Changing Guitar Strings

Acoustic Guitar

 

Changing strings is a job that can be a little daunting the first time, but it is a simple enough job and after a couple of times it will be completely instinctive.

How do i know if they need changing?

There are a few tell tale signs that your strings are in need of changing. As they age they will become discoloured and possibly even rusty and the sound of the strings will become dull (this is harder to spot as it happens slowly). If a time scale is required about every 2-3 months should be suitable for the usual beginner player. A new guitar may also need new strings if it has been used for demonstrations.

What do i need?

There is a small list if items required to perform this task

• New strings (or string)
• wire cutters
• string winder (optional)
• your guitar
• Damp cloth

 

Removing the old strings

Start by loosening the string by unwinding it from the tuning peg. Once the string is loose use the wire cutters to cut the string near the nut. Unwind the small end from the tuning peg and carefully discard it (they can be hard to spot on the floor and can easily cut your foot or hand). To remove the other end you will need to take out the bridge pin. This will usually not come out by hand so you will need to use something to lever it up. A pick can be used or if it really well stuck a screwdriver, but make sure you protect the guitar and pin by covering the scredrivers end with a cloth. Once the pin is out discard of the rest of the old string.

Putting on the new string

Remove the string from the packaging and unwind. Take the ball end of the string and place it in the hole that the pin sits in, insert the pin making sure the string is properly secure. Pull the string up and place in the correct groove in the nut. Making sure the hole in the tuning peg is facing down the neck thread the string straight through. The string is now ready to be wound onto the peg. Keeping the string taught use the string winder (if you have one) and wind the string around making sure the excess string goes above the the rest of the string(the part of the string that staying on the guitar) on the first pass. For all subsequent passes make sure the excess goes under the rest of the string, to keep the string locked in between the winds. Continue winding until there is more room on the peg and trim the string with the wire cutters, leaving around 1 centimeter for tuning.

Tune the string up and then stretch the string by running your finger underneath the string up and down the neck. This will aid in keeping the string in tune in future.

Repeat this for all strings and that’s it, a new set of strings.

After the first few times a complete string change can be done in less that fifteen minutes.