CHANGING STRINGS
Removing Old Strings:
1. To remove a guitar string, find the tuning peg and tuning machine that the string
is attached to. Loosen the string by winding the tuning peg until the string has no
tension.
2. Continue to wind the string loose until the string can be pulled loose from the top.
The strings can be pulled out via the bridge at the bottom of the guitar.
3. If you do not wish to use the old string again, you can cut the string near the
middle of the strings via wire cutters. If you choose to do this, be careful and hold
the string securely next to the cut; otherwise, the string will pop up and can
potentially harm you.
Installing New Strings:
1. Remove the bridge pin of your guitar. Bridge pins can stick to the guitar, and may
take some time to get off; the edge of a peg winder (available at any local music
store) can be used to help. Locate the proper string to replace your old string.
Then, from the end of the string that does NOT have a ball at the end, feed the
string through the bridge via the open hole exposed by removing the pin. Then,
press the bridge pin back into place gently with the slot facing forward, and while
holding your finger on the pin, run the string through until the ball on the end of the
string is flush to the bottom of the pin.
2. Secure the string to the headstock via
the tuning machine. To do so, make sure
the eye/hole of the tuning machine is
parallel to the neck/headstock of the
guitar. Feed the string through the eye of
the tuning machine and pull the string fairly
taut. The string should have a bit of slack
(about 1-2 inches).
3. While holding the string taut, secure it to
the tuning machine by turning the
corresponding tuning peg to wrap the
string around. For extra security, route the
string through itself on the initial wrap
around (see diagram).
- For treble strings (G,B,E), wind the
strings clockwise. For bass strings (E, A,
D), wind the strings counter-clockwise.
4. Begin to tune the string by winding the tuning peg until the desired sound is
produced. After reaching the desired tone, pull the string lightly. The string will
go slightly out of tune. Readjust the tuning peg until receiving the desired tone
again. Repeat the process a few more times. This will ensure that your string
will stay in tune while playing .
5. You may cut off the excess string, but it is important to leave some excess
still attached (about ¼-1inch) in case the guitar string needs to be restrung
again. Remember, it is easy to cut. more off later, but impossible to add string
back.
Summary of Contents for F20-003
Page 5: ......
