How to Change Strings on a Floyd Rose

You're strumming along on your guitar and… oops, that doesn't sound so good. It's time to change the strings. If you're using a Floyd Rose locking bridge, which enables you to lock the guitar in tune at the nut and the bridge, changing the strings isn't easy. But if you follow these instructions, you can probably do the job yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Allen wrench
• Wire cutters

1. Set all tuning screws at the bridge to the middle position. Use an Allen wrench to loosen the string-lock screw for the sixth string at the back of the bridge; turn screw counter-clockwise until string comes loose from the bridge.
2. Loosen the nut clamping block that covers the fifth and sixth string at the point where the guitar neck and headstock meet, again using an Allen wrench. Remove the string.
3. Cut off the ball at the end of the replacement string with a pair of wire cutters, and place the cut end into the saddle of the Floyd Rose bridge. Push it down as far into the saddle as it can go.
4. Tighten the string-lock screw to secure the replacement string in place. Make sure the string doesn't pop out of the saddle as you tighten the screw. Feed string under the nut clamping block loosened earlier and under the string retainer on the headstock.
5. Slip string through the tuning peg and wrap around the peg several times. Leave some slack. Repeat steps for the next five strings.
6. Tune the guitar. Tighten nut clamping block and check guitar again. If retuning is necessary, adjust the fine tuning screws to do so. You're now ready to rock with your Floyd Rose.

Tips & Warnings

• Change strings one at a time, starting with the sixth string and working down.
• You may need to retune the guitar several times after changing the strings on your Floyd Rose.
• Do not overtighten any of the screws loosened during the string-changing process.