If you have a guitar and play, whether once a year or every day, then you have definitely asked yourself this question; When should I replace my guitar strings? Many people have different opinions on this matter; some give a specific time period, other say it depends on the guitar, while others still say ‘wait for it to break’.
To help you avoid the confusion of the multitude of opinions, here we will look at why strings need to be changed? When you should change them? What signs you need to look for? And tips to keep them in better condition for a longer period of time.
Why do strings need to be changed?
Guitar strings naturally oxidize over time. They also degrade due to usage. The oil and dirt from the fingers gets attached to the strings and causes their deterioration. It makes the guitar sound dull and lifeless. It gets difficult to hold a tune, it can cut your finger and is liable to break.
The amount of damage to a string depends on your biological chemistry; how much you sweat, how acidic the sweat is, how often you use the guitar and the conditions in which the guitar is stored. It is for this reason that the time period between changes can differ from person to person.
There are two ways of assessing the need for change. First is following the recommended average time period given by professionals, depending on usage. Second is recognizing the sound and feel of your guitar to guide you over when you need to change them.
When should I change them?
If you are a beginner, then the rule of thumb is 100 hours or three months. If you use it more often you might need to change the string every month.
Whether you need to change the strings depends on how serious you are about playing the guitar, how often you play, and how many guitars you use.
It also depends on how you want your guitar to sound. Some prefer the crisp sound of new strings, while others prefer the soft and broken-in sound of a well-used guitar. If you are unsure of what sound you want or how long you should wait before changing the string then looks for signs that you need to change them.
Signs that show that you need to change your strings.
You should look for the following signs to assess whether your guitar strings need to be changed.
Tuning Problems – When a guitar starts giving you tuning problems, and stretching the string does nothing to help, then your string needs to be changed.
Dull or flat string – New strings have a bright and cheery tone to them. If your string sounds flat and dull when you play it, if it does not ring as loud or long and does not harmonize well, then you need to get it changed.
Discoloration of string – This is probably the easiest to spot for a new guitar enthusiast. The oil that is released from the fingers and stays on the guitar causes this discoloration.
Kinks in string – Using the strings for a long period of time can cause kinks in the string. They can cause changes in the tone of the guitar and can also cause the string to break suddenly.
Stiff/dead string – These are caused by oxidization of the strings. The strings should always be bendable and flexible to make the bright ringing sound. If the string is dead, then it does not have the snap when you pick them. It makes it harder to play the guitar.
Flakes on strings – Coated strings begin to flake when corrosion starts. This makes it easy to spot and know that the strings need to be changed.
Strings feel dirty – If you cannot tell whether your strings need to be changed by looking and listening to them, then try touching them. Strings should feel soft, smooth and slippery to the touch. If there is any roughness on the strings, then the likely cause is accumulation of dirt which could lead to deterioration of the string.
Tips to keep string in good conditions:
While knowing the string needs to be changed is good, it is also important to keep the strings in good condition for as long as possible. We have mentioned here a few easy and simple tips which can help.
Wash hands before playing – Washing hands before playing can reduce the amount of dirt that is introduced to the guitar.
Clean the guitar after playing – Wiping the string with cotton after playing can prolong the life of a string. It removes the grime, sweat and oil accumulated on the strings which causes the corrosion.
String cleaners – You can also use a string cleaner to prolong the life of your string. These cleaners form a coating on the string to prevent corrosion.
Keep guitar is a suitable environment – If you store the guitar in a pace with greater humidity, they are liable to rust quicker. The guitar should be stored in a dry and clean environment.
FAQ
Do I need to change all the guitar string, if only one is bad?
It is recommended that you change all the strings. The guitar will not sound in sync if there are a few new strings and a few old ones. It is best to change them all so that they sound in tune.
I just got old guitar out to play, which has been closeted for a couple of years. Do I need to change its strings?
Guitar strings naturally oxidize over time, even if you do not use them. Thus, you should change the strings before using it.
My strings break every couple of weeks; I don’t even use it that often. What could be causing it?
It is entirely possible that you are strumming too hard at your guitar. Try to pick more gently and see if it makes a difference. If not, then you’re using the cheap strings and need to invest into better quality ones.