Use the video below and step-by-step instructions to learn how to change electric guitar strings.
Steps for How to Change Electric Guitar Strings:
- Learn about guitar string basics and the types of electric guitar strings available, before you purchase your next set of electric guitar strings.
- Remove one old string by loosening the string and then pulling the string gently off the tuning key. It’s best to change strings one-at-a-time instead of removing all of the strings. Keeping some tension protects your guitar neck.
- Insert the end of the new string with the metal ball into the slot at the tailpiece or bridge. You may need to thread the string through a hole in the back of some guitars (such as tremolo style bridges shown below).
A common electric guitar tremolo bridge. - Gently pull the string through until the metal ring at the other end clicks into place.
- Locate the corresponding tuning key at the head of the guitar.
- Wrap the other end of the string around the tuning key once or twice.
- Insert the end of the string through the hole in the tuning key.
- Pull the string through the hole.
- Turn the tuning key away from you to tighten the string. Use a tuner to bring the string up close to pitch and avoid overtightening the string.
- Once the string is close to pitch, move on to the next string. Wait until you are done changing all of the strings to attempt precision tuning.
Tune Up and Play!
After changing strings, it’s time to tune your guitar. New strings will stretch and need to be brought back up to pitch as you play. This is normal. Here’s a post to help you learn how to tune your guitar, If you want a high-quality, inexpensive, digital tuner to make tuning easy, check out the PitchBoy mini tuner that fits on a key chain.
A Note About Your Truss Rod
Electric guitars are constructed with a metal truss rod that runs through the guitar neck to counter-act the tension of steel strings pulling forward on the guitar neck. If the strings on the guitar buzz while being strummed, or if the strings are very hard to press down and a high distance from the guitar’s fingerboard, then you should have your truss rod adjustment checked by a qualified repair person.