Problem Regd My Classical Guitar

nagukush · #1 May 5th, 2006

Hi Friends

I hope everything is great there

After I had bought the Classical Guitar, I played it for a few days (maybe for only a week

) and I kept the Guitar (in Tuned Condition) without playing it for about 2 - 3 months. Now, recently I took it out to start learning it, but I find that the action has slightly raised (I feel so

) and the Strings wont stay in tune !!! I tried to tune it with my Elec-Tuner too, but I feel its still not in tune.

Is it because the Strings have worn out ? Or has the Neck warped as it was kept without playing ? Is changing strings on a Classical Guitar very Difficult ? Sorry for so many questions, but I dream that I could play my Nylon-Strung (its my Fav Instrument

)

Thanks and Lots of Care to All
Your Pal

Kush

nagukush · #2 May 5th, 2006

Sorry for another one, I also wanted to know that as I dont have finger-nails (I'm a Nail-Biter

and I'm trying to overcome this

). I'm not able to get a Good tone (or any sound for that matter

) out of my Nylon Strings ! Should I start playing it using a Pick atleast ??? Should I start doing a few Chromatic exercises to get a bit of Control ?

Sorry again for bothering, Friends and Sorry if my questions are very basic.

Kindest Regards
Kush

nocat · #3 May 5th, 2006

Hey Kush... Leaving a guitar unatended for 2 or 3 months, under normal conditions would
not cause a problem, other than it going out of tune from string stretching... this is normal.
But if you notice that the action is getting higher, this could be a real problem...!!!
It indicates that, either there is too much tension from the strings, the neck is actually
warping or the face of the guitar where the bridge is attached is being deformed (pulling
outwards)...
You need to determine what is causing this to happen... Try loosening up all the strings
and take notice if there is a change in the action... If you notice that the action goes
back to normal, you've found your problem. If it does not, you should look for neck
warpage or a slightly raised hump by the bridge area...

*Hope it's just the strings...*

Cheers
Ben

nagukush · #4 May 5th, 2006

Hi Ben !!!

Thanks for caring so much Pal

Actually I dont find aything like the Warped-Neck or Raised Hump on the Guitar's Top. Maybe I'm just seeing things myself

, Is'nt it true that the Action of Nylon-Strung Guitar is slightly higher ?

Kind Regards
Kush

Ultimate Garage Band · #5 May 5th, 2006

Nylon string guitars do have higher action. They have to because the tuning tension is so much lower. The lower the tension the wider the arc the strings must vibrate in to sound. The wider the arc the higher they have to be to not buzz.

You need nails to play classical the way it's meant to be played. I can't have my nails that long; my job requires too much hand activity and I was always tearing and breaking them when I tried to keep them long enough to play.

nagukush · #6 May 5th, 2006

Hi UGB !!!

I hope everything is great there ! So, If it takes sometime for me to grow nails and start maintaining them, should I practice atleast fretting and Plying with the Pick, to develop some control over the Instrument ? I dont intend to completely move to the Classical one (atleast not at present), but I just love the Sound !!!

Anyways, Thanks for Caring and It was really a pleasure to get your advice

Thanks and Warmest Regards
Kush

737blues · #7 May 5th, 2006

Classical guitar as I understand it, really requires the, dare I say ... classical positioning of the Picking hand to use the thumb and fingers Kush. Ideally, long nails enable stronger dynamics and volume, particularly useful for styles like Flamenco, but I don't think that need stop you practicing classical picking whilst your nails grow. A lot probably depends upon your own style too, you may ultimately prefer the 'softer' touch or simply find that long nails are not very practical for you. There are plenty of top guitatrists playing great fingerstyle without long talons.

Is your guitar getting subjected to constant changes of temperature and humidity? Like in and out of air conditioning maybe? If you think the action is getting higher, check the bridge is not coming unglued too.

Ultimate Garage Band · #8 May 5th, 2006

Lessons to get you started in this would be a very good idea. If for nothing else than to show you how to position your hand, how the fingers strike the strings, how to cut and maintain your nails, etc. If I were you I'd find someone to give you at least 2 months worth of lessons.

USGold · #9 May 5th, 2006

Nail Biter myself too--if I wanted longer nails I'd need to lacquer them for hardness --besides the lacquer doesn't taste too good and might remind not to chew on them.

Jean · #10 May 5th, 2006

Kush put some mustard on your finger tips