Stringing your guitar might seem like a bit of a faff, but it's one of those skills every guitarist should have up their sleeve. Whether it’s your first go or you’re just looking for a refresher, we’ve made this easy guide for you to follow. And don’t forget, if you need a hand, Reg, Paul and Peter here at Austin Guitars are always here to help!
What You’ll Need:
Before we crack on, make sure you’ve got your gear ready:
A fresh set of strings (we’ve got loads to choose from like Ernie Ball and D’Addario at the barn)
– A string winder (not essential, but it’ll save your wrist)
– Wire cutters
– A tuner
Step 1: Ditch the Old Strings
First up, we’ve gotta get rid of those old strings. Turn the tuning pegs until the strings go slack, then carefully snip them around the 12th fret with your wire cutters. Take them off the tuning pegs and bridge.
Tip: If you’ve got a guitar with a floating bridge, replace one string at a time to keep things balanced.
Step 2: Give Your Fretboard a Clean
With the strings off, it’s a perfect time to give the fretboard some love. Wipe it down with a soft cloth to get rid of any dust. If you’ve got a rosewood or ebony fretboard, a dab of fretboard conditioner will keep it looking fresh.
Step 3: Pop in the New Strings
Now, let’s get those shiny new strings on! Slot the ball-end into the bridge, and if you’re working on an acoustic, you’ll need to pull out the bridge pins, pop the string in and then push the pins back down.
Tip: Start with the thickest string (the low E) and work your way to the skinny high E.
Step 4: Wind the Strings onto the Pegs
This bit can be a little fiddly–thread each string through its tuning peg, leaving a bit of slack. Wind the string around the peg, making sure the wraps go neatly downwards. Keep it snug but not too tight, no one wants to snap a string!
Pro Tip: If you’ve got a string winder, now’s the time to use it, it’ll save you loads of effort.
Step 5: Stretch and Tune
With the strings on, gently stretch each one away from the fretboard. This helps get rid of any slack and keeps your tuning stable. Then, grab your tuner and bring each string up to pitch.
Step 6: Snip the Extras
Once everything’s tuned up, snip off the excess string at the tuning pegs using your wire cutters. No one wants spiky bits poking them, so keep it tidy!
Step 7: Tune Again
Give your guitar one more tune. New strings have a habit of slipping out of tune, so this second round will keep them in check.
And there you have it, your guitar is all set and ready to play. With a bit of practice, you’ll be doing it like a pro. Remember, if you’re ever unsure or just fancy a bit of help, pop into the shop. Our team's always up for a chat and happy to lend a hand. You’ll find us at Shevington’s Lane, Liverpool L33 1XA, come by and say hello!
Learning to string your guitar is all part of the fun. It keeps it sounding its best and lets you bond with your instrument a bit more. Don’t worry if it takes a couple of goes to get it right, every guitarist’s been there!
At Austin Guitars, we’re all about helping you enjoy the journey. So, if you need a fresh set of strings, some new gear, or just a chat, swing by the barn or check out our stock.