Changing your guitar strings is really not a complicated process, but it is important to do it correctly, or you run the risk of damaging your guitar. Changing your strings also should be done periodically because old strings will affect the playability and sound of your guitar.
Changing guitar strings is one of the first things you must learn to do if you are going to learn how to play the guitar. Follow these simple instructions and you will be ready to learn more about playing your favorite songs in know time!
Note: These instructions assume that the reader knows how to tune a guitar properly. If you have trouble tuning your guitar, please see our article on How to Tune a Guitar.
To change your strings, you will need the following items:
1. New set of guitar strings that fit properly for your type of guitar (nylon or steel if an acoustic or classical, heavy or light gauge if an electric). For example, if you have an electric with a Floyd Rose tremolo system, you need to get an extra set of strings in case some break during restringing. If your acoustic has a new set of Elixir strings on it already, then get another set of Elixirs so that they match up once restrung. For suggestions on what type of
This guide is for beginners who haven’t changed strings before and are a little nervous about it. It’s actually not that difficult to change them, once you know what to do.
There are two main reasons why people change their strings:
The strings have gone dead (can’t be tuned properly, etc.)
The strings have gotten rusty (this can happen if you leave the guitar out of its case)
If your strings are rusty, you should remove them all at once and clean the guitar neck and machine heads too. If they’re just dead, you can change one string at a time so as not to upset the tuning.
Tools You’ll Need
The tools you’ll need are: a wire cutter (or strong scissors), a pair of pliers (usually supplied with guitars), some new strings and string lubricant. If your old strings are dirty or rusty, you’ll also need some beer or white spirit, some cloths and paper towels.
Changing the Strings
Changing guitar strings is easy and only takes a few minutes. If you play your guitar often, you should change your strings every 2 to 4 weeks.
If you are a beginner, changing guitar strings can be a daunting task. But it’s actually quite simple and will only take about 10 to 20 minutes. So let’s get started!
Step 1: loosen the tuning pegs
Before you remove any strings from your guitar, you’ll want to loosen the tuning pegs so that the string isn’t under tension as you try to remove it. You can do this by turning the tuning peg in a counterclockwise motion with your hand or a tuner.
Step 2: cut the string at the bridge
The bridge is located right below where each string meets the tuning pegs on the body of your guitar. Use wire cutters or scissors to detach each string from its bridge. You can also cut right above the nut if that is easier for you but this method may result in some fraying if you don’t have sharp enough scissors or wire cutters.
Step 3: remove the old strings from their tuning pegs
Lift up on each string as you turn it counterclockwise until it comes loose from its peg. Then pull it out from
Changing your guitar strings is one of the things every guitarist eventually learns to do. You can spend a lot of money having this done at a music store, or you can save a lot of money and learn to do it yourself. The following instructions will show you how to change the strings on both an acoustic and an electric guitar, but first, let’s talk about the tools you will need.
You will need:
A screwdriver to remove the cover from your pick-up (if applicable) Pliers to remove the bridge pins (acoustic only) Wire cutters to cut the strings once they are off your guitar A pumice stone for cleaning your frets (optional but recommended)
If you’re new to playing guitar, you’ve probably broken a string or two (I know I have!). It’s not difficult at all once you know how. This tutorial will show you the basics of changing your electric or acoustic guitar strings.
First of all, let’s take a look at what happens when you break your string. The string gets cut at the bridge and becomes ‘unwrapped’ for about 3-4 inches (8-10cm). It is this unwrapped part that we need to remove before we can add a new string.
Changing the strings on your guitar is a fundamental part of being a guitarist, and can really improve the playability of your instrument. It is important to do this regularly as well. Changing strings can be a daunting task for first timers, but after you have done it once or twice, it will be as easy as tying your shoes.
The first thing you need to know is that there are different types of strings out there. There are acoustic and electric guitar strings, and each type has their own particular uses. For this article I am going to focus on acoustic guitar strings.
When choosing your strings make sure that they are suited for an acoustic guitar, not an electric one! If you put electric strings on an acoustic guitar they will sound dull and lifeless, and if you put acoustic strings on an electric they will feel much too loose and have poor intonation (tuning).
1. Pop off the old strings and untie the knots at the bridge.
2. Thread the new string through the bridge and through the tuning peg with each string, from low to high E.
3. The ball end of the string should be on your side of the guitar neck.
4. Cut off any excess string after you’ve tightened them up and make sure they’re all in tune before you start playing! It’s that simple!