How to Change Classical Guitar Strings

In this tutorial I'll teach you how to change the strings on a classical (acoustic) guitar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar
• Guitar strings
• A tuner (optional)

1. Twist the tuning peg of the desired replacing string counter-clockwise. Remember; righty-tighty, lefty-loosey. As you turn the string should start to come OFF of the nut. WARNING: some guitar users do not follow the R-T, L-L rule so you may want to check if your string is tightening or loosening via the nut...However chances are if you're replacing a string it's already broken ;)

2. Once the string is sufficiently loose enough that it can hang off the side of the neck it should be ready to pull off. At the bridge of the guitar pull out the peg of the corresponding string. Inside should be a plastic (or maybe even metal) ring with the string attached to it. Pull this up.

3. Leaving the peg somewhere not to be lost, hold the tuning peg for the replacing string and gently pull on the string. You don't want the peg to spin in place as this damages the head significantly to the point where keeping your guitar tuned is a chore.

4. Grab your new string from it's package and be sure that it is the right note. It should have color coordination on the package. Slide the side with the ring on it down the hole left from the peg in the bridge. (not the head) Press the peg down firmly on top WHILE pulling up on the string to ensure a tight closure.

5. Loop the string through the hole of the empty tuning peg (the one you just emptied) and be sure to follow the diagram for proper peg if you're starting from scratch (no strings).

6. Twist the peg (preferably clockwise) in the direction that the rest of your pegs have been twisted. All the while making sure that the string rests in the groove on the nut. Usually they pop into place but you don't want to bust a string assuming "It'll work. I know it'll work" ~Han Solo, Star Wars, Lucasfilms LTD

7. Continue tightening the string while using a tuner to make sure it's in tune. Or if you're a pro, your ears.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful while tuning...if you put the string on wrong it could snap mid-tune and it's usually not too dangerous however it is quite a scare.

[jimmygster]

on 5/2/2009 This is for steel string acoustic guitars - NOT CLASSICAL GUITARS.Classical guitars use nylon strings and tie at the bridge. Never put steel strings on a classical/nylon string guitar. The extra tension can pull the bridge up, or even off, and can ruin your neck, or even pull that off at the heel.