How to Lock Strings in Tune on a Gibson SG Electric Guitar

The Gibson SG electric guitar requires special attention to keep fresh strings in tune.

The Gibson SG electric guitar's loose strings require tight, proper tuning and stretching when restringing the instrument. Throwing new strings on with no particular technique will not keep the guitar in tune as long as it should. Locking each string in the tuning peg works well for most electric guitars, and is particularly helpful in keeping the Gibson SG in tune for as long as your strings stay fresh. Stretching the strings after putting them on is also essential to tightening the tuning.

Things You'll Need

• Full set of electric guitar strings
• Wire cutters
• Tuning peg winder
• Fretboard cleaner and conditioner (optional)
• Cloth

Instructions

Removing Old Strings

1. Insert the peg winder into the low (thickest) E string's peg and turn rapidly to loosen the string from the tuner. Turn the peg winder backward if the string is wound counterclockwise and vice versa.

2. Remove the string from the tuner when fully unraveled, then through the bridge.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the remaining five strings. Rotate each tuner so its side hole faces outward from the headstock.

Cleaning the Fretboard (Optional)

1. Apply a small amount of fretboard cleaner to a dry cloth and scrub each fret individually using up-and-down motions on the wood against the metal. Dry the wood immediately.

2. Re-apply the fretboard cleaner to the cloth as much as necessary until all frets are cleaned. If dirt appears on cloth, use a clean, dry part.

3. Apply a small amount of fretboard conditioner to a dry part of the cloth and gently rub each fret using circular motions. Dry the conditioner immediately.

Putting New Strings on Guitar

1. Insert the low E string through the corresponding hole on the bridge. Make sure the string lines up with the grooves that guide it over the fretboard.

2. Insert the string through the hole of the corresponding tuner and pull all the way through. Measure roughly 1.5 inches of string and push it back through the hole to create slack.

3. Pull the string up and under itself and pull it around the tuner in the opposite direction. Hold the string and slack tightly and against the headstock.

4. Insert the peg winder and turn the string rapidly until fully rotated two or more times. Hold the string down as it turns. Pluck the string to test and tune upward until you are at or slightly above the desired pitch.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the remaining strings. Each should be locked under itself.

Stretching and Tuning Strings

1. Hold the guitar down with one hand, flat against your lap or elevated on a level surface. Tug the low E string three to five times directly away from the neck with your other hand. Pull from several different frets and down by the pickups.

2. Tune the string back to the desired tone and repeat stretching the string as many times as necessary until string does not go out of tune afterward.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for all strings and tune the guitar as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Cleaning the fretboard is not required to string guitar properly, but is highly recommended to keep the fretboard in optimal condition.

• When stretching the strings, tune them initially beyond the desired pitch by roughly one turn of the peg. This helps additionally tighten the string as it stretches and falls well below pitch.

• Warming up with bending and staccato (rapid) picking techniques while stretching strings breaks the guitar in to common hard string movements.

• Optionally, using oil on the strings keeps them clean, and is helpful (but not required) for keeping them in tune.

• Only use fretboard cleaner and conditioner deemed safe for your fretboard's wood. Some cleaners cause damage to certain wood materials. Check the warning labels of your cleaner and conditioner before purchasing or using.

• Do not over-tighten strings. Accidentally tightening the pegs too much can result in damage to the neck, headstock, bridge and could also cause minor cuts and injuries.

• Use caution when cutting new strings; cutting a string too short can render it useless.

• Do not over-exert strings when stretching. Stretching them violently or excessively can defeat the purpose of stretching the strings and damage them permanently.