String replacement.

Hello,

I've had my guitars for a good couple of years before joining up here and actually seriously making the effort to learn to play (and I'm so impressed with how good the beginners course is on this site!). However I was wondering if there was a rule of thumb for when to change strings? Is it a case of 'If it's not broke don't fix it' or should they be changed after a certain period of time?

Any advice appreciated.

W.

Generally, if they start to turn black and especially if they rust. :)[br] [br]But it really depends on your environment, how often you wipe them down after playing, and also if you wash your hands before playing. After many years of playing, I can hear a tone change after just one day, even after a couple of hours of recording, but I am very picky about having clean strings. I do everything I can to keep them as clean as possible.[br] [br]Some strings are made to last longer, like Elixirs, but they're more expensive. But they do last longer for sure. On my acoustic I have some coated strings that I honestly have not changed in years, but I rarely play it. If I were to start a recording project I'd proabably restring because I like a bright tone.[br] [br]If you're a beginner and playing regularly, like hours every day, you might wanna try changing every week or 2 weeks, I would think. As you advance in experience, you might be changing every week or every three days, because you'll probably develop your own feel for how dirty you can tolerate.[br] [br]I know some professional players who will NEVER change their strings as long as they don't break. For some, it's a tone preference, but I personaly can't stand dirty strings like that.[br] [br]As a pretty strict rule I have all the GuitarTricks instructors change their strings before we shoot. Otherwise, the strings will lose some of their reflectiveness on camera (and make them a little harder to see), and you'll start to see finger oil marks on them. That's always a sign that the strings have been played a lot.[br] [br]It really depends on so many factors! If they start to feel too dirty for you, try changing and see how it feels. Eventually, after changing your strings many times, you'll develop a sense for it. I can simply tap a string against the fretboard and tell immediately if it's too old for my picky tastes. :)[br] [br]-Carl.

Originally Posted by: whim73

Hello,

I've had my guitars for a good couple of years before joining up here and actually seriously making the effort to learn to play (and I'm so impressed with how good the beginners course is on this site!). However I was wondering if there was a rule of thumb for when to change strings? Is it a case of 'If it's not broke don't fix it' or should they be changed after a certain period of time?

Any advice appreciated.

W.

Always good to change strings as often as you have time of money for. Fresh strings ring better and, after being worked in, keep tune a bit better. Journey's Neil Schon changes strings nearly any time he plays one of his guitars (I follow him on Instragram and recall him saying such....actually, he is very engaged on Instagram and often has quick replied to any number of commenters).

Reality?

It can be months before string changes. Truthfully, if they're playing alright and keeping tune, you don't have to rush to change all the time. It's usually every couple of months for me. However, I have a bunch of guitars and no single guitar gets played constantly.

That's another thing to consider.

How much you practice. Specifically, how often are playing that guitar. Often? Change your strings with some regularity; oils from your hands will degrade your strings. Oils from your hands can be pretty destructive. No fear though, a nice soft rag and best to get one that is made to wipe down a guitar will help.

Wipe down your instrument often. Any metal parts you touch are good to wipe down. Wiping down the neck frets and wood is a good practice.

Just some general use tips. The more you take care of your guitar, the better it takes care of you. You don't have to super crazy but it's good to give your self a nice little timeframe that you use to maintain things and change strings.

Originally Posted by: whim73

Hello,

I've had my guitars for a good couple of years before joining up here and actually seriously making the effort to learn to play (and I'm so impressed with how good the beginners course is on this site!). However I was wondering if there was a rule of thumb for when to change strings? Is it a case of 'If it's not broke don't fix it' or should they be changed after a certain period of time?

Any advice appreciated.

W.

Really it depends on how much you are playing. If you are playing consistently, then you should probably change at the very least every 1-2 months. That being said let your ears be your guide. If your guitar starts sounding dull, that's probably a good sign that the strings need to be changed. I know a lot of your professional musicians on tour will probably change strings for every show they play.

Thanks guys,

Much appreciated!