How to Change Classical Guitar Strings (step by step restring)

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Read More about How to Change Your Strings: ClassicalGuitarShed.com/change-classical-guitar-strings/

[@ChasWilson1]

Thanks, this helps a lot!

[@AlanBram]

I watch this over again every time I'm about to change strings. Love it!

[@vincentmaloney5835]

I also watched several times. I am a slow learner. LOL

[@1retos]

now i only need to know how to actually play a guitar and im good to go

[@juffurey]

So how's that going so far?

[@1retos]

@@juffurey not too bad actually haha, shouldve been more consistent with the practicing tho

[@juffurey]

@@1retos nice! Keep it going dude

[@amandagrayson389]

Thanks so much for this video, Allen. I remember changing strings when I was a teenager and having to just figure it out on my own. I was never very comfortable with it. Now I have all these tools, including your great videos! Thanks again!

[@motorbikeray]

(13:20) I'm glad that you remembered to mention first putting a card or piece of paper on the guitar body next to the bridge before changing strings. Doing so really does help reduce the chances of the guitar's top getting scratched up by the ends of the low E, A, and D strings. I use blue painters tape to protect that area before changing guitar strings.

[@poulbjrnberg378]

Thanks for showing it real nice and slow so you can actually see what happens. This is the best tutorial I have seen on this topic.

[@bhd4477]

Brilliant, honestly the best tutorial I’ve seen for this!

[@alex-sd]

This was the best video I found but I preferred how my Yamaha classical guitar's knots at the bridge was done.

[@jaredb6378]

Yamaha C40 model?

[@alex-sd]

C45MA

[@amado9772]

Fantastic! Love the logic and the easy going sense of humor that makes one not take it so seriously and realize, have fun. Thank you.

[@mangear2851]

Thank you. The best explanation I could find. Very smooth and stress-free. Nicely done.

[@john3music]

Thanks for the video. I used your method changing my classical guitar strings for the first time. Worked great.

[@mikebarnes7657]

Thank you for your clear and concise lesson... !!!

[@mutagling]

Thank you!

[@davidwilliama.7296]

This is a great tutorial. It is clear and shows things close up. However, I still hate putting on new strings because I feel the pressure as I tune it up. My palms sweat and I get very nervous. I don't have much to fear because strings rarely snap, especially when they're new, and I only had one snap and make a mark on my hand when I was a kid, but that was because I was stupid and kept tuning it up and up because I was curious what would happen. That memory sticks with me to this day. I know I have nothing to fear, and yet I still feel lots of anxiety when restringing a guitar. It's why I don't change my strings very often. I am currently restringing my guitar, but I have to take a break after a couple of minutes because the anxiety builds up and I have to stop to calm down. I especially get nervous when I'm tuning it up and all of a sudden the note goes down. I am not sure if I did something wrong or if it's just part of the process. There are much more dangerous things that I don't fear, but for some reason I can't seem to not get anxious when restringing my guitar.

[@LiamEserda]

Looks like you have a PTSS because of a bad experience in your childhood with a certain string. I sometimes get scared up when tuning my steel string acoustic guitar when it sounds like a string is going te break. Scared of being hurt by a string when it breaks. I always keep my face and in particular my eyes not to close to the strings. Also with restringing; be aware of unpacking the strings carefully and of the loose/slack ends of the strings in particular steel strings! All strings can swing in your face; so with glasses you have already a certain protection otherwise wear safety goggles. Good luck!

[@pyromind9169]

The reason for the pitch going down suddenly is that the string is sliding. The tension has to be transfered to the part you wound around the plastic "bar". That happens through the string sliding. So nothing to worry about ;)

[@kendralussier2033]

i just got my first guitar and had to put new strings on it, and this video was so helpful! thank you!:)

[@RogelioGonzalez-bo6cq]

Be careful not to over tune😂 dont listen to apps if they say its to low lol

[@ahmedidrissi7287]

I like your patience and attention to details

[@davidmorley6414]

This is the best video I have seen for clarity in the explanation of how to restring a classical guitar. It matches the excellence of the lessons given by Allen Matthews elsewhere on his website. Great stuff. Thank you.

[@georgescarlett2320]

Better, from C.F.Martin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6mUenpvaNh4qZY&ab_channel=MartinGuitar

[@rafael55]

Great information!! Thanks!

[@mariannereed1555]

thanks to you i just changed my strings!

[@hni7458]

I've always done a double loop for e1, but now last time I thought it'd suffice with four turns. I'm sure it does, this time, but I promise to get back to old habits next time - a long dimple into french polishing won't do.

[@aldorechiasson]

Excellent tutorial! I kept putting off changing my strings because I was a little intimidated by the process but today was the day! I was able to get the strings on my guitar and everything seems perfect, this video made the process incredibly easy! I was not done in 16 minutes or anything and had to go back once or twice to make sure I was doing it right but I have to say for it being my first time changing classical guitar strings I am quite pleased! Thank you!

[@theghostoftama7013]

I cannot even begin to explain how helpful this video was. I kept putting this video off because of how long it seemed but after listening carefully and doing it, it really wasn't as bad as it looked. This is such a lifesaver

[@ЖИЛЕ94]

Thanks for the the tips, i just needed to change my D string, but looked through the rest of the video for advice that i'm gonna definitely need in the future.

[@MAZiese]

Allen, really enjoy all of your presentations/lessons here on KZbin. Always filled with great suggestions on how to approach studying and practicing classical guitar. However I have a bone to pick with you on your comment of saying it really doesn't matter which strings you use on you classical guitar. I will agree it doesn't matter who's make or brand you use, but yes it can matter which "tension" and which composite string you put on your guitar. There are several considerations that a player should take into account when purchasing the strings they use. 1) Most standard classical guitars have a standard "scale' length of 650mm or in layman terms 25.59 inches. Also there are shorter scale (640mm or 630mm) Student or Parlor models. And the strings you would normally put on the "standard" 650mm don't play and sound as well on a shorter scale length guitar. As a general rule a "higher" tension will work and sound best on these "shorter" scale guitars, and conversely a "normal" or "light" tension string will sound best on a "standard" (650mm) length guitar. My parlor guitar sounds best with high tension and my Spanish made standard scale sounds best with normal tension. 2) It also depends on the style of playing you do... standard classical pieces or flamenco... Most flamenco players will use a "higher" tension string because of the method of playing (the way they attack/strike the strings). This is especially true when a flamenco piece utilizes lots of picados and rasgueados. Classical pieces such as Bach or Giuliani, Sor or Carcassi and most Renaissance pieces a normal or even light tension strings will work for the style of playing in these genre. 3) Also there is a risk of possibly and I say "possibly" damaging your instrument if it was not built to handle the extra amount of tension (pull on the bridge plate) these strings can exert. 4) Another factor to take into consideration is the ability of the player themselves. An experienced player who has been playing for years can and should be able to handle the little bit more exertion that will be required of their fingering, both left and right hands. Barr Cords require the strengthening of the index finger, especially if it across all six strings. And plucking the strings to get the best tone also requires strengthening the Index, Medius and Annaluris fingers (I, M and A). A beginner or student would probably be best suited for light to normal tension strings. 5) Also when choosing strings, there are bronze and silver wound bass strings. Bronze have a somewhat warmer tone, silvers tend to be more is bright in tonality. And then there are the higher strings (3,2, and 1) your G, B and E strings and the materials used in their composition. Some are normal nylon, then there is carbon and some are composites. There is a lot to take into consideration when choosing. I would suggest asking your instructor or luthier or the maker of the guitar which may be best for the type of player you are. Do the research is what I tell everyone and also get ready to try different brand and types before you find the ones that work for you and your style of playing.

[@danstune]

Thank you!

[@TornacenseDeFuturo]

Thank you for sharing :) It's not easy as an electric guitar, but I managed somehow.

[@AkayshaKay]

Thank you so much for these videos.

[@irvinretiz]

I’m barely going to begin learning how to play the guitar but I had to change the strings on this guitar my sister gave me and it was the first time I’ve ever done this and Allen made it super easy and explained everything really well. Thank you!!

[@windsorwoman]

"Smoosh it around like that with your finger" good technical description. Thanks for all the videos, Allen.

[@skeletoneg]

this was amazing

[@earthsteward9]

Thank you! Additional tip: don't eat fried chicken or pizza before playing :-)

[@taliii96]

Thank you!!! Really helped!! 🙂

[@frederickmenu3140]

Usefull tuto. Thanks to you Jude Law

[@ramonleonegea]

Very interesting, greetings.

[@eztanezta]

Doing it for years. Still struggling with it. Still hating it. xD

[@wolcottwu756]

Your presentations are expert, clear, natural and imteresting.

[@elvira250]

Thank You, I had doubts how to string my guitar.

[@johannbach1903]

I change strings all the time on my electric guitars & this was my first classical. I was intimidated until I watched your video. Thanks for the info. 👍

[@vincentmaloney5835]

This is the best video about restringing classical guitar. Before I take off old strings, following Your advice, using the dropper I put a little oil on the wheels of Tuning Pegs. Also: each time right after I take off old strings, I wipe the fretboard with Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes Fretboard Conditioner. I wait a couple of hours for the fretboard to get dry. Only after that I start installing the new strings. Thank You so much for Your help.

[@patrickbrazil3383]

I was unable to get the high E to go through the hole a second time, so I triple wrapped/looped it like I saw in another video. Also, had a hard time keeping the “knots” from staying below the bridge, the D is especially closer to the top.

[@copsarebastards]

I had the same issue with my d string, not sure if i did everything correctly, hopefully in a few days it can keep tune

[@Bear4Bug]

Today I changed the strings on my classical guitar successfully for the first time thanks to this video, thank you!!

[@Calletobefree]

There's a technique you can also use to better secure the remaining tail of the strings at the bridge. Take the tail of the "E" string, and tuck into the loop of the tail on the "A" string. Do the same thing on the A string, tucking it into the loop of the D String. For the treble strings, you can to the left, tucking the tail of the high "E" string into the loop of the B String, and so forth. It looks a lot better actually. Good video though!

[@rohadtanyad8908]

not a good idea. the e string is thicker than the a string and having it under there will not have the a string as secure as it could be. going in the other direction is fine though, starting at the high e string. keep going, the low e string will not be under another string.

[@RichardThornton_sasuser]

@@rohadtanyad8908 I do it this way

[@rohadtanyad8908]

@@RichardThornton_sasuser a lot of people do. but if you think about it you realize what makes sense. i have seen people have the string slip out.

[@RichardThornton_sasuser]

rohadt Anyad i meant I start with the first string working to B, G, etc. it’s looks neat and reduces buzzing, but it is a problem to replace an individual string such as a D string, which always seems weakened.

[@Anriuko]

@@rohadtanyad8908 Right. I read an article by Martin where they instructed to tuck the thicker string under the adjacent thinner string precisely where there should be pressure from the thinner string onto itself to secure it behind the bridge. They make guitars and didn't think about this?! Anyway, it seems like a gimmicky procedure. Maybe good if you don't want to use a wirecutter.

[@SuperExadidas]

Thank you…great video

[@blitzshriek999]

Well I've run into a "gumption trap".... can't seem to manage to make it run twice through the high E hole on th bridge.... no room!!gonna have to wing it and hope that it won't go out of tune constantly, but c'est la vie

[@travelthebest2676]

I can no longer differentiate between the top and bottom holes on my 12 bridge, would it be more common practice to start the string in the hole closest in proximity to the bass side?

[@jonvandenberg8509]

Thx! excellent video

[@Midna81]

I thoroughly enjoyed this string changing adventure!!

[@BobSchusterMusiccom]

Interesting approach. How did you come up with the double loop on the high E string?

[@sugarmaven]

Just changed my first ball-less strings! I'll keep you posted. Thanks!

[@michaelduddy4119]

Thanks. Well done.

[@ironspider4096]

How do i change metal strings

[@Fangbango]

Where does the B string go? Hannabach doesn't have instructions for beginners on their packs of 500MTs

[@HopHeadSeattle]

Awesome video, thanks so much for all the helpful tips! After watching this, it only took me about six tries to get it right - but that's because I'm such a klutz haha. Really appreciate your putting this together & leading us through in such a coherent way!

[@Sharon-kv2ib]

hi! can you help me? i did everything you said, and it worked, but when i tune and start playing the guitar, or even if i dont play it, the string is like if i didnt tune it (sorry i dont know how to say it, and the translator dont give me the word), basically the guitar lost the tune (?), so i have to tune it again but it still happening, so i cant play well my guitar now, because the sound is ugly, what i did wrong? i didn't happen before :( i hope you can understand what i mean, and sorry for my english!

[@katrina854]

The guitar will be out of tune for at least a week. It needs tuning every day and after a week it should be fine. Hope this helps

[@rohadtanyad8908]

classical strings stretch for a long time. especially the trebles. that is why most players only replaces the wound strings, because those settle much quicker. the trebles will keep going out of tune for a week.

[@TheGeniuschrist]

I bought a nylon string- it's been great for practice hours- Thanks for putting this video up

[@Oreo_Andy]

Omfg I swear I need a fucking step by step book for this. I don't understand shit on how the knot works

[@bussottiguitars1998]

Horrible! 1) Angle from nut to each tuner. 2) He has players nails AND NO, ZERO, 0 soundboard protection.

[@BortasArt]

Can I have my strings forever on my classical guitar?

[@jboggs]

Great tip on the double loop for the high E knot. I got a nasty whip mark on one of my guitars that I don’t want to have happen again...

[@franktriggs]

For the unwound nylon strings, I put the string through the bridge, then tie a knot at the end of the string, pull on the end with a pair of pliers to get it tight, then use a lighter on the very end, to ever so slightly melt the knot, for a second only. Then tie the knot around the bridge. This stops the nylons from slipping at all, and they stay in tune better. It gives you a ball at the end of the string to stop slippage.

[@bietman6992]

A+

[@James-nr9gm]

Great tutorial! Did my first following diagrams out of my method book and got pretty close to this, but this really filled in a couple missing gaps!

[@MisterGuitarItalia]

So easy to follow, great job! Compare this to the Martin tutorial that makes your head spin...

[@AfterTouchhh]

UPDATE: I managed to replace the string I need some help This is my first time having to deal with strings My teacher changed my strings at school and now that i cant go i have no way of changing it Yesterday i broke a guitar string and i dont know how to change the string.

[@AfterTouchhh]

@CubingFTW i forgot to update but i managed to change the string. I was really furious bc it broke so i woke up at 4 am one day and watched the tutorial twice and got the string back at its place. I know i could go to a guitar store but there is only one music shop in my place and that is quite far. Thanks for the help kind stranger!

[@johnlay3040]

6 years ago, string ties probably have been invented. These days people use them. It is a lot easier and neater. The best thing about it is it eliminates the risk of string slippage which doesn't just mark the guitar but it marks the heart of the owner, especially if the lady is a new lover.

[@manuelgonzales6483]

Do you recommend changing as a set or can you just replace the broken string?

[@martindavidson2071]

Thank you. Whilst Ive been a guitarist for many years its been all steel string and I bought my first classical last night. It was second hand so i decided to change the strings. Luckily i bought a three pack, and went through two sets of these watching other youtube videos before coming across this. Im now in classical nirvana -:)

[@ΝικοςΒοττεας]

😊

[@RobertoMartinez-kv5tp]

👍✔😉

[@ianhutch8940]

Five star tutorial. Thank you very much!

[@kelly-qq4cx]

couldn't even get past the first string, it's just so loose no matter how hard i pull it

[@58MrMike]

Good job! Learned a few new techniques

[@stevew585]

Cheers Alan, now not taking it to the store!

[@bananaussage8376]

I tuned all strings without a single one snapping bow down to your god

[@shadowsruss9106]

Perfect video - thanks very much

[@JohnJCButtigieg]

LEGEND! Best video!

[@CrowsAnimations]

This is super good but I just can’t get it qwq

[@ryanhingorani4019]

I'll be sure to stop eating brie with my fingers..

[@jeanmorna3626]

Make a double node .

[@elisa.florido9069]

But what is the loose wrap part for? It has no use?

[@cefarther3945]

Allen, could we use a nylon ball end string?

[@marnierussell3613]

I'm restringing a classical guitar for the first time and I'm worried the string might be too close to the fret board? Does this mean it's not tight enough and I've given the string too much slack?

[@AndreasDevig]

What do you mean too close to the fret board?

[@richardalan8610]

Why are you wearing a jacket.

[@manansingh476]

Thank you so much for helping me out with the help of this video 🤗🤗

[@juliocabrera2567]

If one brakes do I have to replace them all?

[@burningMallowz]

No, you don't have to. Only replace the others if they look old.

[@nickyclark527]

Really helpful

[@Thomas-we3ed]

I've been changing my strings wrong since I started playing (6 months). I'm happy to have watched this. Thank you!

[@DavidGarcia-pi9wn]

I wonder why so many pros use composite strings and hate nylon

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Hey, Zak here. I don't think it's a matter of "hating" nylon strings. There is a difference between practicing or playing at home or for a small audience and then going a playing concert halls to hundreds of people a couple times a week. Many feel that even if the tone is sacrificed a little, the carbon string will help the guitar project much better than the nylon string.

[@ChasWilson1]

Great tutorial, I've been considering buying a set of D'Addario EJ33 Folk Nylon Normal .028 .045 Ball End. Can I simply cut off the Ball Ends and still use as Tie Ends? I have a '55 Martin 00-18G, can you advise on strings for the old Martin? Thanks!

[@larsdahl6594]

5th video I watch on restringing a classical guitar, everyone does it differently emphasizing different things as the really important ones to pay attention to. I guess if it works it works is the message to take home.

[@richferraro4422]

Wish I'd found your presentation first instead of the "rocket science" video which resulted in a broken string! Also enjoyed your down to earth style! I have a question about the string tails at the head pegs. Do you wind the strings over the the tails and then trim, or not? Not sure if doing so is overkill or a keeping in tune issue. Thanks...Rich

[@yourrnamee1280]

I felt like this...aaarrrggghhh

[@kayladeewhite6360]

Thank you so much for this. I watched a couple other tutorials and still had questions, so the detail you provided here really helped!

[@cheagan]

Why doesn't anyone explain the process of hiding the string ends, nestling them one into another? That's literally the only reason I'm here.

[@jamesdalian8774]

Allen, I'm very surprised that you didn't mention which way the the pegs are supposed to turn on each side of the guitar. I realize that is doesn't really matter, but I would like to know what is proper. I still liked the video though. Thanks so much.

[@DAMusic-qu2ec]

The loose winding on the Low E string is to make it more flexible for the bridge knot, so that end should go in the bridge, technically. Though nothing bad happens if you flip it around.

[@garyschraa7947]

Hey wow it's you again . This is off topic . . . . but I know there is an actor out there that looks exactly like you . And I cannot think of who he is , but it's spot on . Sorry . cont.

[@ChrisHaas1]

Thanks for this video! As a beginner I was having trouble getting my high E string knot to stay tight, but that double loop through the bridge did the trick!!

[@susangoldsmith]

Excellent! After fifty years of doing this I picked up some great tips. Also love your comment on don't be eating brie with your hands (then play)!

[@jimg691]

Very informative, Thanks!