Change classical guitar strings step by step

On your journey with the guitar, you will reach a point where you will need to change classical guitar strings to keep the sound bright.

It is not as difficult as you can imagine, especially after you do it once or twice at most, but I think you will enjoy it and eagerly await it.

Tools you will need

Before you start make sure you have the following tools that will make your life easier:

1- String Winder – Not necessarily, but it is very practical and will save you a lot of time.
2- New guitar strings – any nylon strings will do the trick. There are many types and you can learn the difference between them by reading the article here.
3- A sharp nipper or pliers to cut the string’s ends.

One tip for strings, don’t buy strings that have a ball end because they are for acoustic guitars. The beginning of the string should be the same as the ending for the classical guitar.

Steps to change Classical Guitar Strings

Step one: remove the old strings

Begin by loosening all the strings so that no sound comes out of it. If the strings are worn out or you have played them for a long time, I advise you not to keep them because you will not use them again, but rather get rid of them.
Personally, to save time, I cut it with pliers after I loosen it.

Important tip: NEVER cut the strings when they are too tight as you could cut the guitar or yourself!

Step Two: Attach the end of the string to the bridge

You may find that one end of the string has a different texture and a wider twist. This end hooks into the adjusting knob, not the bridge. Use only the symmetrical end of the string at the bridge.

• Put the end of the string through the hole in the bridge.

• Lift the tail up and around the main length of the string. You can make a crease in the string to mark where you are if you like.

• Place the tail of the string under the loop you just created.

For the sixth and fifth strings, you will only need to tuck the string under once because these strings are thick, for the rest of the strings you will need to wrap them twice.

To make the knot, make sure the tail crosses under the knot over the bridge flange. This gives the knot its strength.

Step Three: Tieing the string to the Tuning Key

Once the knot is made in the bridge, insert the second end into the small white column of the adjusting knob.
Wrap the tail of the string around the length of the string two or three times and hold it still.
Point the tail of the string inward from the middle of the head. This is optional, but it helps the strings look consistent and organized.

Then use the String Winder to stretch the string. When the coiled string crosses over the white shaft, guide the taut string into the middle of the guitar’s head (instead of outward toward the tuning key). Keep stretching the string until it reaches the correct note on the tuner.

Step Four: Repeat these steps with the rest of the strings

Step 5 (Optional): Knot the first string twice

For some reason, when we change classical guitar strings, the bridge knot in the E (string 1) sometimes slips. Because it’s under tension, it slides off the top of the guitar, behind the bridge. It is not uncommon to see a “mark” on classical guitars behind the first string E.

One way to prevent this is to make a double loop for the first string E across the bridge. Instead of putting the string through the hole once, you bring it up and twist it again, creating a loop.

Next, you secure it just like the others, this time tucking the tail under and around the two loops.

Step 6 (optional): Stretch the strings

If you don’t know, the new strings take a long time to settle in. You tune it and after 5 minutes you discover that your guitar is out of tune! It remains like this for a period of up to a week or more.

You can stretch the strings manually and reduce the time it takes for the strings to settle. DO THAT GENTLY so you don’t “accidentally” cut a string. Don’t go too far, just a few centimeters above the soundhole will do!

Step Seven: Cut the ends of the strings

Finally, we cut off the excess ends and we get everything neat and tidy. At the bridge, clip the tail to the distance to the next string. This keeps all tails at a constant length. Next, cut the tails at the tuning keys to approximately the same length as the bridge.

Congratualtion! You Made it

Was it a difficult task? Sure, at first you had some doubts, but in the end, you were able to change classical guitar strings for the first time, and I don’t think it will be the last.

If you practice daily, expect to adjust the tuning each time you practice for a week or so. This happens even with the best strings in the world, so be patient.

How frequently should you change classical guitar strings?

New strings look richer and brighter than old strings. The three treble strings make the nail noiseless (if you use nails), and the bass sound more strong and pure.

So when should you change it?

There is no single correct answer. We can play it until we become professional players, but we might enjoy new strings every now and then.

If you have lost your enthusiasm for a while and have not been practicing, changing the classical guitar strings to new strings can encourage you to practice again.

But if you are practicing daily, you may want to change the strings right before you travel or at another time when you are away from your guitar for a few weeks or months.

And if you want to get rid of this question for good, make a schedule and put it on the calendar. Whether it’s annual, quarterly, or monthly, you’ll know when the time is right.

Some players change classical guitar strings once every few years. Others change them every few weeks, and some artists change them almost daily! It’s really a personal choice, but when in doubt, change them.

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