Is it time for you to string your classical guitar strings and your head is spinning? Fret not. These guidelines will walk you through how to string a classical guitar. Let's get started!
2 Tips To Know Before Stringing your Classical Guitar
- Always begin by stringing through the bridge before proceeding to string through the tuning key posts
- Always string from the lowest bass string first (low E) and then proceed accordingly through the treble strings until you reach high E
*Nylon strings stretch quite a lot more than acoustic guitar strings so you will be adjusting often even after your re-stringing is complete. This doesn't mean you did anything wrong.
1. Tie The Bass Strings To the Bridge
- Insert string, from the sound hole side, through the bridge hole, exiting the hole towards the end of the guitar
- Leave yourself about 3 inches of excess string
- Pull the string upwards back over the bridge and bring it under the string to the right side
- Pull the string back over the bridge again and through the remaining loop making a knot
- Pull tight
2. Tie The Treble Strings To The Bridge
- Insert the string through the small hole in the bridge, exiting the side towards the end of the guitar and stop when you have about 3-4 inches of excess string on the exit side of the hole
- Pull the 4 inches of excess string gently upward then back over the bridge which is the direction back towards the neck of the guitar
- Now that you are back at the side of the hole you started at, make an under and over by sliding the string down and under itself, bringing it to the left of the string and then back up to where the string lies on the bridge and bringing it over to the right side of the string
- Do a second under and over across the string as it lays across the bride. Some say it appears as making a zigzag shape
- Lastly, you will string through the loop of the remaining string (which can also be perceived and one more 'under'. Pull the guitar strings from both ends until taut
3. Tie The Strings To The Post Of The Tuning Keys
- Insert the string through the tuning key post hole
- Create a loop by wrapping string up around the post
- Create a not by pulling the end of the string through the loop
- Pull knot tight
4. Adjust the Pitch of the Strings
- Use a string winder (highly recommended)
- Wind the post slowly, making sure the knot stays tight, and try to wind neatly side by side as to not create a piled up crooked mess
- Nylon strings stretch a lot more than acoustic guitar strings so hold strings taut and stretch as you wind
- After reaching desired pitches, play your guitar then retune. Repeat this process until your strings are broken in
Stringing a classical guitar is not an easy feat. The nylon strings are slippery and it can be difficult to pull the knots taut and to stretch the strings. It will get easier. Enjoy the process. Congratulations, you now know how to string a classical guitar!
