Introduction: How to String a Guitar (Quick Metod)

When beginning to play guitar we also need to know how to take care of our instrument, with the techniques and time it deserves. Like it or not, it's a task that is necessary to know for every guitar player. Changing a string on a guitar is not that complicated, you just need practice and some patience.

The concept is the same in all guitars with fixed bridge.

Step 1: What You'll Need...

1. Guitar strings (the gauge you prefer)
2. Wire cutter
3. Pencil
4. Pegwinder (or string winder)
5. And last but not least, a guitar to string

Step 2: Remove the Strings From the Guitar

So you can put the new strings on. Before stringing on the guitar, you can take advantage and make a more detailed cleaning of your instrument.

Step 3: Unpacking the New Strings

Unpack the strings and search the color-gauge relation table.

TAKE MUCH ATTENTION TO THE TABLE, we might put the wrong string in the wrong place if required attention isn't put. There's a reason for why is that table/relation printed on the string's package.

Step 4: Aligning the Tuning Machines

Rotating all the tuning machine's heads until getting aligned, looking straight forward to the guitar's neck, will make this task a lot easier.

(As showed on the picture)

Step 5: Introducing the String in the Bridge

Simple introduce the string's tip in the hole where each string belongs, then pull until you reach the end of it.

For this guitar I need to bend a little the tip to introduce the string; try this trick if you need it.

Step 6: Lubricating the Nut

For everlasting the nut's life and reducing damage generated by tension and friction, it's recommendated to lubricate it. Personally, I like using a pencil. Just make a little mark on every saddle, leaving some graphite.

Step 7: Introducing the String in the Tuning Machine

Introduce the string's tip in the tuning machine's hole, then pull.

ATTENTION: Don't stretch the string in this step, leave a considerable lenght of extra string to make a more effective strung. This means more tuning stability and better control at the moment of winding the string.

Step 8: Wrap-a-Round

Remember the extra lenght of string? Wrap the string around the tuning machine's head and keep it tense, then bend the residue string up to avoid getting bothered when winding the string.

Step 9: Winding

Now, with help of our pegwinder, wind the string until it gets enough tension to maintain itself. (This can also be done without the pedwinder, but it'll take more time. It's up to you).

Remember winding in same direction as the wrap.

Step 10: Cutting the Residue

Use the wire cutter to cut the string residue. Not too close, not too far.

It looks nicer than leaving all the residue wrapped, also by cutting it you prevent injuring yourself with the string's tips.

Step 11: That's All Folks...

So that's how you properly string a guitar, hope it helps you.