Thinking back on yesterday’s banjo string changing experience, one thing that would have made the process easier would have been if I had fingernails. Perhaps I should be more precise: I’m not without fingernails but I tend to keep them pretty short, to avoid them getting damaged or dirty.

Or, perhaps that would have been a use for my fingerpicks? Fingerpicks are artificial fingernail extensions that a lot of banjo players use, giving a sharp attack and louder volume. I haven’t used them much as I don’t need the instrument to cut through in a band setting but I have got a set. Perhaps they would have helped with tasks like picking up the strings as they snaked through the bridge? Something to consider next time the task comes up if my nails happen to be in extra short mode again.