How to Change Strings on an Acoustic Guitar

“How to change strings on an acoustic guitar?” is one of the most common questions I get asked at the studio. Changing the strings on your acoustic guitar is a relatively easy task that can be done at home with a few simple tools.

Why You Should Learn to Change Strings on an Acoustic Guitar

It’s a relatively easy skill to learn. There are many tutorials online (including this one) and in books that can teach you how to do it. Once you learn the basics, you’ll be able to change your strings in just a few minutes. Actually, the best-timed string change I’ve had for an acoustic guitar is 15 minutes.

It will save you money in the long run. If you take your guitar to a shop to have the strings changed, it can be quite expensive. Most shops charge between $20 and $30 to change strings, and that does not include the strings themselves. By learning to do it yourself, you can save yourself a lot of money.

You’ll be able to keep your guitar in better condition. When strings are old and worn out, they can damage your guitar. They can cause the guitar to go out of tune more easily. As strings age, they lose their elasticity and become more prone to stretching. This can make it difficult to keep your guitar in tune, and it can also put more stress on the neck of the guitar.

They can cause the frets to wear down. When you play the guitar, the strings rub against the frets. Over time, this can cause the frets to wear down, which can make it difficult to play the guitar and can also damage the fretboard. By changing them regularly, you can help to keep your guitar in good condition and extend its lifespan.

It’s a satisfying feeling to be able to do it yourself. There’s something satisfying about being able to take care of your own guitar. When you change the strings yourself, you’ll know that you’re doing it right and that you’re taking good care of your instrument.

What are the Common Types of Strings for an Acoustic Guitar?

There are two main types of strings for an acoustic guitar: phosphor bronze and 80/20 bronze.

• Phosphor bronze strings are made from a copper-zinc alloy with phosphor added. They have a warmer, mellower tone than 80/20 bronze strings, and they tend to last longer.
• 80/20 bronze strings are made from a copper-zinc alloy with 80% copper and 20% zinc. They have a brighter, more pronounced top end than phosphor bronze strings.

In addition to these two main types, there are also a number of other types of strings available, including:

• Nickel strings are made from pure nickel. They have a bright, clear tone, but they don’t last as long as phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze strings.
• Stainless steel strings are made from stainless steel. They have a bright, cutting tone, and they are very durable.
• Coated strings are made from a core of either phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze, with a thin coating of nylon or polyamide. The coating helps to protect the strings from corrosion and wear, and it also makes them feel smoother to play.

The best type of string for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. If you’re not sure which type of string to try, it’s a good idea to experiment with a few different types to see what you like best.

Here is a table that summarizes the common types of strings for an acoustic guitar:

What Do You Need to String an Acoustic Guitar?

• New strings. You’ll need a set of new strings that are the right gauge for your guitar.
• A string winder. A string winder makes it easier to wind the strings onto the tuning pegs.
• A pair of wire cutters or pliers. You’ll need these to cut the old strings and to remove the bridge pins.
• A tuner. A tuner will help you to tune the new strings after you’ve changed them.
• A clean, dry cloth. This will help you to clean the guitar before you start.

When Should You Change Your Guitar Strings?

There are a few factors that will determine when you should change your acoustic guitar strings. These include:

• How often you play. If you play your guitar frequently, you’ll need to change the strings more often than if you only play it occasionally.
• The type of strings you use. Coated strings will last longer than uncoated strings.
• The climate you live in. If you live in a humid climate, the strings will corrode more quickly and you’ll need to change them more often.

In general, most players recommend changing their acoustic guitar strings every 3 months or 100 hours of playing, whichever comes first. However, you may need to change them more or less often depending on your individual circumstances.

Here are some signs that it’s time to change your acoustic guitar strings:

• The strings are dull and lifeless. New strings have a bright, clear tone. As they age, they lose their brightness and start to sound dull.
• The strings are corroded or rusty. This is usually caused by sweat or moisture. Corroded strings can be difficult to play and can damage your guitar.
• The strings are breaking. This is a sign that the strings are old and worn out. If you’re breaking strings frequently, it’s time to change them.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to change your acoustic guitar strings. Changing your strings regularly will help to keep your guitar in good condition and will give you the best possible sound.

The Basics In How To Change Strings On An Acoustic Guitar

Remove the old strings.

Start by loosening the tension on the strings by turning the tuning pegs counterclockwise. You can do this by hand but using a string winder is much easier. Once the strings are loose, you can cut them off with the wire cutters. Be sure to dispose of the old strings properly.

Install the new strings into the bridge.

Start by sliding the string with the ball into the bridge hole. Then insert the pin into the bridge with the cutout facing the string. Press the pin firmly into the hole. Be sure to keep them snug throughout the process. They like to pop up when tension is applied, just push them back down if this happens.

Attach the string to the post of the winding machines.

Thread the string through the hole in the tuning post. Bring the string down the center of the peghead and thread it out towards the tuning machine button. Leaving a bit of string length to wind around the tuner, bend the string gently toward the top of the peghead. Pass the string up and under itself.

Keeping the tension on both ends of the string, fold the string over itself. Continue to hold tension on the string and begin to wind. Remember that if the bridge pin pops up a bit, push it back down. The string should be wound down the shaft to increase the string’s angle over the nut. Once the string is wound to the desired tension, cut off the excess string.

Tune the guitar.

Once all of the strings are installed, you will need to tune the guitar. The easiest way to tune is by using a guitar tuner like a Snark.

Stretch the strings.

Once the guitar is tuned, you will need to stretch the strings. This will help them to stay in tune. To stretch the strings, simply play them for a few minutes. As you play, the strings will become tighter and will stay in tune better. It will take about a week for the strings to settle into pitch.

Here are some additional tips for changing strings on an acoustic guitar:

• Use the correct type of strings. There are many different types of strings available, so it is important to choose the right ones for your guitar. If you are not sure what type of strings to use, I suggest using a light gauge from Martin or D’Addario. As your skill increases and you try more strings, you’ll get a better feel for the types of strings you prefer..
• Be careful not to over-tighten the strings. Over-tightening the strings can damage the guitar. When you are tuning the strings, be sure to tighten them just enough so that they are in tune.
• If you are not comfortable changing the strings yourself, you can always take your guitar to your teacher or a guitar technician at a repair shop. They will be able to change the strings quickly and easily.

Changing the strings on your acoustic guitar is a simple task that can be done at home with a few simple tools. By following these steps, you can keep your guitar sounding its best.

If you need a little more visual guidance, then check out the video below presented by Fender.

If you’re looking for a replacement for the guitar you are learning to string, then check out our 10 of the Best Beginner Acoustic Guitars post.

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Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.