Nan Kemberling, Atlanta Cellist
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Cellist, Teacher, and Coach

Nail it with shorter nail beds

9/16/2016

6 Comments

 
It's no secret that you need to have short nails to play the cello effectively.  But I have found that "short" has different meanings for different people.  What exactly is short enough?
Picture
Not even close.
Picture
No.
Picture
Nope.
Picture
...still no.

Make the Cut!

The following video is the only tutorial I could find on the subject of cellists' nail length.  Near the end, RealCelloGuy explains that you should cut your nails as short as you can "without hurting yourself."

The Long and Short of it...

Great.  Cut my nails. Got it.   

But what if your nail beds themselves --not your actual nails--are so long that they interfere with your playing?

What can you do when can't cut your nails any shorter?
Picture
Nails are gone, but they're still too long...
First of all, let's clarify what I mean by "nail bed."  A picture is worth a thousand words:
Picture
So now that we have the terminology solidified, grab your equipment (nail clipper and file) and watch my video:

PictureThese are my "long" nails. Usually there's NO white!

​Make sense?  

This is exactly what Martha recommended to me many years ago, and now the tips of my left hand fingers are super meaty, perfect for easy cello playing--even when my nails are "long." 


Need more proof?

Picture
Thanks, Erica!
One of my wonderful students graciously allowed me to take a picture of the progress she has made with her nail bed recession efforts.  The nail on the left has been filed (in the way I describe in the video) for many weeks now, and the nail on the right has been trimmed normally.

The difference she has created is obvious!  

Need equipment?

Okay, it's time to get to work!  Here's what I recommend you use:
PictureKlipIt is the best!
I own two sets of these.  I have never found a more substantial and effective nail clipper--and I have gone through quite a few! 

buy Klipit
Picture
Filing in style
A file is the most important weapon  in the fight to  shrink your nail beds.  This one is highly rated on Amazon, reusable and high quality!
Buy file
Picture
I'm a cello-file. Heh. Get it?
Maybe you want something that will explain to the outsiders why you are filing your nails so much.

​This file says it all.  
​
buy cello file

Feel free to leave questions and comments below.  ​Happy filing! 
6 Comments
Stefan Bradley link
7/2/2019 12:02:09 pm

It is interesting that you can shrink your nail beds by clipping and filing your nails regularly. My wife is interested in playing the cello and wanted to make sure that her nails wouldn't get in the way. I will look for a good nail file and clippers so that she can play her instrument without and discomfort.

Reply
David Teague
9/30/2019 11:09:10 am

I found "Klipit", and the glass nail file on Amazon "Halloween store," but the "cello file" wasn't found. Won't most good quality emery boards should work? I mean except for the inscription?

Reply
Nan link
10/2/2019 11:36:44 am

Yes, emery boards work great. That one was really only notable because of the decoration...

Reply
rohit aggarwal link
11/11/2019 03:16:33 am

thanks for the information

Reply
Chris K
6/14/2020 08:50:49 pm

Super advice, and your nails...totally rock! Don't tolerate any "Bullies".

Reply
anmol
10/22/2020 02:24:14 pm

i was looking for exactly "something just like this"

Reply

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