Get string savvy and restring your acoustic guitar like a pro in just 10 minutes. It is an essential skill for any acoustic guitarist, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player. While it may seem intimidating at first, with a little practice and the right guidance, you can easily learn how to restring your guitar like a pro.
In this detailed guide, we'll walk you through each step of the guitar restringing process, ensuring that your acoustic guitar gets the care it deserves!
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. Here's what you'll need:
A set of acoustic guitar strings (make sure they're the right gauge for your guitar)
Optional: string winder (makes the process faster but not essential)
Step 2: Loosen and Remove the Old Strings
Start by loosening the tuning pegs to slacken the tension on the strings. Turn the tuning pegs in a counterclockwise direction until the strings are loose enough to remove. Once the strings are slack, use your string clippers to cut the strings near the bridge of the guitar. Remove the cut strings from the tuning pegs and dispose of them. If using a string cutting multi tool use the end that is shaped like a “U” to remove the bridge pins from the bridge. Separate the bridge pins from the strings and dispose of them.
Beginner Guitar Tip: Prior to changing the strings, take a picture of your bridge saddle and your nut. There is a chance they could fall out when your strings are removed. This isn’t a problem, you’ll just have to remember which way they go back on. Take a photo before removing your strings so you can use it for reference in case this happens!
Step 3: Clean the Guitar
With the old strings removed, take this opportunity to clean your acoustic guitar. Take this time to review parts of your guitar (tuning pegs, strap buttons) and make sure nothing is rattling. If you find they are loose, tighten them up with a phillips screwdriver, ensuring you don’t over tighten.
Use a microfiber guitar cloth to wipe down the fretboard, bridge, and body of the guitar. This will help remove any dirt, dust, or residue that may have accumulated. If you are using fretboard oil and guitar polish for the body of the guitar, use separate cloths for each.
Step 4: Install the New Strings
Now it's time to install the new strings. Depending on your brand of strings, they may be in pairs (which will be color coded) or in individual packaging. Start by unwrapping the first string from its packaging. Certain strings might have color coding on them which will guide you on installing them correctly.
While holding onto the string, set the ball in the corresponding hole. Take your bridge pin (there’s a narrow channel), aim the narrow channel towards the head stock and push the string down into the hole with the pin. Hold the string fairly firm while doing this. Make sure the ball end is seated securely against the bridge.
Step 5: Stringing the Tuning Pegs
Next, guide the other end of the string up to the headstock of the guitar. Ensure the hole of the tuning peg is in line with the string you are inserting. Insert the end of the string through the corresponding hole in the tuning peg, and pull the string all the way through, leaving no more than an inch in slack.
Step 6: Wind the String
Hold the string taut and begin winding it around the tuning peg in the direction that tightens the string (usually counterclockwise for the lower strings and clockwise for the higher strings). You can use a string winder for this or you can do it manually. Make sure the wraps are neat and tight, but leave a bit of slack on your string tension for tuning later.
Step 7: Repeat for the Remaining Strings
Repeat steps 4-6 for the remaining strings, working your way from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest) string. Take care to ensure each string is properly seated in the bridge and wound neatly around the tuning peg.
Step 8: Tune Up
Once all the strings are installed, it's time to tune up your acoustic guitar. Use a tuner to adjust each string to the correct pitch. Start with the low E string and work your way up to the high E string, checking the tuning of each string as you go.
Step 9: Stretching the Strings
Now that the strings are installed and tuned, it's time to stretch them to help them settle into place. Gently tug on each string along its length to stretch it out. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this could damage the strings or the guitar.
Step 10: Final Adjustments
After stretching, check the tuning of the guitar. Retune all your guitar strings and repeat the stretching process until the guitar stays in tune.
YOU DID IT! You’ve successfully restrung your guitar! With regular maintenance and care, your guitar will continue to sound its best for years to come. Enjoy the improved tone and playability of your newly restrung instrument, and keep strumming away!
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