Guitar Strings

Guitar Strings – How do you know when it’s time to change your Guitar Strings? Well there are many signs. First simply look at them. Are you missing any strings? Are they rusty or discolored assuming they are steel strings? If the answer to these questions is Yes, then guess what? You need new Guitar Strings!

If that doesn’t help you the next step would be to PLAY your guitar. How do the strings feel? Do they feel rough? Have they lost a bit of their elasticity? Have more of wire feeling than a guitar string? Then you need new guitar strings!

Most importantly how does your guitar sound? As strings get older they get corroded from exposure to the elements and from dirt and oils from your fingers. They won’t sound as fresh or bright anymore and not as easy to play. You then need new guitar strings!

How often you change your guitar strings is a common question. Think of the guitar like anything else that needs maintenance. You should periodically change your guitar strings before any of the above scenarios takes place. Some guitar players I know change their strings every week or month, and some every other day! If you play many hours a day every couple of weeks should be fine. If you play a little bit each day or every couple of days then you should change them no more than once a month or every other month.

Be sure to ALWAYS have extra set a strings on hand incase one breaks. Especially when playing a gig!

My personal favorite guitar strings are Elixir guitar strings.

They make both acoustic and electric guitar strings. They are slightly more money than other brands but I believe it is totally worth it. They have a special coating on the strings that makes them last longer and feel better. Try them and I think you will agree.

You also need to consider the gauge (thickness) of strings you’d like. This is where personal preference comes into play; beginners should start with “light or medium” gauge strings, and vary from that as you develop a preference. A simple rule of thumb is thicker strings provide better tone, but are harder to play. Acoustics usually have thicker strings for tone.