How to Install Flatwound Guitar Strings

Many jazz guitarists prefer flatwound strings.

The two type of strings most commonly used by guitarists, electric or acoustic, are flatwound and roundwound. Guitar strings are composed of two parts, a steel core and a wrapping material. The surface of roundwound strings is somewhat bumpy, which causes friction and squeaking noises. However, many guitarists prefer roundwound strings because they produce a bright sound. Jazz guitarists generally prefer flatwound strings because they produce darker and smoother sounds. Flatwound strings are more tightly wound than roundwound strings. The result is a smoother surface and less friction and squeaking noise. The procedure for installing flatwound strings is the same as roundwound strings.

Things You'll Need

• Wire clippers

Instructions

1. Open the package of guitar strings. Identify each of the strings, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth strings. The strings are identifiable by gauge. The lightest gauge is the first and the heaviest is the sixth. The ball end of the string may be color-coded, silver, red, gold or something else. Refer to the guitar string package to decipher the code.

2. Install the sixth string into the bridge and saddle. The sixth string is the low E string. Its saddle slot is the one closest to you when you play the guitar. The procedure for installing the string into the bridge and saddle depends upon the guitar. Most acoustic guitars have end pins for each string. The end pin secures the guitar to the bridge. Pull the end pin out of the bridge and insert the ball end of the string into the hole. Replace the pin. On electric guitars the strings are threaded into a hole directly behind the bridge or into a hole on the bottom side of the guitar directly below the bridge.

3. Pull the sixth string towards the headstock. Align the hole of the tuning post so that it is facing the nut. Thread the string through the hole closest to the nut and pull the string the opposite hole. Leave 2 inches of slack in the string to wrap around the tuning post when the string is tightened.

4. Wrap the string around the tuning post from the top hole toward the hole facing the nut. Run the end of the string underneath itself.

5. Hold the string with your index finger and thumb of your right hand as you tighten the tuning post with your left hand. Holding the string maintains tension, which allows the string to wrap cleanly and evenly around the tuning post. Turn the tuners until the string wraps two or three times around the tuning post. Make sure the string stays in its saddle slot and nut slot as the string is tightened. Repeat the procedure with the other five strings.

6. Pull each of the strings up several times with your thumb and fingers. This helps to tighten the strings and keeps them from slipping once you tune the guitar. Tune the strings to standard pitch, "E," "A," "D," "G," :B," and "E." Play the guitar for a few minutes and check the tuning. New strings requires tuning a couple of times before they stay in tune.

References

• Dean Markley: A Little Primer On Your Guitar Strings; Lisa Sharken
• Guitar Chords Magic: How To String A Guitar