How to Measure the Guitar String

Measuring and changing guitar strings is the bane of all guitarists. Guitarists love the sound of new strings for their vibrant tone but put off the task of measuring and cutting strings as long as possible. Most guitarists play either Gibson or Fender guitars, and there's a different method to use depending on which you play.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Needle nose pliers or wire cutters
• Straight edge ruler (optional)

Measuring Strings on Gibson Guitars

1. Measure and cut the low E string from the bridge up to the second machine head on the left side of the head stock.

2. Repeat the process for all subsequent strings using the same measurements except the D and G strings.

3. Take out your straight edge ruler to measure and cut the D and G strings.

Measuring strings on Fender guitars

4. Informed opinion among guitar technicians for measuring strings on Fenders have a couple of added steps. Once the string is through the bridge, measure the low E string from the 12th fret on the guitar neck up to the beginning of the head stock with about the width of three fingers of slack. Cut the string

5. Move up to the 11th fret. Use the same measurements to figure out the distance from the bridge up to the first machine head and repeat the process.

6. Use your straight edge ruler to measure and cut the high E string

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to go to all the trouble of using a straight edge ruler to measure and cut strings, sight measurements will do just fine, even if you're off by a couple of centimeters.

Resources

• General video on measuring and changing strings.
• Video on measuring strings for Fender guitars.