Is it time to change my guitar strings?

Question

I just started guitar, and I got my first guitar about a month ago. It has gotten to where every time I pick it up to practice, the strings are ALWAYS a good deal flat. I know you have to tune it on a regular basis, but quite frankly, this is getting ridiculous. Do you think it is time to change the strings? If so, should I do it or have someone else do it?

Answer 1

You better get used to tuning the instrument, it's just one of these things you have to do often. there's no mystery to it - string tension/tuning change because of change in temperature, humidity and what not.



That said, it you don't fasten the strings properly and/or don't stretch the strings properly, then you will notice that the strings go more out of tune than what is normal.



Also, acoustic nylon strings (the treble strings) tend to take longer before they settle in, compared to strings on acoustic steel or electric guitar strings.



If you don't play a lot - or you're not too picky, then you may wait a bit longer before changing strings. Pro players and gigging musicians can change strings almost every day. If that's not the case, then you may have the strings on for a much longer time.



You will notice when the strings are dead, stiff or hard to keep in tune.

Answer 2

Hello there,



Time to change the strings? YOu have played those strings for a month. Time to change. Beginners do not change their strings frequently enough.



Always flat? Not really surprising. You will need to check the tuning on your guitar every time you pick it up to play. New strings will not change that fact of life.



Change strings or have it done? If you have not learned how to change the strings yet, you need to learn how. You cannot run to the shop to have them put on a string every time you break one. Since you have never changed strings before, take your guitar to the shop. Buy a set of string and ask them to show you how to install them properly.



Later,

Answer 3

It does sound as if the strings are still stretching although as some people have said, you will need to tune a guitar quite frequently. Strings going flat isn't generally a symptom of worn out strings. They might have been on the guitar for quite a while before you bought it and it could be time to change them but I don,t think it will make it less necessary to tune.

Answer 4

new guitar strings need to be stretched out for them to maintain their tuning. it sounds like you don't play your guitar often enough or never stretched them. think about about it... these little chords were just sittin in bag for who knows how long before someone puts them on a guitar and twists and turns it until its stretched enough to make a proper note. that's over 200 pounds of pressure on your guitar neck! when i restring a guitar, once they are all on and tuned, i stick my fingers in between each string and pull them outwards from the guitar. you don't wanna do it so hard you rip the chord out just enough to wiggle it around. also putting your guitar in a case or on a stand when not being used would help with that.



i change my guitar strings when they start to get nasty and grimy , you can feel it. usually when that STARTS i change them. i get elixirs at best buy they're $10-20 and sound nice for the price.

Answer 5

you can change the strings but at a month of playing guitar it probably is not becaue they are worn out. you should do it yourself to learn ho to do it. you can just go on yputube and look up videos it really isnt hard to do but the first time i changed mystrings it was a little challenging