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Breaking guitar strings can be an emotional experience! Especially if it happens at the worst possible time, which is normally tuning before a gig. There are many reasons why your guitar strings are breaking, most of which can be prevented.
In this Killer Rig article, we are going to look at the most common points of failure. And what you can do to prevent snapping strings as often as you might currently be experiencing.
Key Takeaways
Guitar strings can break for a variety of reasons, including:
- Sharp edges on the guitar: If your strings are consistently breaking at the same place, it’s likely due to encountering something sharp on the guitar, such as the bridge or tuning posts.
- Old strings: Strings that are old or worn out are more likely to break.
- Dirty or worn nut: If your string consistently breaks around the nut, it may be due to a poorly fitted nut. It could also be dirt buildup in the string grooves, or gradual wear.
- Burred tuning posts: Burred edges inside the tuning posts where the string passes through can also cause breakage.
- Rough fret edges: If your strings seem to snap over the fretboard area between the nut and bridge, rough edges on your frets could be to blame.
- Playing style: Aggressive playing or excessive bending can put extra stress on the strings and cause them to break.
Diagnosing the Breakage Point
The first step in solving the issue of frequent breakage is to identify where the string tends to break. The location can offer valuable clues about the underlying problem.
Below you will find some of the more common break points and the potential causes.
Breakage at the Bridge
If you notice that your strings consistently break near the bridge, this could be a sign that the bridge has sharp edges or burrs.
The bridge is a high-tension area, and any imperfections can put extra stress on the strings, leading to breakage.
Breakage Near the Frets
Strings that break near the frets may be encountering rough or burred edges on the frets themselves. This is particularly likely if you find that different strings break but always near the same fret.
Breakage at the Nut
If the breakage occurs near the nut, it could be due to dirt accumulation or wear and tear. The nut is another high-tension area, and any friction or obstruction can lead to string failure.
Breakage at the Tuning Posts
Strings that break near the tuning posts could be a result of the posts themselves. Sometimes, the posts can have burred edges or imperfections that cause the string to weaken and eventually break.
By carefully observing where your strings tend to break, you can pinpoint the likely cause and take appropriate corrective measures. This diagnostic approach is crucial for effective problem-solving and can save you both time and money in the long run.
Common Reasons for String Breakage
Understanding the root causes of string breakage is essential for effective prevention. Here are some of the most frequent reasons your guitar strings might be giving up the ghost:
- Sharp Bridge Edges: The bridge is a common culprit when it comes to string breakage. If the edges are too sharp or have burrs, they can exert extra tension on the strings, causing them to snap. This is particularly true for Tune-o-matic bridges, which are less forgiving than other types.
- Rough Fret Edges: If your strings are breaking near the frets, the frets themselves might be the issue. Rough or burred edges can weaken the string over time, leading to a break. This is often the case with older guitars or those that have seen heavy use.
- Dirty or Worn Nut: The nut is another high-tension area on a guitar. Dirt, grime, or wear in the nut slots can create friction that weakens the strings. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication can mitigate this issue.
- Burred Tuning Posts: Sometimes, the tuning posts can be the problem. Factory defects or wear over time can lead to burred or sharp edges on the posts, which can weaken the string near its winding.
- Wrong String Type for Tuning: Using the wrong type of strings for your specific tuning can also lead to breakage. For example, standard strings may not be suitable for alternate tunings that require higher tension.
- Mechanical Issues: Occasionally, the problem may be a mechanical defect in the guitar itself. In such cases, the string breakage is a symptom of a larger issue that may require professional attention.
- Over-Tightening: Sometimes, the issue can be as simple as over-tightening the strings during tuning. Applying too much tension can cause the string to break, especially if it’s already weakened by any of the above factors.
Old Guitar Strings
Once your guitar strings become old, they will lose their elasticity. This is due to the metal work hardening over time. The outer wrap wire will also start to unravel and come undone. As a result, the string becomes unbalanced and more fragile.
They have also been tuned several times, rubbing against the tuners, nut, and bridge. This friction will eventually begin to wear the metal at the point of contact. It will then snap once it can’t handle any more wear.
You can tell when your strings are getting old because they will sound dull. They might also start to change color. The first sign of this is usually a slight darkening near the bridge. This is corrosion and will eventually destroy them.
This is all normal when it comes to electric and acoustic guitar strings. Over time, they naturally wear, begin to sound bad and might even smell or change colors.
Wrong Guitar Pick
While most players just assume the guitar pick is harmless to the strings, this is not true. Every time you strike the strings with a plectrum, it creates wear and stress on them.
Choosing the right guitar pick for the string gauge you use is quite important. A big, thick guitar pick slammed into extra light strings will only reduce its lifespan. The material is also important, as a metal plectrum will wear out your strings faster than any other.
Verified that your guitar parts are in good shape. If they are not causing your premature string failure, explore your pick type. If you are using a rigid material, try something softer and see if it helps.
Maybe it’s too thick and causing you to snap strings as often as you do. Try something lighter and see if it makes a difference.
Technique Is Too Aggressive
Sometimes as guitarists, we get very passionate about our music. This is especially true when playing gigs or in front of an audience. We may not notice it, but our playing becomes more aggressive and can add too much stress to the strings.
If you find that you are breaking strings, but the guitar is in perfect shape, you might want to look at how you play. If the string gauge is pretty light, they might not be able to take the extra abuse.
Adjust how you play and try and work out your strumming technique. If you realize that you might be a bit heavy-handed, try and play lighter at least while practicing.
You could also consider using bigger strings that can take more abuse. If you don’t bend a lot, then this might be the perfect fit for your tone and the string performance.
Frequent Tuning Changes
Guitar players use many tuning arrangements for different songs. This can add some great variation to your tones and can be a lot of fun. But this can also lead to string damage if you are using one guitar for all of them.
As you tighten and loosen your guitar strings many times, this will begin to fatigue them. The tension changes, wear from the nut, bridge seats and tuning posts all lead to string breakage.
If you have ever bent a piece of metal back and forth, you know that it will eventually break. Your guitar strings are under this kind of stress when the tuning changes frequently.
Get another guitar and try and use more of them for different tuning variations. This can be a great way to reduce the added stress of tuning changes. Even having 2 guitars that can be tuned to variations that are not too far from one another can help.
This can also help should you break a string on stage, an extra guitar can be a show saver!
Wrong String Gauge
Your choice of string gauge will make a difference. A light gauge can work for a heavy play style, but they might not last long. Lighter strings are strong, it’s true, but they are a better choice for lead players, guitarist who have a light touch.
If you are playing a form of metal that requires striking the strings quite hard, a light gauge might break sooner. If this is your experience, then you may want to consider a heavier string set.
Thicker strings are able to take more of a beating. Plus, they have a deeper sound that might even benefit your music style better. So consider your string thickness, it might just be that it’s the wrong fit for your style.
Preventive Measures
Taking proactive steps to prevent string breakage can save you both time and frustration. Here are some preventive measures you can implement to keep your strings intact for longer periods:
- Smoothing the Bridge: If your strings are breaking at the bridge, consider smoothing out the edges with a small file or sandpaper. This reduces the tension and friction on the strings, making them less likely to break.
- Fret Maintenance: For strings breaking near the frets, a bit of sandpaper can go a long way. Smooth out any rough or burred edges on the frets to eliminate points of weakness on your strings.
- Nut Cleaning and Lubrication: Regularly clean the nut slots to remove dirt and grime. You can also use a lubricant specifically designed for guitar nuts to reduce friction and improve tuning stability.
- Tuning Post Inspection: Check your tuning posts for any burred or sharp edges. If you find any, you can use an old wound string to smooth out the edges in a circular motion.
- Choosing the Right Strings: Always use strings that are appropriate for your guitar and your style of playing. If you use alternate tunings, consider custom string sets that maintain even tension across all strings.
- Regular Inspection: Make it a habit to regularly inspect your guitar for any signs of wear and tear or mechanical issues. Early detection can prevent string breakage and other problems.
- Professional Setup: If you’re experiencing frequent string breakage despite taking these preventive measures, it may be time to consult a professional for a complete guitar setup. This can identify and fix any underlying issues that may be causing the strings to break.
- Tuning Carefully: Avoid over-tightening the strings during tuning. Use a tuner to ensure you’re hitting the right notes without putting excessive tension on the strings.
- Climate Control: Extreme changes in temperature and humidity can affect your guitar and its strings. Store your guitar in a stable environment to minimize these effects.
Conclusion
Guitar strings are an important part of the instrument. They need to be taken care of, if you find that they are becoming discolored, change them. Be sure to inspect all the parts of your guitar and make sure they are in good condition to help them last longer.
If you find that your guitar is in good shape, you may also want to try using coated strings. They repel oils from your hands, and the coating may reduce friction when seated.
Check how you play and the techniques you use, as this can lead to string breakage as well.
Finally, when changing tunings, try and use more than one guitar if possible. At least to reduce the stress on the strings. By following these simple tips, you can help reduce string breakage. And enjoy your playing without downtime!
FAQs
Do guitar strings break easily?
No, guitar strings do not break easily when the conditions are optimal. If your guitar is not in good shape, you will notice an increase in broken strings. If your playing style is too aggressive for the thickness, they may not be able to handle the stress.
Under the right circumstances, guitar strings can tolerate a lot of abuse and can last a long time. So make sure to maintain your equipment and use the correct techniques.
Which guitar string is most likely to break?
If the conditions are not right, you will find that the first string, or your thinnest one, will be the one to break. This is because it’s thin and not wrapped with nickel.
In a lot of cases, it’s also the only string that gets overtightened, which will cause it to break even when brand new. There are a lot of players who complain that their 3rd or G-string tends to break more than they would like.
This can oftentimes be fixed by adding a few more wraps around the machine head shafts.
Why does my low E string keep breaking?
The low E string is the thickest one and takes the most abuse. It also experiences high tension, which can lead to breakage if the guitar is in poor condition.
There are a few things you can do to help extend the life of your low E string. First, make sure that your guitar is in good shape and the nut and saddle are not causing any excessive friction. Depending on where it breaks, inspect the area for sharp spots
Second, be mindful of your playing style and try not to be too aggressive. A heavier string gauge can also help with this, as they can take more abuse.
