How To Change Strings on a Classical/Nylon String Guitar

Step by step instructions about how to change strings on your Classical guitar, oil the fretboard, and clean the guitar.
0:00 Intro
0:37 Taking off the strings
1:30 Take strings off the bridge
2:17 Throw the strings away
2:52 Clean the guitar
4:22 Oil and clean the fretboard
6:57 Tying low E string on the bridge
8:27 Tying A string on the bridge
9:15 Attaching E string at the head stock
10:59 Tying low D string on the bridge
11:15 Tying low G string on the bridge
11:50 Tying low B string on the bridge
12:29 Attaching A, D, G, B strings to the head stock
13:30 Bridge view with 5 strings attached
13:50 Head stock view, strings locked in place
14:04 Tying high E string on the bridge
14:42 Attaching high E to head stock
15:18 Interlocking the B and E string tails at the bridge
16:11 First tune with new strings
19:11 Checking the bridge
19:46 Second tuning
20:53 The guitar after 3 days
21:18 Close look at the bridge
21:49 Close look at the head stock
22:14 Cutting tails off of the strings

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Thank you!

[DominiqueREY]

Hello and thank you.
Your video is very precise and detailed, the result of the string assembly looks very solid (tuning stability) and is simply beautiful.
I am a bassist/double bassist but I have a particular affection for classical guitar and traditional lutherie. I don't know why but this subject fascinates me, and there are really all sorts of videos on Youtube, from the most convincing to the most dubious, even from professionals.
That said, your video is really the most complete and convincing I have seen so far. However, in order to achieve perfection ("The devil is in the details") it seems to me that some points are neglected or absent:
1- On an instrument of proven to be exceptional quality, I don' t understand why you also remove all the strings at the same time. This subjects the instrument to significant mechanical constraint (neck, bridge, soundboard, bracing) that could easily be avoided by removing the strings and reassembling them, either individually or in groups of three. This procedure allows the instrument to remain in a stable configuration**, and it doesn't prevent serious cleaning and maintenance of the guitar components, except that it is longer and slightly more restrictive.
2- As a precaution, to avoid any damage to the varnish, it is very simple to make a thin plastic template, which is placed around the bridge before the operation.
3- When cleaning the fingerboard and before feeding it, it is useful to repolish the frets (when imperfections appear) with a cloth, polishing paste and a small metal template to protect the wood.
4- Remember to put a drop of oil on each gear of the tuning keys before changing the strings, it can only be beneficial.

**On a double bass, it's an almost absolute necessity given the construction (floating bridge, sound post) and the high tension constraints.

[stanleyderochea]

Long video for a long process. I went through 3 sets of strings the first time my classical needed new strings. Then i hit up youtube for a lesson. The method i used was different. The result was good but it left cut ends sticking out from the back of the bridge. The guitar needs new strings again and is sitting in its case until i find a few free hours to change them. Thank you hal for this video

[slappywag]

I just picked up a nice Cordoba thin line. I wish I found this video before I changed the strings. I found other videos, but they moved a little too fast. I appreciate the clarity you displayed. I never had to restring a classical guitar before.
My electrics, I can restring an under 10 minutes. I’ve been doing this for over 30 years. This nylon string made me feel stupid.😂

[LiamEserda]

Hi sir, thanks for this tutorial. Am I right to wind the both E strings to the outside of the headstock and the other strings to the inside?

[rahandulcaspatal]

Muy bien .explicación muy exacta ..whats your point of view about of new strings tie .i. Ana observé the sadlle compensation on G .its a good tuning? Thank you

[Shadezman]

I knew it was different from stringing a steel string, but not this different. Glad I watched and you spent the time to be so thorough. I'm in the market for a classical guitar, but don't want a piece of crap that starts cracking after 5 to 7 years. I couldn't make out what brand of guitar you have here and didn't see it under your description. I'm curious.

[darenchanlp]

Sir can you recommend a guitar tuning app. Thank you.

[DougHinVA]

changing strings is NOT cleaning the guitar. Say so.