Acoustic guitar sound pretty awesome, and they are widely loved for the less metallic sound. Every guitarist knows that a little change in tuning or manufacturer of guitar wire can totally change the sound of the guitar. The steel made wires are highly durable, provides a crisp sound, and you can tune to a different level of a different sound.
Professionals usually prefer tuning their guitar to a different configuration, but it totally affects the way you are going to play the guitar. The sound changes, you have to learn new chords or understand them based on the setting. But, have you wonder that what will happen if you add different types of string on an acoustic guitar?
Well, nylon string is the second most loved option, which converts the soft metallic sound to a slightly heavy pitch sound, but there is no metallic tone anymore. Nylon strings are going to provide you more volume while increasing the power. If you want sweeping sounds like jazz or classical music, then nylon strings are a perfect companion for you.
There is a range of brands offering nylon strings in the market, but tying these strings seems like the hitherto daunting task for guitarists. Normal steel made strings have no issue with the installation, but in this case, you have to learn about a few important things.
Let’s know the exact method to tie nylon strings on an acoustic guitar –
1. Get a set of Fine Quality Strings
To begin, you need nylon strings that are reliable. Going with a reputed brand seems like a better choice. You have to be selective with the brands because each brand offers a unique feature with its products.
When choosing strings, you can look for the type, price, and a few other aspects to figure out whether it is right to fulfill your need in an effective manner. When installing a poor-quality nylon string, you can have an issue with the sound.
Even poor quality nylon strings are going to untune quite easily. Keep on tuning the guitar is not easy; to begin with, a set of quality strings.
2. Choosing the Right Type of Nylon String
There are three main kinds of nylon strings available in the market, and you can find brands that provide golden standard quality. You can choose between genuine nylon, Titanium nylon, and Fluorocarbon. All of them are reliable, and it is all about your need mainly. It basically depends upon the technique you prefer, the type of guitar you are using, and the proficiency.
- Genuine Nylon Strings – These types of strings are widely preferred by guitarists because of easier availability and a slight different from the steel strings.
- Fluorocarbon strings – If you want brighter sound, then going with Fluorocarbon strings seems like the flawless choice for all the intermediate guitarists.
- Titanium nylon strings – The formula varies based on the manufacturer, but you can easily expect a crisp sound. You can get extra metallic sound from these strings.
After learning about the type, you can easily figure out the best one for your specific need and eradicate most of the doubts with ease.
3. Insert String Through the Bridge
When it comes to tying a string, you have to focus on keeping it clean and following the right knot tying method. Place a short note, sticky note, or paper right next to the bridge so that you never end up harming the guitar or causing any sort of scratches. Nylon strings are flexible, so it begins by holding the end part from a little distance.
Insert it into the hole, which in front of the bridge, and make sure that you are going for the right side. Insert the string from the fretboard side. Now, make sure that you leave three-inches of extra nylon string to tie a knot. If you are not leaving enough string at the end, then you might face issues tying the knot.
4. Creating Loop
The most important part is to create a loop, and it takes a significant amount of time. Start by tying the end part of the string. Make sure that you go in the insider position and wrap it around the string. You have to go for three to four loops. Make sure that you go for the bridges’ tremble side. Make a knot and twist it properly.
Make sure that you end the first loop and make a tight knot before wrapping it around. In case you wrap it directly, then it will be lost, but if you tie the first knot and then tie it, you will get a perfect knot. Repeat the same method several times to get a perfect knot and follow the same method for other strings also. You have to pull it and take it to the bottom side of the guitar.
5. Passing Through Tuning Machine
After following the whole step, you are about to tune the guitar. Pass each string through the tuning machine, but make sure that you go for the right hole. Pull out the whole string, and when the wire is a little loose, then rotating the tuning machine’s knob. You will get three to five loops going around the tuning machine.
Repeat the same method and get all the wires in the right position. Make sure that you do not fasten them to the max. Firstly, you have to get a few loops around the tuning machine and then cut the extra part. Once all the strings are placed. You can use a guitar tuner equipment or smartphone app to get the standard tuning. This is the easiest and most reliable method.
6. Can you follow the same for Acoustic Guitar
Yes, you can use nylon strings for acoustic guitar, but you have to ensure that the guitar must have a bridge to hold all those wires. If the guitar has a different style and made to hold steel wires only then you can’t use the nylon strings. These strings don’t have any stopper to hold, so you should ensure that you have an acoustic guitar that has holes to hold nylon strings.
The benefit of having nylon strings is with better, bright, and volumized sound. You can get these advantages with any type of guitar, banjo, ukulele, and other instruments also. To get better sound, make sure to choose the best nylon-string manufacturer.
=> Also Read: Acoustic Guitar Vs. Electric Guitar: Comparison
Conclusion
Once you are done tying all the nylon strings, you have to tune the guitar again. When the strings are new, they get untuned after a while based on the room temperature. When you install the strings, the bass string untunes the lower wires. The most important part is, nylon strings gets better with the time. If you like the soft but heavy sound, then this is one of the great choices that can give you a better musical experience.
On the other hand, a guitarist should have tried different types of guitars and strings to find the most suitable option. Make sure that you choose a reputed manufacturer to get the best type of nylon strings and a better experience. We hope that this guidepost will help you tie nylon strings in an effective manner and enhance your style of playing an acoustic guitar.
