How do I tie a classical guitar string at the bridge?

The tie block is the raised back section of a classical bridge. Tie-end strings don't have a ball, so the knot itself is what holds the string in place. A neat knot sits flat on top of the block, holds its position as you tune up, and keeps the loose end from touching the soundboard.

Step by step:

1. Thread the string through the bridge hole from the soundhole side, leaving about four inches out the back.
2. Bring the short end up and over the tie block, toward the soundhole.
3. Pass it under the main string where the main string enters the hole, making a loop.
4. Wrap the short end around itself on top of the block. Use two or three wraps on the trebles and one or two on the basses.
5. Lay the last wrap so it is trapped against the back edge of the bridge.
6. Hold the knot in place with one finger and pull the main string toward the headstock to snug it down.
7. Tune up slowly and check that the knot stays flat and doesn't creep.

A few habits make knots more reliable. Tie the knot near the back edge of the block, not floating in the middle. Keep each wrap snug and side by side rather than stacked. And don't trim the tail until the string has been up to pitch and stretched in for a day or so.

Our Classits tie-end sets are the SCM101 Medium and SCH102 High, with Classits Elite tie-end sets in ECM101 Medium and ECH102 High, all in Classical Strings. Tie-end singles for every string position are in Specialty Singles. If you'd rather skip the knot, the ball-end SCM101B and SCH102B load like a steel-string acoustic.