It’s happened to us all: you’re jamming on your guitar when all of a sudden, one of the strings snaps. The nightmare scenario!
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Thankfully, this is a problem that’s easily solved, and you don’t need to be an expert musician to do it. Take a look at our article on how to fix guitar strings for all the info you need!
Fixing A Broken Guitar String – Electric, Classical Or Acoustic
5 Best Guitar String Tips For Beginners
OK, so you’ve probably already tried tightening the strings on your guitar, and all that did was break them out further. The good news is that there are several things you can do to keep your strings from breaking when they do. Here are our top 5 tips for beginners:
1. Change Your Strings Often
This tip is basic, but it’s a great start! The more frequently you change your strings, the less likely it will be that they’ll snap. Over time, strings get worn out and lose their tone, so it’s important to change them at least once every other week. Doing so will also help keep your guitar sounding its best – plus, nobody likes that tinny sound that comes from new strings!
2. Replace Single Strings
If you consistently break the same string, it might just be old and worn out. If this is the case, you should consider just getting a new string rather than testing your luck by continuing to play with it. A single string that snaps constantly will wear out the other strings around it and cause your guitar to go out of tune. Even if those problems don’t bother you, replacing your old strings can help you sound better as a whole!
3. Change Strings Together
If you have multiple strings that have broken recently, the problem may not be a single one that needs fixing. Maybe your guitar strings are just getting old! It’s important to check all of your strings for signs of wear and replace them at the same time if they need it. Keep your guitar in the best shape possible by keeping its strings fresh and strong.
4. Take Your Guitar To A Guitar Shop
If you’re just not comfortable with that task yet, taking your guitar to a local guitar shop for repair may be the best option for you. If your strings are snapped too far apart or broken beyond repair, there’s no shame in heading to a guitar tech and getting professional help! Not only can they fix any issues you have with your strings, but they’ll also teach you how to fix them next time.
5. Use String Cleaners
While you probably don’t want to clean your strings each time you play them, there are a few things you can do to keep them in good shape. First, if they start to feel rough or dirty after playing for a while, give them a quick wipe with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. This will help get rid of any grime or dirt that might be trapped in between the strings.
Next, you can try using a bit of string cleaner. These simple products are great for cleaning your strings and they won’t harm them when used properly. They can be purchased at most music stores or drug stores, if you prefer to keep things as natural as possible. Simply spray the cleaner onto your strings and wipe it off with a clean towel, making sure to let them dry before you play again.
Related reading – names of the guitar strings
Causes Of Breaking a Guitar String
- Overturning – when you are tuning, you want to be careful not to overturn the machine heads on the headstock and cause too much tension on the string. This can also cause a lot more tension on the neck that you should have.
- Guitar saddle burrs – these can act as a rough surface between your strings and the guitar hardware, which can actually damage your strings. They can also cause additional wear on the actual string, so it’s important to take care of them.
- Frictional wear – this is where the string action is too low (or too high) without proper tuning, causing friction that deteriorates your string’s life. This will eventually lead to breakage if you don’t get it fixed.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Guitar String
Not much! A single string is usually in the $1-$2 range and you usually can get a whole set for around $10.
Keeping Your Guitar Strings In Good Shape
Now that we’ve gone over ways to make sure your guitar is in good shape, let’s talk about ways you can keep it there! One of the best things you can do is alter how you play a bit and try different things to use less force on your strings. This will allow them to wear out a bit more slowly and you can keep your guitar sounding as great as ever.
If you do get a new guitar, there are some other things to keep in mind. First, make sure the strings are wound correctly on the peghead and bridge. If you’re having trouble finding the correct way to do it, this basic video should help:
Finally, don’t be afraid to try different types of guitars that might better suit your playing style.