Is there anything more irritating than your guitar string breaking? We've all been there. It always seems to happen at the worst possible time, right?
I recently was invited to a high-level blues and R&B jam at a club nearby. The host is a local producer and next-level musician, and the jam always brings a good crowd.
Typically, you get up and play 1 or 2 songs and continuously get new musicians up through the night. Just to mix things up, I grabbed my American Gibson SG as I ran out the door, even thinking that I was a little overdue for a string change for that guitar.
When I got called up, I broke the 1st E string on the first song, singing the 2nd verse….dang… Luckily, I was paired with a great lead guitarist, and we held our own for our two songs, but NOT IDEAL. [OR}... Just when you're nailing that new riff you’ve been relentlessly practicing in front of your bandmates, bam, silence.
Guitar strings are also directly related to your sound, so while it is subtle, as a guitarist, you will begin to hear the differences in new strings vs older, more worn strings.
You will notice the brightness of your tone much more with new strings. With use, strings can collect dirt, oil, and oxidation, but playing also applies stresses that actually physically change them. The result is that over time as your strings wear, your tone will slightly dull and become more noticeably muted to your ear.
As your ear becomes even more attune, you will begin noticing your intonation changing. As strings wear from use, they actually do so inconsistently along the length of the string. This means while your intonation (same pitch at 12th fret as open) was perfect when you had the new set of strings on, now over time it's off.
But how long are guitar strings meant to last? Unfortunately, there’s no quick answer. Guitar string lifespan varies depending on several factors, but knowing these factors and recognizing the signs of worn-out strings can help you keep your guitar and your playing sounding its best.
In general, your strings should be lasting anywhere from ones to several months. It all depends on how often you’re playing and what your going for.
I've had strings on guitars for up to 8-10 months because I wasn't playing that guitar so often, and the strings sound pretty good.
My main gigging guitars however, I may change every 4-6 weeks. For you to get an idea for what works for you, here’s a basic guide:
So why is it that strings wear out at seemingly random intervals? There are a lot of different factors that make it vary player to player, and even string to string.
As mentioned above, the main thing that affects string lifespan is how often you play. Makes sense - the more you use it, the quicker it gets used.
However, that’s not the only thing that decides when your string wears out!
Another big one is playing style. If you’re thrashing your guitar every session, your strings are probably going to wear out a lot faster than someone who's gently fingerpicking!
This also means that even the music you’re playing can affect your string life.
Playing with lighter gauge strings (for a lighter, twangy sound) will mean you’re replacing them more often than if you’re using heavy gauge strings (for a thicker, bolder sound.)
There are many different types of strings, and the one you use depends on your personal preference, your guitar, and the sound you’re looking to achieve. Different string materials wear out at different rates.
For example, bronze strings (often used on acoustic guitars), tend to wear out faster than the nickel or nickel plated strings that are most popular for electric guitars.
If you really want your strings to last, you could consider coated strings. These strings have a polymer outer layer that helps to prevent wear.
There’s nothing wrong with sweating - it just means you’re working hard! Sweaty hands can corrode your guitar strings though. Everyone sweats different amounts and has different chemical makeup affecting how corrosive their sweat is, so this one's just luck of the draw.
Handwashing before you play and even taking breaks to freshen up during long sessions can minimize the impact of body oils on your strings.
Changes in temperature and humidity can affect your whole instrument, including strings. To keep them lasting longer, try to avoid sudden environmental changes and make sure to keep them clean and dry.
Generally, the best way to do this is to keep your instrument in a clean, insulated case when you’re not using it.
While all strings are impacted by the factor I’ve mentioned, there is a definite difference in longevity based on string quality.
While you don’t need to jump to the most expensive strings if you’re just starting out, investing in strings from reputable brands will mean you’re changing them less frequently and will save you money in the long run.
While you can use the rough timeline as a guide, there are more precise ways to tell if it’s time to change your string!
The most obvious is of course when it breaks - and you should swap them all out, not just the broken one (trust me on this one.) But there are more subtle ways to know too.
One indication that it’s time to switch your strings is when your sound quality gets affected.
If your notes sound off, dull, or buzzy, you might need a new string. As a string wears down, you’ll also notice a loss in brightness, sustain, and intonation.
You can also usually see when your strings are wearing down. You might be able to see a difference in the width of the string where your finger or pick hits it, or notice discoloration (from shiny to dull), rust, or other signs of oxidation.
There may even be winding separation, or fraying on the string itself. Sometimes stings will develop pitting also, that you can see by nicks or dark spots along the string. While your string may play fine for a little while, once you notice a visual change it will be time for a new one soon.
In a similar vein, your string may start to feel rough, gritty, or tacky as it degrades.
You might feel more abrasion on your fingers than usual, or have difficulty bending the strings. This can be uncomfortable and affect the quality of your playing, so you’re definitely better off swapping out your string when you notice it doesn’t feel right.
We’ve all been there - you’re getting ready to go and just can’t get that string in tune to save your life.
Worn-out strings also fall out of tune more easily, and develop intonation issues along the neck, which can be super frustrating. If it’s just not working and everything else seems okay, you probably just need to replace that string and then you’ll be good to go!
It can be expensive to go through too many guitar strings, not to mention a hassle changing them all the time.
While it’s important to switch them out when they need it, I recommend taking steps to reduce how often you have to replace them as well.
If you haven’t been cleaning your guitar strings, you’re not alone! I’m always surprised at the amount of beginners, and even experienced players, who don’t know they need to clean them.
However, if you want crisp, tight, sound, and long-lasting strings, you should wipe them down every time you finish playing to prevent a build-up of sweat, oils, and dirt. Luckily, it’s quick and easy!
As I mentioned before, the environment you’re in and changes in temperature and humidity can be really bad for your strings and your whole guitar!
Make sure to keep it dry and stable in a good case, and put it away as soon as you're done playing (and have cleaned it!)
Washing your hands before you play is such an important habit to develop if you want your strings to last. It also helps me personally to feel “reset” and ready to, which leads to playing better!
Take care of your strings and they’ll take care of you.
Along with cleaning them after you play, make sure to stretch new strings when you first put them on, and regularly tune your guitar.
One of the only surefire ways to get your strings to last longer is to buy coated strings.
These durable strings are usually a little pricier, but they last a lot longer before losing tone or wearing out. If you have sweaty hands or live somewhere hot and humid, they’re definitely worth considering.
All in all, how long your guitar strings last really varies from person to person. It depends on how often you play, what style you’re playing, what gauge and brand strings you’re using, and so much more.
In general, if you're playing often try changing every month or so and around 3-4 months if not. Again there are times I’ve gone many months without changing, but I would go any longer than a year. I have NEVER regretted changing strings.
It's sometimes inconvenient, and I'd rather not take the time, but once I've done it, I always am glad I did. I recommend playing around and seeing what works the best for you - just make sure you’re properly maintaining your instrument while you do so!
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