How to Restring a Guitar: Acoustic and Electric Guitar

Restringing your guitar is an essential skill for any guitarist. In this guide, we’ll walk you through restringing both acoustic and electric guitars.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need: 

• A new set of guitar strings 
• Wire cutters 
• String winder (optional but handy) 
• A tuner 
• A soft cloth for cleaning 
• Lemon oil (for cleaning the fretboard, optional) 

Basic Setup:

1. Lay Your Guitar on a Clean, Flat Surface: Protect your guitar’s finish with a towel and support the neck with books to keep it level. 
2. Gather Your Tools: Have your new strings, wire cutters, and string winder (if available) ready. Keep a tuner nearby. 

Restringing an Acoustic Guitar:

1. Loosen the Old Strings: Start with the highest string (high E) and unwind all strings in a counterclockwise direction.
2. Remove the Strings from the Bridge: Use a string winder or pliers to lift bridge pins and remove the old strings.
3. Insert the New Strings: Secure the ball end of each new string in the bridge.
4. Thread the Strings through the Tuning Pegs: Pull the string across the nut and insert it into the tuning peg hole, leaving 2-3 inches of excess.
5. Wind the Strings: Wind each string onto its peg, ensuring neat wrapping. Use a string winder for efficiency.
6. Trim Excess String Length: Cut excess string close to the tuning peg.
7. Tune and Stretch: Use a tuner to bring each string to pitch and stretch them to prevent tuning issues.

Restringing an Electric Guitar

1. Loosen the Old Strings: Slacken the old strings by turning the tuning pegs.
2. Cut the Strings and Remove Them: Cut and remove old strings grouped around the neck pickup.
3. Thread the Strings Through the Saddle: Pass the non-ball end of the string through the rear, over the bridge, and through the saddle.
4. Thread the Strings Through the Tuner: Thread each string through the corresponding tuning peg hole and maintain proper winding direction.
5. Tighten the Strings: Wind the strings on the tuners, avoiding overlapping.
6. Trim Excess String Length: Trim the excess string close to the tuning peg.
7. Tune and Stretch: Tune your electric guitar and stretch each string for tuning stability. 

By following these steps, you can confidently restring your guitar, enhancing its tone and longevity.