Usually, electric guitar strings need to be replaced more often than regular guitar strings. However, this also depends on the intensity of use, as well as the condition of the guitar bridge. Professional guitar players generally change strings once (or more) every month, while non-professional players have to replace them every 3-4 months. Changing the strings of an electric guitar is a very quick process, but it will take a lot of practice to get good at it.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Getting Rid of Old Strings
Step 1. Replace the guitar strings that are rusty, sticky, or easily chipped
If you are a professional guitar player, you will need to replace it regularly. Some musicians even change their guitar strings every week. If the strings feel sluggish and sticky, or if they fall out very easily, you should immediately replace them with new ones. If you haven't changed your strings in the last 3-4 months, buy new strings.
If you're going to a big event, change the guitar strings in the morning to prevent them from breaking suddenly
Step 2. Mark each string path before removing it
If you are not experienced in tuning a guitar, you will need to know where to attach each string. Take a photo of the old string still attached, or look up pictures of the string arrangement online. Although this may seem trivial, you must know where the strings are.
While there aren't many, there are some types of guitars that have special holes or patterns that wind near the strings. Don't cut the strings until you understand the path
Step 3. Loosen the old strings by turning the tuning wrench
Turn the tuning wrench to loosen each string until it's easy enough to untie it by hand. As the strings are loosened, the sound will get lower. While you can cut the strings right away, this is better because you can loosen the tension a little at a time. In the worst-case scenario, you can reuse old strings if any strings break while tuning.
- If you are a beginner, loosen the strings one at a time, then remove and replace the strings.
- Once loosened, you can pluck the strings from the tuning pegs and remove them from the neck of the guitar.
Step 4. Remove the strings from the bridge
On regular guitar bridges, such as the Fender Strat or other types of guitars with standard string holes, you only need to pull the strings through the back of the guitar body. To make this process easier, press down on the strings slowly until there is a little room for you to hold. Grasp the metal at the end of the string which is shaped like a small donut and gently pull it in the direction of the guitar body.
- Most guitars have the strings straight, so pull the strings in the direction of the guitar body to remove them.
- Don't force the strings off. Protect your guitar by removing the strings carefully.
- If your guitar bridge is a wrap-around model, you can remove it through the underside of the bridge. This bridge model became popular when guitar players like ZZ Top "wrapped" the strings around the guitar head area to simplify the guitar's appearance without compromising the sound quality.
Step 5. Wipe the guitar that has not been put on new strings with a soft cloth
Take advantage of this time to clean the dust, dirt, and smudges from your guitar neck. This will make the guitar look good, protect the new strings, and make the guitar easier to play. For a thorough cleaning of your guitar, purchase a bottle of fret cleaner at your nearest musical instrument store.
Part 2 of 2: Changing Guitar Strings
Step 1. Buy the right strings for your guitar
In 95% of the time, buy “regular” or “lite” strings. Even if some guitarists use heavy strings or odd string arrangements, you can't just use strings that don't match your guitar. Strings that are too heavy can bend the neck of the guitar if not installed properly. Therefore, use the default settings until you know the characteristics of your guitar.
- In general, the E string should have a thickness of ".008-.0011". This size applies to medium, lite, and extra lite strings.
- If you want to use a lower tuning, for example down to D, use a heavier string. Ask for specific recommendations from the nearest music store staff.
Step 2. Place the guitar on a flat, soft surface, at an appropriate height
Provide sufficient space to work. Place the guitar on a table so you can adjust its position easily. Cover the guitar with a towel or blanket to prevent scratching the bottom. Some people usually put the head of the guitar at the end of the table to make the tuning process easier.
Step 3. Position the tuning post holes facing you
This hole should be facing the opposite direction of the string to align with one of the frets. If you're playing the guitar, the hole should be facing up.
Step 4. Thread the first string into the bridge, then into the tuning
Thread the strings from the inside of the guitar to the outside. In general, most guitarists will start this process from the heaviest string, the top E string. These strings are often marked as “6 string” or can be identified by their thickness (usually around.050). Pull the string in the opposite direction to where it was entered, and then insert it into the hole in the tuning key. Pull until the ends of the strings come out of the guitar. Be sure to leave an extra 5-8 cm of space so the strings don't tighten before tuning.
The tuning key has no special markings. You just need to attach the new strings in the same order as the old strings. On most electric guitars, the first hole is for the top strings, while each hole further away from the first hole is used for the bottom strings
Step 5. Grasp the strings on both sides of the tuning post holes, then thread them in an “S” pattern
Try not to think too much about this. Simply hold both sides tightly, then bend your hand clockwise to thread the strings into the tuning post. When you pull the strings outward, they form an “S” pattern like the Van Halen logo.
- Your right hand will move toward your body, away from the guitar.
- Your left hand will press up, which is towards the other side of the tuning key.
Step 6. Tie one end of the string with the other half to lock it in place
Take the end of the string and pull it over the other side of the string (the side facing the tuning post). Once the end of the string is down, pull the end back up (towards the end of the guitar) and tighten it. Simply put, you need to make a knot from one end of the string to the other.
You will find a slightly circular section in the area of the string that is in direct contact with the tuning key
Step 7. Hold the strings carefully while tightening them
Place your index finger over the string area, which is about 3-6 cm from the tuning key. You don't have to hold it too tight. Next, slowly turn the tuning head, counterclockwise. Make sure the strings wrapped around the tuning post are neat.
Turn the tuning head to find the correct tension. When in doubt, it's best not to force the strings as this can break them
Step 8. Repeat the same process for all the strings
When you are done with the first string, repeat the process for the other strings, following the directions on the package. Remember to clean the fretboard after removing the strings, leave a little extra room before tightening the strings, and trim the ends of the strings before starting to tune.
If your guitar head has a 3x3 setup, remember to turn the tuning key at the bottom in the opposite direction. Repeat the whole process, just swapping the left side to the right and the top to the bottom
Step 9. Cut the ends of the strings
Use a wire cutter to remove any remaining string at the end. Leave about 1.5 cm of string to make it easier for you to tune your guitar to a lower pitch, if you prefer.
Step 10. Tune your guitar regularly after the new strings have been attached
As the tension increases, the strings will begin to stretch. This usually occurs for 1-2 days and can be overcome by doing the tuning process periodically after the strings are attached.
Tips
- When the strings are removed from the guitar, that's the best time to clean the beast. Simply wipe your guitar body clean, and clean the dust that sticks to the pickup. These spots are very difficult to clean when the strings are attached.
- If you want to tune your guitar to a lower note, set the guitar to a standard E before changing it so you don't get out of tune. This usually happens on heavy strings.
