Changing a Bass String

Requirements:

• A stringed instrument (preferably a electric bass guitar)

• A flat surface (optional)

Materials:
• New String(s)

• A set of wire cutters

Introduction:
It is often common for the strings of any instrument to become old and not as flexible, in order to keep your bass (or any stringed instrument really) sounding good you’ll need to replace the strings eventually, this helpful guide will show you how.

Step 1: Part 1: Removing the Old String

Step 1: Lay your instrument on a long flat surface (a kitchen table works good)

Step 2: Go to the tuning mechanism at the top of the instrument, find the corresponding knob to the string you are changing,

and loosen the tension by turning the knob

until the string comes loose.

Step 3: Once the string is loose unbind it from the peg at the top of the instrument, and pull on the end of the string at the bottom of the instrument. Until the string is completely removed.

NOTE: You can keep an old string for later use if you wish, or simply throw it away.

Step 2: Part 2: the New String

NOTE: New strings are often difficult to work with so handle with care. They are also often too long when bought from the store so use your wire cutters to cut them to the length desired.

Step 1: Take the new string, and run it through the locking mechanism at the bottom of the instrument, until it reaches the tuning mechanism at the top

Step 2: Insert the top of the string inside of the peg corresponding to the string you are changing. Be sure the string is facing the right way. (towards the center of the instrument)

Step 3: Begin turning the peg until your string is tight. Be careful though if you tighten the string too much it will snap.

Congratulations, you have successfully changed your string!

Step 3: (Optional) Part 3: Tuning the String

Oftentimes when changing a string, after you are finished, your string is not tuned properly. This quick guide will show you how to tune your instrument properly. This step will require access to a tuner of some type.

Step 1: Attach the tuner to your instrument and pluck the newly changed string. The tuner should inform you of the note the string is currently tuned to. (G Sharp in the image)

Step 2: Begin turning the peg to the right or the left depending on the note played in order to tune the string to the desired note.

NOTE: Most Bass guitars and violin strings are tuned in the following order (E,A,D,G), Guitar’s are similar but add a few notes (E,A,D,G,B,E)