I play a couple of hours everyday but don't really change them till they break or get to crusty. I do use Fast Fret every once a while to keep them clean and retain that new sound so that could help to not having to change them often.
My opinion: Use regular strings.. maybe like a 10 gauge... tune all the strings down a full step (d natural)... And use this everytime before playing.. (https://www.amazon.com/GHS-Strings-A87-FAST-FRET/dp/B0002D0CQC/ref=asc_df_B0002D0CQC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312154928868&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6164042460706385076&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&...)
some fast fret, your fingers will thank you. And also a pack of strings to have just in case some break, OH and a guitar stand!!! they're super cheap and leaning it against a wall is bad for them long term. Everyone else seems to have covered the rest :)
I always wash my hands before playing, I clean my strings also before playing with a microfibre cloth, I use that same cloth to wipe off sweat and general dead skin and things.
I also use a tin of fast fret to keep my strings slick and clean and to lubricate them.
What brand are you using, I personally always use Ernie Ball super slinkies.
Start plucking with your index finger, and try to use your middlefinger too. And when your plucking fingers is starting to hurt and you wanna keep playing, try to use a pick.
GHS fast fret is great to use before and after playing. https://www.amazon.com/GHS-Strings-A87-FAST-FRET/dp/B0002D0CQC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1O800QF43BTUH&keywords=ghs+fast+fret&qid=1641048084&sprefix=Ghs%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-3
I've used this stuff for 15 years. Works wonders for killing string noise from slides etc in the studio too. FAST FRET
I use this on all my guitars and it cuts down on string noise drastically when sliding to new positions. It's a life saver in my studio, especially when tracking acoustic guitars.
I've kind of been waiting for this question to pop up...
For hands? Wash hands in cold water with dish soap. Dry with paper towels.
For sticky cord? This stuff, Fast-Fret. On a whim I tried some on one of my crappy DIY rigs and I'll be damned if it didn't work great.
It's mineral oil and wax concotion meant to make sliding your hand and fingers over a guitars (banjo in my case) strings and frets. It works really good for breaking in new cord and keeping it slick and somewhat clean.
It comes with a felt-like applicator that only puts on a very small amount of Fast-Fret at a time, making it really easy to control how slick you want it to be. The applicator also cleans the cord a bit while you're lubin'.
My two cents.
I use fast fret for string cleaning and its great. i have four acoustics and sometimes won't play my 12 string for a month at a time, this stuff takes the rust right off and they'll sound bright and new again.
DUDE! I HAVE THE PERFECT SOLUTION. GHS make this product called "fast-fret". I clean my strings before I play with this and they feel really new always, if you keep it up. Sound diminishes over time; but at least I get more time to play.
http://www.amazon.com/GHS-A87-Fast-Fret-String-Cleaner/dp/B0002D0CQC
Get some “Fast Fret.” Works wonders.
GHS Strings FAST FRET (A87) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002D0CQC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_6wM7FbQ3R85YS
You could wipe them down daily with GHS fast fret. It's a little expensive on Amazon so I'd recommend going to a store to pick it up. It helps clean the guitar strings and keeps them fresher longer. I've read online that the liquid in there is just wood/mineral oil so I've been reusing the applicator with that liquid and haven't noticed any difference.
I actually like this: http://www.amazon.com/GHS-Strings-LS8089-Fast-Fret/dp/B0002D0CQC its good for playing and good to clean strings... happy holidays everyone!
http://www.amazon.com/GHS-A87-Fast-Fret-String-Cleaner/dp/B0002D0CQC
This stuff is amazing and makes the fretboard feel soooo good.