Nails and Punching

[JosephM]

I've played guitar for most of my life, and I'm getting into playing classical stuff. The problem is, classical guitar requires your right hand nails to be grown out to hit the strings. This obviously causes problems with punching, so my question is; Is there any type of modified punching form that is still safe (for my hand/wrist) and effective at delivering power? Or is it just a matter of keeping my nails at the minimum length?

[Cuddles]

I've played guitar for most of my life, and I'm getting into playing classical stuff. The problem is, classical guitar requires your right hand nails to be grown out to hit the strings. This obviously causes problems with punching, so my question is; Is there any type of modified punching form that is still safe (for my hand/wrist) and effective at delivering power? Or is it just a matter of keeping my nails at the minimum length?

I play guitar too and used to have cuts on my hand. But that was mainly because I was too lazy to cut it.

If you're really into the fingerpicking style of guitar (with a bright tone, no nails produces a warmer tone), then cut your nails and buy yourself some finger picks. I would suggest a plastic one instead of a metal one as metal tends to scrape and wear your strings out, and if you're using a coated string such as an Elixir, you'll go straight through the first few layers.
(Edit: It only wears your strings out if it's the undernail version. The one that's placed under the pad of your fingers tend to be less abrasive.)

The other option (to keep a bright tone) is to use Steel strings. However, if you do so, you'll need to be careful as steel strings tend to cut indentations into guitar frets.

One thing I personally HATE is the use of thumb picks, which, imho, gives off bad form to the user in the cases you don't have picks. I only believe in fingerpicks.

And in case you want suggestions, my favorite fingerpicks are Alaska Pik. They're extremely fragile but produce a beautiful sound and feel great, so I don't recommend them for a beginner.

[gregaquaman]

Even with modified punching if you get into a real scrap your fingernails will get cheesed up if they are to long.
(Mine certainly do)

So if you can jam them is a set of gloves that is about as good as you can get