Changing Electric Guitar Strings

Changing electric guitar strings is something that all players learn early on; usually out of necessity after breaking their first string. However not so apparent in the beginning is the ability to know when changing strings could have prevented the break and allowed the student to keep practicing uninterrupted.

If you have found this page in search of directions for changing electric guitar strings do not be discouraged. A complete guide to restringing electric guitars can be found by clicking the link below.

Please wait! Before you go read this page on the importance of when and why you should change your guitar strings.

Explicit directions for changing electric guitar strings here.

The When and Why of Changing Electric Guitar Strings

I can remember the first few times I ever changed guitar strings. I would break a string while playing then I would replace that string and go on playing until I broke another string. This might seem like the way it should be done but for anyone serious about their playing you really should change all the strings at the same time. Their are several reasons for this:

If a string breaks it's usually because it's old and if one string is old then it's safe to say that the rest are getting old too.

Guitar strings lose their brilliance the older they are and the more frequently they are played. If you change only one string you will notice how the new string has a sharp crisp sound when compared to the older strings. If you have never heard this try it.

By changing them all at once you decrease the chance that another string will break while you are in the middle of playing.

Most guitar players prefer changing strings before they have a chance to break. Doing so eliminates the embarrassment of what could happen if a string broke during a performance. It also ensures that their strings always give them a clean crisp tone and don't fall out of tune as easily.

So how do you know when is the right time for changing electric guitar strings?

The best advice I can give you is to change your strings routinely. For example, changing them once a month, or before every gig. Experiment with what works best for you. When I was playing guitar four hours a day I was changing strings every week.

Their are many factors to consider when deciding on a schedule for your own string changing:

How much do you play? The more you play the faster the strings will wear out.

What kind of strings do you use? Experiment with different brands until you find one you like.

What size strings do you like to play? Light gauge strings are not as durable and are easier to break.

These are examples of things to consider that will help you decide when is the right time for changing strings.

For further information on finding the right electric guitar string for you click here.

Strings on a guitar are like tires on a car. When you notice that a tire is worn and has very little tread left you replace it. Unless of course you want to risk having a blow out on the freeway at 70 mph and lose control. The same holds true when changing electric guitar strings. If you know the strings are old and worn replace them before you have a guitar blow out and butcher the love song you wrote for that cute girl you like so much. : )

Truth be told; newer strings sound and play better. I hope that know you will not just wait for a string to break before replacing it.

For explicit directions on changing electric guitar strings click here.