When to Replace Guitar Strings

One of the most important parts on the guitar is often the most neglected part of the guitar. This of course because of the fact that no will replace guitar strings in a timely manner. Everyone just wants to play and will basically take for granted how import this little pieces of metal are to your sound and guitars well being.

First thing the string gauge you must find what feels right when you play. If you are set on using the super light guitar strings like 009 then you may have a very thin sound. You can work to improve this but there will be no getting around this. However the upside to 009 is that you will be able to fly over the neck. These guitar strings are very easy to play. Now if you try a heavier gauge like 012 you will get a nice meaty sound. Your sound with be very robust and full. However your ease of play will then suffer and bending and forming chord maybe more difficult. Me I sort of play it in the middle. I go with 010. They are still pretty easy to play and have a nice sound to boot. Any change you do make will take some getting used to from 010 to 009 or 009 to 010. There will need to be a learn curve.

So that brings us back to the fact you must replace guitar strings on a regular schedule. Just like the gauge of the string can alter your sound the age and shape of the strings can alter your sound as well. With all the dirt and oils on your fingers over time these strings will become dead sounding. What I mean by this is they will start lose their tone and could damage the guitar fretboard. The strings will start to sound flat. You may then find yourself having a hard time keeping them in tune. In the end your playing will suffer and if you are a new play you may become frustrated wonder why you sound like crap.

So basically create a schedule of when to replace guitar strings and you will be surprised how good you can sound.  I would recommend they be changed roughly every 4 to 6 months.