How often should you change the strings on your acoustic guitar?

Question

I've had it for about a month and a half.

Answer 1

Depends on how often u play it. A good rule of thumb is when they start to sound dead, or when a string (especially a lower string) breaks for no apparent reason, then it's time for a change. Don't go into a performing situation with brand new strings jsut on. Give them a week or so to stretch, to settle in and stay in tune.Hope this helps

Answer 2

Change Acoustic Guitar Strings

Answer 3

from the web page ...

Just like brake pads on a car, guitar strings wear out with use. Old guitar strings often behave badly - they'll lose tuning more quickly, sound less "bright", and give you problems with intonation. Old guitar strings also break, often during the most inopportune moment. Be sure to head into any live playing situation with new strings on your guitar, and several more sets of strings packed in your case, should you break a string during performance.

When I'm playing my acoustic guitar a lot, I'll change the strings at least every two weeks (more than that if I'm using it for gigs). It's probably not necessary for beginners to be quite as diligent with keeping new strings on their guitar, but changing strings a minimum of every couple months is a very good idea.

Answer 4

For non-coated strings I would recommend changing the strings once a month, or more frequently if you have several gigs in the month. During my professional years I played the strings through two engagements before changing them--provided the gigs were within a single week. Left-T's suggestion about using baby powder is on target, especially to give your hand the slickness needed to move up and down the fretboard with ease. After playing, take a dry, clean cloth and run it under and on the strings to remove dirt and grime. That action alone will lengthen the playability of strings.

Answer 5

I've found that Elixer brand strings may last up to three months before they lose intonation and brightness. With other phosphor bronze strings, a month of constant playing is sufficient before changing them.

Many professionals often change their strings a day before a performance--which was what I had done during my performing days. I keep two out of the six guitars owned in fresher strings--the one I learned on and my last acquisition.

The best advice I can give is to change monthly and see how that fits your playing style.

Answer 6

I would like to add one thing, if you are going to play live, change the strings 1 or 2 days before your performence, so you can get used to the strings, atleast, thats how I do it.

Greets!