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Classical Guitars

Classical guitars use strings made of nylon. Strings 1 to 3 are made of plain 

nylon, while strings 4 to 6 have a nylon core with a steel winding. Classical strings 
are lower in tension than steel strings, which means less stress on the neck.

Classical guitar strings are classified not by gauges, but by tensions: low, 

medium and high. The difference between these tensions is relatively small, 
but players may find they prefer a certain tension. It’s best to experiment to 
see which one is best suited for you.

Cleaning the Guitar

Wipe your guitar down regularly with a clean, dry and soft cloth. It’s not 

necessary to use polish every time, as this can lead to a buildup of wax or 
other materials. Occasionally, you can use guitar polish to bring the shine out 
of the finish. 

Over time, the fingerboard may get a layer of build-up on it—sweat and dirt 

from your hands. Cleaning the fingerboard after you play will help to prevent this.

Setting Action and Intonation

The “action” of a guitar is the distance between the strings and the fretboard.  

This can vary depending on the player’s preference. A higher action may suit 
a player who plays hard, or who wants a clear, punchy sound. A lower action 
may make the guitar easier to play, but also increases the likelihood that there 
will be spots on the neck where the notes do no not ring clearly.  

The  action  is  determined  by  a  combination  of  a  number  of  factors:  the 

height of the bridge and nut, the curve of the neck controlled by the truss rod 
(not on classicals), and the levelness of the frets. All of these factors must be 
adjusted, and depend on one another.

Your Yamaha guitar is designed to have good action right out of the box.  

Summary of Contents for A1M

Page 1: ......

Page 2: ...How often you change them is a personal decision Professionals will often change them after every show However most normal players would find this an annoyance not to mention expensive An average pla...

Page 3: ...made to the guitar including adjusting the neck bridge or nut If you decide to use a gauge that is different than the gauge the guitar came with it might be a good idea to have these adjustments made...

Page 4: ...polish to bring the shine out of the finish Over time the fingerboard may get a layer of build up on it sweat and dirt from your hands Cleaning the fingerboard after you play will help to prevent this...

Page 5: ...our guitar regularly store your guitar where you have easy access The case is always a good idea You can also put your guitar on a floor stand or hang it from the wall These hangers and stands are qui...

Page 6: ...ers can scratch the guitar or mark the pin Suggested tools Changing Strings Changing Strings on a Steel string Acoustic Needle nose pliers Pegwinder with pin remover slot Note change one string at a t...

Page 7: ...en the string and you ll have to start again Step 3 Pass the other end of the string through the appropriate tuning peg Leave enough slack on the string so that it can be wrapped two or three times ar...

Page 8: ...on an electric guitar is much like changing strings on an acoustic guitar except for the bridge Instead of a set of bridge pins the strings are usually passed through holes in the back of the guitar...

Page 9: ...1 Tie a knot on one end of the unwound strings Step 2 Pass the unknotted end through the hole Step 3 Tie the end of the string as shown Step 4 Pull the string tight Now you are ready to pass the other...

Page 10: ...hem To prevent this follow steps 5 6 and 7 below Step 6 Tie a knot in the string Step 7 Pull the knot tight and you are ready to wind the string Note Thestringsonaclassicalguitarwillstretchconsiderabl...

Page 11: ...ments Catch him in his new band Queens of the Stone Age playing on his new signature model SA503TVL From Janes Addiction to the Red Hot Chili Peppers Dave Navarro has always been on the leading edge o...

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