Nail Biting - Not a good idea for left hand either

[jffarraro]

I have followed the various threads on nail biting and noticed a common theme. I thought I would start a new side thread given the view I'm about to express. First - I was a terrible nail chewer - like most I stopped on my right hand when I got serious about guitar - I subscribed to the "it’s OK to chew the left hand nails" school for a long time.

If you have or have had issues with this let me propose another idea. If you want to STOP - and not look back DO NOT allow yourself the luxury of chewing ANY of your nails. I chewed my nails for 30 years - stopped on the right at the age of 42 and stopped on the left at 44 - just six months ago. You do need to keep the left nails short (at least the 2,3, and 4 fingers because of pull-offs). But since I have grown out my left hand nails - I have found they can be filed to match the angle of the fingers to the fret-board and actually add stability to playing. That’s the guitar reason to not bite the left.

Here is a stronger reason not to. Allowing yourself to chew the left is like an alcoholic saying that he has kicked the habit but allows himself an occasional beer. Or the smoker who claims that they have quit but allow themselves to enjoy just one in the evening. Not a good idea. Studies have shown breaking nail biting can be as hard as or harder than breaking a smoking habit. The health reasons for not chewing your nails are many - here is one I have not heard discussed: hygiene - I am currently overseas in a combat zone - there are rarely good hand washing stations - A LOT of stuff gets jammed in and around even bitten short nails - you learn in a hurry that here you can give yourself a case of bugs if you start sticking your fingers in your mouth. Gross I know - but here is a fact - unless you use a nail brush to scrub your bitten nails EVERYTIME - you are sticking whatever is jammed around your nails into your mouth and - without being graphic - putting stuff you don’t want to eat down your throat.

Here is one more thing to consider - when you perform - people will be enthralled with your left hand - they will stare at it - do you want them to see signs of a nervous, undisciplined person - or manicured hands showing great attention to detail and discipline? I had been embarrassed for years if people noticed my chewed fingers - especially in professional settings. Not a worry anymore. I have stopped chewing any of my nails.

Food for thought - and I know this is a lot easier said than done - there are aids out their - but in the end its truly deciding you want to stop in your heart (no wiggle room in true conviction - i.e. this means your left hand too.). Best Wishes on breaking this unfortunate habit.

J

[George Crocket]

I have followed the various threads on nail biting and noticed a common theme. I thought I would start a new side thread given the view I'm about to express. First - I was a terrible nail chewer - like most I stopped on my right hand when I got serious about guitar - I subscribed to the "it’s OK to chew the left hand nails" school for a long time.

I was a nail-biter until I started studying anatomy - this was a major deterrent. But I began picking the nails instead. Soon after, I became interested in classical guitar, so I stopped picking the right-hand nails, but kept on picking the left. Like many, however, career and family interrupted my guitar-playing for long spells, but I kept those right-hand nails growing. Over the next almost 40 years I had a few spells lasting a few months when I was playing guitar. After retiring, though, I had more time so I have persisted for a few years now. Eventually I realised, like you, that having short nails on the left hand is helpful for stability. I also finds that it helps the "posture" of the left fingers on the strings. I no longer pick on my left -hand nails either.

[jon17]

Does anybody else occasionally smooth over the left hand pads with a fine-grit board or paper? Not all the time, but I find it reduces the likelihood of skin cracking.

[George Crocket]

I agree.

[lagartija]

Does anybody else occasionally smooth over the left hand pads with a fine-grit board or paper? Not all the time, but I find it reduces the likelihood of skin cracking.

Yes, I buff the left finger tips and they are glassy smooth. I use the same four-way buffer I use for my right hand nails. Just part of nail and pad maintenance.
If the callus on the left pinky gets too think from too many pulloffs, filing it keeps it from getting ragged and catching on the string.

[Praeludium]

Are you using a file for your calluses ?!
Why not using a pumice ?
Maybe I've just not understood properly.

Vynograd, on his website, advices to take care of the left as well as the right hand.
I use a pumice with both (when they're moist, from getting off the shower or whatever), and also use cream (not sure "cream" is right word. I meant, N*vea cream for instance (that's not the one I use but whatever)) everyday.

[lagartija]

Are you using a file for your calluses ?!

Yes, because I always have one on hand and the four way buffer has four different grit sizes so I get a nice polish on the finger tip. I do use hand cream to keep the fingers nice and moisturized. Most pumice that I have seen are for the foot and are not fine enough. The buffer is quite portable.