Why are my calluses changing color?? (guitar player)?

Question

Hi there!

I play the guitar, recently I've been playing the acoustic guitar more than any. I have had calluses on my fingers for a while now, but recently, they've turned somewhat to a silverish, dark geryish color. I dunno if they're just dirty on the inside or what...I try scrubbing them, but it doesn't seem to come off. Has anyone experienced this before?

Answer 1

well, i've experienced something like this, my brother has a nylon stringed acoustic guitar, and the strings are sorta dirty, so it could be cause of that. but it doesn't happen with steel stringed or electric guitars. if your strings are dirty, they might be worn out, and you should get them changed, on a regular guitar, a pack of strings should be good for 3 months, nylon's last soooo long though, my brother didn't get his changed in a year in a bit. but as strings age, the sound deteriorates. so i'd say change nylon strings every 6 months atleast

Answer 2

It sounds like the color from the strings are being forced into your skin.  I play both electric, and acoustic, and haven't run into that problem.  May be time to change the strings

Answer 3

It could be dirty strings that is changing the color of your calluses. Wipe down the fretboard after each playing session.

If something green starts growing from your fingertips then see a doctor. Otherwise, enjoy the thickness of the calluses and keep on picking.