Why do my guitar strings rust?

Question

Another guitar question for you music lovers....

I noticed many times that my guitar strings become rusty after very short usage. I mean, when I bought my brand new guitar, I played it for 2 days and there on the third day, RUST!!

I wash my hands before playing, clean the strings before and after playing, keep my guitar un-exposed to the open air...

What am I doing wrong??? And why does that layer of crud form over my strings so quickly?

Answer 1

Some peoples sweat is worse than others. Back when i first started playing i had the same problem. I also cleaned my strings and hands before and after playing but it didn't help much. I even wiped my strings down between songs during a gig , still not much better. Then a friend told me about fast fret. It's a string cleaner that really works and helps make the strings last a little longer too. I've been using it for years and it works great , give it a try. Most musical instrument shops have it or you can get it online if you like. Good luck.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/GHS-Fast-Fre...

Answer 2

It could be from the natural sweat and oil from your skin. Or from the excess water from washing your hands. I do believe that they make a product to spray or wipe on your strings to stop this from happening.