How to restring a guitar
Each guitar anchors the string differently: a steel-string acoustic uses bridge pins, a classical guitar has the string tied at the bridge, and an electric runs it through the bridge or the body. Choose yours and check off the steps as you go; your progress is saved on this device.
Guitar standard tuning, string by string
From the 6th string (the thickest) to the 1st, at A 440 Hz.
| String | Note | Hz |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 | 82.41 |
| 5 | A2 | 110.00 |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 |
| 1 | E4 | 329.63 |
How to use it
- Tap Steel-string acoustic, Classical (nylon) or Electric guitar.
- Do a step and tick its box. When every box is ticked, the page scrolls down to the tuner.
- In the tuner, pluck each open string and turn the tuning key until the needle stops in the center. Start over clears the guide for your next string change.
Help and explanations
At the end of the guide there's a string-by-string guitar tuner: E 82.41 Hz on the 6th string up to E 329.63 Hz on the 1st, at A 440 Hz.
One string at a time
Taking all six off at once suddenly releases about 163 lb (74 kg) of tension from a steel-string acoustic strung with 12s and about 84 lb (38 kg) from a classical: neck relief shifts, the saddle can fall out, and on an electric with a floating tremolo the bridge tips back. Change one string at a time and only take them all off to clean the fretboard.
How many wraps on the tuning post
Too few wraps and the string slips; too many and it takes longer to settle in tune. On steel strings, 2 to 3 wraps on the wound strings and 4 to 5 on the plain ones, leaving 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) of slack past the post. On nylon, lock the string under itself and wind 3 to 4 neat turns side by side. Wrap downward on the post, which increases the break angle over the nut.
New strings stretch for the first few hours, nylon much more than steel. That's why the guide has you pull the string after tuning and retune two or three times.
Tools for the job
A string winder, flush cutters and a tuner cover most string changes. The notch on most winders doubles as a bridge-pin puller, which saves both the pins and the top, and a Floyd Rose needs the Allen keys for the nut clamps and saddles.
Tips
- Slacken before you cut: a string cut under tension whips and can scratch the top.
- Changed gauge? See the difference in the string tension calculator and check the string action.
- With new strings on, check intonation with the intonation checker.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to restring a guitar?
10 to 20 minutes for all six. Then retune a few times over the first hours, and for two or three days on nylon.
How many wraps should a string have on the tuning post?
On steel, 2 to 3 on the wound strings and 4 to 5 on the plain ones. On nylon, 3 to 4 turns side by side, with the string locked under itself. Locking tuners need no wraps.
Can I take all the strings off at once?
You can, but one at a time is better: removing all of them takes about 160 lb off a steel-string acoustic neck and throws a floating-tremolo guitar out of balance.
How do I tie classical guitar strings at the bridge?
Pass the string through the tie-block hole leaving 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) behind, bring it back under itself and wrap the end 1 to 2 times around it; 3 times on strings 1, 2 and 3.
What are the notes of the guitar strings?
From 6th to 1st: E 82.41 Hz, A 110 Hz, D 146.83 Hz, G 196 Hz, B 246.94 Hz and E 329.63 Hz, at A 440 Hz.
How often should I change guitar strings?
If you play every day, every 1 to 3 months, or sooner if the strings sound dull or won't intonate at the 12th fret anymore.