Stringing a Classical Guitar

Stringing a classical guitar is quite a bit different from stinging a standard acoustic or electric model. Find resources to help you through the process.

Standard Steel Stringing

The string changing process on steel string acoustics and electric guitars is fairly streamlined. First, each string has a ball on one end that is easily fed through the bridge and held into place. The other end of the string is simply fed through a hole in the tuning peg and then wrapped around until it reaches the desired pitch.

Guitar players who are familiar with this process will be in for quite a shock when they attempt to change their first set of nylon strings. Every part of the process is different enough to cause confusion, so it's helpful to have a collection of resources available to help you along.

Stringing a Classical Guitar is Different

On some level, changing strings is changing strings. You take the old strings off your guitar, wipe off the fretboard, polish the top of the guitar, and put the new strings on. However, classical string changing requires a bit more technique. Since the strings don't have a ball end, you have to tie a specific knot in one end of the string to secure it to the bridge. The headstocks of classical guitars are also different and require a particular wrapping method to ensure that the strings won't slip and the guitar will stay in tune.

Classical Guitar String Changing Websites

The following websites will tell you everything you need to know about changing your strings like a professional.

Classical Guitar Sheet Music

Classical Guitar Sheet Music is a website that offers a wealth of information, including a detailed tutorial on stringing classical guitars. How to Change Classical Guitar Strings is a four-part explanation about everything you need to know to change your classical strings. The stages are all explained in detail, and photos are included to help you follow along. Along the way, the author also offers suggestions for examining the braces and making sure the bridge is firmly attached. These are maintenance procedures that every guitarist should get in the habit of performing every time the strings are changed.

Guitar at UHL

The University of Hawaii, Leeward offers a fine and innovative tutorial on stringing a classical guitar. A New Approach to Changing Classical Guitar Strings, written by Professor Peter Kun Frary, takes a very creative and forward-thinking approach to changing strings. Improving on an old tradition, Mr. Frary first explains the traditional string changing process with photos and diagrams that are clear and easy to follow. Frary proposes a new way to tie the bridge end of the string is that he claims improves sound and minimizes slipping. Another improvement is the suggestion that guitarists install string gaskets between the knot on the string and the bridge itself to minimize wear on the holes in the bridge. String gaskets can be made from old credit cards, beads or any other hard plastic material, and Frary demonstrates how to make them and which tools you will need. He also includes a section on when to change strings, which is a common question of the novice nylon string player. This site might be more geared for the advanced player who is looking to improve on the traditional string changing method, but it is useful information for anyone looking for a clean, informative and well-organized site.

Caution: Use the Right Strings

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you change your classical strings for the first time is to never, ever put steel strings on your classical guitar. The tension that steel strings put on the neck of the guitar is extremely strong, and steel string guitars compensate for that tension with a truss rod. A truss rod is a steel rod that runs the length of the neck and counteracts the tension the strings place on the neck.

Classical guitars, because they are designed to use nylon strings, don't have truss rods in their necks. Stringing a classical guitar with steel strings will almost certainly cause irreparable damage to the instrument. So remember, they both might look like guitars, but classical and steel string guitars are designed very differently. Be careful, study the above links, and, with a little practice, you'll soon be changing classical guitar strings like you've been doing it your entire life.

• Bass Guitar Wallpaper
• Famous Bass Guitar Players
• Ibanez Electric Guitars

• Basic Guitar Chord Charts
• Printable Guitar Chord Charts
• How to Read Guitar Sheet Music
• Bass Guitar Note Charts
• Guitar Amplifier Kits

• Personalized Guitar Picks
• Design Your Own Guitar Picks
• Guitar Amplifier Kits
• Cheap Guitar Amps
• Free Online Guitar Tuner