To String or Not to String: How to Replace Strings of a Steel-String Acoustic Guitar

Popped string? Or maybe you have just decided that it's time to replace those year-old strings that have been worn out for the last six months. Either way, have no fear. This instructable will walk you through, step-by-step, how to replace the strings of an acoustic steel-string guitar. It is designed for beginning guitar players who may have never replaced a guitar string.

Guitar strings tend to wear out over time. They lose their tone, lose their feel, become harder to keep in tune, and break more easily, so it's important to change out your strings if you want to keep sounding your best. Knowing how to change guitar strings is a vital part of being a guitarist. It really isn't a difficult task, but can be intimidating for new guitar players. With a little bit of practice and experience, though, you'll be replacing strings like a pro.

Tips: I strongly suggest that you change your strings at least every six months. For those who practice for hours every day, you may even need to change your strings every two months or so.

Step 1: Materials

Although it is possible to replace strings using only your bare hands, here are a few materials that you will find very helpful and that you will need in order to follow this walk-through completely:

New guitar strings (of course)
Pliers (needle-nose preferable)
Wire cutters
Very soft and clean cloth (polishing cloth preferable)

Optional:
String winder (I don't use one, but many people use them and they can speed up the replacement process)

Comments

[jamm19]

I f you can do not pry bridge pins out with pliers , cover the area with a cloth and use the cutters to lift the pin out by rocking it under the pin lip with the protective cloth protecting the guitar finish, take your time hum your favorite tune .........thanks for the instructable

[nsokoloff]

Thanks for this, I will try on my next set of strings not to make my guitar look like a trainwreck :).

[Puzzledd]

Thanks for this 'ible- very clearly written, with good photos :)

[Mr. Potato Head]

Don't ever use pliers to pull out your bridge pins - you'll scratch 'em all to hell no matter how careful you think you're being. The one in your picture is certainly all tore up.

Generally you can just pull the pin out with your fingers. The tension on the string holds them in place - it's not like you have to tap them in with a mallet to get them seated.

If that doesn't work push a bit of sting back inside the guitar through the slot in the pin. This will usually unwedge the ball on the end of the string from the bridge pin, allowing removal with your fingers.

I agree that string winders are useless for winding/unwinding strings, but a lot of them have a little notch that's designed to pop out bridge pins without damaging the pin or the bridge. I carry one just for that purpose - it's my last resort for stubborn pins and it's never let me down.

[wobbler]

To protect the bridge pins, put a piece of cloth or a folder paper kitchen towel over the bridge pin first before using the pliers. Same for above suggestion, but put the cloth between the side cutters and bridge.

[dummy1977]

After all these years I still loath changing strings.. I always appreciate a good tip.

[sisyphus321]

Shortcut: just pull the string tight and wind it around the tuning peg 3 times before threading it through the hole on the tuning peg. **Then** start turning the tuning key to bring the string up to tension.

[hwmccullough]

Just a short note from a guitar instructor: Strings should be changed about every 20 hours of playing/practicing.

[sam_farias]

Keep in mind that this instructable was written for beginning guitar players who probably won't be playing gigs and will be more than likely practicing on their own for the most part. That said, I appreciate your suggestion and I will update the instructable with a better suggestion. Thanks!

[hwmccullough]

Sam,

Thanks for your clarification. I have heard and understood. As a player for over 40 years and a teacher of the instrument for over 10 years, I was just trying to help set the expectations of the beginners you mention. I have always found it was better to level set early on rather than try to unlearn bad habits. In fact, regarding re-stringing a guitar I was surprised at how many experienced players still struggle with this simple act. That's why I was glad to see it here. Also, if there are teachers out there who don't teach this simple basic skill, I hope they add what has been demonstrated in this instructable.to their teaching plan.

[Kyoshi]

Replacing my strings every 10 days sounds extremely impractical. I would agree, though, for people who had the money to follow this advice as it keeps the sound nice and crisp. I love the sound of new strings in the morning =]

[hwmccullough]

I agree that for some it may seem expensive, but if you're serious about your playing, then you should also be serious about your tone. Good quality strings are only about $3.50 a set at most music stores. If a person plays gigs on a regular basis, then this shouldn't be a problem. During the times I don't gig regularly I admit I don't change them every 20 hours, but when I play regular gigs, I change them faithfully. Tone is as important as talent.

I admit I don't use the most expensive string. I use Ernie Ball strings for my electric and John Pearson for my acoustic. They both give good performance at $3 too $4 a set.

[guylcfc290]

Nice and comprehensive instructable. Just another couple of tips- using a soft pencil (e.g. 4-6b), rub the pencil gently in the string notch in the nut to help the string slide over the nut a little easier. This just helps to keep everything moving smoothly when you tune it. Also, why do you need wire cutters? Needle nosed and combo pliers both have the facilities to cut strings accurately.

[sam_farias]

I largely prefer wire cutters to the combo pliers because wire cutters leave a cleaner and easier cut. I have used combo pliers on several occasions and have found them to be more of a hassle than anything, but if it works for you then that's awesome! Thanks for the comment.

[bwelkin]

Nicely done!

[bwelkin]

Use your side cutters, opened wide, to slide up under the head of the bridge pin and pry up. Easier and less damaging than long nose pliers, IMHO.

[interactive3]

Nice Instructable Sam.
There's a great pair of Youtube videos I reference when changing strings. It's by Elixer strings and Taylor Guitars. I highly recommend watching the two parts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plU27QJBKn8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPhF2X_bdXg

The portion on tightening the tuner nuts and buttons really helped my guitar stay in tune. Showing how much string to cut off when installing was also a big help. The second video even goes into adjusting the truss rod.

[matthewabel]

This is great - even long-time guitarists will probably find something useful. I've been putting my pegs in wrong this whole time!

A plug from me for a string winder, though. All of the ones I've found also have a little peg puller on them, so it's a multi-tasker! Needle-nose pliers do the job as well, though :)

There's something very calming to me about changing strings. Unless something gets caught, it's a nice smooth activity to do with your hands. I find it so satisfying. Who knows why?

[msheppard]

This is far-and-away the best string replacement tutorial I've found. I've been making most of the mistakes you warn about over the past few years and have been wondering how more experienced people get such nice looking string wraps. Thanks for putting this together.

[mrmerino]

my guitar doesnt have bridge pins though

[sam_farias]

Thanks for commenting. This instructable was written specifically for guitars with bridge pins; however, there is another instructable by kylebp that explains how to replace strings on a guitar without bridge pins. Check it out:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Re-string-an-Acoustic-Guitar-6-easy-steps-with-vi/