How To Change Guitar StringsYou need to know how to change guitar strings when they are too old or dirty. Nothing kills your desire to keep playing more than not being able to. You need to be prepared to replace broken strings. That's why on Necessities it says to have 2-3 sets available at all times. It is also a good time for proper guitar care and cleaning. That's why in Necessities it says you need your guitar cloth. Not just for wiping the strings and body after you play, but for getting at the hard to reach places that you can't get to when the strings are in the way. Now that you are changing them clean under them. Look at thepictures to see the grunge buildup and dust.
Use a simple window cleaner (like Windex or GlassPlus ) and paper towels on the fretboard. Use the cloth on everything else. ( the body and headstock ) You can also buy guitar polish that is safe and specially made. They take a little more work and a soft cloth but the results can be super shiney. I'm a bad boy; I rarely use polish but I make up for it buy cleaning often. If you never learned how to change guitar strings, don't be afraid. It is easier than it might first appear. It isn't brain surgery. It just takes some time and focus to do it right, even after 38 years. You want to concentrate on not scratching the guitar. Follow April step by step. First you need the right accessories and tools.
Tools: Wire cutters, cloth, tuner, winder, cable, new set of strings. STEP 1: Unwind the top E string real lose. STEP 2: Pull out of post. STEP 3: Pull out of bridge.
STEP 4: Clean fretboard and underneath where string was.
STEP 5: Put new string through the bridge and up through the post. Notice, in the second picture below; the 2 inches in April's left hand (our right of picture). She is measuring about 2 inches past the post. while holding this spot on the string she'll move her hand back toward the post and bend it. As she moves toward the post the string becomes slack. Also bend towards the opposite way the string winds around the post when tightening. This will end up keeping the string from coming out.
STEP 6: Hold string down (April is using her thumb) and wind. You want the string to wind from the bottom toward the top of the post. From the inside, out.
STEP 7:Tune up to pitch E. (others are from top down A D G B E. Low to high.)
STEP 8: Give a couple tugs to stretch the string. Don't need to pull too hard at all!! Then retune. Tug, retune. Tug, retune. Until it stays in tune.
STEP 9: You can trim now or when all are done. April likes to give them a haircut one at a time. Leave about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from post.
Now you are ready to start with the next string. Back to step 1. Unwind.
This is a general instruction on how to change guitar strings for guitars with metal strings. I'll be adding notes soon for each type. Classical, Acoustic-electric and Electric. They each have some important differences. Thanks for your patience. More on Changing Electric strings
Return to Home Page from Change Guitar Strings
|
