Changing the strings of a guitar is not a difficult task, but for some reason it can be intimidating to novice guitarists. It is an easy to learn skill that all guitarists should have. (Note: This guide shows you how to change the strings on an acoustic guitar. Electric guitars are built differently, but you'll be able to follow many of the same rules.)
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Remove the Strings and Bridge Pegs
Step 1. Decide how to install the new strings
There is a great deal of debate on the best method to string a guitar, whether to do it one string at a time, or to simply remove all the strings and replace them. You can use the method you prefer.
- Using the individual method, you will always keep the tension on the neck within a small range.
- Removing all the strings together will allow you to clean the fretboard with a cloth without lifting the strings or bypassing them. A mix of skin oils, dead skin and dirt builds up on the keyboards (which negatively affects the tone and sustain of the guitar).
Step 2. Remove the strings
Loosen the strings until they are no longer under tension. Then, cut them off using pliers or continue loosening them until you can pull them off.
An inexpensive, key-wrapping tool available at every music store is very useful in this regard
Step 3. Remove the bridge pegs
They are those little knobs (often white or black) that hold the strings in place on the guitar. Use a specific peg removal tool, which you can find at a music store. The pins can be difficult to remove, especially if they are new or the guitar is new. You may be tempted to grab them from the outside with pliers. While you can do this, if you are very careful, it will generally not be necessary.
Alternatively, you can push the pegs out of the inside of the guitar, using a hard object like a coin. It can be helpful to push the string deeper into the guitar as you do this, as the end of the string may get stuck in the peg. When you pull out the peg, you will be able to remove the string from its hole
Step 4. Remove the rope from the pin hole
Step 5. Clean your guitar if you wish
You will be able to clean the body, the fingerboard, the back of the neck and the head. Use a specific cleaner purchased from a musical instrument store if possible. Never use furniture polish products, window cleaners or other household cleaners. If you have nothing else at your disposal, use a lightly moistened chamois leather or lint-free cotton handkerchief. The oil from your hands will accumulate on the fretboard of the guitar very quickly, causing a thick residue.
If you want to use water, you should apply a tiny amount of it to the handkerchief and barely feel it is wet. Too much water could damage untreated wood
Method 2 of 2: Change the Strings
Step 1. Prepare the new strings
Some balls at the end of the string have a specific color that indicates the note in which they must be tuned.
Step 2. Follow the order you prefer
There are many theories that indicate how to string a guitar. Some guitarists start with the thinnest string, others start with the thicker string.
The most common method is to string the thinnest string first, then the thickest, then the second thinnest, the second thickest and so on (1, 6, 2, 5, 3, 4). Alternating strings in this way will cause more even left-right tension on the neck and make tuning less of a problem, especially for older guitars
Step 3. Insert the end of the string into the hole in the peg and reinsert the peg
You should hold the string at this stage. It will help to create a slight tension on the string towards the head of the guitar, because this tension is what keeps it from falling off the pegs.
Step 4. Stretch each string
When you have inserted a string into the hole in the pin, stretch it and pass it through the respective key. Remember that you will always have to turn the key to the right to tighten a string. If the tuning keys are on opposite sides of the head, you will need to pass the string between the two rows of keys and outwards.
Step 5. Pull the rope through the hole and tighten it
Leave a small margin so that you can wrap the string around the key. If you don't, you will run out of string too quickly, which will lose tension as you play.
Unfortunately, this is a trial and error procedure, different for each string. Remember that you can always cut more rope if you leave too much. You will not be able to stretch it after cutting it
Step 6. Bend the string (90 ° to the guitar) and turn the tuning key so that the string wraps around the key several times
This can take many rotations. Make sure each coil wraps under the previous one so the string doesn't overlap. This will ensure a tidier winding and lengthen the life of the string, as well as extend the life of the tuning.
Don't squeeze the strings in their usual note, but a few semi-tones further down. You will need to squeeze them enough to push the peg so they don't come out, but it's not time to tune them yet
Step 7. Repeat this procedure for each string
Step 8. Tune your guitar
Step 9. Use tongs to cut the excess string, leaving only half an inch
Cutting the string too short can cause the last section to drop back into the hole, causing you to lose your tuning.
Do this only for classic nylon strings, not steel ones
Advice
- Another useful tip for removing the pegs is to use a small teaspoon. Place the bottom of the spoon on the bridge for leverage, with the tip under the edge of the peg. Apply a little pressure on the handle to raise the peg. You can put a piece of cloth between the bridge and the teaspoon if you don't want to risk damaging your guitar.
- Another method of removing the pegs involves using an old round shoelace. Make a circle with the lace and put it around the peg. Make sure it fits between the peg and the bridge and tighten the circle by pulling on both ends. With a little patience the peg will come out, without risking damage to your guitar.
- If your pegs are very stubborn, you can cover the peg with a piece of cloth and pull it out with pliers. This way you won't leave marks on the peg.
- After changing strings, your guitar will lose tuning more frequently for some time.
- Do not allow pets or small children to approach the pegs when you have removed them.
- Have an expert change the strings if you don't know where to start.
