Get the Tools Necessary for Changing the Strings on Your Electric Guitar

Video Transcript

"MATT GRAHAM: When you're changing the strings on an electric guitar, technically, you can do so without using any tools other than your bare hands. But there are several tools that can make this process a lot easier. I have some of them here today. First of all, needle-nose pliers are very helpful for removing old strings in a way that it's safe and efficient as well as cutting away the excess slack in the strings that you have left over after you've put on the new strings. I have just a clean, soft towel that's nonabrasive. Once you have the old strings removed from the guitar, it's a wonderful time to clean off dust, oil and dirt from the guitar, and I have a simple cotton swab here that I also use for that process. A Philips-head screwdriver is what I will be using at the end of the series to correct the intonation of this strap-style guitar that I'm working on today. And last and probably most importantly, if you are going to use tools to re-string your guitar is this string-winder tool. Lots of different companies make these. Basically, it's got an end that fits over the tuner and it can be used to loosen or tighten the strings in a way that puts less stress on your wrists. So those are the tools that you can use if you like when you're re-stringing your electric guitar."