Restringing a guitar is an essential skill for any guitarist. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, knowing how to properly restring your instrument is crucial for maintaining its sound quality and playability. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of restringing your guitar step by step.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand. You will need a new set of guitar strings (and for an electric bass), a string winder, wire cutters, and a tuner.
You might also want to take a photo of the machine heads so you can see which way the pegs are wound and which string goes on which peg.
Step 2: Remove the Old Strings
Start by loosening the tension on the old strings using the tuning pegs. Once the strings are loose, use the wire cutters to snip them off at the tuning pegs and bridge. Remove the old strings from the guitar.
Step 3: Clean the Guitar
While the strings are off, take the opportunity to clean the fretboard and body of the guitar. Use a soft cloth to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated. You may also wish to use lemon oil on the neck to lubricate & clean it further (to make the fingerboard smoother to play).
Step 4: Install the New Strings
Begin by inserting the ball end of the string into the bridge of the guitar (typically for acoustic and bass guitars). Pull the string through the bridge and up to the tuning peg. Poke the string through the hole in the peg. Wind the string around the tuning peg by turning the peg away from the guitar, making sure to leave enough slack for tuning - pull the string up by about 10cm to give you enough. For acoustic and bass guitars (usually) as you wind, keep a finger on top of the peg to make sure the string doesn't ping off - the high strings are worst for this.
For classical guitars the string needs to be knotted at the bridge. This is easy when you get the knack! This Youtube video from Martin Guitars shows you how to do this.
Step 5: Tune the Guitar
Once all the strings are installed, use your tuner to tune the guitar to the correct pitch. Stretch the strings gently to help them settle in and hold their tune.
Step 6: Trim Excess String
Use the wire cutters to trim any excess string that is sticking out past the tuning pegs. Be careful not to cut the string too short, as this can affect tuning stability.
By following these steps, you can restring your guitar like a pro. Remember to take your time and be patient, as restringing a guitar can be a delicate process. With practice, you'll be able to restring your guitar quickly and efficiently, ensuring that it always sounds its best.