How to Change Nylon Strings on a Classical Guitar
Quick tutorial showing how to replace strings on a Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar.
How to tie nylon strings on your classical guitar.
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D'Adarrio Pro-Arte 80/20 Bronze Wound, Nylon Strings for Classical Guitar:
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Classical Guitar - Yamaha C40 II
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Tuner - Snark Clip On
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D'Addario - String Winder
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A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Strings on a Nylon String Classical Guitar
So, you’ve decided to take on one of the most important tasks of being a guitarist—string changing. But how do you go about it? It can be intimidating if you don’t know what you’re doing, but don’t worry! We have put together this step-by-step guide to help you change your strings like a pro.
Here is what you need to do when changing strings on a nylon-string classical guitar:
1) Before starting, I like to add some protection to my guitar body near the bridge. A couple of sheets of paper or a clean, dry, washcloth will do the trick. Unwind the old string until it is loose enough to remove from the bridge and tuning post. Remember, cutting or breaking the string when taking it off is unnecessary. Just unwind until it comes off easily. If you want to cut it just make sure the string is loose and do not let the sharp ends scratch your guitar - or poke your eye.
2) Tie one end of your new string around the bridge in a double-loop knot. Ensure that you only use the consistent end of your string at the bridge!
3) Run the tail of your new string through the hole in your bridge, then bring it up and over the main length of your string. Finally, tuck your tail underneath its own loop so that it’s secure and won't come undone.
4) Put the end of your new string through the hole at the center of your tuning key post and use a string winder to tighten it around itself (when winding, make sure that you guide it towards the middle of the headstock instead of outwards towards the tuning peg).
5) Repeat steps 1 - 4 for all six strings until they are all tightened onto their respective posts.
6) Once everything is secure, tune each string up individually using an electronic tuner. (I like this Tuner - Snark Clip On ) Stretching your strings will help your strings to stay in tune better. But remember, it's a good idea to tune your guitar each time to grab it to play. Yes, that would hopefully be every day.
Now that all strings are tuned up, give them time to settle by playing them gently for 10 minutes before doing any heavy shredding! This will ensure that they stay in tune longer and won't break as easily while playing.
Congratulations! You have just changed all six strings on your nylon classical guitar with ease! Now that you know how easy it is to change strings on this type of guitar, you can get back to making beautiful music with little fear or hesitation when those old strings finally do need replacing.