Changing Guitar Strings

Electric 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 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

 Taking off the old strings

There is no set rule for the order that you take off the old strings from your guitar. Some people start from Top to bottom and vise-versa, some people do one string at a time some two at a time, the choice is yours. It is advised though that you do not take all the strings off at the same time as this release of all pressure can cause problems with the guitar. Personally i start with the low E and change the strings one at a time (thick to thin).

After removing each string take the opportunity to clean the fretboard with a lint free cloth to remove dirt and grease picked up from your hands whilst playing.

To take off a string use the string winder or your hand to loosen the tension on the string. When loose use the wire cutters to cut the string just below the nut. Unwind the small part from the tuning peg and discard (this prevents the wound part of the string from scratching the body of the guitar). unthread the rest of the string through the tail piece and discard. The ends are sharp so be careful when doing this.

Putting on the new string

Take the correct string from the packet and unwind it. The next stage differs depending on the style of guitar you have. If it’s a Stratocaster type guitar the string will be thread through the body of the guitar from the backside (if you do one at a time there is no Chance of using the wrong hole) out to the bridge on the top if the guitar. A Les Paul style guitar simply threads through the back of the tail piece and on to the bridge. Pull the string through making sure the ball end is sitting snug in the hole. Making sure the hole in the tuning peg in facing down the neck of the guitar so the string can go straight through, after placing the string in the groove on the nut thread it through the tuning peg. You can know start to wind the string on to the peg, as you do this make sure the excess/slack string goes above the string as it comes around the first time and below every other time. Wind the string on until you have between 3-7  winds around the peg (the thicker the string the less winds you have room for). Trim the excess off leaving enough left to tune the string up.

After tuning for the first time, stretch the string by running your finger underneath the string up and down the neck, this will help it to stay in tune in the future. After this re-tune the string and your ready to move on to the next.