Most players should change guitar strings roughly every 1–3 months, but it really depends on how often you play and how you want your guitar to feel and sound. A simple rule of thumb is about every 100 hours of playing or three months, whichever comes first.

General time guidelines

• Casual/home players: about every 2–3 months if you play a few times a week.

• Regular hobbyists: every 3–6 weeks if you play most days and like your tone bright and snappy.

• Gigging or pro players: anywhere from every show to every couple of weeks, depending on sweat, playing intensity, and reliability needs.

• Very light use: if you rarely play, strings can stay on longer, but changing at least once or twice a year helps avoid corrosion and dull tone.

Signs it’s time to change

Change your strings soon if you notice:

• Dull or muffled tone compared to how they sounded when new.

• Trouble staying in tune, even after careful tuning and stretching.

• Visible discoloration, rust, or dark spots, especially where your fingers sit most.

• Rough or sticky feel under your fingers, or grime buildup you can see or feel.

• One string breaks; many players replace the whole set so all strings are the same age and feel.

Factors that change the schedule

• How much you play: more hours = more frequent changes (often closer to the 100‑hour rule).

• Sweat and environment: acidic sweat, humidity, and smoke or dust make strings corrode faster.

• String type: coated strings generally last longer before they sound dead or feel rough.

• Tone preference: if you love bright, crisp tone, change more often; if you like a warmer, broken‑in sound, you can wait longer.

Quick rule you can use

If you are:

• A beginner or casual player: aim for every 2–3 months or about every 100 hours of play.

• Unsure: change them whenever they start to sound dull, feel rough, or won’t stay in tune, even if it’s before your “time limit.”