How to Restring a Guitar: Acoustic and Electric Care

Why to Change Your Guitar Strings?

Changing guitar strings is an integral part of guitar maintenance. When you change guitar strings, you're not just maintaining the instrument; you're ensuring it delivers the best possible sound and playability.

Fresh strings are vital for sound quality. Over time, guitar strings lose their brightness and clarity, affecting the tonal quality of your music. Whether you're playing an acoustic or electric guitar, the crispness and vibrance of new strings can dramatically enhance your sound. This is especially crucial if you're recording music or performing live, where every nuance in tone matters.

The condition of your strings directly impacts the playability of your guitar. Old, worn-out strings can be tougher to play, causing unnecessary strain on your fingers. This is particularly noticeable when performing complex chords or intricate solos. By learning how to change acoustic guitar strings and electric guitar strings, you keep your instrument feeling comfortable and responsive under your fingers. Worn strings are also more prone to breakage, which can be inconvenient and potentially damaging to your guitar. Regularly changing your strings reduces the likelihood of a string snapping mid-performance or during practice. For those who play often, understanding how often to change guitar strings becomes a crucial aspect of their routine maintenance.

Changing your guitar strings not only ensures your instrument sounds its best but also maintains its playability and reliability. This maintenance task, while simple, has a profound impact on your musical experience, whether you're a hobbyist or a professional musician.

When to Change Guitar Strings

Understanding when to change guitar strings is crucial for maintaining your guitar’s performance and sound quality. This section will elaborate on the ideal times to change guitar strings, highlighting the differences between acoustic and electric guitars, and the varying needs of professional musicians versus hobbyists.

The frequency of changing guitar strings also depends on how often and how vigorously you play. Professional players, especially those who perform regularly or record in studios, may need to change their strings more frequently – sometimes as often as every few weeks or even after every performance, to ensure optimal sound and reliability. In contrast, hobbyists who play less frequently might find their strings lasting several months before noticing any decline in performance.

Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and exposure to elements can also influence when to change guitar strings. Guitars stored in dry or humid conditions might require more frequent string changes due to the impact of these conditions on the strings’ material. Additionally, different types of guitars might have specific needs. For instance, a guitar with a tremolo system might need more frequent string changes due to the additional stress on the strings.

When to Change Acoustic Guitar Strings

Acoustic guitars are known for their rich, resonant sound, a quality greatly influenced by the condition of the strings. Typically, these strings are made from materials like phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze, which can oxidize and corrode over time. This corrosion process is accelerated by factors such as humidity, temperature, and the oils and sweat from a player's hands. As a result, acoustic guitar strings may lose their tonal quality quicker than electric guitar strings. Generally, it's advisable to change acoustic guitar strings when you notice a decline in tonal quality, or roughly every three months for regular players. However, this timeline can vary based on the frequency and conditions of play.

When to Change Electric Guitar Strings

Electric guitar strings, usually made from steel or nickel-plated steel, are more resistant to corrosion. However, they are not immune to wear and tear. Factors such as playing style (like bending and heavy strumming), environmental conditions, and the natural acidity of your hands can affect their lifespan. For electric guitars, the change in sound may not be as noticeable as with acoustic guitars, but a loss in tuning stability and a decrease in playability can indicate it’s time to change the strings. On average, electric guitar strings can last longer, typically being changed every six months for casual players.

Knowing when to change guitar strings is a key aspect of guitar maintenance. While there are general guidelines, the best practice is to be attentive to the sound and feel of your strings. Regularly inspecting them for signs of wear and tear, and being mindful of how your playing habits and environment affect their lifespan, will help you determine the optimal time for a string change.

How Often to Change Guitar Strings

Determining how often to change guitar strings is a key aspect of guitar maintenance. This frequency can vary based on several factors, including the type of guitar, the strings' material, the player's style, and even environmental conditions. In this section, we'll explore these variables in-depth to provide a comprehensive understanding of how often you should consider restringing your guitar.

For professional musicians who perform regularly, string changes might be a more frequent routine, possibly before each performance or recording session. This ensures that the guitar is always at its best in terms of sound and reliability. Hobbyists, on the other hand, can afford to change their strings less frequently, aligning with how often they play and the condition of their strings.

Different guitars can respond differently to string wear. High-end guitars, for example, may benefit from more frequent string changes to maintain their optimal sound quality. Additionally, the type of strings used can affect how often they need to be changed. Brands like Elixir offer coated strings that are designed to last longer than traditional strings, potentially altering the typical restringing schedule.

As mentioned in the previous section, environmental factors can affect how often strings need to be changed. Guitars kept in high humidity or very dry conditions may require more frequent string changes. Similarly, if a player's hands sweat more or have higher acidity, it can lead to quicker degradation of the strings.

What You'll Need

Before embarking on the journey of restringing your guitar, it's essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials. This preparation is crucial whether you're working on an acoustic or electric guitar, as it ensures a smooth and efficient restringing process.

• Set of New Strings: The first and most obvious requirement is a fresh set of strings. For acoustic guitars, strings are typically made from materials like phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze, while electric guitar strings are usually made of nickel-plated steel or pure nickel. Selecting the right type and gauge of strings is important, as it affects the playability and tone of your guitar. If you're unsure, standard light strings are a good starting point for most guitars.
• String Cutters: A pair of string cutters or wire snippers is vital for trimming the ends of your new strings once they're in place. This tool helps you avoid excess string length, which can be unsightly and potentially hazardous.
• String Winder: A string winder is a small but incredibly handy tool. It significantly speeds up the process of winding strings onto the tuning pegs, saving you time and effort. Some string winders also come with a built-in bridge pin puller, which is particularly useful for acoustic guitars.
• Headstock Stand or Soft Surface: To protect your guitar during the restringing process, use a headstock stand or lay it on a soft, flat surface. This provides stability and prevents any damage to the body or neck of your guitar.
• Neck Rest: A neck rest, while not strictly necessary, can provide additional support to your guitar’s neck during restringing. It helps keep the guitar stable and reduces the risk of neck damage.
• Lemon Oil and Clean Cloth: Restringing is an excellent opportunity to clean your guitar's fretboard. Lemon oil is ideal for conditioning the wood, especially if you have a rosewood or ebony fretboard. Use a clean cloth for applying the oil and wiping down the fretboard.
• Digital Tuner: A digital tuner is essential for tuning your guitar once the new strings are installed. Accurate tuning is crucial for the guitar to sound its best. An electronic tuner is usually more reliable and easier to use than tuning by ear, especially for beginners.
• Comfortable, Well-Lit Workspace: Finally, ensure you have a comfortable workspace with good lighting. Good visibility is important for precision tasks like fitting strings and cleaning the fretboard. A comfortable setting will make the process more enjoyable and less straining on your eyes and hands.

How to Change Acoustic Guitar Strings

1.Loosen and Cut Strings

Begin by loosening the tension of the strings using the tuning pegs. Once slack, use your string cutters to snip the strings near the soundhole. This reduces the chance of damaging the guitar’s finish with loose string ends flailing around.

2. Remove the String Pins

Carefully remove the bridge pins that secure the strings to the bridge. A bridge pin puller, often found on a string winder, is helpful here. Pull each pin out gently to avoid damaging the bridge or the pin.

3. Clean the Guitar

With the strings off, it's a great opportunity to clean your guitar. Wipe down the fretboard with a dry cloth. If it's particularly dirty, or if you haven’t cleaned it in a while, use a specialized fretboard cleaner or a small amount of lemon oil to remove grime and condition the wood.

4. Install New Strings

Feed the new strings through the bridge holes, replace the pins, and ensure they are properly seated to hold the strings in place. The ball end of the string should be up against the bridge plate inside the guitar, not the pin.

5. Leave Some Slack

Pull the strings taut, and leave enough slack for winding. A good rule of thumb is to measure about one and a half hand widths of slack.

6. Wind the Strings

Attach each string to its respective tuning peg, making sure it is winding from the inside out. Use a string winder to speed up the process. Ensure the strings are winding neatly on the peg, with each coil sitting below the last.

7. Trim Excess

Once all the strings are wound and somewhat in tune, trim the excess string from the tuning pegs. Leaving too much excess can cause unwanted noise and a messy appearance.

8. Tune the Guitar

Tune each string to the correct pitch using a digital tuner. New strings will stretch, so expect to retune several times.

9. Stretch Strings

Gently pull each string away from the fretboard to stretch it, then retune. This helps the strings settle and maintain their tuning.

10. Tune Again

Finally, retune your guitar. It might take a few days for the strings to completely settle, so regular tuning adjustments may be necessary.

11. Intonation Check

Adjusting the intonation on an acoustic guitar is a more delicate process compared to an electric guitar and may require professional assistance. However, there are a few steps you can take:

• Check the Current Intonation: Start by tuning your guitar accurately. Play a harmonic at the 12th fret and then play the same fretted note. They should sound the same. If they don't, intonation adjustment is needed.
• Adjust the Saddle: The primary way to adjust intonation on an acoustic guitar is by adjusting the saddle. This may involve carefully sanding the saddle to change its angle or position. It's a precise task: sanding off too much can negatively affect the guitar's action and sound.
• String Action Check: Sometimes, high action can affect intonation. If the strings are too high, they can be sharp when fretted. Lowering the action might help, but it also requires careful work to avoid other playability issues.
• Professional Setup: Due to the complexity and precision required, it's often recommended to take your acoustic guitar to a professional for intonation adjustments. They have the right tools and expertise to make the necessary adjustments without damaging the guitar.

How to Change Electric Guitar Strings

Changing electric guitar strings follows a similar process to acoustic guitars, but with a few key differences. Electric guitars often use lighter gauge strings compared to acoustics. It’s important to choose the right string type and gauge for your guitar and playing style. Heavier strings might require adjustments to the guitar’s truss rod and action.

1. Loosen and Cut Strings

Begin by loosening the tension of the strings using the tuning pegs. Once slack, use your string cutters to snip the strings near the soundhole. This reduces the chance of damaging the guitar’s finish with loose string ends flailing around.

2. Remove the Strings

For electric guitars with a tremolo system, like a Floyd Rose, it’s often recommended to change strings one at a time to maintain tension on the bridge. Otherwise, you can follow the same process as for an acoustic guitar.

3. Clean the Guitar

Use this string-free opportunity to clean your guitar. Inspect the pickups and the bridge, and if necessary, clean them gently with a dry cloth. Avoid using water or harsh chemicals near electronics.

4. Install New Strings

Thread the strings through the bridge or tailpiece and up to the tuning pegs. For guitars with a Floyd Rose, you’ll need to lock the strings at the bridge.

5. Leave Some Slack

Pull the strings taut, and leave enough slack for winding. A good rule of thumb is to measure about one and a half hand widths of slack.

6. Wind the Strings

Wind the strings as you would with an acoustic guitar, ensuring neat, tight coils. Tune to pitch, and if you have a locking nut, secure the strings in place before fine-tuning.

7. Trim Excess

Once all the strings are wound and somewhat in tune, trim the excess string from the tuning pegs. Leaving too much excess can cause unwanted noise and a messy appearance.

8. Tune the Guitar

Tune each string to the correct pitch using a digital tuner. New strings will stretch, so expect to retune several times.

9. Stretch Strings

Gently pull each string away from the fretboard to stretch it, then retune. This helps the strings settle and maintain their tuning.

10. Tune Again

Finally, retune your guitar. It might take a few days for the strings to completely settle, so regular tuning adjustments may be necessary.

11. Intonation Check

Electric guitars are generally more user-friendly when it comes to intonation adjustments:

• Tune Your Guitar: Ensure your guitar is precisely tuned before you start making adjustments.
• Check Each String's Intonation: Play a harmonic at the 12th fret and then the fretted note at the 12th fret. If the fretted note is sharp compared to the harmonic, the string length needs to be increased. If it's flat, the string length needs to be shortened.
• Adjust the Bridge Saddles: Using a small screwdriver, adjust the bridge saddles. Turn the screw to move the saddle forward (to shorten the string length) or backward (to lengthen the string length). Make small adjustments and recheck the intonation after each adjustment.
• Re-tune and Recheck: After each adjustment, re-tune the string and check the intonation again. Repeat the process until the harmonic and the fretted note at the 12th fret match.
• Repeat for Each String: Go through this process for each string, ensuring that all strings are intonated correctly.

Remember, patience and small adjustments are key. If you're uncomfortable making these adjustments or if the adjustments don't seem to be effective, it's advisable to consult a professional guitar technician.

12. Pickup Height Adjustment

Changing string gauges might require adjusting the height of your pickups to optimize the guitar’s sound and balance the volume across all strings.