How To Change Acoustic Guitar Strings

An Easy Guide to Changing Strings on an Acoustic Guitar

Jan 3, 2009

From novice to expert, changing guitar strings is necessary to improve playing and preserve quality. Here follows a guide to changing acoustic guitar strings

For a novice player, changing strings on an acoustic guitar may seem an intimidating exercise. The concern of causing damage or becoming ‘stuck’ may result in reaching for the safety net of a nearby guitar shop.

However, changing strings should not be regarded as the prerogative of the professional and successful replacement can be accomplished by following basic instructions.

Each string should be removed and replaced individually. Removing all six strings before replacement may result in the tension of the guitar neck being compromised.

Prepare Guitar

If applicable, remove guitar strap and place instrument on flat surface such as a table. No other item should be on surface and sixth string of guitar (bottom E) should be closest to person changing strings.

Remove Sixth String (top E)

Loosen sixth string (top E) by turning machine head (tuner). If unsure which way to turn, pluck sixth string and listen to pitch while turning machine head slowly clockwise / anti-clockwise. When pitch lowers, string is being loosened.

Once totally loose, uncoil string fully and remove from tuning peg at top of guitar. After completion, remove other end of string by taking sixth string bridge pin from guitar bridge. This may require patience and be initially awkward. Bridge pin will need to be lifted to remove string and use pliers if required. Once completed, throw away old guitar string.

Replace Sixth String

Take new string from packet. Slide ball end of string an inch or so into hole now visible on bridge. On completion, replace bridge pin and guide string into niche carved into bridge.

String should be pulled softly as bridge pin is replaced, stopping as ball slips into place.

Pull Sixth String To Guitar Head and Feed Through Tuning Peg

Pull string up headboard gently to remove slack to about one inch past tuning peg. With fingers, bend string to right angle, making sure string is pointing toward hole in tuning peg. Feed string into hole in tuning peg as far as right angle.

Tighten Sixth String

On initial wraparound, turn machine head in anti-clockwise direction, making sure wrapped string passes over end of part of string sticking out from tuning peg.

On second wraparound, guide string under end part of string, sandwiching end portion. All further wraparounds should be under end of string, each lower than last. Keep turning machine head until string is approximately in tune.

Stretching String To Maintain Tuning

To maintain pitch, stretch string by pulling gently upward for short period, resulting in lowering of pitch. Repeat several times, re-tuning on each occasion.

Procedure for sixth string removal and replacement should be repeated for five remaining strings.

Guitar Maintenance

After each string removal, previously inaccessible areas of fret board may be wiped and polished to maintain general health and quality of guitar.

Changing Strings On An Acoustic Guitar

With patience and care, the process of replacing guitar strings is relatively easy. Quality of strings used is at discretion of individual player, but good standard strings are reasonably priced and contribute to overall sound quality of the instrument.

The copyright of the article How To Change Acoustic Guitar Strings in Guitar is owned by John O'Connor. Permission to republish How To Change Acoustic Guitar Strings in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.