How do you soften guitar strings?

Here are some ways to soften guitar strings:

Loosen the strings

Use your fingers or a string winder to turn the tuning pegs counterclockwise to release tension on the strings. This makes them easier to remove.

Stretch and tune

New strings often need to stretch and warm up before they stay in tune. To speed up the process, you can roughly tune the strings to a note, then stretch the strings away from the fretboard with your fingers. After stretching, tune the strings again.

Use a guitar tuner

A guitar tuner uses lights and a display to show you how close a string is to a note. You can then gradually tighten or loosen the string until it's in tune.

Lubricate the strings

You can use a specialized string cleaner or a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to lubricate the strings. Make sure to apply the lubricant evenly along the entire length of the string.

Use nylon strings

Nylon strings are softer than steel strings and are easier on your fingers.