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.