Most players change their strings too late. By the time strings sound obviously dead, they've been affecting your tone and tuning stability for a while. Here's how to tell when it's time.
For most players, it comes down to how often you play and how the strings feel and sound.
The signs your strings need replacing
- They look dull, discolored, or have visible rust or corrosion
- The guitar won't stay in tune the way it used to
- The tone sounds flat or lifeless — no brightness, no sustain
- The strings feel rough or gritty under your fingers
- You can't remember the last time you changed them
Any one of these is enough. If you're seeing most of them, you're overdue.
How often should you change strings?
It depends on how much you play and how much you sweat. A general guide:
- Playing daily: every 4–6 weeks
- Playing a few times a week: every 2–3 months
- Playing occasionally: every 4–6 months
- Not playing much: at least once a year
Sweat is the main enemy of strings. Acidic hands corrode strings faster. If you wash your hands before playing and wipe the strings down after, they'll last longer.
New strings and tuning stability
New strings go sharp repeatedly until the windings settle. This is normal. Stretch them in when you put them on — pull each string away from the fretboard gently up and down the neck, retune, repeat. It takes a few minutes and saves hours of retuning over the next few days.
If your guitar still won't hold tune after new strings are stretched in, the issue is likely the nut slots or intonation — not the strings. More detail on the Why Won't My Guitar Stay in Tune? page.
Does string gauge matter?
Yes, but it's a separate decision from when to change. Gauge affects feel and tone. Lighter strings are easier to play. Heavier strings have more volume and sustain. Most beginners do well with light or extra-light gauge. If you're changing gauges, your guitar may need a setup adjustment — gauge changes affect tension, which affects action and intonation.
What strings should you use?
For most players, a standard set from a reputable brand — D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Elixir — is fine. Coated strings last longer but cost more. Uncoated strings feel more natural but corrode faster. Try a few and see what you prefer.
We stock strings at Paul's Guitar Hideout. If you're not sure what to get, come in and we'll point you in the right direction.
Paul's Guitar Hideout is located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. Use the Cooper Street entrance and take the stairs up. If you need assistance, give us a call and we'll come down.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday–Sunday, 12–5pm
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com