How do you change the strings on an acoustic guitar?

Changing your guitar strings at least once a month will keep your instrument sounding its best. No need to take it back to the guitar shop to get that done, though—restringing a guitar is a pretty simple task that you can do with just a couple of tools. Read on to learn how to change your guitar strings yourself, whether you have an acoustic or electric instrument.

What You'll Need:

• A new set of strings
• String winder (optional but helpful)
• Wire cutters
• A tuner (optional, but helps for tuning the new strings)

Steps:

1. Remove the Old Strings:

   • Loosen the tension of the strings by turning the tuning pegs counterclockwise until the strings are slack.
   • Use the string winder to make this quicker if you have one.
   • Once loose, unwind the strings from the tuning pegs and remove them from the bridge. If your guitar has bridge pins, carefully pull them out using a bridge pin puller or the notch in the string winder.

2. Clean the Guitar (Optional):

   • With the strings removed, it’s a good opportunity to clean the fretboard and the body of the guitar.

3. Install the New Strings:

   • Start with the low E string (the thickest one).
   • Insert the ball end of the string into the bridge hole and secure it with the bridge pin. Push the pin down firmly while pulling the string up slightly to ensure it’s seated properly.
   • Run the string up to the headstock and thread it through the appropriate tuning peg hole. Leave some slack (around 2-3 inches) to allow for winding.

4. Wind the Strings:

   • Turn the tuning peg clockwise to tighten the string. Make sure the string winds neatly around the peg, preferably with each wind below the previous one to lock the string in place.
   • Use the string winder to speed up the process if you have one.
   • Repeat this process for each string, moving from the low E to the high E string.

5. Tune the Guitar:

   • Once all the strings are installed, use a tuner to bring each string to its correct pitch.
   • Stretch the strings gently by pulling them away from the fretboard to help them settle and then retune.

6. Trim the Excess:

   • Use wire cutters to trim the excess string ends near the tuning pegs.

Tips:

• Change strings one at a time to maintain neck tension and make the process easier.
• Consider using coated strings if you want longer-lasting strings.
• Regularly changing your strings will keep your guitar sounding fresh and bright.

If you need a visual guide, there are many helpful videos online that show each step in detail.