Fingerstyle: nails? flesh on string?

[xjojox]

My fingerpicking is based on classical technique, flesh then nail. I modify my hand position slightly for steel vs. nylon, I straighten my wrist a bit so the fingers strike the string at a bit more of an angle. That gives me just a bit more flesh before the nail hits, and the nail hits at a bit more of an angle. On either instrument I change hand position constantly to change color, but as a baseline that's where it is.

On electric I mostly use a pick but I do use fingers also. I can use flesh and nail as on an acoustic, but I'm more apt to pull and snap strings on an electric so there are more techniques involved.

I maintain my nails with 400 grit sandpaper. I always have a piece folded in my wallet. I get some really odd looks when I pull it out.

[Serious Poo]

Both for me, fingernails do a little better job of making passages sound clearer but flesh helps to add some warmth to the sound.

[DRS]

Thanks for the replies.

[stratman79]

Steel strings tear my nails apart...

I ramp mine and have a little showing on the contact side.

Flamenco is what seperates the men from the boys!!

Has anyone checked out Amos Lora? That kid is going to be a star...

Do love the percision of the top classical players too

[CowTipton]

Mostly flesh but with enough nail there to touch the string as the finger comes off, or for a downstroke strum.

[Turbo Gerbil]

If you always "pull up" as it were, you could try Alaska pics or steel pics. I've been taking flamenco lessons for a while now, and my natural nails, besides being weak, have built in shape flaws that basically require me to use artificial, so I use solar nail or similar acrylics. I'm trying to learn to apply myself but they stay on better when a pro does it. Flamenco requires good nails, there is no way around it.