Which End of the Classical Guitar String Goes Where?

Key Takeaways:

• Bass classical strings often have one end that is wound looser and that feels floppy
• This floppy end is meant for tying around the peg at the guitar’s headstock
• The plain end is meant for tying around the bridge
• Treble strings don’t have different ends, so you can start them at either the headstock or bridge

Be sure to check out my top classical guitar picks if you’re in the market for a new instrument.

Which End of a Classical Guitar String Goes Where?

With traditional classical guitar strings, you’ll see there’s a normal end (it doesn’t look any different from the rest of the string) and a floppy end (the outer winding is expanded to allow you to tie a knot).

So, which end goes where? Here’s the gist:

• Use the normal end to tie the string around the tie block of the bridge.
• Use the floppy end to tie in a knot around the tuning peg at the headstock.

But wait, that’s not all…

Trick for Tying Classical Guitar Strings

The best way to string a classical guitar actually doesn’t use the floppy portion for a knot at all. I’ll try explaining in words, but check out the video from Cordoba at the top of this page to see exactly what I’m talking about:

Specifically at the headstock, the video shows the following steps:

1. Have the string tied at the bridge already
2. Thread the string downward through the tuning peg
3. Bring it back toward the body and up around the peg
4. Thread the loose end under the loop you just made (thread it toward the outside of the guitar)
5. Synch the loop on the peg until there’s just a little slack in the guitar string
6. Tune the peg to wrap the string around it and tighten it

With this technique, you pull the slack out of the string before you begin tightening it. This way, the floppy end just hangs off and you can cut it later. I really like using this method because it reduces the number of times you have to turn the tuning peg to bring the string up to tension.

When doing the B and little E strings, I’ll thread the end through the loop (step 4) but toward the middle of the guitar so the tight string goes over the loose end and secures it more.

How To String a Guitar With Nylon Strings

Now let’s take a look at the whole process for stringing a nylon-string guitar. Here are the materials you’ll need:

• New set of classical guitar strings
• String winder (optional but recommended)
• Wire cutters
• Soft cloth

1. Prepare the Guitar

• Place the guitar on a flat, stable surface
• Remove all old strings
• Clean the fretboard and bridge with a soft cloth

2. String Installation

Here’s how to install strings at each end.

Bridge End:

• Start with the 6th string (low E)
• Thread the string through the bridge hole
• Tie a secure knot, leaving about 2 inches of excess string
• Repeat for all strings, working your way to the 1st string (high E)

Tuning Peg End:

• Insert the string through the hole in the tuning peg
• Leave about 2-3 inches of slack for winding
• Begin turning the tuning peg to wind the string
• Ensure the string winds neatly around the peg
• Repeat for all strings

3. Tuning and Stretching

• Tune each string to its correct pitch
• Gently stretch each string by pulling it away from the fretboard
• Re-tune as necessary
• Repeat the stretching and tuning process a few times

4. Finishing Touches

• Cut excess string from both bridge and tuning peg ends
• Leave about 1/4 inch of excess at the tuning pegs
• Gently bend the excess at the tuning pegs downward

5. Final Tuning

• Allow the guitar to settle for a few hours
• Perform a final tuning check
• Make any necessary adjustments

Tips for Restringing a Classical Guitar

• Change strings one at a time to maintain neck tension
• Be patient and take your time, especially if you’re new to stringing guitars
• Always tune up to pitch, never down, for better tuning stability

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully string your classical guitar and have it ready to play.

How To Find the Best Nylon Acoustic Guitar Strings

When searching for the best classical guitar strings, it’s essential to consider various factors that can significantly impact your playing experience and the instrument’s sound. The primary materials used for classical guitar strings are nylon and carbon fiber for the treble strings, with bass strings typically wound with silver-plated copper or pure silver over a nylon core.

Nylon strings offer a warm, mellow tone favored by many classical guitarists, while carbon fiber strings provide increased clarity and projection. String tension is another crucial aspect to consider, with options ranging from low to high tension. Lower tension strings are easier on the fingers and can be beneficial for beginners or those with hand issues, while higher tension strings offer increased volume and sustain.

Popular brands like D’Addario, Savarez, Augustine, and Hannabach offer a wide range of string sets catering to different preferences and playing styles. It’s also worth considering factors such as string gauge, which affects playability and tone, and whether to opt for ball-end or tie-end strings based on your guitar’s bridge design. Ultimately, finding the best classical guitar strings often involves experimentation to discover the combination that best suits your instrument, playing style, and personal preferences.

Conclusion: Which End of the Classical Guitar String Goes Where?

To wrap up, you use the normal end to tie around the bridge and the floppy end to tie around the tuning peg. But if you use the technique from the video, you’ll end up cutting the floppy part off anyway.

Restringing a Classical Guitar: FAQ

Below are a few frequently asked questions about restringing nylon guitars: