Things You'll Need:
- Guitar strings
- Needle nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Guitar tuner
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Step 1
To string a guitar, first you have to remove the old strings. Some people prefer to do one string at a time, but I like to remove all the strings at once. Untwist the machine heads by twisting the tuning knobs to release the tension. As you do this, the strings tone should get lower and lower when plucked.
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Step 2
When the string is completely loose, pull it out of the machine heads. Use your pliers to gently pull the pins out from the bottom where the strings attach. These pins can break, so be careful.
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Step 3
Pull out the old strings.
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Step 4
Take your new strings, and start with either the low E (largest gauge string) or your high E (smallest gauge string). Place the base of the string (the part with the ball, or bullet end) into the hole at the bottom and replace the pin.
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Step 5
Thread the top of the string through the machine head, and begin to twist the tuning knobs. While doing this keep some tension on the string until it holds itself. This is when I usually start tuning the guitar. The strings will go out of tune easily until they settle into place, but I get them close at least as I put each string on.
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Step 6
Repeat step 5 to put the other strings on.
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Step 7
When the strings are all on, use the wire cutters to clip the excess string sticking from the top of the machine heads.
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Step 8
Next, grab each string around the sound hole, or pickups and gently pull outward. This helps the strings to settle into position. Tune the string after a couple pulls and repeat. when the string holds it's tune, it is ready.
