How to Change Electric Guitar Strings
Maintaining your electric guitar properly is critical to prolonging the life and sound of the entire instrument. When owning an electric guitar, it is important to practice proper maintenance techniques and know how to change the strings properly.
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Instructions
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Purchase a new set of strings for your electric guitar. The strings for an electric guitar are different than those of an acoustic guitar. Make sure you purchase the right ones. If you are unsure, talk to an associate at the store. Guitar strings are widely sold at musical instrument stores like Guitar Center (see Resources below).
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2
Use the string winder to loosen the sixth string on the head of the guitar. Check to make sure you are loosening it by strumming the string. The pitch should get lower as you loosen. Once you have completely loosened the string, unwind it from the peg and remove it from the guitar. You can also cut the string in half and remove it that way, if you prefer.
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3
Feed the new string through the sixth string slot on the back of the guitar. The sixth string is the heaviest gauge string in the pack. Flip the guitar over and feed the string out the body and up to the bridge. Pull the entire length of the string up through the bridge.
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4
Rotate the tuning peg so it is a right angle to the neck of the guitar. Wrap the string around the peg towards the back of the guitar, over the top of the peg. Measure the string out about 1/2 inch past the peg to allow winding room and crimp it at a 90-degree angle.
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Put the string through the post and start turning in a counterclockwise direction. As it tightens, watch the section on the body to make sure it is tightening correctly and sitting on the bridge right. Create artificial tension as you continue to wind the string, in aid of the winding process. Wrap the string around the peg to secure it.
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6
Cut the excess string from the peg. Leave about 1/4 inch to secure it. Then stretch the string to prevent it from falling out of tune. Do this by pulling the string about an inch up from the body and tightening it. Do this a couple of times until it stays in tune. Repeat the steps for the rest of the strings.
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