Changing strings

Wondering if there is a tutorial on how to change the strings on your guitar for acoustic guitars. I'd rather learn on my own then have to bring it into the guitar shop just to swap out strings.

Haven't broken any yet but I do still have the stock strings on my acoustic and recently bought some that I'd like to try.

In saying that is there a real difference in strings? I know you can get light gauge and medium gauge but is there a specific set of strings that suits a certain style better than another?

Look forward to any advice Thanks!

There are tons of string changing 'how-to's' on You Tube and the rest of the net. The one Guitar Tricks tutorial I know of is Bobby Howes' and is here; http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=15249&s_id=1047

Originally Posted by: AndrewJames2121In saying that is there a real difference in strings? I know you can get light gauge and medium gauge but is there a specific set of strings that suits a certain style better than another?

Newer strings always sound!

Awesome thanks!

It's so simple even I can do it!! And I'm the kind of guy that spends $12 on a new gas cap and $25 to have it installed.

I just changed strings on one guitar again yesterday.

There are lots of choices that you can make with strings--in addition to gauge, different brands sound and feel different. Lighter strings bend more easily.

Originally Posted by: AndrewJames2121Wondering if there is a tutorial on how to change the strings on your guitar for acoustic guitars. I'd rather learn on my own then have to bring it into the guitar shop just to swap out strings.

Haven't broken any yet but I do still have the stock strings on my acoustic and recently bought some that I'd like to try.

In saying that is there a real difference in strings? I know you can get light gauge and medium gauge but is there a specific set of strings that suits a certain style better than another?

Look forward to any advice Thanks!

Regarding how to change strings, there are many good tutorials on youtube.

Regarding good string brands, I like to use elexir coated strings because they have a great "slippery" feel, never rust, sound great and last for months!

When it comes to gauge, the thicker the strings the louder the sound, the more sustain you get, the easier it is to pick also.

Some drawbacks are that its harder to string bend, and that you will need to apply a little more pressure in your fretting hand.

If I were you I would try a couple of gauges and then decide.

/Dave

Thanks for the feedback everyone appreciate the help, I was told if I'm going to re-string my entire guitar the best way to do so is to replace one at a time so the tension on the neck is not lost and the action stays true. Makes sense to me does anyone else follow this regime?

It makes intuitive sense. First time I changed strings I hadn't heard of that suggestion so I took them all off and then replaced them. No ill effects. Then I heard this and so have been changing them one at a time. It's no harder and I just figure better safe than sorry. (Like I have changed them that many times! 3?) lol

Originally Posted by: AndrewJames2121Thanks for the feedback everyone appreciate the help, I was told if I'm going to re-string my entire guitar the best way to do so is to replace one at a time so the tension on the neck is not lost and the action stays true. Makes sense to me does anyone else follow this regime?

I do. I change out the low E first, then the high E. From there I continue the pattern; 5th string then 2nd, 4th string then 3rd.

But I find no consensus 'out there' whether this makes a difference or not. Still, the logic of too much relaxation of tension on the neck by removing all the strings at once seems solid to me...even if it's for a short time.

Truth be told, though, I baby my guitars. I mean, I REALLY BABY my guitars. I wipe them down after every play, they get a more detailed cleaning every weekend and they are always in their cases if I'm not playing.

Now I'm thinking about a safe room... :D :D

Thanks John! What do you clean your guitar with? My fret board could definitely use a wipe down and cleaning

There's lots of 'stuff' out there to clean guitars and fretboards but I have yet to use any of 'em. There are many issues with guitar finishes and I just haven't taken the time to see what is (allegedly) safe for my two guitars. Besides, I reason if I keep the guitars clean to begin with I won't have to mess with the stuff to clean, polish, etc. Others may have a different experience. I have found cleaning recommendations from the manufacturers of my two guitars so I suggest you search the online site of yours.

After play, I wipe down the guitar (strings and fretboard included) with a clean soft dry cotton cloth (I found mine in the auto section at WalMart). Then the guitars go back in their cases without their straps.

On a weekly basis I use an electric duster (a small handheld vacuum that blows instead of sucks) to get rid of dust and other loose crap, a string cleaner called...wait for it..."The String Cleaner" http://thestringcleaner.com/ , and then I wipe down the body and palm-side of the neck with a miracle cloth (micro fiber) dampened with distilled water. I go over everything once again with the drier part of the miracle cloth.

I told you I baby'ed by guitars. :)

p.s. Fretboard cleaning is, to me, the downside of changing strings one at a time. It'd be a whole lot easier to clean a fretboard with all of the strings off. ;)

Haha that is intensive care I like the commitment! I'll be sure to apply some of that care to my guitar as well!

Originally Posted by: AndrewJames2121Thanks John! What do you clean your guitar with? My fret board could definitely use a wipe down and cleaning

What kind of freboard do you have? If it not maple (like the blond colored fretboards you see sometimes on Fender guitars), you should use some fretboard oil or conditioner. Years ago I bought a Gibson guitar cleaning kit that contains guitar polish, fretboard conditioner, and string cleaner. My LP has a rosewood fretboard. I discovered after owning it for a year how much of a difference conditioning the fretboard made in playability. The fretboard was quite dried out and felt much better under my fingers after conditioning it. The "conditioner" is basically oil. The guitartricks tech recommended Music Nomad Fretboard F-ONE oil.

To make it easier to clean the guitar, I remove all of the strings at once. Otherwise, it is a real pain to clean under the strings. I've never had a problem doing it this way for over 10 years.