Do You Know How To String A Guitar?
Hey Everyone, in this article we will be going over the best practices of how to string a guitar. Sure you might be thinking why do I need instructions on changing strings?
You should at least know the basics before changing strings on your guitar or you could do unnecessary damage to it.
When changing your guitar string there are some tools that are very helpful; wire cutters, needle nose pliers and string winder.
How To String A Guitar - Warnings
Before you start here are a few warning that you should be aware of.
1. When changing guitar strings never leave strings off for an extended period of time not even over night. It could warp the neck. Sometimes when changing string it is necessary to take them all off for cleaning. Be sure to get the strings back on as soon as you can.
2. Always take tension off of string before removing. Never cut while under tension.
3. Guitar String are very sharp so be sure to keep your face clear of the strings. Also Be sure to discard of old strings and string ends properly. Never leave them laying around.
How To String A Guitar - String Types
First thing is first. Are you a beginner? It is suggested that beginners use a lighter or smaller string gauge because it will be easier for them to hold the string down.
What style of music are you playing? The reason I ask this is because there are different strings for different styles. Please Keep in mind the chart below is for electric guitars only. For acoustic guitars you should contact your local music store for the best advice.
Rock Music: 12 to 13 GA
Heavy Metal: 10 to 11 GA
Blues: 10 to 13 GA
Country: 9 to 11 GA
Jazz: 10 to 13 GA
It is not always as simple as the chart above, some guitar string manufactures mix their string set sizes. What I would suggest is to go to your local music shop and talk to the people there. Tell them what you want and expect and they should be able to hook you up with the right set. I would suggest getting a few different sizes and start with the lighter ones and move you way up to what feels comfortable to you.
Personally I like and use D'Addario XL Nickel Wound 9 Gauge on my fender Strat. They sound nice and bright and are easy to bend. I like to play Metal and Rock.
How To String A Guitar - Changing Strings
Step 1. Remove Only one string at a time starting with the low E. Just simply loosen the string until there is enough slack to cut with wire cutters. Then Remove string from both tuning key and bridge.
Step 2. Install new string through bridge. Now make sure the hole in the tuning peg is facing the key on the head of the guitar. To find the length of the string simply just take it up to the 2 key past the one you are changing and put a 90 degree bend in it. Use needle nose pliers to make bend.
Step 3. Now Stick the string through the hole of the tuning peg. (Turn tuning key counter-clockwise when putting on new strings) Now you will want to hold tension on the string as you start winding.
To do this simply place your index finger of your right hand over the string on top of the nut and use the rest of the fingers to hold the tension Always make sure that the string is being wound correctly on the pet. The string should be coming out of the peg to the nut on the bottom of the stack.
Step 4. Now that the string is tensioned you can tune the string with a guitar tuner or by what ever method you prefer.
Step 5. Repeat the above step for each string.
Step 6. Now that you have all new strings on your guitar you will need to stretch the strings to help seat them. To do this put the index finger of your right hand under the string up by the neck and first pickup, then pull string up 1 to 1.5 inches. Do this for each string and re-tune. You may have to do the several time.
Step 7. Now your guitar is tuned. All that is left to do is cut off the extract length of string on the tuning pegs. Leave about 1/4 of an inch. The reason we do this last is because if the strings stretch and they are cut to short you will waste a string. So be sure to always cut the extra string off last.
Now you know how to string a guitar. I hope this article was help full and we will see you in the next one.
