Learn Guitar with Free Lessons & Tips

The debate between nylon strings and steel strings has been discussed for ages, and there are arguments in favor of both. Yes, nylon strings are softer and more gently on players' fingers, so beginners generally won't have to worry about finger pain or developing the callouses that will help them practice pain-free.

Starting with the thickest, lowest string, pull the string up and across the groove in the nut. Then, slot it through the hole in its tuning post. Pull it through until you've got about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of excess string tailing out of the tuning post. Wind each string toward the center of the headstock.

The ideal interval between changing strings will depend on how often you play, the situations you play in, and the tone you prefer. Different players have different needs and will restring their guitar accordingly.

A touring musician or someone who gigs frequently may want to change their strings every two weeks.

Steel and nickel are mainly used to make guitar strings for electric guitars. Usually, an electric guitar string will consist of a steel wire that is plated in nickel, although you can also buy strings that are made from pure steel or pure nickel, which have both become a popular choice in recent years.