How to Change Acoustic Guitar Strings Step by Step
Changing strings is the one bit of maintenance every player should learn. It takes fifteen minutes, costs less than lunch and makes an old guitar sound new. Here is the method we use on the bench.
What you need
- A new set of strings in the gauge your guitar is set up for. Light gauge is the usual choice for acoustic guitar.
- A tuner.
- A string winder with a cutter, or a pair of wire cutters.
- A soft cloth.
Step by step
- Loosen one string at a time. Turn the tuning peg until the string is slack, then unwind it from the post. Changing one string at a time keeps tension on the neck and keeps the bridge seated.
- Pull the bridge pin. Push the string down into the bridge a little to free the ball end, then lift the pin out. Pull the old string out.
- Wipe the fretboard. With the string off, this is your chance to wipe the dust from the frets and the wood.
- Seat the new string. Put the ball end into the bridge hole, push the pin in with the slot facing the neck, and tug the string gently until the ball locks under the bridge plate.
- Leave some slack. Pull the string up to the tuning post and leave about two tuning posts' width of slack before you start winding. That gives two or three clean wraps.
- Wind downward. Turn the peg so the string wraps under itself and down the post toward the headstock face. Keep light tension with your other hand so the wraps lie neat.
- Tune up, stretch, tune again. Tune to pitch, pull the string gently away from the fretboard a few times, and retune. Repeat until it holds.
- Trim the ends. Cut the excess close to the post so nothing pokes you.
Why new strings go flat at first
Fresh strings stretch for a day or two. Stretching them by hand when you install them shortens that. For the signs that strings are worn out and how long a set lasts, read how often to change guitar strings.
Which strings to buy
Match the gauge the guitar is set up for. Jumping from light to medium strings adds tension and can lift the action. 80/20 bronze is bright, phosphor bronze is warmer, and coated strings last longer.
Nylon strings are different
Classical guitars tie the strings at the bridge instead of using pins, and they must never get steel strings. See classical vs acoustic guitar.
Browse all strings. Shipping is free on every order, even a single set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change all the guitar strings at once?
Change them one at a time. It keeps tension on the neck and keeps the bridge and saddle seated.
How many wraps should a string have around the tuning post?
Two or three neat wraps. Leave about two posts of slack before you start winding.
Why do new strings keep going out of tune?
They stretch for a day or two. Stretch each string gently by hand when you install it and retune until it holds.
Can I put medium strings on a guitar set up for lights?
You can but the extra tension raises the action and may need a setup adjustment. Stay with the gauge the guitar was set up for unless you want a change.
