How often should you change guitar strings? It depends—but here’s how to figure it out for yourself. 
Being rather pedantic, I keep a record of how long I’ve spent practicing then I start thinking about string change when the total time approaches 100 hours. Of course if I notice any of the symptoms that Justin mentioned, I’ll change them thin (hint: always keep a spare string set in reserve)
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How could I adapt those “rules” for nylon strings?
Welcome to the community Herr Doktor!
I am not pedantic enough to track my playtime on my guitars. I do use an app called “StringKing” to track when I changed them and what strings I used, else I would be lost.
I change the nylon strings when they start to sound dull. It is pretty obvious when they do. They also start to hold tune poorly.
For me, splitting time between nylon and steel, I would say it is every 4-6 months. Presumably the wound strings go first, but I just change them all.
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It’s entirely a matter of personal preference. I change strings way less often than most. Only when they really start to sound dull.
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Just put that app on my tablet (Android) and can’t see how to change the default guitars and strings.
Apparently it’s only fully functional for Apple. The Android version is a beta that hasn’t been updated for over a year. Looks like it’s not happening.
Mine is iOS, sorry.
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Wow! To me, keeping track of time played on each guitar is crazy (and I only have two!), even keeping track of string changes seems “pedantic”. I just change my strings when they start to feel old or worn out or even start to look shabby. (I replace my tennis shoes the same way ).
I suppose I’m terribly out of date, but I try to avoid introducing new apps in my life, if possible.
I am a “re-beginner” old guy and I bought a classic guitar that came with a Hard strings set (D’addario Classic Hard ones).
Retired, I am practicing everyday so, did some research and looks like change them earlier for a Light set could be beneficial for my learning and my weak, thin and tired fingers, lol.
Thanks.
I also change strings when I want to try new strings. Since I am “like that”, I tend to change them more often than necessary at times.
I do want to know what strings I like and dislike, and so on, the app helps with that, otherwise I forget what has been tried in the past.
I prefer NT classical strings to HT ones, but, if you actually look at the tensions, the definitions of LT, NT and HT it varies widely among manufacturers. So those labels don’t always tell you how string sets compare in tension, except inside the same brand.
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Good to know. I will replace HT Classic with LT Pro-Arté both from D’addario.
…and will get the app too.
Cheers!