When you buy a new set of strings for your guitar, you’ve got to know how to prepare your guitar for a new strings. When you put on a new set of strings on your guitar, you want to make sure that the strings get seated well in the nut as well as get stretched out properly so they stay in tune. It’s also important to prepare the fretboard so that it’s ready for the new set of strings. This step by step guide will show you how to change your electric guitar strings like a pro.
1. Changing Your Strings
2. Seating The Strings In The Nut
3. Stretching Out The Strings
4. Preparing The Fretboard
The strings on your guitar are important. When they break or become frayed, it can be a big problem. For people who play the guitar frequently, changing strings is a regular part of their routine.
The process of changing guitar strings is easier than you may think. However, if you don’t prepare your guitar properly, you could cause damage to your instrument.
Here are a few tips for preparing your guitar for new strings:
1) Clean the fretboard of your guitar with a clean, dry cloth before replacing the old strings with new ones. This will remove any dirt and grime that has built up on the fretboard over time. Remember to wear gloves when cleaning the fretboard because oil from your hands can build up on it and make it look dirty.
2) Make sure that all parts of the old string (including its winding) have been removed from the tuning peg before putting on a new string! If not, this could result in damage to either or both instruments when trying to tune them up again later down the road… It is also worth noting here that if you do not feel comfortable doing this yourself – then by all means go ahead and ask someone who knows how they work better than you do!
3) Don’t let go
A new set of strings on your guitar can be one of the most rewarding and simple upgrades you can make to the instrument. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of changing your strings on a regular basis, especially if you play your guitar a lot.
Changing strings is not a difficult task, but it does take some care and attention to detail. Here are few tips:
First, cut off the old strings at the bridge. Then unwind them from their tuners. This can be difficult sometimes especially if your string windings are old and gunked up with grime (see next tip). If you have trouble getting your old strings off, you can use a string winder which will help loosen the tuning gears and make it easier to remove the old strings.
Once you have removed all of the old strings, use some guitar polish or cleaner along with a soft cloth and wipe down your fretboard, back of the neck and body of your guitar. Many players neglect their fretboards and they can get pretty grimy over time. Use caution when cleaning around your pickups as well as around any electronics that may be installed on your instrument (knobs, potentiometers etc.).
Give it a good cleaning and make sure to wipe off any excess
So your strings are old, worn out and don’t sound like they used to. Or maybe you’re about to record in the studio, or you’re going on tour and need your guitar to sound perfect.
To prepare your guitar for a new set of strings, you will want to clean your guitar first because new strings won’t stay in tune as well if there is grime built up on your fretboard.
Once you have cleaned off any gunk from the fretboard and the back of the neck, take a clean cloth (I use an old t-shirt that I cut up) and wipe down the body of the guitar. Just throw it in the washer after using it.
You can usually tell when your guitar needs cleaned because it will be hard to keep in tune and the strings will be harder to push down at first. So if you’re changing out your strings anyway, cleaning your guitar should be your first step!
Change the Strings on Your Guitar
Changing strings is a simple, inexpensive and straightforward operation that can be done in a few minutes. The idea is to remove the old, dead strings and replace them with new ones. It’s like buying a new pair of shoes – once you’ve worn them out, it’s time to get new ones. Keep in mind that you should change all six strings at the same time.
What you’ll need: An old rag or towel, string winder or pliers and wire cutters.
One of the simplest, most rewarding ways to get to know your guitar is changing your own strings. While this is a very easy and straightforward process – so easy that you could probably do it with your eyes closed – we still recommend that you actually open your eyes and make sure you’re doing it right. This how-to guide will give you a step-by-step walkthrough for changing guitar strings on both electric and acoustic guitars, so that next time you need new strings, there’s no need to run to the guitar store or call up your local luthier.
Gather Your Tools
Before we get started, here are the tools you’ll need:
A string winder. If you don’t have one of these, they’re cheap and totally worth it. You can purchase one at any music store or online.
A pair of wire cutters. Many string winders come with wire cutters built in, but if yours doesn’t have them, pick up some wire cutters while you’re at the music store or order a pair online. We recommend getting a pair like this one because they have an angled tip which makes it easier to get into the tight spaces on your guitar.
A soft cloth or paper towel for wiping down your fret
While you’re here, why don’t you pick up a new set of strings?
This is the guitar I use.
The first step of changing your strings is to remove the old strings. Take your string winder and loosen each string until it falls out of the tuning pegs. Be careful not to hit yourself or damage the guitar.
Now that the strings are off, look inside the guitar. Locate the bridge pins and remove them with your fingers or with needle nose pliers. You may notice some dirt inside the guitar; this is normal and will not affect your performance.
After removing all six bridge pins, pull each string out from the soundhole one at a time. Some guitars have an easier way to remove strings like a locking tremolo system. If you have one of these guitars, refer to its manual on how to change its strings. Also, if you have a Floyd Rose system, take note on how each spring is placed in order to tune correctly later. Make sure not to lose any pieces when doing this process!
Once all of your old strings are removed, wipe down the fretboard with a soft cloth or cleaning wipe; this will remove any sweat or oil from playing that has built up over