The various guitar styles known as fingerpicking involve picking the strings with the fingers of the right hand. It is best to fingerpick the strings with your fingernails, as this gives a better sound. You should let the fingernails of your right hand grow to a length that is comfortable for your playing. This usually about 1/16" (1 millimetre) clear of the fingertip, with the thumb nail slightly longer. Fingernails should be shaped using a nail file (emery board) so that they have a rounded edge and flow smoothly off the string after it has been picked.