If you’re wondering how long your guitar strings last and when to change them, then you’ve found the right page! Do those who require a new set of strings for each performance really need them? And what about the select few who never change their strings?
Since strings are made from different materials and optimized for various purposes, the type and brand of strings and how you care for them will determine how long they last and when they need to be changed. Some guitarists play their strings for about 90 days before changing them, while many others may wait six months or longer. A select few even change their strings for every performance. Continue reading to learn more about how long guitar strings last and how often to change them.
When Should You Change Guitar Strings?
To change strings or not to change strings — that is the question! When your guitar’s strings do not sound as good as they used to, you might need to replace them with a new set.
How often should you change strings?
How often to change your guitar’s strings depends on a few audible qualities. For example, if you haven’t changed your strings in forever but they still sound good to you, then what are the “pros vs. cons” of installing a new set? You might also think about changing your guitar’s strings with a realistic, practical ideology. Strings do not grow on trees, unlike twigs and nuts, and they’re not free. Changing strings is an additional expense to playing guitar, so keep that in mind when deciding to replace your current set with another. Here are a few tips for assessing your strings:
Do guitar strings go bad?
- Your guitar strings are considered alright if they still work, sound clear, and stay in tune after tuning.
- Strings that look or feel dirty but still sound good and hold their tuning do not necessarily require replacement. Consider cleaning the strings with a string cleaning product to restore their tone and get more use from them.
- If your current strings are damaged or dirty or if they don’t hold their tuning, then installing a new set of strings will improve everything.
Since tone, action, and purpose vary from person to person, choosing when to change guitar strings is a very subjective decision. Each player should consider what their “bottom line” is and how that affects playing the guitar, having fun, and sounding the way they like. Here are some conclusions you might reach:
- I don’t need new strings for my next performance; the current ones work and sound fine.
- I don’t need new strings because I installed a new set yesterday.
- I do need new strings for my next performance; the current ones have lost their tone.
- I do need new strings to change string type or size.
- I do need a set of backup strings just in case the current set of strings breaks