How To Play Violin With Long Nails? Top 99 Best Answers

Does it matter if you can’t read sheet music yet?

No, many students pick up the cello without any prior musical training. I always teach music reading and theory alongside cello skills.

Does it matter what size you are?

No, cellists come in all sizes. Likewise, their hand size ranges from relatively small to very large. Some good cellists have short, stocky fingers, others have very long fingers.

Do you have to keep your fingernails short to play the cello?

Yes – It is important to keep the fingernails of the left hand as short as possible. It’s not possible to have good left hand finger contact with the cello fretboard if you have anything other than short nails.

Should aspiring cellists put tape across the fretboard to help them locate notes?

No never. We learn proper hand and finger location of notes through physical repetition and good habit combined with skillful listening.

How do you play vibrato on the cello?

Cello vibrato is very different from vibrato on the viola or violin. It arises from the joint formed between the tip of your elbow and your fingertip. Cellists never use “hand only” or “fingers only” vibrato.

Is it possible to start taking cello lessons at the age of 70?

Absolutely yes. Provided that you are physically and mentally flexible, nothing stands in your way. In fact, studies recently reported by the BBC have shown that healthy seniors improve just as quickly as children. Having an adult brain and life experience of many other types of learning really helps a lot.

How old do you have to be to start classes?

I don’t have a set rule about the minimum age. Not many 5/6/7 years though. Older people are mature enough to focus on this type of learning. Kids who start a little later tend to be playing just as well as their younger friends by the age of 12 or 13. Young children must also be prepared for periodic instrument changes, e.g. B. from 1/4 to 1/2 to 3/4 to an eventual full size cello. The truth is that every child is different, so deciding when to start playing the cello is very personal.

Is it true that studying music helps with other forms of academic learning?

Absolutely! Two reported studies look at this question from a slightly different angle:

Music majors are the most likely group of college graduates to be admitted to medical school. Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas studied the undergraduate majors of medical school applicants. He found that 66% of music students who applied to medical school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. For comparison (44%) of biochemistry majors were admitted. Also, a study of 7,500 college students found that music majors had the highest reading scores of any major, including English, biology, chemistry, and math. Sources: “The Comparative Academic Abilities of Students in Education and in Other Areas of a Multi-focus University”, Peter H. Wood, ERIC Document No. ED327480, “The Case for Music in the Schools”, Phi Delta Kappan, February, 1994

High school music students score better than their peers on SATs in both word and math. In 2001, SAT participants with academic performance/experience in musical performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 41 points higher on the math portion of the test than students without arts academic background/experience. Source: Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by Music Educators National Conference, 2001

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Acrylic nails have been around for decades, but they’ve had a resurgence in recent years thanks to a combination of celebs, Instagram, and our collective obsession with nail art. Great for those who want to add length and strength to their nails, acrylics can also create a larger, more evenly shaped canvas for those who love intricate nail designs. Thinking of trying out the look? We asked Hannah Lee, nail expert and professional manicurist at Sally Hansen, to break down the process of keeping her in tip-top shape and all the other fun facts.

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What are acrylic nails?

Quick Science Lesson: Acrylic is a combination of a liquid monomer and a powder polymer that forms a paste that bonds to the natural nail. It is then given the desired shape where it cures in place to add strength, length and thickness to the nail.

How do acrylic nails differ from gel nails?

Both add a strengthening layer to the nail, but gels require UV light to cure. “Acrylic paints are much stronger than gel, which makes them more durable,” says Lee. “If you want to lengthen your nail quite a bit, you should use acrylics, but if you want a more natural look, gel is for you.”

This content is imported from Instagram. You may find the same content in a different format or more information on their website.

Are Acrylic Nails Safe?

“While acrylic gets a bad rap, it’s actually no worse for your nails than other artificial nail products,” says the manicurist. However, they’re not entirely without side effects — which get worse if you don’t take the right steps to take care of them. “The removal process can weaken the natural state of your nails, but when done properly it doesn’t cause any permanent damage, which is why it’s very important to have them removed by a professional,” she explains. Aside from safe removal, one of the best things you can do for your natural nails is to take an occasional breather between appointments. “It’s recommended that you take a break from buying acrylic paints every three to six months to rejuvenate your nails,” Lee recommends.

How long do acrylic nails last?

“Acrylic paints should last six to eight weeks, with a fill-in about every two to three weeks depending on nail growth,” says Lee. Not just getting a fill — a.k.a. a touch-up between the base of the nail and the cuticle – improves the look of the manicure but also helps it last longer. “Fills are very important because as soon as your nails start growing, the lifting starts,” says Lee.

This content is imported from Instagram. You may find the same content in a different format or more information on their website.

How can you make acrylic last longer?

Contrary to popular belief, you can still use your hands when you have acrylic paints, but Lee recommends wearing gloves while doing things like cleaning. “Also, use moisturizer and cuticle oil to keep your hands and nails healthy. I love Sally Hansen’s Vitamin E Cuticle Oil,” she says.

As with any salon treatment, do your research — proper care and attention to detail can help extend the life of your manicure in the long run. Additionally, acrylic paint’s biggest enemies are wearing it past its lifespan and not keeping up with fills, says Lee.

What is the best way to remove acrylic?

Whatever you do, resist the urge to rip them off yourself. “The best and safest way to remove acrylics is to go to your nail artist to have them removed properly,” Lee points out. “It’s important not to try to peel them off yourself or remove them in an unsafe manner, as doing so can cause damage.” It takes a little more time and effort than typical nail polish removal, but it’s worth it. “Your nail technician will most likely use an electric file to remove the top layer of acrylic. Then your nails are usually wrapped in foil with a cotton ball filled with acetone to soak for about 15 minutes. A cuticle pusher is used to remove excess acrylic, followed by cuticle oil to rehydrate the nails.” Then you’re good to go – with your natural nails, thankfully still intact.

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what do you call it Shall we coin a term? Angry face? reef grin? guitar grimace? Whatever it is… it’s one thing. Guitarists love to put on their weirdest, ugliest faces when performing their favorite licks.

Guitarists make funny faces when they perform live because they are totally focused on the sounds they are producing. This level of concentration can cause facial muscles to tighten or adjust due to our human instinctive reflex to express our feelings through our facial expressions.

Well, that’s good news for guitarists. When John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Vai, Carlos Santana, B.B. King, Joe Walsh, Prince, Joe Satriani, Dave Matthews and many, many other guitarists pull faces while banging out their guitar riffs, maybe we shouldn’t feel bad about doing it ourselves. Therefore it is natural….

People make natural facial expressions while in deep concentration.

Have you ever noticed that you have a little “tick” that you get when you’re highly concentrated and focused on a task. Do you drum your fingers or bite your lip? Do you chew your fingernails or chew on a pen? Well, if you do, it’s nothing unusual. It’s a quality inherent in the best of us.

When we are fully focused, we are not in a state of comfort. But on the contrary. The grimace projected by our facial muscles when we struggle to complete a mentally difficult task is an extension of the discomfort our brain is subjected to.

Guitarists are far from immune to this behavior. Playing the guitar requires a lot of concentration. It is not an intuitive skill like walking or speaking and requires a much more focused effort. Some things are just harder to do than others. I mean have you ever met someone who is good…….at running?

No, you didn’t, and that’s because it’s an activity that doesn’t require much skill or concentration. Playing an instrument is just the opposite. Learning an instrument takes many years of persistent, purposeful effort. That’s why we find someone who can play the guitar with ease and precision so impressive.

Playing the guitar can be an extension of one’s emotions, especially when improvising. The listener really feels when a guitarist pours his heart and soul into the sound.

How much time and force it takes a player to bend a string and hold a long squeaky note can be determined by how connected the guitarist is to the song and the crowd.

When the guitarist REALLY feels the energy they are creating and absorbing from the audience, it is projected through the guitar. You see all the greats doing this. It just feels good to put everything you have into the music.

I mean, who wants to see a musician who isn’t fully focused and committed to giving the audience the best possible performance. Not me. I want to see those guys up there, soaked in sweat, trying their best to impress.

Professional guitarists spend years practicing and preparing to play in front of live audiences, but that doesn’t mean what they do still doesn’t present a challenge. When a guitarist plays a particularly difficult part, don’t be surprised to see his face tense as he concentrates fully on not making mistakes.

He’s a pro, but he’s still human, and playing technically demanding guitar riffs in front of a large live audience is never easy. The expense has yet to be accounted for.

Do you make funny faces when you play the guitar?

I can not lie. It’s my fault. Try recording yourself playing through a difficult piece of music, and then watch the video. You may not like what you see.

Many beginners make tense, awkward-looking guitar faces while practicing or playing a difficult piece of music they know. This is normal and can happen to anyone. Don’t be ashamed and don’t think that something is wrong. Playing the guitar is not an easy activity.

It is likely that this habit will slowly disappear as you progress on the guitar. This is because gaming no longer requires the same concentration and focus as it did in the past, leaving you more relaxed and in control of your entire body.

I remember when I first started playing guitar people used to tell me I “needed to loosen up” or “look tight”. At the time, I didn’t really understand what I was doing wrong or what I could do about it. Although I got better with time and my game, I became much more relaxed while playing, which is reflected in my body language.

How to stop making funny faces when playing guitar.

As I said above, as a beginner, you tend to tighten your facial muscles or form odd shapes. What can we do against it?

Well, first we need to fully understand the chords and structure of the song we are trying to play. Take some time to practice each chord shape and the transition between them. If you’re really struggling just making the chord changes, then you know you have to work in that area and the song is going to be very difficult to play.

Secondly, we have to concentrate fully on the song. Focus directly on what you’re playing and try to give a little thought to what chord or part comes next. That way, you won’t be forcing your mind into multiple tasks by playing the guitar, talking to your dog, and watching a TV show at the same time.

Third, as I said above. Film yourself and see if your face feels tense. Play the same song again and try to pay a little attention to relaxing the area that was under tension in the video.

Fourth, just keep getting better and better. Never stop practicing and don’t give up!

The Nagelgeige is a musical instrument invented in 1740 by the German violinist Johann Wilde.[1] The instrument consists of a semi-circular wooden soundboard measuring approximately 46 cm x 30 cm and iron or brass nails of varying lengths arranged to produce a chromatic scale when bowed.

history [edit]

Wilde was inspired to build the instrument when he accidentally drew his bow over a metal peg, which produced a musical sound.[1] The instrument consists of a semi-circular wooden soundboard, approximately 46 cm x 30 cm in size, with iron or brass nails of varying lengths arranged to produce a chromatic scale when bowed. The deeper the nails are driven, the shorter the nail and the higher the pitch.[1] The bow used was equipped with coarse black horsehair, which made noise when rubbed. An improved instrument, now in the collection of the Hochschule in Berlin, has two crescent-shaped sound boxes of different sizes, one on top of the other, forming terraces. In the rounded wall of the upper sound box are two rows of iron brackets, the upper one representing the diatonic scale and the lower one representing the middle chromatic semitones. The instrument has a sweet bell-like tone but limited technical capabilities.

History records the name of a single virtuoso on this instrument; He was a Bohemian musician named Senal who traveled throughout Germany with his instrument between 1780 and 1790. Senal had modified the instrument by adding sympathetic strings and called this improved version “Violino Harmonico”.

There have been several other modifications or variations of Wilde’s original design. Modifications include using glass or wooden sticks instead of metal nails. Träger von Bernberg (Saxony) created a pedal-operated keyboard version in 1791. The adiaphonon created by Franz Schuster in 1818-1819 resembled the Nagelgeige. It used curved steel bars and had a pitch range of six octaves. Its range was F1-F7. A 19th-century modification called a stick game or milking harmonica featured wooden sticks played with rosinated gloves. Bill Wesley invented the Array Nail Violin, in which the notes are arranged according to the array system. It is played with the fingers, thumbs and palms dusted with rosin. The waterphone works on similar principles but is atonal rather than chromatic and has water in its resonator.

Classification of musical instruments[edit]

The instrument is categorized as a friction idiophone because it is played by bowing. The instrument can also be played by hitting the nails or sticks. Michael Meadows made contemporary copies of the instrument’s early design. [citation required]

See also[edit]

Notes [edit]

a b c Sachs, Kurt (1940). The History of Musical Instruments. New York: WW Norton & Company. pp. 402-403.

References[ edit ]

Fingernails are an often overlooked aspect of guitar playing. More time and attention is usually given to learning new musical concepts and equipment-related concerns.

Since the guitar is played with both hands, fingernail care actually proves to be quite important. Proper grooming, however, probably takes a little more effort than chewing your nails down to the nub.

Read on to learn if you can have long nails and still play the guitar.

Is it harder to play guitar with long nails?

The answer to whether or not you can play guitar with long nails depends a lot on the hand that has the long nails. It becomes significantly more difficult to properly fret a clean note/chord with long fingernails on your fret hand.

The reason for this is that your fingertips must be used to press the string into the fret. To do this, the fingers themselves are bent so that the nail points to the fretboard.

In this case, fingernails that are longer than your fingertip are likely to interfere with your ability to play clean and accurate notes. Your nails come in contact with the fretboard and prevent you from pressing the string properly.

However, long fingernails are not necessarily bad for guitar playing. Read on to learn more about the possible consequences and benefits of long nails.

Is it better to have long or short nails for guitar?

As previously mentioned, having long fingernails on your gripping hand is not ideal. Aside from the aforementioned disadvantage of having long nails on your gripping hand, there is another major disadvantage.

A slightly too long fingernail can also cause injuries. Occasionally, the force of depressing the string creates tension on the fingernail itself.

What happens is that the space between the nail and finger can rupture, which can be extremely painful when performing bends during a guitar lead. Luckily, some superglue can prove to be a quick fix in such cases.

However, having long nails on hand could prove to be a great advantage. This way of playing gives your guitar a unique style. Many fingerstyle guitarists, particularly those in the flamenco and classical guitar traditions, grow their fingernails in order to pluck the strings.

Compared to fingerpicks that you clip to your fingers, fingernails offer a crisper and more articulated sound. It also feels more natural to play.

What about playing with acrylic nails?

With the fingerstyle guitar it is quite possible to play with acrylic nails. In fact, many seasoned professionals prefer to do so.

The reason people use acrylic nails is because they prevent your actual fingernail from accidentally breaking. Your fingernails may take some time to grow to the desired length, and that time is not always available.

The reality is that acrylic nails are incredibly durable, especially when compared to a fingernail. Fingernails are extremely prone to damage, especially when in constant contact with steel strings.

Should an acrylic nail break, it can be replaced easily and with little effort. Depending on how well the acrylic nails stand up to the playing conditions, they could potentially last a few months.

However, you probably don’t want your acrylic nails to be too terribly long. You’ll play easier if the nails are rounded to a point, similar to a pick or fingerpick.

Should I cut my nails to play guitar?

Your grip hand should always be well groomed. Because of the constant rubbing, your nails need to be trimmed as deep as possible.

Although not usually thought of, a quality manicure set can be a valuable guitar accessory. These usually have small cases that can be stowed in your guitar case or equipment bag.

With a manicure set you can continuously care for your fingernails. You may even find the value in having well-manicured fingernails.

Cut nails properly

As suggested, there is a correct way to trim your fingernails. You need a set of nail clippers to cut the nail. A good rule of thumb is that a small white line at the tip of the nail should probably be the longest the nail should be.

Proper trimming and grooming of your fingernail area will ensure that you can fret the guitar properly every time you play the guitar. It also helps prevent injuries.

After trimming, the fingernail should be properly rounded with a fingernail file. This also removes bumps and sharp edges.

Sharp edges of nails could be a hindrance when playing. Depending on the location, a string can get caught on the edge, which feels very uncomfortable.

The edge of your nail may dig into the side of your finger during play. This will eventually either bruise or cut your finger. It will hurt every time you fret your finger.

If you have a manicure kit, it’s wise to take a few steps beyond simply trimming your fingernails. In fact, most extra grooming doesn’t take all that much time if you’re already taking care of your nails.

Cleaning the dirt under your fingernails can go a long way in preventing a massive buildup of funky dirt on your guitar fretboard. Chances are you’ve seen a guitar like this before, and cleaning one can be a hassle.

You can also take care of any hangnails that may be present. Although they are not usually a problem, depending on their location, they can become painful.

Can you play guitar with artificial acrylic nails?

Although the guitar can be played with acrylic nails. We’ve only discussed the pick hand, but the grip hand has a few possible solutions.

Country megastar Dolly Parton is a living example of how this can be possible. Dolly is known for dressing sumptuously on stage, often sporting makeup and other accessories.

Open Tuning

Because acrylic nails tend to be longer, it’s probably not best to keep your nails too long, especially on the gripping hand. But Dolly Parton has found a solution for this as well.

Based solely on the chord fingerings, standard E tuning generally requires the use of more independent fingers as compared to an open tuning such as B. open D.

With open D tuning, a major chord can be easily played by locking a couple of strings with a single finger. This allows the nail to have length without digging into the fretboard.

Flat finger fretting

However, if open D isn’t your thing, you can probably still play in standard E tuning. It only requires a small adjustment that can potentially lead to bad gaming habits.

What you need to do is play more with a flatter embouchure rather than using the exact fingertip. This creates a little space that can allow for a slightly longer nail.

The reason it can lead to a bad habit is because your playing doesn’t have the definition and clarity it would have with your fingertips. Anything repeated over time without thought will eventually become a habit that can be difficult to correct over time.

What to do?

One of the greatest aspects of being a guitarist is the freedom that allows each individual to express their unique identity. Very often, a guitarist’s personality goes far beyond the notes they play on their instrument.

However, you are free to do whatever you want when it comes to your fingernails. On paper, the benefits of short nails far outweigh the benefits of long nails.

We have tried very hard to explain the disadvantages of long nails. Read on to get a better idea of ​​the benefits of short nail length.

Advantages of short nails

Short nails give you the opportunity to really fret your guitar. It will also help prevent finger injuries that could temporarily prove detrimental to your game.

Short grasping hand nails also allow your finger calluses to develop properly and in the right place. Finger calluses are an invaluable asset to a guitarist, as it is commonly said that a guitarist’s tone lives in the fingertips.

Short claws on your picking hand also have some advantages. Namely, this allows you to conveniently use fake acrylic nails for finger picking. You wouldn’t have to worry about growing your nails.

Another benefit of short picking hand nails is that you can hold a regular pick more comfortably. Depending on the type of picking grip you use, long fingernails can dig into your hand or protrude beyond the pick.

Don’t be afraid to try new things

If you’ve ever been a curious guitar player, you’ve probably thought about what it would be like to grow your fingernails to fingerpick. Maybe you tried to grow them but got impatient.

This is fairly common as there is a natural tendency to want shorter nails when the habit is already established. In this case, you are encouraged to try acrylic nails on your plucking hand.

Of course, if you’re a man, you might face unwanted criticism based on social expectations of perceived gender normalities. Don’t let that put you off, there’s a good chance some of your favorite guitar players use acrylic nails.

The best thing about experimenting, especially when using acrylic nails, is that nothing lasts forever. If something doesn’t sound or feel right, the temporary condition can easily be corrected and brought back to square one.

Can you play guitar with long nails? Final Thoughts

The reality is that experimentation is what allows music to thrive and evolve. Many people experiment with note choices and gear, but something as small as long fingernails can potentially change your playing drastically.

However, you’ll probably want to keep your fingernails short (at least on the gripping hand) as it will make playing easier. Any small obstacle during the game could derail your game and create unnecessary tension.

We’ve already looked at other barriers on this page, such as learning to play guitar with ADHD. We hope you found this article helpful.

Last updated May 5, 2022.

The Nagelgeige is a musical instrument invented in 1740 by the German violinist Johann Wilde.[1] The instrument consists of a semi-circular wooden soundboard measuring approximately 46 cm x 30 cm and iron or brass nails of varying lengths arranged to produce a chromatic scale when bowed.

history [edit]

Wilde was inspired to build the instrument when he accidentally drew his bow over a metal peg, which produced a musical sound.[1] The instrument consists of a semi-circular wooden soundboard, approximately 46 cm x 30 cm in size, with iron or brass nails of varying lengths arranged to produce a chromatic scale when bowed. The deeper the nails are driven, the shorter the nail and the higher the pitch.[1] The bow used was equipped with coarse black horsehair, which made noise when rubbed. An improved instrument, now in the collection of the Hochschule in Berlin, has two crescent-shaped sound boxes of different sizes, one on top of the other, forming terraces. In the rounded wall of the upper sound box are two rows of iron brackets, the upper one representing the diatonic scale and the lower one representing the middle chromatic semitones. The instrument has a sweet bell-like tone but limited technical capabilities.

History records the name of a single virtuoso on this instrument; He was a Bohemian musician named Senal who traveled throughout Germany with his instrument between 1780 and 1790. Senal had modified the instrument by adding sympathetic strings and called this improved version “Violino Harmonico”.

There have been several other modifications or variations of Wilde’s original design. Modifications include using glass or wooden sticks instead of metal nails. Träger von Bernberg (Saxony) created a pedal-operated keyboard version in 1791. The adiaphonon created by Franz Schuster in 1818-1819 resembled the Nagelgeige. It used curved steel bars and had a pitch range of six octaves. Its range was F1-F7. A 19th-century modification called a stick game or milking harmonica featured wooden sticks played with rosinated gloves. Bill Wesley invented the Array Nail Violin, in which the notes are arranged according to the array system. It is played with the fingers, thumbs and palms dusted with rosin. The waterphone works on similar principles but is atonal rather than chromatic and has water in its resonator.

Classification of musical instruments[edit]

The instrument is categorized as a friction idiophone because it is played by bowing. The instrument can also be played by hitting the nails or sticks. Michael Meadows made contemporary copies of the instrument’s early design. [citation required]

See also[edit]

Notes [edit]

a b c Sachs, Kurt (1940). The History of Musical Instruments. New York: WW Norton & Company. pp. 402-403.

References[ edit ]

Does it matter if you can’t read sheet music yet?

No, many students pick up the cello without any prior musical training. I always teach music reading and theory alongside cello skills.

Does it matter what size you are?

No, cellists come in all sizes. Likewise, their hand size ranges from relatively small to very large. Some good cellists have short, stocky fingers, others have very long fingers.

Do you have to keep your fingernails short to play the cello?

Yes – It is important to keep the fingernails of the left hand as short as possible. It’s not possible to have good left hand finger contact with the cello fretboard if you have anything other than short nails.

Should aspiring cellists put tape across the fretboard to help them locate notes?

No never. We learn proper hand and finger location of notes through physical repetition and good habit combined with skillful listening.

How do you play vibrato on the cello?

Cello vibrato is very different from vibrato on the viola or violin. It arises from the joint formed between the tip of your elbow and your fingertip. Cellists never use “hand only” or “fingers only” vibrato.

Is it possible to start taking cello lessons at the age of 70?

Absolutely yes. Provided that you are physically and mentally flexible, nothing stands in your way. In fact, studies recently reported by the BBC have shown that healthy seniors improve just as quickly as children. Having an adult brain and life experience of many other types of learning really helps a lot.

How old do you have to be to start classes?

I don’t have a set rule about the minimum age. Not many 5/6/7 years though. Older people are mature enough to focus on this type of learning. Kids who start a little later tend to be playing just as well as their younger friends by the age of 12 or 13. Young children must also be prepared for periodic instrument changes, e.g. B. from 1/4 to 1/2 to 3/4 to an eventual full size cello. The truth is that every child is different, so deciding when to start playing the cello is very personal.

Is it true that studying music helps with other forms of academic learning?

Absolutely! Two reported studies look at this question from a slightly different angle:

Music majors are the most likely group of college graduates to be admitted to medical school. Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas studied the undergraduate majors of medical school applicants. He found that 66% of music students who applied to medical school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. For comparison (44%) of biochemistry majors were admitted. Also, a study of 7,500 college students found that music majors had the highest reading scores of any major, including English, biology, chemistry, and math. Sources: “The Comparative Academic Abilities of Students in Education and in Other Areas of a Multi-focus University”, Peter H. Wood, ERIC Document No. ED327480, “The Case for Music in the Schools”, Phi Delta Kappan, February, 1994

High school music students score better than their peers on SATs in both word and math. In 2001, SAT participants with academic performance/experience in musical performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 41 points higher on the math portion of the test than students without arts academic background/experience. Source: Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by Music Educators National Conference, 2001

If you or your child play the clarinet, you may be concerned about being able to play their instrument with braces or other dental appliances like Invisalign.

Fortunately, you can still play the clarinet in most of these situations!

This article answers some frequently asked questions about special circumstances that can arise while playing the clarinet.

1. Can you play the clarinet with braces or retainers?

The inside of the chin and upper lip are often irritated by braces, especially in the first few months after they are put on.

You can encourage your child to use braces wax to offset some of the extra friction that playing the clarinet can cause in these areas.

To get used to playing the clarinet with braces, start with lower notes. Lower notes are easier to play and help you break in your braces gradually.

As you get used to it, you can move on to higher notes!

You may want to play with a softer hand as it requires less pressure to play. Once you regain your embouchure strength, you can go back to playing with a harder hand.

2. Can I play the clarinet with Invisalign?

Yes, it’s easy to play the clarinet with Invisalign or a clear plastic holder. It shouldn’t affect your sound at all.

Just make sure the holder is kept clean and in good condition.

As with all braces, Invisalign can cause gum pain, so be patient with yourself while you play and stop if it starts to hurt.

3. Can you play the clarinet with a tongue or lip piercing?

Brass bands advise against getting lip or tongue piercings. They can change your approach (how you hold your mouth and facial muscles while playing) and cause you to have to relearn how to play the clarinet.

That said, if you are determined to gamble after a lip piercing, you can. You need to make sure it’s fully healed before trying to play, or you could cause yourself a lot of pain and set back your recovery.

A tongue piercing is actually less of a problem than a lip piercing, although the recovery time is longer.

If you’re not used to speaking properly and use the middle of your tongue to separate notes, the piercing hits the reed. If you’re separating your notes properly with the tip of your tongue, you should be fine.

4. Can I play the clarinet with false teeth or dentures?

Many seniors continue to play the clarinet with dentures. It takes a bit of getting used to, and you have to be careful to use excellent tooth glue on a full plate.

Part plates cause some discomfort at first, but most clarinettists will get through this with no problem.

Talk to your dentist if you experience pain when trying to play the clarinet. You should be able to adjust your dentures.

5. Can you play the clarinet with long or artificial nails?

Musicians do not recommend playing a woodwind instrument with excessively long nails. Long nails can affect your fingering speed and accuracy, and limit your fingering options.

Ideally, clarinettists should hold their fingers at a slightly bent angle, and long nails can get in the way.

If you want to continue playing the clarinet, you can wear your nails shorter with natural or acrylic appliques.

6. Can you play the clarinet with gloves?

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to play the clarinet with gloves. The fabric of the gloves can get caught in the keys and rings of the clarinet, causing you to miss many notes.

Additionally, wearing gloves that cover your fingers means you’re not sealing the tone holes properly, so you won’t be able to get the right tone out of your instrument.

Marching band clarinetists often wear fingerless gloves for this reason.

7. Can you play the clarinet with an overbite?

Yes, you can play the clarinet well with an overbite. It can be a bit more difficult with an underbite as the jaw is not set at the right angle for the construction of your approach.

Does playing the clarinet cause an overbite over time?

There is a common misconception that playing a wind instrument like the clarinet can lead to an overbite.

Dental studies show that this is not the case! In fact, these studies show that the clarinet and saxophone, when played correctly, can reduce overbite by a small amount over time.

Final Thoughts

I played the clarinet with braces for a few years in the 80’s and although it was a bit difficult at first it became easier after I built more lip strength. Braces wax was also a great help.

Most of my middle school friends had braces or braces at some point, and while there is a slight learning curve, they were all able to keep playing.

I would also like to add that clarinettists planning oral surgery such as wisdom tooth extraction should allow for a longer recovery time.

Playing a wind instrument greatly increases the pressure in your mouth, and you can delay oral surgery recovery times if you play too soon. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way.

Most of these special circumstances are compatible with clarinet playing, but others are not. Gloves and long nails are probably the most problematic, followed by lip piercings.

If you are determined to succeed with the clarinet you should be able to make most of these circumstances work.

Just make sure you’re not causing yourself any unnecessary pain or discomfort, and be sure to keep in touch with your dentist and orthodontist.

Sources:

https://pocketdentistry.com/effects-of-playing-a-wind-instrument-on-the-occlusion/