A Step-by-Step Guide: How to String a Classical Guitar

Stringing a classical guitar may seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re a beginner. However, with a little patience and guidance, you can master the art of how to string a classical guitar and achieve the best sound quality. I’ve been asked how to change strings more times than I can count. That’s where this post originated. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your strings are correctly installed and well-tuned. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to maintain the longevity of your instrument and enjoy an enhanced playing experience.

Reasons To Change Your Strings

Loss of Tone

Over time, the tone of your guitar strings can deteriorate. They may sound dull, lack brightness, or lose their resonance. Changing the strings can help restore the vibrant, rich sound that you desire. It is amazing how putting new strings on can make you feel like you’ve got a new guitar in your hands. The “restored” tone often makes me want to play more just due to the sound.

Reduced Sustain

As strings age, they may lose their ability to sustain notes effectively. This can affect the overall playability and enjoyment of your instrument. Fresh strings can improve sustain and allow your notes to ring out clearly. This may not be as easy to detect as the overall lack of tone but you’ll get better at hearing the loss of sustain over time.

Wear and Tear

Regular playing can cause wear and tear on your strings. They may develop rust, corrosion, or visible signs of damage. This is pretty easy to see as you look over the strings. Damaged strings can negatively impact your playing experience and even affect the intonation or tuning stability of your guitar. I’ve seen extreme cases where the string will actually fray and snap while playing due to being worn out.

Difficulty in Tuning

If you find that your guitar is not holding its tune or if you’re constantly struggling to keep it in tune, worn-out strings could be the culprit. Changing them can improve tuning stability and make it easier to keep your guitar in tune. I find that this is the first sign that my strings are beginning to lose their “newness.”

Playability and Response

New strings provide a smoother playing experience, as they are more responsive to your touch. There really is nothing like playing your instrument with a new set of strings. The fretting of notes is easier, making it more enjoyable to play your instrument.

Personal Preference

Strings come in different materials, tensions, and brands, each with its own unique sound and feel. Changing your strings gives you the opportunity to experiment with different options and find the ones that suit your playing style and preferences best.

Check out my reviews of these popular strings:

• Review: Savarez 520R Normal Tension
• Review: Savarez New CRISTAL CORUM High Tension 500CJ
• Review: Hannabach 815 Classical Guitar Strings. Are They Worth It?

How Often Should Classical Guitar Strings Be Changed

The frequency of changing classical guitar strings can vary depending on several factors, including how often you play, your playing style, and environmental conditions. However, as a general guideline, I recommend changing classical guitar strings every 1 to 3 months.

There are a number of factors to consider when determining when to change your classical guitar strings. A few of them are as follows:

Playing Frequency

If you play your guitar extensively, such as daily practice or regular performances, you need to change your strings more frequently. Frequent playing can cause strings to wear out faster. When I was performing on a regular basis, I changed strings every month. Now that my career has shifted to more teaching, I change strings every 3 months. I still play every day but not the daily 4 hours of a performer.

Playing Style

Different playing styles can impact the lifespan of your strings. Aggressive strumming, rasgueados, or extensive use of techniques that change the normal dynamic of the sting can put more stress on the strings and shorten their lifespan.

String Quality

The quality of the strings you use can also affect how long they last. Higher-quality strings are often more durable and may maintain their tone and playability for a longer time. I find that only the really cheap strings wear out quickly. It’s better to pay for a bit more quality. However, some strings like the Thomastik-Infeld strings seem to not have much return on investment.

Environmental Conditions

Environmental factors like humidity, temperature, and exposure to sweat or oils from your fingers can affect the longevity of your strings. Every player gives off different levels of oil and water from their hands. This, along with high humidity levels, for example, can lead to faster corrosion and string degradation.

Tone and Playability

Ultimately, you should consider changing your strings when you notice a significant decline in their tone, sustain, or playability. If the strings start to sound dull, lack brightness, or feel less responsive, it’s a good indication that they may need to be replaced. You should know this already if you read the previous section.

Remember, these are my general guidelines, and it’s important to listen to your own judgment and preferences. Some guitarists prefer the sound of slightly older strings, while others prefer the brightness and clarity of fresh strings. Experiment and find the frequency of string changes that work best for you and your playing style.

Instructions For Stringing Your Classical Guitar

1. Gather the necessary tools

Before you begin stringing your classical guitar, gather the following tools:

• A new set of classical guitar strings (ensure they are the correct gauge for your guitar)
• A string winder (optional but highly recommended)
• Wire cutters
• A clean cloth

2. Remove the old strings

Start by removing the old strings one at a time. Begin with the thickest string (6th string) and work your way up to the thinnest string (1st string). To remove a string, locate the tuning peg at the headstock and unwind it until the tension is released. Use wire cutters to snip the string near the bridge, and carefully remove it from the guitar.

3. Clean the guitar

Take this opportunity to clean the guitar’s body, fretboard, and bridge using a clean cloth. This will remove any dust, dirt, or residue that may have accumulated. You can also check out my article on cleaning your guitar.

4. Prepare the new strings

Unpack the new set of classical guitar strings and identify each string by its thickness. Lay them out in the order you’ll be installing them (from thickest to thinnest). This will help ensure you don’t mix them up during the stringing process.

5. String the 6th (thickest) string

Tying a classical guitar string to the bridge requires a specific knot known as the “loop knot” or “bridge knot.” This knot is designed to securely fasten the string to the bridge while allowing for proper tension and vibration. Follow these steps to tie a classical guitar string to the bridge:

1. Begin by inserting the end of the string into the corresponding bridge hole from the top side of the bridge.
2. Pull the string through the hole until you have enough length to work with.
3. On the bottom side of the bridge, create a small loop with the free end of the string. Hold the loop between your thumb and index finger.
4. Pass the free end of the string over the main length of the string, creating a loose loop.
5. Bring the free end of the string under the main length and pass it through the loop from underneath.
6. Pull the free end of the string, tightening the loop around the main length of the string. This will create a figure-eight shape.
7. Gently slide the knot towards the bridge, making sure it is snug and secure against the bridge.
8. Once the knot is secure, trim any excess string beyond the knot using wire cutters. Leave a small amount of excess string for future adjustments if needed.
9. Repeat these steps for the remaining strings, tying each string to its corresponding bridge hole using the figure-eight knot.

After tying the string to the bridge, proceed with the stringing process by guiding the strings towards the headstock, winding them onto the tuning pegs, and tuning the guitar to the desired pitch.

Using a string winder (if available) or your hand, wind the 6th string onto the tuning peg in a clockwise direction. Make sure the string wraps neatly and doesn’t overlap. Once it’s secured, use a tuner to tune the string to the correct pitch (E2).

7. Repeat the process for the remaining strings

Follow the same process outlined in steps 5 and 6 for each of the remaining strings. Remember to insert the ball end into the corresponding bridge hole, guide the string to the headstock, wind it onto the tuning peg, and tune it to the appropriate pitch. The pitches for the remaining strings, from 5th to 1st, are: A2, D3, G3, B3, and E4.

8. Stretch and tune the strings

After all the strings are installed and tuned to pitch, gently stretch each string by pulling it away from the guitar body. This will help minimize the strings’ tendency to go out of tune. Re-tune the strings as necessary until they stabilize.

Conclusion On How To String A Classical Guitar

Stringing a classical guitar is a valuable skill that every guitarist should learn. By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently string your guitar, ensuring optimal performance and sound quality. Remember to take your time, tune each string accurately, and perform regular maintenance to keep your classical guitar in top condition.

For those looking for a visual presentation, then check out this video by Cordoba:

Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.