Q&A for How to Change Classical Guitar Strings

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Do nylon strings go dead?

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Yes, 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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Can you use ball end strings on a classical guitar?

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You can, but most musicians say they will not sound as good as classical guitar strings.

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How often should you change strings on a classical guitar?

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If 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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Question

My silver classical strings have ends that are different. Which goes where? The more flexible, less wound end on the bridge or neck?

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The loosely wound end goes on the bridge to make the knotting process easier.

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Question

How long will it take the guitar to stay in tune regularly after putting on new strings?

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It may take a few days for the guitar to stay in tune.

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Question

What is a nylon string?

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A guitar string was traditionally made of gut. Nowadays they are made of nylon (a.k.a plastic). Opposed to a steel string, a nylon string sounds warmer and can only be used on a classical guitar. The sounds of nylons string are perfected, and specially made, for classical music.

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Question

I have just numbers on the string package, not string names. Which number corresponds to which string?

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1 = High E, 2 = B, 3 = G, 4 = D, 5 = A, 6 = Low E. If you are still having problems, go to a guitar shop and for a small fee they will change the strings for you.

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How tightly do I tune these classical strings?

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The strings should be tuned only tight enough so that when they are plucked, they will play the correct pitch.

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Question

Broke one string. Strings are about 2 years old. Should I replace all of them or just the broken one?

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You may as well just replace them all. Older strings will sound duller than new ones, and they come packaged together, so I would go ahead and replace them all.

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Question

Why can't I buy single strings for my guitars?

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Strings are made to be used as sets. If you replace just one string, you will have a much brighter tone on that one string, and the others will sound duller (either slightly or very noticeably, depending on how recently you replaced all of your strings), which sounds odd and can make notes played on that string sound more emphasized than they're supposed to be.

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Question

When I tightened some loose strings, I noticed that all of them rolled over the top of the roller except the one I replaced; it rolled under. Does it make a difference?

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Apart from being ugly and rolling the peg the opposite way, the string may rub on some parts of the headstock, damaging the wood.

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Question

The bridge on my guitar is a loose white insert, slightly narrower at one end. Should the narrow end face the base or the treble strings?

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Although it is based on the distance of the strings from the wood, generally it faces the treble strings.

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Question

Can I string a classic guitar the same way I string an acoustic guitar?

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No, it's completely different. The strings are different, the bridge is different, and the string posts are inside headstock. If the strings have ball ends it will be easier. If not you tie a knot or 2 at one end of the string and wrap the excess around the string and bridge. Measure each string length and decide where each string gauge is located. Give yourself a little extra.

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Do I need to cut the balls and eyelets off and tie them off when changing classical guitar strings?

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Do not use steel strings for classical guitar. It exerts more tension on the machine head and therefore may damage it. Only use nylon strings.

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Question

How many inches of string should I leave to wrap?

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There should be about 4 inches of give in the middle of the neck when you tie the knot around the peg.

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Question

How do I change the thin strings on my classical guitar?

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The same way you change the thicker strings. Be careful when doing this, as thinner strings tend to break easily.

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Question

Can I used nylon strings on my acoustic guitar?

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You can, but when I did I had a hard time with string buzz and keeping in tune. Something about different tension design for steel-string versus nylon-string guitars.

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Question

Why did my classical guitar come with steel strings on it if it’s not good for the guitar?

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If the guitar is used, someone else might have added them on. Remove them and replace them with nylon strings because they will feel and sound better.

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If a classical guitar has been broken into parts, can it be repaired?

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Yes, it can! However, it can be quite expensive, depending on how bad the damage is.

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