A common question among players is how often they should change their acoustic guitar strings. Some find it a tedious task, while others enjoy putting on a fresh set. Regardless, it's an important part of acoustic guitar maintenance. After all, it’s not just about the dull tone; oxidized strings can damage your frets over time if you're not careful.
How often you need to change your strings will vary. Guitar strings start to degrade due to sweat, and players with more acidic sweat may need new strings every few weeks. How much you play also affects string life – if you’re playing for hours each day, your strings will wear out faster than if you're a more casual player.
As a general rule of thumb, replace your strings when they go black, lose their shine, or lose their high-frequency chime. Also, if you notice dirt on your finger after running it under the strings, it’s time for a new set. Changing them every month or so should keep your guitar sounding great and your frets safe.