Classical or nylon string guitars need to have their strings changed regularly to get the best tone and playability. Below are steps to change classical guitar strings.
Step 1: Prepare the tools
Before you get started to restring your classical guitar, first prepare your tools:
- A set of classical guitar or nylon strings
- Wire cutters
- A guitar tuner
- A guitar cleaner and cloth for cleaning
Step 2: Remove the old strings
Begin by removing the 6th string which is the thickest one on the guitar. Turn the tuning peg to slack the string. Twist the peg in a circle until the string becomes loose enough to pull off the neck. Then, untie the string at the bridge and remove it. If the string is old, you can use the wire cutters to cut it.
After removing the 6th string from out of the guitar, do the same with the rest of the strings.
Step 3: Clean the guitar
Use guitar cleaner and cloth to clean the dust on the fretboard, headstock, and near the bridge.
Step 4: Tie the new strings to the bridge
Work from the thickest string to the thinnest string.
- Put the thickest or 6th string through the corresponding hole in the bridge. Leave about 3 inches of string sticking out behind the bridge.
- Bring the tail end of the string back around and wrap it underneath the right side of the string.
- Tuck the tail of the string under the loop you’ve just created and pull to tighten it.
- Tighten the knot by pulling the string from both sides.
Repeat this process again with the 5th and 4th strings. For the last three strings, you do the same but you’ll need to wrap it through 2-3 times.
Step 5: Attach the strings to the tuning pegs
Thread the end of the 6th string down through the corresponding hole in the middle of the post in the tuning key. Loop the free string around the tuning peg twice. Rotate the tuning peg to tighten the string, and simultaneously use your other hand to hold down the body of the string as you tighten it in order to create slack for the string.
Repeat the process on the rest of the strings.
Step 6: Cut the excess strings off
Use the wire cutters to cut any excess string off.
Step 7: Tune your guitar
After completely changing the guitar strings, tune your guitar to EADGBE with the guitar tuner in the Guitar Tunio app. It’s now available for free on the App Store and Play Store, check it out!
Once all new strings are tuned up, changing your classical guitar strings is done and ready to play.
Good luck!
