How to Replace a Guitar String: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 12/06/2025

The satisfying twang of a freshly strung guitar is a sound every musician cherishes. But the reality is, guitar strings break, wear out, or simply lose their vibrant tone over time. Replacing a string might seem daunting for beginners, conjuring images of complex tools and intricate mechanisms. However, with a little patience and the right guidance, changing a guitar string is a straightforward process that any guitarist can master, even if you're just starting out. It's a fundamental skill that will keep your instrument sounding its best and save you money on costly repairs.

This simple, step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from removing the old string to tuning your guitar to its perfect pitch. Forget feeling intimidated – let's get started and learn exactly how to replace a guitar string with confidence and ease!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always tune your guitar down to a lower pitch before changing strings to reduce tension on the neck and prevent accidental damage.
  • Use proper string cutting tools (string winders and wire cutters) to avoid injury. Never attempt to break a string with your bare hands.
  • Be mindful of sharp edges on the tuning pegs and bridge pins. Keep your fingers clear to avoid cuts and scrapes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Remove Old String

    • Loosen the string using the tuner.
    • Use the peg winder to remove the tuning peg. Slide the peg winder into the peg hole and pull the peg out.
    • Pull the old string off the post.
    Pull the old string off the post.Pull the old string off the post.Pull the old string off the post.
    Remove Old String

  2. Insert New String

    • Insert the ball end of the new string into the hole at the bridge pin, ensuring it's wedged between the body and the pin, not just sitting on top.
    • Pull the string tight and push down on the ball end to secure it.
    Pull the string tight and push down on the ball end to secure it.Pull the string tight and push down on the ball end to secure it.
    Insert New String

  3. Prepare New String

    • Leave about a post length of extra string.
    • Measure and mark the extra string for the correct length.
    Measure and mark the extra string for the correct length.Measure and mark the extra string for the correct length.
    Prepare New String

  4. Thread and Wind String

    • Thread the string through the tuning machine.
    • Wind the string onto the tuning peg, ensuring the wraps are neat, go underneath each other, and are all facing the same direction. Aim for 2-3 wraps.
    Wind the string onto the tuning peg, ensuring the wraps are neat, go underneath each other, and are all facing the same direction. Aim for 2-3 wraps.Wind the string onto the tuning peg, ensuring the wraps are neat, go underneath each other, and are all facing the same direction. Aim for 2-3 wraps.
    Thread and Wind String

  5. Tune and Secure

    • Tune the string to pitch.
    • Bend the string to tighten the wraps and stretch the string to help it stay in tune.
    • Cut off the excess string.
    Cut off the excess string.Cut off the excess string.Cut off the excess string.
    Tune and Secure

Read more: Fast & Easy Guitar Stringing: The Winder Method

Tips

  • Make sure the wraps on the tuning peg go underneath each other for a secure and stable tuning.
  • Stretching the string after tuning helps to tighten the wraps and improve tuning stability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Cutting the string too short

Reason: Leaving insufficient string length to wrap around the tuning peg results in the string slipping or not staying tuned.
Solution: Ensure you leave enough extra string length to wind around the tuning peg at least 2-3 times before cutting.

2. Incorrectly wrapping the string around the tuning peg

Reason: Loose or sloppy winding can lead to tuning instability and breakage. A poor wrap can lead to slippage and the string not staying in tune.
Solution: Wind the string neatly and tightly around the tuning peg, following the existing string pattern.

3. Over-tightening the string

Reason: Excessive tension can snap the string or damage the bridge, tuning pegs, or even the neck.
Solution: Tune the string gradually and carefully to the correct pitch, listening for any unusual sounds or resistance.

FAQs

What tools do I need to replace a guitar string?
You'll primarily need a new guitar string, a string winder (optional but highly recommended), and possibly wire cutters or a string winder with a built-in cutter. A tuner is also helpful for getting your guitar back in tune after the change.
How do I know which gauge of string to use?
The gauge of your strings (thickness) is usually printed on the packaging of your original set or indicated inside the sound hole of your guitar. Using the wrong gauge can affect your guitar's tone and playability, so stick with the same gauge unless you are intentionally changing your string setup.