How to Loosen Guitar Strings on Purpose

When it comes to playing the guitar, every so often your strings need to be changed. Well before you just haul off and cut them, you have to loosen them first. Otherwise, they'll spring right up and snap you in the eye. Here is how to loosen your guitar strings next time you are ready to put a shiny new set of strings on.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Guitar

1. Lay the guitar across your lap or on a table. This is definitely best accomplished with the guitar in a horizontal position. If you are putting the guitar on a table, you should place a cloth down so as not to scratch either your guitar or the table.
2. Turn the keys of the guitar downward. Twisting up tightens them, while twisting down will loosen them.
3. Check to see that the guitar strings are becoming nice and loose and floppy by plucking them. They should no longer make any sound resembling a musical note.
4. Repeat this until you've loosened all six guitar strings. Remember to stop short of winding them all the way off the keys. You are now ready to safely cut the strings and replace them with new ones.

Tips & Warnings

• If you aren't quite sure how to change your strings, bring your guitar to a guitar shop and have them changed there. It may cost you a couple of bucks, but you'll be able to watch what they do so you can perform the change next time.
• Save your thumbs and use a string winder. A string winder is a tool which is made specifically for the guitar. It slips over the keys. You then crank the winder in your desired direction to loosen or tighten the keys.