lol

[@zachwalmer5343]

if your blind, could you use only your thumb to read braille or is that a thing that uses all your fingers?

[@CNder77]

Helpful video here :) thanks for sharing. 5:56 lol and I like the nails too :) My finger tips get rough like tiny hangnail tabs from my calluses forming and they'll catch on things. Does that happen to you and what do you do about it?

[@YSAImusic]

It happens to me too (: it makes it harder for me when using my iPod touch with my left hands because they have the calluses, so I use my right hand, the one that doesn't have calluses

[@CNder77]

+Ysabelle Utrera Yeah, me too. Its weird on touchscreen and I'm lefty but learned somethings righty. I'm a drummer, I just do little guitar for fun writing music.

[@joycecooper5984]

Dedication I been a self taught guitarist busker 33 years just continual practice

[@ElveyGooch]

Good tips, Jesse. The "a bit every day" approach works well. Also, after playing, try soaking the finger tips in white vinegar, it helps to toughen them up faster. Dry them off after a few minutes, but don't rinse. The drawback is that you may have an uncontrollable desire for fish 'n' chips.

[@sschario60]

Brilliant! Definitely trying this. Thanks.

[@markbarnes549]

Jesse,...I would disagree with the idea of not filing down calluses. I find that my calluses get so big and hard that when I place my finger on a string the groove that is created gets deeper and deeper, therefore the callus surrounding that groove hits the fret board...resulting in me having to press down harder to get the (smaller) strings to bottom out on the fret. I think you can see what I'm getting at. So yes, I do take a rough file to my finger tips regularly, albeit I don't take off too much...just enough to give me a smoother surface for accurate fingering. Works for me..and I have no issues with sore fingers. As well, I find that very hard calluses will create some unwanted noise. Cheers...Mark

[@philw8049]

Super glue does work, it’s not ideal and not what you would want to depend on but if your in the middle of a gig and rip a callus off some super glue can mean the difference between being able to finish the gig or not. Don’t ask me how I know!

[@kiillabytez]

Applying mineral oil to my callouses has prevented them from peeling, cracking and becoming too dry, allowing them to harden more evenly than before I treated them.

[@robertblanks9602]

Baby oil

[@kiillabytez]

@@robertblanks9602 Same diff.

[@marioserano9863]

Been playin' for twenty years and have extremely thick calluses. I tried your exacto blade test and actually buried it to the hilt deep into the bone and twisted it. Result: not even a twinge of pain....Just kidding. But seriously, Jesse, your display was a tad overboard. I was cringing and thought you were going to draw blood or that it was going to become a creepy magician's show complete with writhing arteries. You should say at least, "Hey kids don't try this at home."

[@fredericmartin4754]

Great video! quick question, could you play 2 days in the row. When i am jamming few hours with my friends, i can not play the next day because my fingers hurts, even i have good calluses

[@BardofCornwall]

In my experience, playing a short session (30-60 minutes) each day is better than playing so long in one sitting that I can't play the next day. But, there have been times when I've played all night and am sore the next day.

[@1invag]

I was thinking of pulling my finger nails off completely. Only thing holding me back is I heard that can be pretty painful, torture technique or something or other. No pain no gain though right!

[@mansitopinta]

Also, what about general hand pain? Is it like the gym, where there is good pain and bad pain? Will I develope a tolerance? Thanks

[@BardofCornwall]

I think a little pain is to be expected, but if you wake up sore the next day, you might be practicing too long in one sitting. Also, stretching your fingers out before and after can help.

[@mansitopinta]

Thanks man :)

[@violetsky5202]

How do you prevent calluses from peeling off? I keep struggling with that.

[@BardofCornwall]

Hi Violet. Some peeling is inevitable, but it's best to avoid picking at them voluntarily (e.g. pulling the flake off might take a thicker piece with it).

[@Timmycom]

:) Hey thanks! The electrical tape thing was useful... Hurts to type even now actually >_< Also I notice even though you finger pick, you don't grow your right hand nails? Any reason?

[@Geoffrey454]

I used to play with a £30 guitar my dad bought at a furniture shop many years ago. It was so badly made that my fingers would bleed or blister after 5 minutes of playing even after setting it up and changing the strings.... Super glue got me through til I could get a better guitar.

[@ruby_khajiit]

"keep your nails short" Me, a lesbian: not a problem 💅🎸

[@BigCam01]

PERIOD 😌😂

[@dinkeredwards5187]

I heard that i like keeping my nails short for the ladies as well ;)

[@researchcapt]

Does it make lesbian sex less painful?

[@Kapybaraaa]

Great video. Also what guitar is that? The inlays are beautiful

[@BardofCornwall]

Thanks. It's an Epiphone Masterbuilt.

[@j.r.wilson4643]

Jesse Ferguson what model? I

[@trosebud223]

I have a hard time with the feeling of the calluses. Do you get used to that weird superglue feeling or is it just going to be constantly annoying

[@BardofCornwall]

Hi T. Rosebud, I'm completely used to my calluses, but I could see where some people might find them annoying.

[@srkwc]

Jessie,as always you such a lovelly fellow ,,,,,,from a very proud Irish republican and proud to no you ,,,,,,Sam

[@victor.leslieaugustpikingt8848]

Hi can you tell me if tabs are out there for the music you were plying

[@BardofCornwall]

Hi Victor, sorry. That's an original piece by me, and I haven't tabbed it.

[@moomoopuppy5810]

Ive tried the super glue trick and it still hurts. They dont act like work gloves, still feel the pain

[@nelsondcunha3156]

Cool thanks....

[@cathytaibbi1945]

How do you keep the deep grooves from catching the strings and making you less accurate? You said not to file them smooth but I find those creases can really hamper me - ? I don't want my finger to have to always land the exact same way on the string, or snag and cause notes to play when I don't want them to - the un-creased callused part is also slippery. I must be doing something wrong because I don't hear great guitarists snagging strings by accident....

[@BardofCornwall]

That's a good question, Cathy. Each person's fingers are a little different, but I can say that playing different chords keeps my callus grooves from getting too deep in only one direction. Maybe switch up your chord formations a little more.

[@crackerjackrappr]

6:44 I died. 😂😂😂

[@woahman-zg1xq]

Here during the night of November 3 2020. Hoping its alright for yall in the future 🙏

[@BardofCornwall]

I'm actually Canadian, but the US election certainly does affect us!

[@matthewterry2291]

I tend to wash my hands alot is that really bad for someone who plays guitar?

[@BardofCornwall]

Hi Matt, it shouldn't be a problem, but I recommend not washing them immediately before playing. The water can soften the calluses and make them easier to damage.

[@matthewterry2291]

@@BardofCornwall Thanks for the reply back,i appreciate it.

[@ThatSuzanneSchmid]

I always find a gel manicure protects the nails Well

[@mothersgauri4137]

I just made a separate comment on your site as this wasn't working. But now seems I can make the comment here also. I have well developed callouses but have a problem with the grooves that also develop. It hinders flexibility in moving around on the strings which one needs for more delicate or complex playing. and sometimes the groove with "catch". I wish I could find a solution to this and would be grateful if you or anyone could give any sort of tip or help with this. Thanks much !

[@BardofCornwall]

Hi Ani. Yes, I've had that problem myself, usually after a very long practice session. I don't have a solution, other than taking a long break. Usually the grooves fill back in somewhat. You could also try different formations for the chords you play, for instance using barre chords instead of the chords we play close to the head. In my experience, the deepest grooves come when I play the same chord too many times over a set.

[@mothersgauri4137]

***** Thanks so much for taking time to reply. Yes, this is a tough one, but good to know I'm not the only one who has had this problem. You're right, the grooves definitely form where your fingers play the most. Maybe the only choice is to practice more in between using other chords. Probably no "instant" solution to this one. (I'm not too keen on the idea of Super Glue ( ! ) I did actually try filing the callouses down and it helped a little. So glad you're out there putting these videos on You Tube. Keep up the good work !!

[@brucelk19]

So should I not put lotion on hands between playing or do it just don’t play immediately after ? I’m in my second month of playing developed decent calluses but rest of my hands r dry so I want to put lotion on but not soften or heal up the callus ya know what i mean

[@BardofCornwall]

Hi Bruce, you'll have to experiment. The key with anything that softens the skin (water, lotion) is not to play immediately after. Wait 5-10 minutes, preferably. Dry, cracking skin won't be good for playing either, so if you need it, use the lotion.

[@brucelk19]

Jesse Ferguson ok thanks man