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How to string a guitar
Tools you will need.
1. Wire cutters or an old set of toenail clippers that you won’t be using
for anything else.
2. Needlenose pliers.
3. A new set of strings.
Buying new strings.
You can get recommendations for the proper strings for your guitar from the guitar’s
manufacturer, a guitar-playing friend or by reading the packages on known quality
brands of strings to see their purpose. Quality brands include Gibson, Diaddario,
Ernie Ball and Martin guitar strings. Make sure you are using electric strings
for an electric guitar and acoustic for an acoustic. Use the same size as currently
on the guitar. Someone working where you purchase the strings should be able to
help you with this if you bring in the guitar while it has the old strings still
on it. They may even be able to help you if it has no strings at all. A good set
of strings should not currently run you over $12 and can sometimes be had for
less.
Cutting the current strings off.
If there are strings currently on the guitar you may need to cut them off. Loosen
the strings first to see if any of them can simply be freed from the tuning pegs
and removed. You also do this so the string doesn’t snap back and cut you
when you are cutting it. For strings you must cut, cut them toward the nut end
of the neck avoiding scratching the guitar or even touching it by pulling the
string just a little out away from the neck. After cutting the string, use the
needlenose pliers to work what remains free of the tuning peg. The rest of the
string should come free of the bridge readily. There may be some apparatus for
holding that end which you will need to investigate.
Polishing the guitar.
Once the strings are all off this is the usual time, the best time, for cleaning
and polishing the guitar. Do so now if you wish and let it dry before you continue.
Adding the new strings.
String the guitar heavy strings first. Otherwise the heavier strings when put
on later will pull the lighter strings out of tune. Put the string through the
hole in the tuning peg and wrap it around once and under the end of the string
that went in the hole. Now put it back through the whole again if there is room.
Now wind it up. Once all strings are completed, tune the guitar up. As the strings
will go out of tune a lot at first being new, you may want to stretch them by
pulling them out away from the guitar slightly at their midway point. Once they
are tuned up and stay in tune, tuning from heaviest string to lightest, cut the
excess string after the tuning pegs which are sometimes called hairs. Cut them
short enough that you are not likely to scratch, poke or cut yourself on them
when tuning or otherwise. Leave enough that they don’t come loose from the
tuning peg.
Strings can be replaced as often as monthly or as little as almost never, at your
own preference. Newer strings always sound better.
Written by David Geer
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