Where do you get new guitar strings? Personally, I prefer to buy them in regular music stores, feeling them live, while exchanging jokes with the sellers there who have known me for a long time. However, you can order guitar strings online without any worries.

Wandering through the expanses of online stores, you probably noticed that the types of guitar strings offered for sale are quite numerous. Of course, after this the question could not help but arise: how to choose strings for a guitar, how not to make a mistake with the choice when purchasing? These issues need to be sorted out in advance.

Types of strings based on material of manufacture

There are three main types of strings:

1. Organic Gut (Catgut) – Traditional strings made from animal gut and wrapped with wire. Despite their short service life, many guitarists still prefer to install only gut strings on their instruments.
2. Nylon strings are held in high regard by classical guitarists. They are soft and pliable, and therefore suitable for beginners. The three tenor strings (lower) are made of nylon line, and the three bass strings are nylon strings wrapped in gold or silver plated wire.
3. Steel is the most popular look strings The sound of the instrument with such strings has a bright and ringing timbre. The winding of steel strings is made from the most different materials: nickel, phosphorus bronze, brass and others.

About different types of string windings

Let's talk in more detail about the winding, or as it is sometimes called, the braid of the strings. The wire covering the core of the strings can be made in several versions.

1. Round braid is the cheapest to manufacture, which means the cost of guitar strings will be lower. Main disadvantages: squeaking of fingers on the strings when playing, rapid wear due to contamination of the sinuses of the braid.
2. Flat braid eliminates unnecessary sounds. These strings are used on a guitar for studio recording. Main disadvantage: less bright sound than round wound strings.
3. Semicircular braid is a hybrid that includes both the pros and cons of the two previous types.

What is string tension?

Before choosing strings for your guitar, find out what their tension is: light, medium or heavy. The tension force is influenced by several factors: their length, weight, tuning frequency, diameter, winding material and core size.

It is believed that the stronger the tension, the louder and brighter the instrument sounds. If it is light, the instrument is quiet and melodious. Another caveat is that strings with heavy tension will not be so easy to press on the frets, and therefore for beginners it is recommended to take strings of the lightest tension to make playing easier.

The most popular manufacturers and prices of guitar strings

The companies D'Addario and LaBella have long been producing a large line of a wide variety of strings for classical and acoustic guitars. They are considered the most popular manufacturers - all of their types of guitar strings have excellent characteristics and are sold at not such a high price (about 10 USD).

The strings from the French manufacturer Savarez stand out separately. They are made of high-strength materials, have excellent sound properties, and therefore their cost is high (from 20 USD).

The most popular manufacturers of strings for electric guitars and bass are Elixir and DR. Their prices are very affordable: for electric guitars - from 20 USD, for a four-string bass - from 70 USD.

Why can't a classical guitar have steel strings?

The mechanics of the pegs and the stand in a classical guitar are made of lightweight materials. Therefore, only nylon strings can be used on this type of guitar - they are soft and not very stretched, which means they are not capable of breaking and damaging the instrument.

Steel strings are placed on guitars with a reinforced structure, such as, for example, acoustic six-strings. Well, if you try to put nylon strings on an electric guitar, you will see with your own eyes that the pickup simply cannot detect sound vibrations from them.

Conclusion

So, when choosing strings, you need to focus on the instrument itself, its strength or, conversely, softness, the level of your technical skill (tight or light tension), the practical purpose of the instrument (educational, concert, studio, etc.), well and on the traditions that have developed in guitar schools (preferences for materials of one type or another).

Of course, one of the most important criteria, and for some the main one, is the cost of guitar strings. And yet, also pay attention to the packaging of the strings - it should contain not only the characteristics of the product, but also the basic data of the manufacturer. Being careful will protect you from buying a fake.

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Strings for acoustic or classical guitar significantly affect its sound, so from the widest range of strings on the market, you should choose exactly those that are ideal for you and your instrument. This guide will help you choose the right strings that best suit your guitar and playing style.

Acoustic Guitar Strings

Since there are no sound effects or there is no amplification in an acoustic guitar, the strings have key value for its sound. Thus, the material and caliber acoustic strings must be carefully considered, and the type of winding is also an important factor.

Acoustic or classical guitar

The first thing that determines the choice of strings is the type of instrument - classical or western guitar (it is most often called acoustic). In most cases their strings Not interchangeable. Using metal strings on a guitar designed to be used nylon strings, may seriously damage the instrument. The neck design of a classical guitar is not designed to withstand the pressure from the tension of metal strings. Using the wrong strings can also damage the bridge and nuts.

String gauge

Before we dive into the specific characteristics of the different types of guitar strings, let's look at the concept of string gauge, since it applies to both. Strings come in different thicknesses or gauges. Caliber is indicated in thousandths of an inch. The thinnest acoustic strings are usually 0.010 gauge, while the thickest are 0.059 gauge. The gauge of the strings greatly affects their playability and sound.

Please note that classical guitar strings also vary in tension. Below we will discuss the effect of tension on the sound and playability of classical strings.

Thinner strings (smaller gauge):

• - it’s easier to pinch the strings and play by fingerpicking;
• - tear faster;
• - their sound is less deep and long;
• - can cause fret buzzing, especially on guitars with a small distance between the neck and the strings;
• - place less pressure on the guitar neck and are safer for older instruments

Thicker Strings (Higher Gauge):

• - require great effort to pluck the strings and play chords;
• - the sound is deep and long;
• - cause more pressure on the bar.

Gauge designation on acoustic guitar string sets

Most manufacturers mark the gauge of the string set with labels such as “extra light” or “heavy” on the packaging. Although various manufacturers The gauge of strings of the same marking may differ slightly; below are the standard gauges of strings for an acoustic guitar:

Selecting String Gauge for an Acoustic Guitar

When deciding which string gauge to choose, the following factors must be considered:

Type of shell: general rule is that on guitars with a smaller soundboard, that is, with less resonance, it is better to use smaller gauge strings, on guitars with a larger soundboard - thicker strings. Thus, large dreadnoughts (western dreadnoughts) or jumbos, as a rule, sound better with medium gauge strings: thanks to the large soundboard, the sound resonates well and is balanced deep and loud. Folk and grand audience guitars will sound better with thinner strings.

Playing style: Picking is much easier on smaller gauge strings. If you prefer to play, it is better to choose medium-gauge strings, although for beginners who are not roughened, they may seem harsh. If you combine both plucking and strumming in your game, light-medium gauge strings can be not a bad option. These sets consist of thinner three lower strings and thicker three upper strings.

Desired tone: As you probably already guessed, heavy gauge strings produce a deep low sound with pronounced bass. On the other hand, thinner strings give a bright and ringing sound to high notes, making fingerpicking very effective.

Condition and age of the instrument: Vintage guitars are often fragile and putting too much tension on thick strings can cause the neck to change angles and damage the bridge. If you are unsure how large a gauge is safe for your guitar, check with the manufacturer or luthier.

Acoustic Guitar String Materials

Below are the features of the sound of strings with various materials windings of their basses.

Bronze: the strings have a clear, ringing and bright sound, which, unfortunately, fades quite quickly due to the tendency of bronze to oxidize.

Phosphor bronze: the sound is lower and warmer, but still quite sonorous, phosphorus in the alloy increases service life.

Aluminum bronze: The sound is cleaner than phosphor bronze, with pronounced bass and ringing highs

Copper: the strings have a bright, ringing, metallic sound, but they get dirty and oxidize very quickly.

Polymer coated: less sonorous and bright than equivalent bare strings, the sound is warm and deep; Corrosion resistant.

With silk wrap(Silk and Steel): A steel core with silk, nylon or copper winding on the lower strings, giving them a softer feel and sound. These strings are popular among folk performers and for fingerstyle.

What is special about electric-acoustic strings?

Most electroacoustic speakers are equipped with a piezoelectric pickup (or simply a microphone) located inside the soundboard, which converts the sound vibrations of the strings and soundboard into an electrical signal using a built-in preamp. Since piezoelectric pickups are not affected by the magnetic properties of the string materials, regular acoustic or classical guitar strings will work just fine for an acoustic-electric guitar.

If the electro-acoustic is equipped with an electromagnetic pickup, when choosing strings, you should follow the recommendations of the guitar or pickup manufacturer.

Nylon strings

Characteristics of nylon strings

Nylon strings are typically used for performance classical music, flamenco, bossa nova and folk music. However, their smooth, rich tone with excellent touch sensitivity is used by guitarists in other styles, such as jazz and country.

Some beginners choose nylon strings due to the belief that they are less likely to cut their fingers. This belief is true, since nylon is a softer material and the tension of nylon strings is weaker than metal ones. However, all beginners must go through a stage of roughening their fingertips and correct settings he passes the guitar quickly. Nylon strings should not be chosen for their initial ease of play, but for their sound.

Because nylon strings tend to stretch more than metal strings, they require more frequent tuning, especially if the set is new. They are also more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

Nylon string tension

In addition to the gauge, manufacturers indicate the tension of the set on the packaging of nylon strings. Unfortunately, there is no single scale for determining it, so to find strings with the ideal tension for you, you need to change several brands. The choice is complicated by the fact that there are sets in which the strings have different tensions, while only one value is indicated on the packaging. Below are the most common tension symbols and their sound characteristics.

Lowtension(Low Tension alsoModerate orLight Tension)

• - it is easier to pluck strings, especially on instruments with a large distance between the strings and the neck;
• - the sound is less sonorous and rich;
• - the sound is soft, without pronounced intonation;
• - more suitable for legato technique;
• - prone to fret buzzing.

Averagetension(Normal Tension/Medium Tension)

• - is usually a happy medium between low and high tension characteristics.

Hightension(High/Hard/Strong Tension)

• - more effort is required to clamp the strings, especially on instruments with a large distance between the neck and the strings;
• - the sound is clearer and brighter;
• - the sound is expressive, more abrupt;
• - more suitable for rhythmic picking;
• - May cause damage to the neck, bridge and tuning machines on fragile instruments.

Some manufacturers produce strings with extra-light tension and extra-hard tension, and there are also sets labeled Medium-hard tension. To choose the string tension that best suits your playing style, we recommend first deciding on the manufacturer and winding material of your bass. After that, try sets with different tensions in the selected line.

To reduce the pressure on the instrument when using strings with high tension, it is recommended to loosen them after playing, store them in a slightly deflated state, and tune them immediately before playing.

Nylon string material

First of all, the very definition of “nylon strings” is somewhat erroneous. There are several materials from which strings are made, which would be more accurately called “classical guitar strings.” The structure and materials of treble and bass strings in the same set are also different.

Until the 1940s, classical guitar strings were made from the intestines of cows and sheep. The trebles were made from simple gut, and the bass strings were made from silk thread wound with gut.

The trebles of modern classical guitar strings are made from nylon, fluorocarbon or other synthetic threads, the basses are a core of twisted nylon thread with a winding of various materials.

Materials of treble strings for classical guitar and their sound characteristics

Clear Nylon : the most common strings are transparent nylon fishing line, cast in the required gauge, and have a ringing and bright sound. The strings are smooth to the touch.

Rectified Nylon : also represent a nylon fishing line of the required caliber, which is then processed by a laser to achieve the most accurate compliance with the specified diameter along the entire length of the string. They have a warmer, velvety sound. Matte and rough to the touch.

Black nylon : besides appearance It has a soft and clear sound with a predominance of high notes.

Nylon with titanium added : Smooth to the touch with a brighter sound than regular nylon strings. They are often used on low sounding guitars.

Combined : woven from several threads, have a bright, loud sound. Strings of this structure are often used as a G-string, as a transition between treble and bass strings.

Bass string winding materials for classical guitar

Classical bass strings consist of a core of twisted nylon thread with a winding of various metals. The most common ones are presented below.

80/20 bronze : The alloy contains 80% copper and 20% zinc. The sound of the strings is clear and bright.

Silver plated copper : Silver coating makes the strings smooth to the touch, copper gives a warm sound. Some manufacturers label this winding “silver”.

Roundwound basses are the most common for classical basses. Some manufacturers sand the surface of the Roundwound to smooth out the surface, which makes the strings smooth to the touch and reduces finger noise.

Most classical guitar strings have straight ends (tie-ends) that tie them to the bridge.

Signs it's time to change strings

• - the guitar is increasingly out of tune, and tuning it is becoming more and more difficult;
• - rust has appeared on the strings or they have changed color;
• - in the places where it is attached to the bridge, the winding has delaminated and the base of the bass strings is visible;
• - the sound of the strings is flat and dull;
• - You don’t remember when last time changed the strings.

How often should you change strings?

There is no single answer to this question, but the following are reasons for shortened string life:

• - You play in a hot room, you sweat while playing;
• - You play aggressively with loud fighting;
• - You play often;
• - You often change the tuning of your guitar;
• - You smoke or play in smoky rooms.

• - Have a clean cloth on hand to wipe down the strings after playing.
• - Wash your hands before playing.
• - Buy a stringwinder, they are inexpensive and will greatly speed up the process of changing strings.
• - Write down the date of replacement on the package of strings, put the package in the guitar case, so you can compare which strings last you longer.
• - Buying strings in bulk can be cheaper, especially if you use thin strings that are easy to break.
• - Pay attention to the packaging: it is better to choose polyethylene - it will protect the strings from corrosion during storage.
• - Keep a spare set or single first, thinnest strings in your guitar case, they will come in handy in case of emergency string replacement.

It has always been an honor to be able to play the guitar. Even after learning a few chords, you can already play simple songs in the yard or near the fire to lift your mood and morale. But there are times when, due to carelessness or prolonged use, the strings on a guitar break. In order not to cut short the holiday, you should always have a spare set of strings with you. This is where it comes in main question: “How to choose strings for an acoustic guitar?”

Types of strings

For an acoustic guitar, you have the choice of installing nylon or metal strings (on the same electric guitar, you can only install metal strings). These are two opposing camps. There is still debate about which strings are best for an acoustic guitar. In fact, it all depends on the person. Acoustic guitar strings sound different. That is why there are such a huge number of them. There are many different sets that differ from each other in various parameters that affect the sound and quality of the game. Don't forget that, among other factors, the acoustic guitar itself also affects playing. What strings are best for beginners?

Strings for Beginners

The first steps in mastering the guitar are always difficult. It is very important that from the very beginning a person enjoys playing the guitar, otherwise he will soon give up. Since the main element of a guitar is the strings, the approach to their selection should be in the first place. For beginners, nylon ones are best suited, since they have all the parameters useful to them.

Pros and cons of nylon strings

For beginners, nylon strings are best, as synthetic strings are much easier to play. Metal is a much harder material than synthetics, so it is more difficult to pluck your first chords on such strings. Synthetics, in turn, are a softer material, so learning to play on them will be many times easier.

For untrained fingers, the first loads will be quite large, so you need to do everything possible to reduce the load on them. In addition, synthetics are not so harmful to the skin: although at first it will be painful to clamp the frets, but then you will quickly get used to it.

But everything is not as simple as it seems. Synthetic is a soft material, which is why it is susceptible to deformation. Because of this property, the acoustics need to be constantly adjusted as the strings stretch. They are also less durable, so you should be careful and try not to tear them.

Nylon on a guitar does not sound as loud as metal. Its sound is more subdued, but soft. Therefore, when playing “forte” you need to put in more effort.

Pros and cons of metal strings

Metal strings are made of a stronger material, which gives them such strength. They are more durable and unpretentious to other conditions. They also don't deform as much. This makes it possible to keep them tight (no need to adjust them every time). Best Strings for acoustic guitar - metal. They are rightfully considered as such, because their sound is more ringing and loud.

But they have a number of disadvantages. Due to their strength, metal strings are made thinner. Especially for beginners, this results in thick calluses on the left hand. If you re-exercise out of a spiritual impulse, your fingers may bleed, and these are not just words. That is why it is important for yourself to choose a norm, several hours a day, in order to avoid overwork and bloody blisters. In addition, pressing chords will be much more difficult than with synthetics, since metal is a harder material. Here you need to use all your strength to make a sound.

Which strings to choose

So what are the best strings for an acoustic guitar? Well, for this it is worth taking into account all the factors. If a person is just starting to study music, then it is better to use nylon strings, since they are the easiest to learn on; if you have experience, then metal strings, because they have a more beautiful sound.

How to change strings on an acoustic guitar

If suddenly the guitar you bought turned out to have a set of metal strings, but you needed nylon ones, it doesn’t matter. The question of how to change strings on an acoustic guitar is resolved very quickly.

The first step is to buy a new set of strings. They are sold in any music store, and there are plenty of them on the Internet. After that, all that remains is to remove the old ones and attach the new ones.

Old strings need to be removed starting with the pegs (those things that are attached to the headstock). By reducing the tension, you can easily untangle them with your fingers and remove them from the peg. Then simply untie the knot on the bridge (the base on which the strings are attached near right hand). Then, following the reverse procedure, new strings are put on, starting from the lower bridge and ending with the pegs.

Valuable advice: it is best to change strings for an acoustic guitar not from top to bottom, but from the sides. That is, first the sixth and first strings are put on, then the fifth and second, and only then the fourth and third. The headstock is made so that pairs of pegs hold the strings in exactly that order. The farthest pair of pegs is responsible for the first and sixth. Same with the middle and third pair of pegs.

In fact, there is nothing complicated here, you just need to practice a little.

Best Strings

You always want to have something of very high quality and reliability. The same applies to strings. As a rule, the strings for an acoustic guitar installed when purchasing it are not of high quality. This is why it is recommended to change the strings after purchasing an instrument. The best option would be famous brand, dedicated to guitars, "Fender". He collected all the best in himself. This pleasure costs more than other strings, but it's worth it.

On any music forum, the same topic is always created. Every new guitar player asks us the same question. And every young musician always faces the same problem - choosing strings for his brand new acoustic guitar. And, indeed, today it’s easier to decide on a guitar than on strings! And everyone around just advises you to try, figure it out and choose the best option for yourself. But what about a beginner who is faced with such a problem for the first time?!

We would like to lend a helping hand to aspiring guitarists and tell a little about various types strings and their brands. And although the choice of strings really depends on the preferences of the musician, we will still share with you personal experience and our opinion about certain manufacturers. Perhaps this will answer not only some of your questions, but also help you decide what you need.

Material bases

The key qualities of strings: sound, durability and playability depend on the material from which they are made. So the first thing you have to decide on is the winding material of your future strings. Go!

Variety of brands

There is no shortage of different brands of strings for acoustic guitars today. And it is not surprising that it is difficult for any beginning guitarist to make an independent choice for the first time. So let's look at the most famous modern brands in a little more detail and see what experienced people say about them.

• Dean Markley. Negative reviews I haven't heard of these strings yet - they sound great and are reasonably priced. Their only drawback is their service life.

• ErnieBall. Another string option that perfectly combines quality and price. They last a long time, sound good, have a pleasant tactile sensation, and they are not very expensive. In a word, also a good start!

• Olympia. Another standard string option that combines affordable price, good sound and reliability.

• Rotosound. The strings of this brand can probably be described as follows: just strings. No outstanding qualities, nor particularly negative traits They dont have. Strings and everything.

So we went through all the famous manufacturers of strings for acoustic guitars and their products. And what conclusion can be drawn from all this?! Obviously, many strings from many brands represent a specific accessory, the choice of which is still worth growing up and trying a lot. So if you are purchasing replacement strings for the first time and are not yet in the mood for experiments, our advice to you is to take something simpler, such as D’Addario, La’Bella, Olympia or GHS of medium hardness. They will produce a fairly clear sound and will not create discomfort during the game.

As for the rest, the forums don’t lie – throughout your entire creative activity you will have to try more than one set of strings and give own assessment many manufacturers before you find the perfect option!

The strings on an electric guitar have a huge impact on the sound and playability of your instrument. If you look at the assortment of any online store, you will probably see the variety of strings they offer. Keep reading and you can easily decide which strings you need and whether they suit your guitar and playing style.

All about string thickness

Their main characteristic of any strings is their thickness, which is measured in thousandths of an inch. The thinnest strings are usually .008 (usually referred to simply as “eight” by guitarists) or the thickest .56 (or simply “fifty-six”). The thickness of the strings has a big impact on the playability of the guitar and the sound in general.

Thin strings:

• They are usually easy to play
• Allows you to easily do pull-ups
• Very easy to tear
• Sounds quieter and produces less sustain
• Tend to hit the frets, which gives a very unpleasant sound
• Have the least impact on the neck of the guitar, which is a safe choice for vintage guitars

Thick strings:

• They are usually more difficult to play
• Requires a lot of effort when clamping and playing bends
• Generate louder sound and sustain
• Preferred for low tunings such as
• Puts more pressure on the neck of the guitar

String thickness designation

Most string manufacturers define string thickness using terms like “thin” or “very thick.” While the exact thickness may vary slightly among manufacturers, I want to give you typical string size ranges for an electric guitar:

Basic string thicknesses

• Incredibly super thin: .008 .010 .015 .021 .030 .038
• Super thin: .009 .011 .016 .024 .032 .042
• Thin: .010 .013 .017 .026 .036 .046
• Medium thickness: .011 .015 .018 .026 .036 .050
• Thick: .012 .016 .020 .032 .042 .054

The set of strings is determined by the thickness from the thinnest string, which is below all the others, to the thickest, which is above all. For example, for an average set of strings, the first string (the thinnest) will have .011 inches, the second .015, the third .018, and so on.

Factors to consider when purchasing electric guitar strings

The most important factors when purchasing are:

• Your playing style and music genre
• How often do you play
• The character of the sound and the tone you want to achieve

Things that influence these factors:

• String thickness
• The material from which the strings are made
• String winding method used
• The presence of a protective coating on the strings

Now knowing all these factors, we can choose the most suitable solution for you.

We have already discussed above that thinner strings are easier to play than thicker strings. If you're looking to play fast, technical solos and intense rhythm parts, then you might want to look at thinner strings. Although, on the other hand, if you play metal and use lower tunings, then your choice should be thicker ones.

Guitarists who play genres such as blues or rock and use bends often prefer medium gauge strings, which make bending easier to play and generate a richer, fatter, darker tone. Jazz guitarists most often use the thickest strings, since they practically do not bend and have a great need for a wide range of tones.

Most beginners prefer super-thin and thin strings. Once you have mastered the basic technical skills and your fingers become more flexible and strong, you will be able to move on to thicker options (due to their specific benefits that we discussed above).

To find the right string thickness for you, you should rely solely on your playing style and experiment as much as possible. Try the strings different sizes, brands and you will probably find the ones that are most “attractive” to your fingers and ears.

Difference between different types strings can be quite “thin” and at first glance incomprehensible to you. The only advice I can give you is to listen to your personal taste and choose what is comfortable for your fingers and ears.

Also keep in mind that the transition to new type strings may require you to adjust their height above the fretboard and also entail Negative consequences for your equipment.

String durability

I have a question for you: how often do you play the guitar? If you're a guitarist who plays say a few times a month and has a penchant for playing with a "light touch", then you can safely buy less expensive strings and not worry about the fact that they will come to an end in, say, a couple of weeks. On the other hand, if you play often and hard, then you should buy more expensive strings, as they will remain playable quite for a long time. Most guitar manufacturers price their strings based on their durability, which depends on the materials from which the strings are made.

Materials

All electric guitar strings are made of steel, nickel or any other magnetically conductive alloy. Why magnetically conductive? Because these alloys are excellent for transmitting vibrations generated by strings directly to pickups, which use a magnetic field to capture sound (I wrote about this in more detail in the article:). The type of cladding or coating applied to the steel alloy has a significant impact on the sound of the strings. Here are some tonal characteristics of the most common materials used in guitar strings:

Nickel plated steel: Has balanced brightness and warmth with more attack

Pure Nickel: has slightly lower brightness compared to nickel-plated steel and with more pronounced warmth

Stainless steel: It has a bright, crisp tone with sustain, as well as anti-corrosion properties.

Chromium: has a characteristic warm tone with less resonance. Jazz and blues are very often preferred by guitarists.

Titanium: has a bright tone and excellent durability

Cobalt: Has a wide dynamic range with outstanding brightness

Polymer coating: has less sustain compared to uncoated strings, but at the same time is resistant to corrosion

Color coverage: some coatings have color dyes, which gives visual appeal

Types of string braid

The first, second, and sometimes even the third strings do not have a “wire” braid wound over the string. The rest, or as they are also called, bass strings, have it. Below are the types of braids and how they affect playability and tone:

• Round braid: The most popular type of braid that has a noticeably ribbed structure and produces more sustain, attack and bite. This type of braid also wears out the neck and frets quite a lot.
• Semicircular: has a smoother texture and produces more dark tone and less attack compared to the round one.
• Flat braid: It has a very smooth tactile quality, as well as a fairly dark tone. Popular among jazz and blues guitarists.

Signs that it's time to change strings

1. Setting up and maintaining an instrument is becoming more and more difficult;
2. You see that rust has appeared on the strings and it has begun to fade or has already faded;
3. The braid of the bass strings seemed to begin to “unravel”;
4. Dissonance and instability appear even in the way you tune the instrument;
5. You can't remember the last time you changed your strings;

How often should you change your strings?

Unfortunately I don't have an exact answer to this question, but there are some factors that shorten the life of your strings:

• Sweating. When you play a lot, your fingers produce a lot of sweat, which simply corrodes the strings.
• You play very aggressively, i.e. use a lot of bends and a hard attack when playing.
• Frequent playing of the instrument will also wear out the strings.
• You use different guitar tunings and often change the instrument.

Some guy from Fender shows how to properly change the strings on his electric guitar

• Keep your strings clean. After each gaming session, take the time to take a dry, clean rag and simply wipe them from your sweat, pieces of skin from your fingers and dirt. This procedure will allow you to significantly extend the life of your strings.
• Wash your hands before each play on the guitar, which will slightly slow down the oxidation process of the strings.
• Invest in a tool for winding strings onto pegs. It will help you significantly reduce your time when changing strings.
• Buy strings in 5-10 sets. This way you will save your money by buying them at wholesale prices.
• You may need to urgently replace a broken string at a rehearsal or performance, so keep a spare set or individual strings in your case or case.