{"id":28697,"date":"2017-11-24T10:00:16","date_gmt":"2017-11-24T18:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/classicalguitarshed.foureyes.com\/?p=28697"},"modified":"2025-07-15T03:21:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T10:21:11","slug":"change-classical-guitar-strings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Change Classical Guitar Strings (Step by Step)"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>At some point in our guitar journey, we may want or need to change strings on our classical guitar.<\/p>\r\n<p>We can change all the strings at the same time, or just one, if it breaks. (Although electric guitar strings have more of a tendency to break than classical.)\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It&#8217;s tempting to get intimidated by the special knots the nylon-strung classical guitar requires.\u00a0 But like most things, it&#8217;s only hard until you do it once or twice.<\/p>\r\n<p>So let&#8217;s look at how to change a guitar string.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\">\r\n<h2>Table of contents<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-how-to-change-classical-guitar-strings-tools\" data-level=\"2\">How to Change Classical Guitar Strings: Tools<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-which-strings-should-i-use\" data-level=\"2\">Which Strings Should I Use?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-tutorial-how-to-change-classical-guitar-strings\" data-level=\"2\">Tutorial: How to Change Classical Guitar Strings<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-step-one-remove-one-string\" data-level=\"3\">Step One: Remove one string<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-step-two-tie-a-new-string-to-bridge\" data-level=\"3\">Step Two:\u00a0 Tie a new string to bridge<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-step-three-attach-the-string-to-the-tuning-key\" data-level=\"3\">Step Three:\u00a0 Attach the string to the tuning key<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-step-four-repeat-with-the-other-strings\" data-level=\"3\">Step Four: Repeat with the other strings.<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-step-five-optional-double-loop-the-high-e\" data-level=\"3\">Step Five (Optional): Double-Loop the high E<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-step-six-optional-give-it-a-stretch\" data-level=\"3\">Step Six (optional): Give it a stretch<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-step-seven-optional-the-final-haircut-trim-the-excess-string\" data-level=\"3\">Step Seven (optional):\u00a0 The Final Haircut &#8211; Trim the Excess String<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-success-now-what\" data-level=\"2\">Success!\u00a0 Now What?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-how-often-should-i-change-classical-guitar-strings\" data-level=\"2\">How Often Should I Change Classical Guitar Strings?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"centerc\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AKsVF72Tsdg?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;autohide=1\" width=\"700\" height=\"393\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-how-to-change-classical-guitar-strings-tools\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How to Change Classical Guitar Strings: Tools<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Before you get started, first assemble your tools.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>A <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2iFGIjP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">string winder<\/a> (optional, but highly recommended)<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Strings (just about any set of classical guitar strings will do, more on this below)<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Nail clippers or wire cutters, for the final haircut<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>A tuner<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You&#8217;ll probably be most comfortable sitting in a chair when changing strings.\u00a0 This way you can put the guitar across your lap, hold it between your knees, and turn it around as need be.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-which-strings-should-i-use\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Which Strings Should I Use?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>There are many <a href=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/guitar-strings-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">classical guitar strings<\/a> on the market.\u00a0 But unless you&#8217;re an advanced player, you probably won&#8217;t be able to tell the difference between them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2zZdVjB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"256\" class=\"wp-image-28725\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS18-EJ45-guitar-strings.jpg\" alt=\"d'addario guitar string\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The most important thing is that you use <a href=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/guitar-string-finger-names\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">classical guitar strings<\/a> (most commonly made with nylon strings), not steel strings (or regular acoustic guitar strings).\u00a0 String tension on steel-string guitars is much higher, and classical guitars are not built to handle that much tension.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Also, acoustic guitar strings are made to have ball ends (balls on the end of the strings).\u00a0 Classical guitar strings do not, so they require a knot.\u00a0 Don&#8217;t buy anything with a ball end. Those are made specifically for acoustic guitar and require bridge pins to hold them down.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Most players will be fine with <strong>normal tension<\/strong> strings made by any major manufacturer.\u00a0 Whatever they have at the local music store.\u00a0 Perhaps the most common and widely available is the <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2zZdVjB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">D&#8217;Addario Pro-Arte Normal Tension Classical Guitar Strings<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you test many different brands and models over time, you may find a specific set of strings that sound especially good on your guitar. For example, you may prefer high-tension strings, medium-tension strings, light tension, carbon treble strings, or other brands like Savarez or Augustine.\u00a0 D&#8217;Addario has a good <a href=\"https:\/\/www.daddario.com\/find-your-gear\/string-finder\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">String Finder tool<\/a> on its website so we can see which of their strings would suit us best.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p>Some players mix and match different brands and different tensions on their guitars.\u00a0 Some people prefer nylon trebles.\u00a0 Some swear by carbon.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>But most players benefit more from improving their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/classical-guitar-tone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tone<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/how-to-learn-classical-guitar-arpeggios-right-hand-technique\/\">technique<\/a> than by switching brands of strings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-tutorial-how-to-change-classical-guitar-strings\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Tutorial: How to Change Classical Guitar Strings<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-step-one-remove-one-string\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step One: Remove one string<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>To change a classical guitar string, use your string winder to loosen a string fully.\u00a0 Many players begin with the lowest-sounding string (6th string, Low E).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-step-two-tie-a-new-string-to-bridge\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Two:\u00a0 Tie a new string to the bridge<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Important:\u00a0 You may find one end of the string has a different texture, and a wider wrap.\u00a0 This end goes at the tuning post, NOT the bridge.\u00a0 Use only the consistent end of the string at the bridge.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Put the end of the new string through the hole in the bridge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Bring the tail up and around the main length of the string.\u00a0 You can make a crease in the string to mark your place if you like.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Tuck the tail of the string under the loop you&#8217;ve just created.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28702 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28702\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS3.jpg\" alt=\"change classical guitar strings tie knot\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS3.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS3-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Put the string through the hole.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28701 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28701\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS2.jpg\" alt=\"change classical guitar string\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS2.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS2-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bring the tail up and around.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28700 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS1.jpg\" alt=\"loop guitar string\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS1.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tuck the tail under the loop created.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>On the low E (6th string), and optionally the A (5th string), you only need to tuck the string under once.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For the other strings, you&#8217;ll need to wrap it through twice.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28704\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS5.jpg\" alt=\"string a classical guitar knot\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS5.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS5-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>To &#8220;seat&#8221; the knot, make sure the tail crosses under the knot over the lip of the bridge.\u00a0 This gives the knot its strength.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28706 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28706\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS7.jpg\" alt=\"guitar string tail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS7.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS7-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Make sure the tail crosses over the lip of the bridge.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28728 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28728\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS6-1.jpg\" alt=\"switch guitar strings\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS6-1.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS6-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tighten the knot, with the tail crossing over the lip of the bridge.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-step-three-attach-the-string-to-the-tuning-key\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Three:\u00a0 Attach the string to the tuning key<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve knotted the bridge, put the string through the hole in the middle of the post in the tuning key.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28707 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS8.jpg\" alt=\"change guitar string head\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS8.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS8-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Put the string through the hole.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>To figure out how much slack you&#8217;ll need, hold the string a finger-height above the 12th fret.\u00a0 Notice how much slack that leaves at the tuning key, or make a crimp or crease in the string at the tuning key.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-28709\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28709\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS10.jpg\" alt=\"slack in guitar string\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS10.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS10-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">For slack, give a finger-height at the 12th fret.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Wrap the tail of the string around the length of the string two or three times and hold it firm.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Point the tail of the string towards the inside or middle of the headstock.\u00a0 This is optional but helps the strings look consistent and organized.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28708 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28708\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS9.jpg\" alt=\"knot the string in the hole\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS9.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS9-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Twist the tail around the string 2 or 3 times and tighten it.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Then use your string winder to tighten the string.\u00a0 (You don&#8217;t have to use a string winder.\u00a0 You can do it without, but it will take longer.) When you cross over the wound string on the post, guide the tightening string to the middle of the headstock (instead of outwards towards the tuning peg).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28711 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28711\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS12.jpg\" alt=\"headstock guitar strings\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS12.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS12-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wind all strings toward the center of the headstock for a tidy look.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Continue tightening the string until it&#8217;s near the correct pitch.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-step-four-repeat-with-the-other-strings\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Four: Repeat with the other strings.<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-step-five-optional-double-loop-the-high-e\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Five (Optional): Double-Loop the high E<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For some reason, when we change classical guitar strings, the bridge knot of the high E string sometimes slips as we tune.\u00a0 Because it&#8217;s under tension, it then &#8220;whips&#8221; the top of the instrument, just behind the bridge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It has such a force that it can go through the finish and take out a chunk of wood.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It&#8217;s not uncommon to see a &#8220;whip mark&#8221; on classical guitars behind the E string.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-28716\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28716\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS17.jpg\" alt=\"guitar whip mark\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS17.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS17-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The high E sometimes slips and damages the top of the guitar.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>One way to prevent this is to double-loop the high E string through the bridge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Instead of putting the string through the hole once, you bring it around and go through again, creating a loop.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28731 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28731\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS15-2.jpg\" alt=\"loop high string guitar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS15-2.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS15-2-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Loop the high E string through the bridge twice, then tie as usual.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28713 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28713\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS14.jpg\" alt=\"guitar double loop\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS14.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS14-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tie the double-looped string exactly like the others, wrapping the tail around both loops.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You then knot it exactly the same as the others, this time tucking the tail under and around both loops.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-step-six-optional-give-it-a-stretch\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Six (optional): Give it a stretch<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You can stretch your guitar strings manually and reduce the time they take to settle in.\u00a0 They will still stretch naturally for a couple of days, but this can speed up the process.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Make sure to use your thumb and\/or fingers to torque the string along its length.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28788 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28788\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS19.jpg\" alt=\"stretch new guitar strings\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS19.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS19-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">String Stretching: Press with the thumb and lift with the fingers.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28789 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28789\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS20.jpg\" alt=\"stretching guitar guitar string\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS20.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS20-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">String Stretching: Press with the index finger while lifting with the others.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You can continue to stretch the string periodically until they no longer slip wildly out of tune between or during practices.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-step-seven-optional-the-final-haircut-trim-the-excess-string\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Seven (optional):\u00a0 The Final Haircut &#8211; Trim the Excess String<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Finally, we trim the excess string and get everything neat and tidy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28712 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28712\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS13.jpg\" alt=\"trim guitar string tail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS13.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS13-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trim the tails to the next string.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>At the bridge, trim the tail to the distance to the next string.\u00a0 This keeps all the excess strings a consistent length.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-28715 size-full\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" class=\"wp-image-28715\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS16.jpg\" alt=\"clip the end of the string\" srcset=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS16.jpg 250w, https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/CS16-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/>\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trim the tails at the headstock.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Then, trim the tails at the tuning pegs approximately the same length as at the bridge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-success-now-what\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Success!\u00a0 Now What?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>After string changes, celebrate your grand accomplishment with a drink or treat of your liking.\u00a0 It&#8217;s a big job.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Expect frequent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/tune-guitar-by-ear\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tuning<\/a> for the first few days to a week.\u00a0 This is natural and comes with the territory.\u00a0 Be patient.\u00a0 On the upside, you&#8217;ll probably notice a better sound quality.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>While your guitar strings are still stretching, you may practice more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/rasgueado-technique\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rasgueados<\/a>.\u00a0 These give the strings action and help them settle in (and are great for the hands).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-how-often-should-i-change-classical-guitar-strings\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How Often Should I Change Classical Guitar Strings?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>New strings sound richer and brighter than old strings.\u00a0 The nylon treble strings make less extra nail noise (if you use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/classical-guitar-nails\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nails<\/a>).\u00a0 And the bass strings sound punchy and strong.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>So <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/new-strings\/\">when should you change<\/a> them?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>There is no one correct answer.\u00a0 We can technically play them until they break and fall off the guitar.\u00a0 But we may enjoy new strings now and then.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>If you ever get into a rut and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/procrastination\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">don&#8217;t feel like<\/a> practicing, new strings and a guitar spit-shine may get the juices back flowing<\/li>\r\n<li>If you feel that the strings start to sound &#8216;dead&#8217;, or don&#8217;t stay in tune\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/teach-yourself-learn-classical-guitar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">If you have a daily guitar practice<\/a>, you may want to change your strings just before traveling or at another time when you&#8217;ll be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/classical-guitar-technique-exercises-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">away<\/a> from your guitar for a few days<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>If you want to eliminate the question forever, decide on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarshed.com\/guitar-practice-schedule\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">schedule<\/a> and put it on your calendar.\u00a0 Be it yearly, quarterly, or monthly, you&#8217;ll know when it&#8217;s time to put on different strings<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Another option is to change some strings, more often than others. If you are using silver-plated, or other high-quality bass strings, they will often sound &#8220;fresher&#8221; for longer than the higher-pitched nylon strings. Some guitarists will change the trebles but keep the same bass strings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Some players change their classical guitar strings once every few years.\u00a0 Others change them every few weeks.\u00a0 Some performers change them almost daily.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It&#8217;s truly a personal choice when you want to change your strings.\u00a0 (But when in doubt, switch them out!)<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At some point in our guitar journey, we may want or need to change strings on our classical guitar. We can change all the strings at the same time, or just one, if it breaks. (Although electric guitar strings have more of a tendency to break than classical.)\u00a0 It&#8217;s tempting to get intimidated by the special knots the nylon-strung classical &#8230; <\/p>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":129193,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[61,202,434],"tags":[342,344,343],"class_list":["post-28697","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-favorites","category-main-content-parent","tag-guitar-care","tag-guitar-maintenance","tag-guitar-strings"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.8 (Yoast SEO v25.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Learn How to Easily Change Your Classical Guitar Strings<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how to change the strings on your Classical Guitar. Find tips on stretching them, cutting them, and tools that can help. Get them in tune, faster!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Change Classical Guitar Strings (Step by Step)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover how to change the strings on your Classical Guitar. Find tips on stretching them, cutting them, and tools that can help. Get them in tune, faster!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Classical Guitar Shed\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ClassicalGuitarShed\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2017-11-24T18:00:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-15T10:21:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/change-classical-guitar-strings.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"320\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Allen\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@CLguitarshed\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@CLguitarshed\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Allen\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Learn How to Easily Change Your Classical Guitar Strings","description":"Discover how to change the strings on your Classical Guitar. Find tips on stretching them, cutting them, and tools that can help. Get them in tune, faster!","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Change Classical Guitar Strings (Step by Step)","og_description":"Discover how to change the strings on your Classical Guitar. Find tips on stretching them, cutting them, and tools that can help. Get them in tune, faster!","og_url":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/","og_site_name":"Classical Guitar Shed","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ClassicalGuitarShed\/","article_published_time":"2017-11-24T18:00:16+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-07-15T10:21:11+00:00","og_image":[{"width":640,"height":320,"url":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/change-classical-guitar-strings.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Allen","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@CLguitarshed","twitter_site":"@CLguitarshed","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Allen","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/"},"author":{"name":"Allen","@id":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/#\/schema\/person\/85d09303adb38d43cdedd2033f6b016e"},"headline":"How to Change Classical Guitar Strings (Step by Step)","datePublished":"2017-11-24T18:00:16+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-15T10:21:11+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/"},"wordCount":1712,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/change-classical-guitar-strings.jpg","keywords":["guitar care","guitar maintenance","guitar strings"],"articleSection":["Articles","Favorites","Main Content Parent"],"inLanguage":"en-US","accessibilityFeature":["tableOfContents"]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/","url":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/","name":"Learn How to Easily Change Your Classical Guitar Strings","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/change-classical-guitar-strings\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/classicalguitarshed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/change-classical-guitar-strings.jpg","datePublished":"2017-11-24T18:00:16+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-15T10:21:11+00:00","description":"Discover how to change the strings on your Classical Guitar. 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