Guitar strings are just as important as the fingerboard - you can't play anything without them. So keeping the strings clean and smooth is key. This guide will help guitar owners keep their strings in top condition and increase their longevity.
Steps
Step 1. Place the guitar on its back, resting the headstock on a small box or something like that to avoid bumping the sticks and losing tuning
Step 2. Take a paper towel or rag and fold it lengthwise
Fold it lengthwise again so that you have a long rectangular piece. Do the same with another cloth. This will be the "oil rag".
Step 3. Run the dry cloth under the strings of the guitar, just next to the bridge, then fold it over so that the other half covers the surface of the strings
Step 4. Now, run the cloth along the length of the strings, up to the nut
Apply downward pressure to clean the top and pull the cloth up to clean the underside of the strings as well (equally important). It doesn't matter if the dustpan is lifted from the holder during cleaning.
Step 5. If you notice a small amount of grime and grime on the cloth, then you are doing fine
This won't always be the case, but this step will help fix the ropes for lubrication.
Step 6. Apply some WD40 or petroleum jelly to one side of the second cloth and wrap it around the strings just like you did with the first rag
Run this cloth along the length of the strings using the same process as before.
Step 7. When done, the strings should feel remarkably shiny, very oily and smooth to the touch
Advice
- Before using the guitar again, you should take another dry cloth and repeat step number 5 if you don't want to get your fingers greasy.
- This technique can be applied to most types of guitar. The only variation needed is when you deal with a bass or a Warr guitar. Due to the thickness of each individual string, it will be much better to clean them one at a time for a perfect result.
- Alternatively, you could buy the string cleaner - it's a small gadget made by ToneGear - which does the job really easily. Slide it down and up the strings after each use.
- The procedure can be done once a week or whenever the strings need a touch up.
Warnings
- This process can sometimes make the guitar forget due to excessive pressure on the strings.
- Guitars with nylon strings do not need to be greased when cleaned. A small amount of water on the towel will suffice, as long as you are careful not to drop it on the guitar.
- Try not to get any oil on the keyboard. It won't damage the guitar visibly, but it will make it look sloppy in a way.
- This will permanently change the characteristics of the strings as the WD40 will become trapped in the string threads causing changes in the sound and tuning due to the inequality of the trapped WD40.
- If you use paper napkins, some bits may stick to the strings, but if you folded the paper correctly it won't happen.
- After doing this you may find the strings too slippery to play correctly.
