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Replace your nylon strings and keep your instrument sounding fresh
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If the strings on your classical or Spanish guitar are dirty, sound blunt, or can no longer hold their tune, this may be a sign that it's time to change them out. All you need to do is tie each string to the bridge, then tie each string to their corresponding barrels in the headstock. With this in-depth guide and a little patience, you’ll have a newly restrung guitar to play in just 15 to 30 minutes.
Restringing a Classical or Spanish Guitar
- Loosen and untie each string from the headstock and the bridge.
- Insert the thickest (E) string into the far left hole in the bridge.
- Wrap the string’s end behind the main length and insert it into the loop.
- Wrap the end of the string around the left edge of the loop 1 time.
- Hold the end over the hole of the next string and tighten the knot.
- Repeat these steps with the 4th (D) and 5th (A) strings.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
Removing the Existing Strings
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Loosen and untie each string from the barrels in the headstock. Twist each of the tuning pegs by hand or using a winder until the string unravels completely. Untie the strings from the barrels or use scissors to clip them off. [1] X Research source
- If you’re in a hurry, clip the strings with scissors or wire cutters after detaching them from the headstock.
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Untie each string at the bridge and remove them. Undo the knot at the bridge and push each string back through the hole in the bridge. Pull all of the strings out of the bridge and dispose of them. [2] X Research source
- Optionally, scrape up any grime on the fretboard with a popsicle stick. Clean the board with a toothbrush and a silicone-free guitar cleaner . Rub lemon oil on the fretboard with a soft cloth. [3] X Research source
- If you prefer to change the strings one at a time, remove each string before you tie on the new one. [4] X Research source
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Get a new pack of nylon classical guitar strings. Use normal tension nylon strings or strings made for classical guitars. Try to avoid steel strings or acoustic guitar strings that have a ball at one end.
- Try out different tension nylon strings to see if you like the sound better. [5] X Research source
- The tension in steel strings is much higher than nylon, which can put too much pressure on the neck, eventually causing it to bend or crack.
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Section 2 of 4:
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Insert the thickest (E) string into the far left hole and create a loop. Push the E string through the far left hole so that about 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) sticks out towards the bottom of the guitar. [6] X Research source Take the end and wrap it behind the main length of the string so that the end is on the left side. Insert the end inside the loop created so that it faces to the right. [7] X Research source
- If one end of your new string has a rough, inflexible texture while the other end is smooth and flexible, use the smooth end to loop through the bridge. [8] X Research source
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Wrap the end of the string around the left edge of the loop once. Wrap the end of the E string around the left side of the loop 1 time. The bass strings on the left of your fretboard are thicker, and most only need to be wrapped around once to be secure. However, if your string is thinner, wrap it around 2 or 3 times. [9] X Research source
- To secure the string, professional guitarist Carlos Alzonzo Rivera says “you slide one string in one end of the hole… Put in a little bit of the string there and then loop it back around. And then you have to tie a couple loops on the bridge, and then make sure the string is secure.” [10]
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Expert Source
Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA
Professional Guitarist Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.
- To secure the string, professional guitarist Carlos Alzonzo Rivera says “you slide one string in one end of the hole… Put in a little bit of the string there and then loop it back around. And then you have to tie a couple loops on the bridge, and then make sure the string is secure.” [10]
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Expert Source
Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA
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Hold the end over the next string’s hole and tighten the knot. Press your finger over the end of the E string so it lies flat just above the hole in the bridge for the string next to it (the A string). Pull on the main length of string to tighten the knot. [11] X Research source
- If the end of the string is too long, trim it with a pair of scissors or wire cutters.
- Make sure the end of the string comes down under the bridge before you tighten it. This will help to ensure that your knot won’t come loose.
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Repeat the steps above with the 5th (A) and 4th (D) string. Wrap the thicker strings next to the E string the same way. Make sure that the bottom of each loop dips under the bridge with their ends just above the hole in the bridge. Leave the 4th (D) string slightly loose so you can tuck the tail of the 3rd (G) string next to it underneath. [12] X Research source
- The A string will go over the end of the E string, tying it down. This prevents the end of your strings from whipping the guitar and scratching the surface.
- Alternatively, just clip the ends of each string so they won’t be long enough to whip the guitar. [13] X Research source
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Insert the thinnest (e) string, make a loop, and wrap its side 2 times. Thread the thinnest string through the rightmost hole in the bridge. Wrap the end behind the main length so the end points right. Fold the end over the top of the string so that the end now points left. [14] X Research source Insert the end in the back of the loop created. Wrap the string around the right side of the loop twice. [15] X Research source
- This will create a secure knot around the bridge.
- This is the same process as above, except the end of the string points in the opposite direction.
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Hold the end over the hole of the next string and tighten the knot. Hold your finger over the end of the e string so it lies flat just above the hole in the bridge for the string directly beside it (the B string). Gently pull on the main length of string to tighten the knot. [16] X Research source
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Repeat the previous 2 steps with the 2nd (B) and 3rd (G) strings. This will create an even line of knots along the bridge, where the end of every string is tucked into the knot of the string next to it. [17] X Research source Leave the 3rd (G) string a little loose so you can tuck in the end of the 4th (D) string next to it.
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Tuck in the ends of the G and D strings and tighten them. Take the end of the 3rd (G) string and tuck it over the hole of the 4th (D) string. Hold down the end and tighten the D string by pulling on its main length. Tuck the end of the D string over the hole of the G string, then tighten the G string by tugging gently on the main length above the bridge. [18] X Research source
- This will create a nice even tie, where both ends are tucked into the knot of the other string.
- Alternatively, repeat the first 3 steps with every string except the thinnest treble string (e). Follow the previous 4 steps for the e string and tuck its end into the B string’s knot. [19] X Research source
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Section 3 of 4:
Attaching the Strings to the Headstock
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Turn the tuning peg for the E string until the hole is facing up. Rotate the white barrel (capstan) inside the headstock until the hole faces directly up or follows the natural curve of the headstock. This allows you to see what you're doing. [20] X Research source
- Optionally, turn all the tuning pegs so that all the holes face upward and you don’t have to repeat this step.
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Thread the new E string through the top of the hole. Push the end of the 6th (E) string down through the corresponding hole on barrel (capstan) in the neck. Catch the end with your finger so you can run it back through the gap above the capstan. [21] X Research source
- Some people prefer to insert the string through the hole twice so it’s more secure. [22] X Research source
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Run the E string back through the gap above the barrel (capstan). Push the end of the string upward with your fingers so it pokes up above the capstan you threaded it into. [23] X Research source Going above the capstan with the E string can give you more room to work.
- You can also push the string below the capstan—it depends on your preference.
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Pull the string down from the top of the fretboard to the first fret. Pull the end of the string tight and place your finger on the white piece at the top of the fretboard. Pull the string down, keeping your finger at the same place along the string, until your finger reaches the first fret. This leaves slack in the middle of the neck so you can safely wind the string. [24] X Research source
- Alternatively, push the string to the right edge of the fretboard on the 1st fret.
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Cross the end over the main length and insert the end into the loop. Tie an overhand knot on the barrel by crossing the end of the string over the main length on the other side of the barrel. Insert the end into the loop created and pull tight to create the knot. [25] X Research source
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Rotate the tuning peg to tighten the string and cut off the excess. Turn the tuning peg clockwise to tighten the string. When the string is tight and secured around the barrel, stop winding. Cut off any excess string with a pair of scissors or wire cutters. [26] X Research source
- Alternatively, use a pair of nail clippers to trim the ends of the strings.
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Repeat this process for every string. Working in order from the 6th (E) string to the 1st (e) string can make it easier to properly attach the new strings to the neck of the guitar. [27] X Research source Be careful not to tighten the strings so much that they snap.
- After you've attached all of your new strings, you’re ready to tune your guitar .
- Alternatively, you can attach the new E string before you remove the old A string and tune the guitar to itself. To do this, play the E string at the 5th fret and match it to the sound of the A string.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionDo nylon strings go dead?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerYes, nylon strings will eventually stretch as they age and become harder to tune. However, they typically last longer than metal strings, which can corrode or rust.
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QuestionCan you use ball end strings on a classical guitar?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerYou can, but most musicians say they will not sound as good as classical guitar strings.
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QuestionHow often should you change strings on a classical guitar?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIf you play your guitar a lot, it’s a good idea to change the strings every 4-5 weeks. You may need to change them more or less often depending on how much use your guitar gets or whether your strings tend to get dirty or lose tone easily.
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Tips
- Your guitar strings will need to be tuned and stretched several times before they settle and stay in pitch. [29] X Research sourceThanks
- Try to avoid overtightening strings—the strings can snap, fly back, and hurt you. This can put too much pressure on the bridge and neck, possibly causing them to crack or break.Thanks
- Using a string winder drastically speeds up the winding process. However, be careful not to tighten the string too much or it could snap.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Classical guitar
- New pack of classical guitar (nylon) strings
- Popsicle stick, silicone-free guitar cleaner , lemon oil , and a toothbrush (optional)
- String winder (optional)
- Scissors, wire cutters, or nail clippers
Video
References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/4Cw84_0KHTI?t=7
- ↑ https://youtu.be/4Cw84_0KHTI?t=7
- ↑ https://acousticguitar.com/how-to-clean-a-guitar-fretboard-the-proper-and-safe-way/
- ↑ https://www.derek-hasted.co.uk/faqs/restring/
- ↑ https://www.guitarworld.com/features/classical-guitar-setup
- ↑ https://youtu.be/JRR5cX8eS0g?t=263
- ↑ https://youtu.be/bU-HTdGtkH4?t=83
- ↑ https://youtu.be/bU-HTdGtkH4?t=50
- ↑ https://youtu.be/bU-HTdGtkH4?t=84
- ↑ Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA. Professional Guitarist. Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.
- ↑ https://youtu.be/bU-HTdGtkH4?t=101
- ↑ https://youtu.be/bU-HTdGtkH4?t=120
- ↑ https://youtu.be/22WAxzDxeJ8?t=853
- ↑ https://youtu.be/4Cw84_0KHTI?t=106
- ↑ https://youtu.be/4Cw84_0KHTI?t=106
- ↑ https://youtu.be/4Cw84_0KHTI?t=126
- ↑ https://www.musicradar.com/tuition/guitars/guitar-setup-how-to-restring-a-nylon-string-classical-guitar-626676
- ↑ https://youtu.be/ycWbsUDdR_E?t=451
- ↑ https://youtu.be/ycWbsUDdR_E?t=451
- ↑ https://youtu.be/bU-HTdGtkH4?t=149
- ↑ https://youtu.be/bU-HTdGtkH4?t=149
- ↑ https://www.musicradar.com/tuition/guitars/guitar-setup-how-to-restring-a-nylon-string-classical-guitar-626676
- ↑ https://youtu.be/bU-HTdGtkH4?t=149
- ↑ https://youtu.be/bU-HTdGtkH4?t=159
- ↑ https://youtu.be/bU-HTdGtkH4?t=177
- ↑ https://youtu.be/bU-HTdGtkH4?t=218
- ↑ https://youtu.be/bU-HTdGtkH4?t=243
- ↑ https://acousticguitar.com/how-guitar-strings-age-and-how-to-know-when-to-change-them/
- ↑ https://www.musicradar.com/tuition/guitars/guitar-setup-how-to-restring-a-nylon-string-classical-guitar-626676
About This Article
Article Summary
X
If your classical guitar strings buzz, sound blunt, or don't hold their tune, it's probably time to change them. To remove your old strings, loosen each string at the head and untie them at the bridge. You'll want to use nylon strings for your classical guitar, since steel strings can damage it. Tie your new strings to the bridge, looping each string around itself. Since the other 3 strings are thinner and can slip out, you’ll want to loop them 3 times before tying them. You'll thread each string through its hole in the headstock and tighten them by turning the knobs. For more tips from our Guitar co-author, including how to tune your classical guitar, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I have taken lessons for six months, returned from my vacation, and the sixth string was loose on my guitar. I don't know how this happened, but I followed the instructions on your video, and I was able to restring it easily." ..." more
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"I have taken lessons for six months, returned from my vacation, and the sixth string was loose on my guitar. I don't know how this happened, but I followed the instructions on your video, and I was able to restring it easily."
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"I bought classical strings with a plastic bead on the end. The bead came off while I was tuning. I was able to use your instructions and pictures to tie the string instead of having to purchase a new string."
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"I have played classical for over 50 years, so I know how to change strings. But my son-in-law didn't understand my explanation over the phone, so I messaged the link to this page and now he's a master!"
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"I gave my grandson a youth guitar with plastic strings. I have restrung my own guitar, but with steel strings. I followed the directions, and we are back on the road!"
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"The first part was excellent! The second part was less clear and some of the instructions and photos seemed incomplete. But it did get the job done, so thank you!"
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