If strings are difficult to play or do not play correctly:
Replacing guitar strings can remedy many problems involving poor sound. All strings can be
changed at once or strings can be changed individually. To change a guitar string, the old
string should be completely removed before attaching the new string. After the new string is
attached, the guitar will need to be re-tuned.
GUITAR STRING MAINTENANCE
Removing Old Strings:
• To remove a guitar string, first, 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.
• 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.
• 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 may pop up and can potentially harm you.
Installing New Strings:
• 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.
• Secure the string to the headstock end of
your guitar 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 taught. The string should have a
bit of slack (about 1-2 inches).
• Secure the string to the tuning machine by
winding the part of the string that has
come out through the tuning machine back
underneath the part of the string that is
running between the bridge and tuning
machine. Then, pull the string back up and
over the string running through the tuning
machine (see diagram). The string should
now be secure.
CHANGING STRINGS
• For the treble strings (G,B,E), keep the string tight against the post as you wind the string
clockwise. For bass strings (E, A, D), wind the strings counter-clockwise.
• Begin to tune the string, winding the tuning peg until the desired sound is produced. After
hearing the desired tune, pull the string lightly. The string will go slightly out of tune. Read-
just the tuning peg until receiving the desired tune again. Repeat the process a few more
times. This will ensure that your string will stay in tune while playing.
• You may cut off the excess string, but it is important to leave some excess still attached
(about
¼
-1 inch) 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.
