If you’re a guitar player, chances are you’ll need to restring your guitar at some point. Whether your strings are old and worn out, or you’ve just broken one, restringing an acoustic guitar is an essential skill that every guitarist should learn.
The process might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and a bit of guidance, you can restring your guitar like a pro!
In this guide, I’ll take you through the step-by-step process of how to restring an acoustic guitar, offering tips along the way to ensure you do it correctly and efficiently. So, grab your tools and let’s get started!
Why Should You Restring Your Acoustic Guitar?
Restringing your guitar is crucial for maintaining good tone, playability, and overall sound quality. Here are some reasons why restringing is important:
- Improved Sound Quality: Fresh strings bring back the crisp, bright sound that older strings lose over time.
- Better Playability: Worn-out strings can be harder to press down and play. New strings provide a smoother playing experience.
- Prevent String Breakage: Older strings are more prone to snapping, so it’s better to replace them before they break mid-song.
When Should You Restring Your Guitar?
The frequency of restringing depends on how often you play and your string type. On average, guitarists should restring their acoustic guitar every 3 to 6 months. However, if you play regularly or perform frequently, you may need to change strings more often.
Tools You’ll Need to Restring Your Acoustic Guitar
Before we dive into the steps, let’s make sure you have everything you need:
- New Guitar Strings (choose your preferred gauge and material)
- String Winder (optional but helpful for speeding up the process)
- Wire Cutters (to trim excess string)
- Guitar Tuner (to tune your guitar after restringing)
- Rag or Cloth (to clean your guitar during the process)
- String Cleaner (optional) (for extra care when installing the new strings)
How to Restring an Acoustic Guitar: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Remove the Old Strings
Before you can put new strings on your guitar, you need to remove the old ones. Here’s how:
- Loosen the Strings: Start by loosening the tension of each string using the tuning pegs. Turn each peg counterclockwise until the string becomes slack.
- Cut the Strings: Once the strings are loose, use wire cutters to snip the strings in the middle of the fretboard. This will make it easier to remove them without getting tangled.
- Remove the Bridge Pins: At the bridge of the guitar, there are small pins that hold the strings in place. Use a bridge pin puller (or your fingers, if it’s not too tight) to gently pull out each bridge pin. Be careful not to damage the wood.
- Remove the Strings: After you’ve removed the bridge pins, the strings should slide off easily from the bridge. Take each string off the guitar neck, and discard the old strings.
Step 2: Clean Your Guitar (Optional but Recommended)
Now that the strings are off, it’s a great time to clean your guitar. Dust and dirt tend to accumulate around the bridge, fretboard, and body of the guitar. Use a soft cloth to wipe down these areas. You can also use guitar-specific cleaners to remove grime from the fretboard and neck.
Cleaning your guitar while the strings are off helps prevent buildup that can affect the sound quality and playability in the future.
Step 3: Install the New Strings
Once your guitar is cleaned and ready, it’s time to install the new strings. Follow these steps carefully:
- Insert the New Strings into the Bridge: Begin by placing the ball end of each new string into the bridge pin holes. Be sure to follow the correct order of strings—starting with the low E string (6th string) and ending with the high E string (1st string).
- Secure the Strings with Bridge Pins: Once the ball end is inside the bridge pin hole, insert the bridge pins back into place. Press them down firmly to secure the strings.
- Thread the Strings through the Tuning Pegs: Now, thread the other end of each string through the corresponding tuning peg on the headstock of your guitar. Leave a bit of slack at the headstock to allow for winding.
Step 4: Wind the Strings
This is the part where the string winder can come in handy. Here’s how to wind the strings properly:
- Wind the Strings Using the String Winder: Begin turning the tuning peg in a clockwise direction (for the standard EADGBE tuning) while keeping tension on the string. It’s important to wind the string neatly around the peg—avoid overlapping winds, as this can cause tuning instability.
- Keep the String Tensioned: As you wind the string, make sure it’s taut enough to stay in place but not overly tight. You should be able to see the string winding in a spiral pattern around the tuning peg.
- Check the String Alignment: As you wind, make sure the string is aligned properly with the nut. If the string jumps off the nut, adjust the winding so that it stays securely in place.
Step 5: Cut the Excess String
Once all the strings are properly wound and tuned to pitch, you’ll want to cut off any excess string sticking out of the tuning pegs. Use wire cutters to trim the ends, leaving about 1/4 inch of string above the peg. Be careful not to damage the pegs or tuning machine.
Step 6: Tune the Guitar
Now that the strings are in place, it’s time to tune your guitar. Use a guitar tuner to get each string to the correct pitch. Make sure to tune each string slowly and carefully. New strings often require a little extra tuning because they tend to stretch, so you may need to tune the guitar a few times.
Step 7: Stretch the Strings (Optional)
To help your new strings stay in tune, gently stretch them by pulling them away from the fretboard. Use your fingers to tug on each string while tuning, and repeat this process a couple of times. This will help the strings settle and maintain their tuning longer.
Step 8: Final Check
Once all the strings are tuned and stretched, give your guitar a final check to ensure everything is secure. Make sure the strings are not slipping, and check that the tension is even across all the strings.
Tips for Restringing Your Acoustic Guitar
- Take Your Time: Restringing your guitar is a delicate process. Don’t rush through it. Be patient to ensure each string is properly installed.
- Use Quality Strings: Not all strings are created equal. Choose high-quality strings based on your playing style and sound preferences.
- Keep Your Guitar Clean: Regular cleaning and proper string care will help maintain the overall health of your guitar.
- Check Your Guitar Setup: If you notice any buzzing or playability issues after restringing, it might be time for a setup. A professional setup can ensure your guitar is performing at its best.
Conclusion
Restringing an acoustic guitar is a skill every guitarist should master. It’s a simple process that, once you get the hang of it, will become second nature. By following the steps in this guide and taking care to choose the right strings for your style, you’ll keep your guitar sounding and playing its best for years to come.
Happy playing, and enjoy your freshly restrung acoustic guitar!