The first time I tried to change the strings on my electric guitar, it was a disaster because I had no idea what I was doing. But now I’ve learned the proper methods and steps to change the strings like a pro. It’s now my turn to share my knowledge with you. So, let’s change your best acoustic electric guitar string without wasting more time. Shall we?
Key Takeaways: How To String an Electric Guitar?
| Steps | Details |
| Gather all the supplies | A wire cutter, strings winder, and new strings. |
| Remove the old strings | Use tuning pegs to unwind the older strings. |
| Thoroughly clean | Take a damp cloth to clean the fretboard. |
| Put the new strings | Insert the strings into the tuning pegs. |
| Wind | Take your winder to give a wind around the pegs. |
| Stretch | Give a gentle stretch to loosen up the tension. |
| Cut off the excess | Trim the extra strings near the tuning pegs. |
How Do You String a Guitar? – Easy 8 Step Guide
At first, changing strings might seem complicated and stressful. You think you might ruin your guitar. But let me tell you, it is not that difficult, and it won’t mess with your guitar if you follow the instructions correctly.
Before we begin, ensure you have all the necessary supplies. You’ll need the following:
- String winder
- Wire cutter
- A new set of strings
- Fretboard cleaner
After getting all the supplies, you are now ready.
Step 1: De-string Your Guitar
Before doing anything, you must remove the old rusty strings. Changing the used strings within 3 to 4 months is suggested, even if the strings are not rusty. Anywho, take a closer and more precise picture of your guitar before you remove the strings. It will help you to get a reference for how your strings looked before.
Step 2: Remove The Old String
Now, take the winder you bought and loosen the strings individually. You can use your hand, but the string winder will be more helpful. Only remove some strings at a time if you’re a beginner to avoid neck tension. So, get some experience, then try to remove all the strings.
Step 3: Clean The Guitar and Cut The Strings
Before cutting the strings, take a moment to clean the fretboard. This is a prime opportunity to give your guitar a thorough clean. Take a damp cloth and wipe off all the dirt and oil.
Now, take your wire cutter and start cutting the loose strings one by one. If they are loose enough, you can just pull them off. Just a friendly reminder: If you need to cut the strings, avoid cutting them in half. It is essential to prevent any potential damage. Cutting the string from the tip and pushing the strings through the holes is better.
Step 4: Install The New Strings
After removing and cutting all the strings, it’s time to put new strings on your electric guitar. First, carefully check that you have the correct strings. Lay your guitar down and start inserting the strings. Use the same bridge entry point where you removed the old strings. Each string should go to the tuning peg that matches its assigned hole.
This step requires a gentle touch and the use of your fingers to prevent any scraping against the bridge hole.
Step 5: Crimp The Strings
Now that all the strings are installed, carefully bring them up to the neck of the guitar. Take hold of the strings on both sides of the peg and begin crimping them into an “S” shape. Remember, it’s essential to do this clockwise and crimp both sides of the string and the tuning post.
Step 6: Wind and Lock The String
After you have finished crimping, it’s time to arrange all the strings in order. Place your index finger on the strings without touching the tuning peg, then start winding them around. Remember to hold down the strings lightly as you wind around the pegs. You can use your hand or a winder for this. Make sure not to wind the string too tightly.
Step 7: Tune Your String
After you restring all the strings, you will feel the tension. The strings will go out of tune. To settle the tension, use your tuner to tune the strings slowly. The strings will take multiple attempts to stretch and lose their tone.
Step 8: Cut Off The Excess
Now, use a wire cutter to trim and smooth the excess string. Repeat with the other strings. Hopefully, you won’t encounter any difficulties.
Restring Electric Guitar Locking Method
Restringing your electric guitar with locking tuners requires some techniques, though these are not difficult to follow. The most recommended way to position the posts on the tuner for the most extraordinary stability is the 1 2 3 3 4 5 approach, often known as the 5 4 3 3 2 1 method.
When stringing your guitar, think of a clock and imagine the second hand as the starting point for the tuning post hole. The high E string (first string) goes at 1 o’clock, the B string (second string) at 2 o’clock, the G string (third string) and D string (fourth string) at 3 o’clock, the A string (fifth string) at 4 o’clock, and the low E string (sixth string) at 5 o’clock. This is the order to put on and tune your strings.
How To Change Electric Guitar Strings Stratocaster?
- Get your wire cutter, string winder, and new strings ready.
- Loosen the strings with the tuning pegs to remove old strings from the bridge.
- Now, it’s time to bring in the new strings and give your guitar a fresh sound. Secure them with either bridge pins or through the tremolo block, whichever method you prefer.
- Next, tightly wind each string around the pegs on the side of the headstock.
- You need to give more turns around the tuning peg because of the headstock design.
- Lastly, take your wire cutter and trim the excess string length.
How To String A Les Paul Electric Guitar?
Try these methods to string the Les Paul electric guitar:
- Go for either a fixed or tune-o-matic bridge with a stop bar tailpiece.
- Simply thread the strings through the tailpiece and secure them to the bridge. This uncomplicated method ensures a secure fit and optimal string tension.
- The headstock design of the Les Paul requires you to do a few winders on the tuning pegs.
- Don’t need to stretch the strings since the design of Les Paul’s bridge design.
How To String A Fender Electric Guitar?
These are the simple ways to string an Electric Guitar Fender:
- Remove the old strings individually from the bridge.
- Take your new strings and insert them through the body or adjustable bridge.
- Secure the strings with bridge pins or through the tremolo block.
- Wind the strings around the pegs.
- Give the strings a little stretch until the guitar stabilizes.
FAQ
1. Do Electric Guitars Needs Special Strings?
The electric guitar has metal strings similar to acoustic guitars, consisting mostly of metal with magnetic materials such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel.
Use The Best Strings For A Good Practice Session
It looks like you’re reaching the end of your guitar-stringing journey. If you follow all the steps carefully, you’ll have your electric guitar properly strung in no time. Using regular strings can help maintain tuning stability and enhance playability. Good luck!
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