Restringing your classical guitar is a fundamental skill every guitarist needs to learn. Whether you’re a beginner or have been playing for years, knowing how to properly restring your instrument ensures optimal sound quality and playability. This guide will walk you through each step of restringing your classical guitar, making the process straightforward and efficient.
Before we dive in, it’s important to understand that classical guitars use nylon strings, which are tied differently at the bridge compared to steel-string guitars. This method might seem a bit different if you’re used to other types of guitars, but with a little practice, you’ll find it quite simple. Let’s get started and learn how to give your classical guitar a fresh set of strings.
First, ensure you have everything you need. You’ll require a new set of classical guitar strings, and possibly a string winder to speed up the process at the tuning pegs, although this isn’t essential for classical guitars as the winding is usually minimal. A pair of string cutters will also be handy for trimming excess string.
Now, let’s begin the restringing process:
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Remove the Old Strings: Start by detuning each string until they are slack. For classical guitars, you’ll typically unwind the strings at the tuning pegs located on the headstock. Once loose, you can usually untie them at the bridge. Gently pull the strings out from both the bridge and the tuning pegs. Discard the old strings responsibly.
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Prepare Your New Strings: Classical guitar strings are usually packaged individually and are designed to be tied at the bridge and wound onto the tuning pegs. Take out the new E string (the 6th string, thickest).
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Attaching Strings at the Bridge: This is where classical guitars differ significantly from steel-string guitars. For each string, you’ll use a tie block knot at the bridge. Here’s how to do it for the 6th (E) string:
- Pass the string through the bridge hole from the soundhole side (bottom) to the bridge side (top).
- Bring the string back over the top of the bridge, creating a loop.
- Pass the string under itself, forming a knot around the string as it exits the hole.
- Now, wrap the string around itself on the bridge side a few times (typically 2-3 times). This secures the string. Ensure you leave enough string length to reach the tuning peg with some extra for winding.
Repeat this bridge-tying process for all six strings, moving from the 6th (E) string up to the 1st (high E) string. Make sure each string is properly seated at the bridge.
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Stringing at the Headstock (Tuning Pegs): Now, guide the free end of the 6th string up to its corresponding tuning peg. Classical guitar tuning pegs have a hole through them.
- Insert the string end into the hole of the tuning peg.
- Pull the string through and then bend it back on itself towards the outside of the headstock.
- Begin winding the tuning peg to take up the slack. As you wind, the string will wrap around the peg, securing itself.
Alt text: Close-up of a classical guitar headstock showing the tuning pegs, illustrating how strings are wound.
Note on winding direction: Generally, wind the strings outwards from the center of the headstock. However, observe the string path from the nut to the tuning post. If winding in the opposite direction (inwards) would prevent the string from touching or kinking against the wood of the headstock, then wind inwards instead. Minimizing contact with the headstock can help prevent unwanted buzzing or string breakage, although it’s not always avoidable.
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Tune and Stretch the Strings: Once all strings are installed, tune your guitar to standard tuning (E A D G B e). Nylon strings are known for stretching considerably when new. Tune each string up to pitch, and you’ll likely notice them going flat quickly. This is normal.
To speed up the settling process, gently stretch each string individually after tuning. Grasp a string with your thumb and forefingers and lightly pull it away from the guitar body along its length. Don’t pull too hard, just enough to encourage stretching. Retune the string after each stretch. Repeat this stretching and retuning process several times for each string until they hold their pitch more consistently. This can take a few tuning rounds as nylon strings settle in.
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Trim Excess String: After the strings have stabilized somewhat and are holding their tune, use string cutters to trim the excess string ends at both the headstock and the bridge. Be careful not to cut too close to the tuning pegs or bridge, leaving a little bit of string end is advisable – around 1/2 inch – to prevent slippage and ensure the strings are securely fastened.
Final Considerations:
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Headstock Contact: As mentioned earlier, be mindful of the string path from the nut to the tuning peg. While generally winding outwards is common, prioritize a straight string path. If an inward wind prevents string contact with the headstock wood, choose that direction. While some contact might be unavoidable, minimizing it is ideal.
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Tuning Stability: Nylon strings require patience. They will stretch and need frequent retuning initially. Consistent stretching after stringing is key. Even after the initial setup, nylon strings can be more sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, requiring occasional tuning adjustments.
Restringing a classical guitar might seem a little intricate at first due to the bridge tie, but with practice, it becomes a quick and routine maintenance task. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your classical guitar is always ready to play with a clear and resonant sound.
