Stringing a Guitar
Here we will explain how to change strings on a guitar, as well as how to know what kind of strings to buy.
Changing Strings
Hey, this is a brand-spankin' new site and we're working on it. Have not yet decided whether to use photo examples or line drawings, but soon we will get around to posting clear instructions here on the proper way to restring a guitar.
What Kind Of Strings Do I Need?
Different types of guitars need different types of strings, se here we offer an overview of what kind you need to get for your guitar.
ELECTRIC GUITAR STRINGS: Typical electric guitar strings are made of metals that will interact with the magnetic fields in the pickups to produce an electric signal to send to the amplifier. There are many brands, sizes and types on the market, which can be confusing to anybody who is not familiar with them. What brand of strings should I get? Though there are subtle differences in tonal qualities and other factors from brand to brand, for the most part no popular brand is any better than the other. Just buy whatever brand is available and worry about trying others later. What size should I get? Another confusing issue for beginners, as there are so many sizes available. The common nomenclature for string sizes is to call them according to the size of the high "E" string (the thinnest string in the set). If the thinnest string is size .009, then it is called a "set of nines". If the thinnest string is .013, then they are "thirteens". Strings that are either too light or too heavy will present problems for beginners, so we recommend that you start with "tens" as they are neither light nor heavy in the string guage spectrum. After some playing experience, you will be able to make a conscious personal decision on whether to change over to a heavier or lighter set. Most experienced guitar players use tens anyway. Stevie Ray Vaughn used heavy strings and he had to use superglue to keep the frayed skin and flesh on his fingertips from falling off.
STEEL STRING ACOUSTIC GUITAR: Acoustic guitar strings use a slightly different metal alloy than electric strings do. "Phosphorous Bronze" (usually labeled as "Phosphor-Bronze") strings. You CAN use electric guitar strings on an acoustic guitar, and many players do because they are much easier to play. But the specially-formulated phospor-bronze alloys produce a much brighter and sweeter tone than the electric strings will, so if you want to sound your best, get the strings that are specially made for your type of instrument.
NYLON STRING CLASSICAL GUITAR: Though there is a wide variety of classical guitar strings on the market, there are two basic types: High tension and low tension. Which one is best? This is up to the individual player. Just get whatever type you think you will like, and after some playing experience you will have your own opinion on whether to change over to a different type. One rule of thumb, though, is that low tension strings are more suitable for Flamenco style play, and high-tension strings are more widely used for playing Classical style music. Either type can be used for either style, though. DO NOT PUT STEEL STRINGS ON A CLASSICAL GUITAR!!! IT WILL BEND AND BREAK!!!
HOT TIP: Never buy just one set of strings. They will eventually wear out or oxidize, and they also break often. Most music stores will give a price break on packages of 10 sets if you really want to stock up. If you have problems with a particular string breaking over and over, singles of certain sizes are also available so you can keep spares on hand without having to buy an entire set just to change one string.
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