When do I change my strings?

If you play on a regular basis, you'll probably want to put new strings on your guitar every 4 to 6 months. If you play a lot, you may need to change them as often as once a week. In any case, you can tell when you need to re-string your guitar by its sound, older strings tend to make your tone sound muffled, dead, or even off pitch. If you are nodding your head right now, you will also probably notice that your strings have accumulated some dirt and/or rust. Right? Some people however love the dark muffled and dead sound of old strings..that is quite alright, milk the oldness for all it is worth.

When it comes to deciding when to replace your guitar strings, your ear is definitely your best guide. If your tone sounds bright and clear, it's not necessary to replace the strings on your guitar. If they sound dull, it's probably time to head to you nearest guitar shop for a new set. It's a good idea to keep a set of strings in your guitar case so you can replace strings quickly and easily when necessary. If a string breaks, it might be an indication that it's time to replace the entire set.

Information taken from: The Guitarist's Bookshelf by Amy Appleby & Peter Pickow