How Long Do Guitar Strings Last?

The guitar is an exceptional instrument that is both highly popular and versatile. However, it does have its drawbacks, and one of these is the strings that need to be changed regularly. This makes the guitar slightly less beginner-friendly than many other popular musical instruments. Knowing the answer to how long do guitar strings last is important to make sure that this inconvenience is kept to a minimum. To fully answer this question, here is a detailed look at everything that affects the life of guitar strings.

Here Are The Main Factors That Determine the Longevity of Your Guitar Strings

The String Type

Not all strings are the same, and there are a few differences in the manufacturing process. These differences do play a role in the effective lifespan of the guitar strings. Even though every manufacturer will classify their strings into a hundred different categories, there are only two that matter for this discussion.

Winding

Most guitar strings will have a metallic core around which another string is wound. The two thinnest strings will only have the central core. The strings with the winding can be of different types. Roundwound strings are the most common, and they sound bright. However, they are more prone to getting dirty. They are, therefore, less durable than flatwound strings, which don’t get as dirty. The downside to flatwound strings is that they have a duller sound.

Coating

Understandably, a string with some sort of coating will last slightly longer. The caveat is that the coating will affect the tone in some way. Whether it makes it better or worse is subjective and something down to individual taste.

A roundwound string without a coating should ideally last for three months. A flatwound string will last a few weeks more. The same applies to strings with a coating.

Usage

Like any other material thing, the longevity of guitar strings will depend on how frequently they are used. Usually, the more often something is used, the faster it wears out. With guitar strings, though, things are slightly different. They, too, will wear out faster if played frequently. However, if they aren’t played regularly, they will be more prone to corrosion, and this can drastically reduce their longevity. With a couple of hours of almost daily use, most guitar strings will last for about three months.

Weather

This is another huge factor that determines the lifespan of guitar strings. The worst enemy of guitar strings and pretty much anything metallic is humidity. The higher the humidity, the more prone the string will be to corrosion and rusting. Extreme temperatures and huge fluctuations in temperature over short periods of time can also wreak havoc on the longevity of guitar strings. As such, people living in hot and humid places or places that get too hot or too cold will only be able to make the strings last for about two months. This can be somewhat mitigated by how the guitar is stored, and that is what we will look at next.

Storage

The manner in which a guitar is stored also plays a big role in how long the strings will last. A guitar and consequently its strings that are exposed to the elements will not last as long as one that is stored properly. Using a dehumidifier in humid conditions will further help with making sure that the strings will last for at least the three months they should. At the very least, keep the guitar in a decent quality bag or case and store it in a cool and dry place.

Playing Style And Type Of Pick Used

The strings of a guitar might look thin and fragile. Still, in reality, they are quite strong and durable, and even really rough playing won’t have a huge effect on the lifespan of guitar strings. There are some playing techniques that do affect the durability of the strings, though. Extreme string bending and constant detuning and tuning will lead to more wear and tear. As far as picks are concerned, regular picks made from soft materials like plastic or wood won’t really cause wear and tear. Metallic picks, on the other hand, will cause the strings to wear out sooner. Even then, the lifespan of the strings will only be reduced by a few weeks.

How Long Do Guitar Strings Last In The Package?

Since guitar strings do wear out, it is usually a good idea to stock up on a few extra packs of strings. This does raise the question of how long strings can last while still in the original package. This will depend on the following factors

• Quality of packaging
• Storage location
• Handling during storage

If you make sure that the strings are in a vacuum-sealed packet and that it is stored in a manner that does not damage the packaging, then the strings in the package can last for a year or even two.

>>Also Read: Worst Guitar Strings To Avoid

Does String Brand Affect Longevity?

Looking for the perfect guitar string can be a huge chore, and one of the big variables that you will have to contend with is the brand. Almost all the major guitar brands also make strings, and there are many other non-guitar brands active in this space as well. The really cheap strings will be of poor quality. However, most reasonably priced strings from any one of the reputed brands will last for at least three months under standard conditions.

Do Expensive Guitar Strings Last Longer?

While strings from renowned brands will generally last longer, it does not mean that the more you spend, the more durable the strings will be. If a set of strings starts costing you serious money, then you can be sure that you are being enticed to spend more on what is essentially a gimmick. On the other hand, the bog-standard set of strings from brands like D’Addario, Ernie Ball, Dunlop, Fender, Gibson, etc., is more than capable of lasting for a reasonable period of time.

Does String Gauge Affect Longevity?

Unless you have a really aggressive playing technique or you carry out extreme string bending, the gauge of the string has a very negligible effect on its lifespan under normal conditions. However, if the strings are exposed to extreme weather conditions or excessive force. In that case, the thinner gauge strings will snap sooner than their thicker counterparts.

Signs That Your Guitar Strings Need To Be Changed

The way the strings sound and feel should give you a fair idea of when it is time to change the strings. If the strings sound dull and do not sustain well enough, then it is a clear sign that the strings may need to be replaced. The feel also plays a big role in how well you connect with the guitar. Over time, guitar strings will develop physical imperfections in the form of kinks and rough patches. This will be noticeable when sliding across a string and in the way the strings rub against the frets, which will be all scratchy when bending or during a vibrato. When the strings no longer feel smooth, it is time to get a new set on.

>>Also Read: Are Gibson Guitars Good? Are Gibson Guitars Worth the Money?

How To Make Guitar Strings Last Longer?

By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that the guitar strings last for a reasonably long time. The steps are as follows

• Avoid exposing the strings to high humidity. If you have sweaty hands and/or if you have to play in a very humid environment, wipe the strings down after the playing session.
• Be precise with the force you apply. Do not exert too much force just for the sake of it.
• Use standard picks.
• Make sure to stretch the strings out before tuning the guitar.
• Keep sharp objects away from the strings.
• Do not mishandle the guitar.
• Store the guitar in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment.

How Long Do Guitar Strings Last? – To Sum Things Up!

Guitar strings are fairly durable and, under a normal use-case scenario, should last for three to four months easily. You can either increase or decrease this time duration based on all the factors mentioned in this article. As long as you take proper care of the guitar strings, which does not require a lot of effort, by the way, the longevity of your guitar strings should not be a huge concern.