Reddit mentions of Pumping Nylon: The Classical Guitarist's Technique Handbook (National Guitar Workshop's Pumping Nylon)

> Do you use your thumb for picking?

Nope. Can't say that I know any classical guitarists that use thumb picks. Even those that played classical guitar second to plectrum steel string generally went without. I occasionally use a thumb pick but it's when playing other styles and always on a steel string guitar.

>How often do you fix your nails? Any particular shape?

This can be a bit individual but the most common accepted shaping can be seen in the link below.

https://www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/fingernails-on-classical-guitar/

>I'm a total noob when it comes to partiture reading, do you think I should learn or I can do fine with tabs?

If you want to study classical guitar at all seriously, you should learn to read music (which is what I assume you mean, partiture is reading different parts on multiple staves).

You can certainly learn well enough with tabs at the start but tabs rarely contain the depth of information sheet music will contain such as fingering, stroke type, dynamics, etc.

>Could you recommend some specific songs/pieces for improving my fingerstyle (considering that my left hand skills are not a problem)

Giulliani's 120 right handed studies + lots of scales work. You'll feel like a boss in no time.

http://www.classicalguitar.org/freemusic/exercises/Giuliani120.pdf

​

I would also recommend this book. They are included. Great technique book and includes these in a modified order in the back that makes a bit more sense.

https://www.amazon.com/Pumping-Nylon-Complete-Classical-Guitarists/dp/0739071580

>I'm mostly interested in playing flamenco, could you suggest some increasingly harder songs, for some orientation.

Sorry never played a whole lot of flamenco.

>Right now I'm playing on a cheap steel string guitar. I hope to buy a nylon guitar on the next month. I'm not sure if I should get a flamenco or a classical guitar, I would like to get a flamenco guitar but most of them are out of my budget (no more than 400 U$D). Is there a big difference between the flamenco and the classical guitar? I mean, is it worth it?

They are very similar with subtle differences mainly in construction, woods used, and set up. The biggest thing things that I often notice are that classical guitars have higher string action, better (imo) tones on the high end and better sustain (flamenco have lower strings for faster action). Flamenco guitars tend to pack more punch/be more percussive (so as to be heard in the midst of a group w/ dancers etc).

​

Hope this helps a bit.

​

An answer I gave to a similar question a month ago:

• Pumping Nylon has been mentioned;
  
  
• Sight Reading For The Classical Guitar, by Robert Benedict - Book 1 - and Book 2 are well worth the study;
  
  
• Pebber Brown:
  How To Read Music (pdf)
  
  
• Mauro Giuliani's 120 Right Hand Studies (pdf) is great for development of right hand technique.
  
  
• Fernando Sor Opus 33 (24 progressive lessons for students)
  
  
• Fernando Sor Opus 60 (An introduction to learning the Guitar)

That's a very personal question, as no two persons hand's are alike. But it could be a number of things going on, make sure you are using proper technique and your nail is the correct length for how your hand plays. From your picture I would say grow your nail twice that length and shape it down from there.

I would recommend ramping it on the side which you have the most contact with. You want to work with how your hand naturally moves, not against it. I ramp mine opposite direction of my I-M-A, just because of the physiology of my thumb. You want your thumb nail to slide and push through the string, not "pluck" it.

I would recommend picking up Scott Tennant's Pumping Nylon, it has a great guide for nails and right hand technique and includes Giulani's 120 right hand studies in groups.

Edit: After seeing the picture of all your nails, I recommend you definitely ramp those puppies. You'll get such a warmer tone and shape with your playing. The more you invest into your right hand, the more you will get out of it.

Pumping Nylon

Frederick Noad