How To Change a Guitar String

Sometimes a seemingly simple task can be daunting. There are actually a significant number of steps to implement and a number of guidelines to follow when changing a guitar string. Here are the basics:

When to Change the String

Guitar strings can be used until they break, but as professionals know, factors such as dirt, oil and heavy use can hinder the sound quality of a still usable string. Obviously, if a string has broken, you'll need a new one. Sometimes a string will no longer stay in tune and therefore must also be changed. Otherwise, when the string begins to sound dull and loses what musicians call brightness, it is time to change it.

Decide Which Strings to Change

New guitar strings sound brighter and more alive. Some musicians and techs will change all six strings even if only one breaks. Others will merely switch out the broken string. If cost is an issue, you may choose to only replace a broken string.

Determine the Gauge

Guitar strings are made of different thicknesses or gauges. Thicker strings are believed by many musicians to sound "fatter," but they can be more difficult to play. Guitars come from the factory with the strings the manufacturer feels are appropriate for the guitar. In the beginning, it's a good idea to stick with the gauge the factory has used. If your guitar is older and you don't know the string gauge, take it to a music store where this can be easily determined.

Unwind, Change and Rewind

First, find the tuning peg on the headstock of the guitar. Next, unwind it until the string loosens. Untwist the limp string from the tuning peg. Now the string should only be connected to the bridge, which is toward the bottom of the guitar. The string will be attached to the bridge by a little metal cylinder or ball. Push this ball through the bridge to remove the string. Now thread the new string through the bridge. Stretch it the length of the guitar neck and thread it through the tuning peg on the headstock. Make a 90 degree kink in the string at the peg to hold it in place and start to rewind it until the string is in tune.

Changing a guitar string involves a number of steps and guidelines to follow.