Caleb Foster
Dolly Parton is known for her long acrylic nails, which she has credited as a musical instrument on her album for the song 9 to 5. In an interview on The Graham Norton Show, she revealed that she used her nails to create a beat while writing the lyrics for the song. She also shared that she has learned to play the guitar with her long nails and that they work great as picks. In a duet with Patti LaBelle, the two stars turned their nails into instruments, creating a percussive effect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Nails | Acrylic |
| Colour | Red |
| Use | Musical Instrument |
| Use Case | Playing Guitar, Creating Beats, Writing Lyrics |
| Mention on Album | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Dolly Parton's acrylic nails
Partons' acrylic nails played an integral part in the recording of her hit song "9 to 5". During an interview on The Graham Norton Show, Parton revealed that she wrote the song on the set of the film of the same name, using her acrylic nails to create a beat. She explained that she would clack her nails together like a "typewriter" while writing the lyrics. After recording the song, she played her nails for all the girls on the show, and as a result, the back of the album credits "Nails by Dolly".
Parton's acrylic nails are not just a fashion statement, but also a musical instrument. In addition to using them as percussion, Parton has also revealed that she uses her nails when playing the guitar. She told Norton, "I've learned to work with them... they work great as picks, I've never had a problem". In a recently unearthed clip from 1987, Parton and guest star Patti LaBelle turned their nails into instruments, using them to play a rendition of the folk song "Short'nin' Bread".
Parton's acrylic nails have become such a signature part of her look that she has even been asked how she is able to play the guitar with such long nails. In response, she has stated that it is simply a skill she has built up over time, and that she has her guitar in an open tuning which helps her play with long nails. Whether strumming her guitar or clacking them solo, Parton's acrylic nails are always a sight to behold and a wonder to hear in action.
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How Dolly plays guitar with long nails
Dolly Parton is renowned for her iconic look, and an integral part of her style is her long, well-manicured nails. A quick Google search reveals that Dolly's nail length varies, but they are often quite long, extending beyond the tips of her fingers. So, how does the legendary singer and guitarist manage to play the guitar with such long nails?
Well, it's a combination of technique, practice, and a few adaptations. Firstly, Dolly employs a finger-picking style of guitar playing, which is better suited to long nails than strumming. This style involves plucking the strings with the fingertips in a precise manner, allowing her to use the pads of her fingers, rather than the tips. By avoiding direct contact between the nail and the string, she can maintain her signature sound without her nails getting in the way.
Dolly's technique also involves a unique hand position. She positions her hand slightly further back on the neck of the guitar, which gives her fingers more room to maneuver without her nails getting in the way. This position also allows her to use the tips of her fingers, which are shorter than her nails, to press down on the strings, ensuring a clear and precise sound.
Another factor to consider is the angle at which Dolly holds her pick. By holding it at a slight angle, she can ensure that her nails don't get in the way when she strikes the strings. This small adjustment is a common technique used by many guitarists with long nails, as it ensures that the nail doesn't hinder the playing or affect the tone produced.
Lastly, practice plays a significant role. Dolly has been playing the guitar since she was a young girl, and over the years, she has perfected her technique to accommodate her nail length. Her skill and muscle memory allow her to play effortlessly, and her long nails have become a natural part of her playing style. With practice, she has likely developed a feel for the strings that compensates for the length of her nails.
So, while it may seem challenging to play the guitar with long nails, Dolly Parton proves that it's certainly possible. Through her unique finger-picking style, hand positioning, pick angle, and years of practice, she has mastered the art of playing with long nails, showcasing that style and musical talent can indeed coexist!
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'9 to 5' written with nails
Dolly Parton is known for her long acrylic nails, which she has described as their "very own musical instrument". In fact, her nails are credited as a musical instrument on her album for the song "9 to 5".
Parton revealed in an interview on The Graham Norton Show that she wrote the song "9 to 5" on the set of the film of the same name, using her acrylic nails to create a beat. She clacked her nails together like a "typewriter" while writing the lyrics. After recording the song, she played her nails for the other girls on the show, and as a result, the album credit includes "nails by Dolly".
Parton's nails also help her play the guitar. She has said that her long nails work great as picks, and she has learned to play the instrument with her signature manicure.
Parton's nails have even been used in a duet. In 1987, she and Patti LaBelle sang a duet on her TV show, using only their acrylic nails for percussion.
Parton's long acrylic nails have become an integral part of her image, along with her country twang, Southern-belle makeup, and sky-high hair.
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Nails credited as a musical instrument
Dolly Parton is known not only for her iconic music but also for her distinctive appearance, and her long nails have often been a topic of discussion and interest. In fact, her nails have even been credited as a musical instrument, and this is more than just a quirky claim. Parton's nails have played a unique role in her performances and have become an integral part of her brand and image. So, just how long are Dolly Parton's nails, and how have they been used as a musical instrument?
Parton has stated that her nail length varies, and she often wears acrylic nails, which can be shaped and designed to her liking. On average, her nails seem to be at least a few centimetres long, with some reports suggesting they can reach up to two inches in length. This is already impressive and requires skill and patience to maintain and grow nails to this length. However, what truly makes them stand out is how Parton incorporates them into her performances.
The country music star has been known to use her long nails as a percussion instrument, tapping out rhythms and adding an extra layer of sound to her performances. This technique is often referred to as 'finger drumming' or 'finger tapping', and it requires a great deal of precision and control. By using her nails in this way, Parton creates a unique, crisp, and sharp sound that complements the rhythm of her music. It adds a visual element to her performances as well, with the long nails providing an eye-catching and memorable flourish to her hand movements.
In addition to their use in live performances, Parton's nails have also been credited with providing a unique sound on some of her recorded tracks. The distinct clicking sound of her nails against a hard surface or microphone has been captured and used as a form of percussion, adding texture and an organic feel to her music. This innovative use of her nails showcases Parton's creativity and her willingness to experiment with different sounds, further emphasising the idea that her nails are an extension of her musical talent and a unique instrument in their own right.
Dolly Parton's nails have become an iconic part of her image, and their length and unique role in her music have certainly contributed to their fame. By using her nails as a musical instrument, Parton has not only created a memorable performance element but has also added a distinct sound to her art, showcasing that creativity and musicality can be expressed through unexpected means. So, while the length of her nails may vary over time, their cultural impact and their contribution to the world of music remain firmly in place.
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Nails as percussion
Dolly Parton is known for her iconic and distinctive long nails, which have become a signature part of her look. A quick Google search reveals that the length of her nails has varied over the years, but they are typically quite long, extending well beyond the tips of her fingers. Now, while long nails are often associated with aesthetics and fashion, they can also serve a functional purpose, especially in the world of music and percussion.
The sound created by nail percussion is distinct from other percussion instruments like drums or cymbals. It produces a higher-pitched, more precise sound that can cut through the mix of other instruments, making it ideal for accentuating beats, providing rhythmic drive, or creating unique, attention-grabbing effects. Performers can create a wide range of sounds and rhythms by varying the length and shape of their nails, as well as the angle and force at which they strike the surface.
In the case of Dolly Parton, her long nails could certainly be used as a form of percussion. The country music icon is known for her energetic and dynamic performances, and her nails could add an extra layer of rhythm and visual flair to her shows. By tapping or striking her nails against a hard surface, such as a microphone, guitar body, or even a dedicated percussion instrument, Parton can create a unique and intriguing sound that complements her music.
Additionally, long nails can be used in conjunction with other body percussion techniques, such as clapping, stomping, or snapping, to create a more complex and layered rhythmic performance. This can be especially effective in more intimate or acoustic performances, where the subtle sounds of nail percussion can be prominently featured without being drowned out by other instruments.
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Frequently asked questions
Dolly Parton's acrylic nails are long. They are so long that she has referred to them as "talons" and "claws".
In an interview on The Graham Norton Show, Dolly Parton revealed that she has learned to play the guitar with her long nails. She also uses her nails as a musical instrument, as they produce a sound similar to a typewriter.
Yes, her nails are credited on the back of her album for the song "9 to 5". The credit reads, "Nails by Dolly".
