How to Change Strings on an Acoustic Guitar

Once you are a seasoned guitar player, changing the strings comes as second nature. However, there is a learning curve for those just starting out, and not properly stringing your guitar can cause intonation problems, broken strings and lots of frustration.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pliers (optional)
• New strings
• Wire cutters

1. Find a flat surface such as a table or the floor to rest your acoustic guitar as you change the strings.

2. Slacken all of the strings, beginning at the middle and working your way down and then returning to the middle and working your way up. Be careful when loosening strings, as it can be easy to turn the wrong way. If you don't know which way to turn the tuning peg, strike the string and turn the peg slowly. When the note lower in pitch, you know you are loosening the string correctly.

3. Uncoil the strings one at a time once they are all loose and remove them from the tuning pegs. After removing each string from the tuning peg, remove the bridge pin to release the other end of the string. If your bridge pins are sticky, use a pair of pliers to gently pull it from it's hole.

4. Remove the remaining strings in the same manner and then throw out the old strings. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the neck, around the tuning pegs and the bridge while those harder to reach areas are exposed.

5. Arrange your envelopes of strings in order so that there is no way to get confused as you string. One by one, place the metal rings into the bridge holes and replace the bridge pins, making sure that they are tight. Run the strings up to their tuning pegs and insert the end of the string through the hole in the peg.

6. Place your pinkie on the neck of the guitar, holding your hand upright so that the string crosses over your index finger and use then begin to turn the peg, wrapping the string around the metal rod. Tighten the string enough to hold it in place, but do not begin to tune. Repeat until all six strings of your acoustic guitar are in place.

7. Trim the excess wires from your strings with a pair of wire cutters and then tune your strings. To prevent problems with intonation and for ease of tuning, begin tightening and tuning with your middle strings, working your way out. It will take repeated playing and tuning for your strings to stretch and hold tune.