Knowing how to string an acoustic guitar is an essential skill for a guitarist. Being able to change, replace or fix an acoustic guitar string properly is key.
How to string an acoustic guitar with pins
- Loosen the Old Strings: Begin by turning the tuning pegs counterclockwise to loosen the tension of the old strings. You can use a string winder for faster results.
- Remove the Bridge Pins: Acoustic guitars typically use bridge pins to secure the strings. Gently push the bridge pin inward while pulling the old string out from the other side. Be cautious not to damage the bridge or the pin.
- Clean the Guitar: Take this opportunity to clean the guitar’s body and fretboard. A soft cloth or a guitar cleaning kit is suitable for this task.
- Insert the New String: Thread the new string through the bridge hole from the outside towards the inside of the guitar. Make sure the ball end is secured beneath the bridge plate.
- Secure the Bridge Pin: Place the bridge pin back into its slot while holding the new string down. Ensure the pin is seated firmly.
- String Through the Tuning Peg: Pull the string up towards the headstock and insert it through the corresponding hole in the tuning peg. Leave some slack but not too much.
- Start Winding: Begin winding the string by turning the tuning peg clockwise, ensuring that the string wraps neatly around the peg. Maintain tension as you wind to prevent slack or slipping.
- Tune and Stretch: Once the string is adequately tightened, tune it to the correct pitch. Gently stretch the string to minimize future tuning issues.
How to properly string an acoustic guitar
To properly string an acoustic guitar, follow these additional tips:
- Invest in good-quality strings that suit your playing style and preferences.
- When inserting the bridge pin, make sure it sits flush with the bridge and doesn’t protrude.
- After winding the string onto the tuning peg, trim the excess with wire cutters to prevent any interference with your playing or tuning.
- New strings can take some time to settle. Stretch and retune the strings multiple times to maintain stable tuning.
How to fix an acoustic guitar string
If you encounter a broken string while playing or need to repair a damaged string, you can do a quick fix.
- Locate the Break: Identify the point where the string broke.
- Tie a Knot: If the break occurred near the tuning peg, tie a knot using the two loose ends of the string.
- Wind the String: Wind the string around the tuning peg as you normally would, ensuring that the knot is secure.
- Tune and Play: Tune the string to the correct pitch and continue playing. Be aware that this is a temporary fix, and it’s advisable to replace the string as soon as possible.
In fact, if you were to register for our guitar lessons, our teachers will also guide you on this above topic.