What you'll need

• Strings
• Wire cutters

Step 1 – Remove the string

If you are changing all your strings, it is best to start with the bottom E, however if you need to change one, just change that one.

Start by turning the tuning peg to loosen off the string. When the string is loose enough, you should be able to pull the string out of the hole in the tuning peg, but you may have to untie it. Follow the string down to the bridge and remove it. Remember where you remove it from as you’ll need to pull the new string through the same place.

TIP

Now is a good time to give the neck a quick clean with a cloth.

Step 2 – Restringing

Get your new strings and sort out which one should go where. The heaviest gauge string will be the bottom E and the lightest the top E. Push the string through the bridge, going the opposite way you took the old string out. Pull it through and up to its respective tuning peg.

Ensure the hole in the tuning peg is facing down the neck and pull the string through it. Leave around 5cm of slack in the string so you have something to tighten. Crimp the part of the string that is past the tuning peg hole by wrapping it around the tuning peg a couple times and then unwrapping. This will stop the string from slipping out of the peg.

Now you can start turning the tuning peg to tighten the string. Make sure to do it so the string wraps the same way as the old one. As the string first overlaps itself, push the string through the hole under the rest of the string. Keep tightening and make sure the string through the hole stays above the rest of the string. This locks the string in place and should help the guitar stay in tune longer.

Make sure to not over-tighten the string, as this can make it break.

Step 3 – Tune the string

Slowly tune the string to its desired note. If you don’t know how to tune, check out this tutorial.

You will notice that after a few minutes, the string will go out of tune. This is because the string is stretching. The string should be fully stretched after a day or so, so just keep tuning it during that time.

Step 4 – Repeat for all the strings

Repeat steps 1-3 for the rest of the strings and you will have a brand new set of strings ripe for the playing. Enjoy!

Changing Strings Quiz - How much can you remember?