How To Change Guitar Strings (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Replace Guitar Strings » How To Change Guitar Strings (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Restring Your Guitar at Home: Step-by-Step Guide PDF download Download Article Learn how to smoothly remove and replace your guitar strings like a pro Co-authored by Aaron Asghari and Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: February 25, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Basic Setup
    • |
  • Restringing an Acoustic Guitar
    • |
  • Restringing an Electric Guitar
    • |
  • How Do You String a Guitar?
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Aaron Asghari and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Aaron Asghari is a Professional Guitarist and the lead guitarist of The Ghost Next Door. He received his degree in Guitar Performance from the Guitar Institute of Technology program in Los Angeles. In addition to writing and performing with The Ghost Next Door, he founded Asghari Guitar Lessons, where he was the primary guitar instructor for many years. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 4,976,982 times.

Changing your guitar strings at least once a month will keep your instrument sounding its best. No need to take it back to the guitar shop to get that done, though—restringing a guitar is a pretty simple task that you can do with just a couple of tools. Read on to learn how to change your guitar strings yourself, whether you have an acoustic or electric instrument.

How to Change Your Guitar Strings

  • Place your guitar on a towel on a flat table and balance the neck with a stack of books so it's level and secure.
  • Unwind the old strings with the tuning knobs first, then remove them from the bridge, starting with the highest, thinnest string.
  • Put your new strings into the bridge and pull them up and through the tuning pegs, starting with the thickest, lowest string.
  • Wind your strings on the tuning pegs and tune your guitar. Then, trim the tails off with wire cutters.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Basic Setup

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Lay your guitar on a clean, flat surface. 1 Lay your guitar on a clean, flat surface. Find a calm area without a lot of background noise or activity so you can hear the sounds of the strings. Lay a towel down over the table so you won't accidentally scratch the back of your guitar.[1]
  2. Step 2 Gather your new... 2 Gather your new strings, wire cutters, and a string winder. Restringing a guitar doesn't take a lot of tools. Most string winders come with a notch that you can use to pop out the bridge pins (if you have an acoustic guitar). Wire cutters come in handy for trimming the long tails off the ends once you're done, so they don't poke or scratch you.[2]
    • Choose your new guitar strings based on your personal taste, your budget, and the sound you want from your instrument.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Balance the neck of your guitar. 3 Balance the neck of your guitar. Experienced luthiers have equipment specifically built for this, but all you need is a stack of books at the right height to keep the neck nice and level. Place a towel over the stack to keep your guitar from getting scratched.[3]
    4. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Restringing an Acoustic Guitar

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Turn the tuning knob to unwind each string. 1 Turn the tuning knob to unwind each string. Start with the highest, thinnest string and loosen it up. You might pluck the string to make sure you're turning the correct tuning knob in the right way—if the pitch lowers, you're unwinding it. Go ahead and loosen all of the strings, moving from the highest to the lowest.[4]
    • You don't need a string winder for this—you can just use your fingers—but the string winder makes the job go a lot faster.
  2. Step 2 Remove the strings from the bridge of the guitar. 2 Remove the strings from the bridge of the guitar. Use the slot on your string winder to pop the pins out. A set of needle-nose pliers works just as well if your string winder doesn't have the slot for the bridge pins. Once you pull the pin out, pull the string out and away from your guitar.[5]
    • Since the strings are off the neck, it doesn't matter what order you go in here.
    • While all the strings are off, you have a great opportunity to clean your guitar and the fretboard.
    • Despite what you might have heard, nothing bad is going to happen to your guitar if you take all the strings off at once. You can do them one at a time if you want, but the whole process will likely take you longer.[6]
  3. Step 3 Insert each new string into the bridge and secure the bridge pins. 3 Insert each new string into the bridge and secure the bridge pins. Bend the string at a 90-degree angle just above the ball-end so it'll catch. That'll keep it from sliding down too far when you put the bridge pin back in. Now, push the pin back in with your thumb. Go ahead and do that with all 6 strings.[7]
    • Start with the thickest, lowest string and move to the thinnest, highest string. That's the same order that you'll wind them.
  4. Step 4 Pull each string up toward the headstock and through its tuning post. 4 Pull each string up toward the headstock and through its tuning post. Starting with the thickest, lowest string, pull the string up and across the groove in the nut. Then, slot it through the hole in its tuning post. Pull it through until you've got about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of excess string tailing out of the tuning post.[8]
  5. Step 5 Wind each string toward the center of the headstock. 5 Wind each string toward the center of the headstock. Take the thickest, lowest string and start winding it. For the first revolution, wind the string over the hole in the tuning post. For the rest of the revolutions, wind the string under the hole in the tuning post. This locks the string so it won't slip out of tune.[9]
    • Move from the thickest, lowest string to the thinnest, highest string, winding each string completely before moving on to the next one.
  6. Step 6 Trim the excess string with your wire cutters. 6 Trim the excess string with your wire cutters. Since you've locked the string, you can cut as close as 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the tuning post. This keeps the sharp points of the string from scratching or poking you as you play your guitar.[10]
    • If you're not confident that the string won't slip, wait until after you've tuned your guitar to trim the excess string. That way, it'll be easier to thread it back through and rewind it.
  7. Step 7 Tune your guitar... 7 Tune your guitar to pitch. As you tune, stretch your strings a bit—they'll hold their pitch better so you don't have to retune as often. This is pretty important if you play frequently. To stretch them, hold each string up about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) and slide your finger toward the nut, then do the same thing in the other direction.[11]
    8. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Restringing an Electric Guitar

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Loosen the strings at the headstock. 1 Loosen the strings at the headstock. Turn the tuning knobs of each string to loosen them—just to the point that they don't make any sound when you try to pluck them. You don't have to unwind them completely.[12]
  2. Step 2 Cut the strings with wire cutters and remove them. 2 Cut the strings with wire cutters and remove them. Gather the strings together around the neck pickup and cut through them cleanly with the wire cutters. Take care that the sharp ends don't poke you. Then, pull the strings out of the guitar completely.[13]
  3. Step 3 Push the strings up through the saddle. 3 Push the strings up through the saddle. For most electric guitars, simply poke the non-ball-end of your string through the rear of your guitar and up and over the bridge. There are a couple of special styles, though, that have a different system:[14]
    • Floyd Rose and tremolo systems: snip off the ball-end and poke the end of the string into the saddle until it's centered, then trap it there.
    • Les Paul-style: feed the non-bell-end of the string through the guitar's tailpiece and keep pulling until it hits the bell-end and stops.
  4. Step 4 Thread the strings through the tuner from the inside out. 4 Thread the strings through the tuner from the inside out. Align the tuning posts so that the holes run perpendicular to the neck of the guitar. Feed each string through the inside hole of its tuning post so that it goes out the other end.
    • If your guitar doesn't have a locking nut, feed the tail end of the string back around the tuner and under the string. That creates a kink in the string that will help hold it in place.[15]
  5. Step 5 Tighten the strings on the tuners. 5 Tighten the strings on the tuners. If you don't have a locking nut, make sure each string is sitting in the right groove on the nut as you tighten it. Use your string winder to make this process go faster.[16]
    • If you have a tremolo system, reset each fine tuner screw in the middle of its range as well.
  6. Step 6 Stretch your strings one at a time as you tune. 6 Stretch your strings one at a time as you tune. Tune by ear or use whatever electronic tuner you prefer to get your guitar up to pitch. Then, lift each string about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) away from the neck and run your finger up toward the nut as you gently pull down on the string with your other hand. Then, do the opposite. Do this at least a couple of times with your strings, then tune them again.[17]
  7. Step 7 Trim the ends of the strings with wire cutters. 7 Trim the ends of the strings with wire cutters. Cut the tails of your strings about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) away from the tuning post. Since your strings are stretched and secure, you can cut them just as close as possible to avoid any accidental pokes or scratches.[18]
    8. Advertisement

How Do You String a Guitar?

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Could I use the same strings I took out if I was only taking them out so I could replace the broken one? Community Answer Community Answer You could, but it's best to replace all the strings, especially if they're old. Mixing old strings with new strings, or different types of strings, would likely sound bad/different. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 54
  • Question Is there something that I can use for my fingers that I can use for protection to avoid pains while playing guitar? Community Answer Community Answer Pain in your fingers is normal when you first start playing. Over time, your finger pads will develop callouses that will protect them. Just be patient and stop when you need to. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 37
  • Question Are nylon strings easier on your fingers? Community Answer Community Answer It is a matter of personal experience and preference, but they should be a little bit easier on your fingers. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 18
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If you're not skilled at tuning your guitar by ear, have a tuner nearby to help you. There are also tuner apps you can download on your phone. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • If you're having trouble removing the pins, a pair of tweezers usually works for me. It doesn't leave any damage to the bridge, as long as you aren't putting too much pressure.
  • Make sure to tune the guitar before cutting excess string—you may need more than you think.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Towel
  • Stack of books to balance the neck
  • Guitar strings
  • Wire cutters
  • String winder
  • Tuner

You Might Also Like

How toString an Acoustic Guitar Change Strings on an Electric GuitarHow toChange Strings on an Electric Guitar Change Strings on a Bass GuitarHow to Change Bass Strings the Right Way Restring a Floating Bridge (Floyd Rose)How toRestring a Floating Bridge (Floyd Rose) Change Classical Guitar StringsHow to Restring a Nylon String Classical Guitar String for a Left Handed GuitaristHow toString for a Left Handed Guitarist Restring a MandolinHow toRestring a Mandolin Fix Guitar StringsHow toFix Guitar Strings Put Strings on a UkuleleHow toPut Strings on a Ukulele Set Up a Bass GuitarHow toSet Up a Bass Guitar Clean an Acoustic GuitarHow toClean an Acoustic Guitar How toPolish a Guitar Replace a Guitar NutHow to Change the Nut on Your Guitar Put Strings on a ViolinHow toPut Strings on a Violin Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.psu.edu/dist/7/11774/files/2014/04/Smith-Instruction-Set-Final-Draft.pdf
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/qXaMn4jkxDM?t=13
  3. ↑ https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.psu.edu/dist/7/11774/files/2014/04/Smith-Instruction-Set-Final-Draft.pdf
  4. ↑ https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.psu.edu/dist/7/11774/files/2014/04/Smith-Instruction-Set-Final-Draft.pdf
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/qXaMn4jkxDM?t=85
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/qXaMn4jkxDM?t=48
  7. ↑ https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.psu.edu/dist/7/11774/files/2014/04/Smith-Instruction-Set-Final-Draft.pdf
  8. ↑ https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.psu.edu/dist/7/11774/files/2014/04/Smith-Instruction-Set-Final-Draft.pdf
  9. ↑ https://www.mi.edu/education/9-reasons-youre-guitar-wont-stay-tuned/
More References (9)
  1. ↑ https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.psu.edu/dist/7/11774/files/2014/04/Smith-Instruction-Set-Final-Draft.pdf
  2. ↑ Aaron Asghari. Professional Guitarist & Instructor. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.guitarworld.com/features/how-to-restring-an-electric-guitar
  4. ↑ https://www.guitarworld.com/features/how-to-restring-an-electric-guitar
  5. ↑ https://www.guitarworld.com/features/how-to-restring-an-electric-guitar
  6. ↑ https://www.guitarworld.com/features/how-to-restring-an-electric-guitar
  7. ↑ https://www.guitarworld.com/features/how-to-restring-an-electric-guitar
  8. ↑ https://www.mi.edu/education/9-reasons-youre-guitar-wont-stay-tuned/
  9. ↑ https://www.guitarworld.com/features/how-to-restring-an-electric-guitar

About This Article

Aaron Asghari Co-authored by: Aaron Asghari Professional Guitarist & Instructor This article was co-authored by Aaron Asghari and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Aaron Asghari is a Professional Guitarist and the lead guitarist of The Ghost Next Door. He received his degree in Guitar Performance from the Guitar Institute of Technology program in Los Angeles. In addition to writing and performing with The Ghost Next Door, he founded Asghari Guitar Lessons, where he was the primary guitar instructor for many years. This article has been viewed 4,976,982 times. 25 votes - 85% Co-authors: 59 Updated: February 25, 2025 Views: 4,976,982 Categories: Featured Articles | Guitar Maintenance Article SummaryX

To change guitar strings, start by loosening the old strings and removing the bridge pins. Next, insert the knob end of the new string into the peg hole, stretch it up to the appropriate tuning peg, and thread the end through the hole in the peg. Pull the string tight, turn the tuning key, and wind the string several times around the peg. Once the new strings are in place, tune your guitar and snip off the excess strings with wire cutters. To learn the differences between changing strings on an acoustic and an electric guitar, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German Italian French Chinese Russian Indonesian Dutch Korean Thai Vietnamese Arabic Hindi Turkish Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,976,982 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Ashton Sventek

    Ashton Sventek

    May 1, 2017

    "I broke my a acoustic guitar string (6th string) trying to get my pick out of the sound hole. I wanted to replace..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Aaron Asghari Co-authored by: Aaron Asghari Professional Guitarist & Instructor Co-authors: 59 Updated: February 25, 2025 Views: 4,976,982 85% of readers found this article helpful. 25 votes - 85% Click a star to add your vote Ashton Sventek

Ashton Sventek

May 1, 2017

"I broke my a acoustic guitar string (6th string) trying to get my pick out of the sound hole. I wanted to replace..." more Rated this article: Logan Comer

Logan Comer

Nov 27, 2016

"This article really helped me while I was changing my thickest string, I had to change because I was testing out a..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Mar 20, 2018

"As a new guitarist who has never had to change guitar strings before, this article was extremely useful. It took..." more Dave Cecil

Dave Cecil

Aug 7, 2016

"Easy to follow instructions. As a newbie to the guitar scene, I was frustrated when I broke my first string. Your..." more Chris Tunner

Chris Tunner

Nov 24, 2016

"I am trying to teach myself how to string and tune a guitar. This app has shown me the way to go about it,..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Instrument Should I Play QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizMusic Notes & Symbols TestMusic Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizGuess the Lyrics From First Letters QuizGuess the Lyrics From First Letters QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

String an Acoustic GuitarHow toString an Acoustic GuitarChange Strings on an Electric GuitarHow toChange Strings on an Electric GuitarChange Strings on a Bass GuitarHow to Change Bass Strings the Right WayRestring a Floating Bridge (Floyd Rose)How toRestring a Floating Bridge (Floyd Rose)

Featured Articles

Enjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog Quiz

Featured Articles

21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More

Featured Articles

115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss QuizWhen Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile Data Get a Nice BodyHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality TestIce Cream Personality Test

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizWhat Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

Why Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizGuess the Taylor Swift Song QuizGuess the Taylor Swift Song QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Arts and Entertainment
  • Music
  • Musical Instruments
  • String Instruments
  • Guitar
  • Guitar Maintenance
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --735

Tag » How To Replace Guitar Strings