Restringing your classical guitar might seem daunting at first, but it’s a fundamental skill every guitarist should learn. Whether you’re breaking a string or simply refreshing your guitar’s tone with a new set, knowing how to properly string your classical guitar is essential. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your instrument is ready to play its best.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. This will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:
- New Classical Guitar Strings: Classical guitars use nylon strings, not steel strings like acoustic or electric guitars. Ensure you have the correct type and gauge for your guitar.
- String Winder (Optional but Recommended): This tool speeds up the process of winding the strings around the tuning pegs.
- Tuning Fork or Electronic Tuner: To tune your guitar to the correct pitch after stringing.
- Wire Cutters (Optional): To trim excess string length after stringing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stringing Your Classical Guitar
1. Removing the Old Strings
If you are replacing old strings, you’ll first need to remove them.
- Loosen the Tuning Pegs: Turn the tuning pegs on the headstock to loosen the tension on the strings. Turn them in the direction that lowers the pitch of the string.
- Unwind Strings from Tuning Pegs: Continue loosening until you can unwind the strings from the tuning pegs by hand.
- Untie Strings at the Bridge: Classical guitars use a tie block bridge. Carefully untie the strings from the bridge. You may need to gently pull or maneuver the string to loosen the knot. Remove the old strings completely.
2. Preparing the Bridge
The bridge of a classical guitar is unique and requires a specific knot to secure the strings.
- Inspect the Bridge: Check the bridge for any damage or wear. Ensure the tie block is in good condition.
- Prepare New Strings: Take a new string and identify the bridge end. Usually, the bridge end is the plain end without any winding or ball.
3. Attaching Strings at the Bridge
This is a crucial step for classical guitars. The strings need to be tied securely to the bridge tie block. There are several knot variations, but a common and reliable method is as follows:
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Thread Through the Bridge: Pass the end of the string through the bridge hole from the soundhole side (bottom) towards the bridge saddle (top).
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Loop and Tie: Bring the string end back over the top of the bridge. Create a loop around the string itself.
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Second Loop (Optional but Recommended): For extra security, create a second loop. Pass the string end around again and through the loop(s) you’ve created.
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Tighten the Knot: Pull the string end firmly to tighten the knot against the bridge tie block. Ensure the knot is snug and secure. You should aim for a neat and tight knot that will not slip.
4. Threading Strings Through the Headstock
Now, bring the other end of the string up to the headstock and thread it through the hole in the corresponding tuning peg.
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Identify the Correct Tuning Peg: Each tuning peg corresponds to a specific string. From thickest to thinnest, they are E, A, D, G, B, and high E. For classical guitars, they are typically E, A, D, G, B, e (from 6th to 1st string).
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Thread Through the Peg Hole: Insert the string end through the hole in the tuning peg. Pull it through, leaving some slack for winding.
5. Winding Strings on Tuning Pegs
This step involves winding the string around the tuning peg to bring it up to tension.
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Start Winding: Begin winding the tuning peg, usually in a direction away from the center of the headstock. However, observe the string path from the nut to the peg. If winding inwards prevents the string from touching the headstock wood, wind inwards instead. The goal is a straight string path from nut to tuning peg, avoiding unnecessary bends or contact with the headstock.
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Maintain Tension: Keep slight tension on the string as you wind to ensure neat and even coils.
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Neat Coils: Aim for neat coils around the tuning peg. This helps with tuning stability.
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Tune to Pitch (Roughly): Wind the string until it reaches approximately the correct pitch. You don’t need to tune it perfectly yet, just bring it close to pitch.
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Snip Excess String: Once the string is wound and roughly in tune, use wire cutters to snip off the excess string end, leaving a little bit extending past the tuning peg hole. Don’t cut too close to the hole.
6. Repeat for All Strings
Repeat steps 3-5 for all six strings, moving from the thickest string (6th string, low E) to the thinnest (1st string, high e).
Tuning and Stretching Nylon Strings
Classical guitar nylon strings are known for stretching considerably when new.
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Tune Your Guitar: Use a tuner or tuning fork to accurately tune each string to its correct pitch (E, A, D, G, B, e).
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Stretch the Strings: Nylon strings need to be stretched after stringing to improve tuning stability. Gently stretch each string along its length by pulling upwards away from the guitar body. Don’t pull too hard, but apply firm but gentle pressure.
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Retune: After stretching, the strings will likely be flat again. Retune your guitar.
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Repeat Stretching and Tuning: You will need to repeat the stretching and tuning process several times over the first few days as the new strings settle in. Consistent stretching will help them hold their tune for longer.
Considerations for Optimal Stringing
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Headstock Contact: As mentioned earlier, try to avoid the strings making sharp bends or pressing hard against the headstock wood between the nut and tuning pegs. Winding direction can sometimes help with this. While not always avoidable, minimizing contact can improve string vibration and tone.
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Tuning Stability: Nylon strings take time to settle. Be patient with tuning, especially when strings are brand new. Regular stretching and retuning are key in the initial period.
Conclusion
Stringing a classical guitar is a straightforward process with a little practice. By following these steps, you’ll be able to restring your guitar confidently and ensure it’s ready to play. Remember to be patient with nylon strings as they settle in, and enjoy the refreshed sound of your instrument with new strings!
