How to Change Guitar Strings
Changing guitar strings is a very important task for any guitarist ranging from the novice level to the expert level. The older the guitar strings get, the quality of tone decreases. The amount of time between each string change can depend based on how much the guitar is played. The more it is played, the more dirt, sweat, dead skin, oils, etc. can build up on the strings. With the build-up of dirt and grime, the tone can begin to sound dull and the strings can be more likely to break. It is also important to clean the guitar and oil any unfinished wood, to prevent any buildup or imperfections to the body of the guitar.
Supplies Needed:
· New guitar strings
· Towel to lay the guitar on
· Towels for cleaning guitar
· Oil for fretboard (lemon oil, linseed oil, mineral oil, etc.)
· Wire cutters
· Pliers
· String winder
· Guitar tuner
There are a variety of ways to change guitar strings for different guitars, strings, and players. However, the basic and most common way to change the strings on a guitar includes these steps.
1. Loosen the old strings
a. Turn clockwise to loosen the strings.
2. Remove strings and clean fretboard
a. When strings are loosened, using pliers, gently apply pressure to bridge pins to remove all six pins. This allows the strings to be removed and discarded.
b. After strings are removed, clean the fretboard and oil lightly with a rag.
c. Once the guitar is all clean and the fretboard is oiled, it is time to re-string the guitar.
3. Lock strings into place
a. Begin by inserting the ball of the sixth string into the fretboard, following the bridge pin.
b. Push down on the pin until it is snug and pull on the string to assure it is locked in place.
c. Use this same process for mounting all strings into the fretboard.
4. Stretch the sixth string over the peghead and trim it at the fifth string post
a. This allows for the proper amount of slack to be left after winding the string.
5. Always wrap strings down the post, below the tuner holes
a. This allows for the string to not get a kink and break under pressure.
6. Begin to string in to post
a. Set turner peg at a 45-degree angle.
b. Insert the sixth string into the turner hole (the tip of the string should be protruding 1/8 in out of the hole).
c. Turn counterclockwise to tighten the string.
7. Tune string to pitch
a. About two to three wraps is plenty for the bass strings.
8. Continue the process for the remaining bass strings
a. For the fourth string, trim the expected length between two tuner pegs.
9. Trim and install treble strings
a. Trim all treble strings one and a half tuner peg lengths.
b. Continue the process as done on bass strings, put peg at a 45-degree angle, and tighten counterclockwise.
10. Tune treble strings to pitch
a. Treble strings require approximately six wraps.
11. Stretch and tune all strings
a. When completed wrapping all strings on each tuning peg, stretch each string to help with pitch.
b. Tune your guitar.
12. Enjoy fresh strings on a clean guitar!
