Changing guitar strings may seem intimidating the first time, but with the right technique, it becomes a simple and satisfying part of guitar maintenance.
Fresh strings improve your tone, make playing easier, and help keep your guitar in top shape.
At Chagrin Valley Music, we offer in-store string changes and full guitar repair services for players who’d rather leave it to the pros.
🎯 What You’ll Need
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A fresh set of guitar strings (choose acoustic, electric, or classical depending on your guitar type)
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String winder (optional, but speeds up the process)
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Wire cutters
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Tuner
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Clean cloth for wiping down the fretboard
1️⃣ Remove the Old Strings
Step-by-step:
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Loosen the tension by turning the tuning keys until the strings have no pitch.
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Use a string winder for faster unwinding.
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On acoustics, remove the bridge pins to release the strings (gently lift with the notch on the string winder or a bridge pin puller).
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On electrics, pull the strings out through the bridge or tailpiece.
💡 Tip: Take all strings off at once if you want to deep-clean the fretboard, but remove them one at a time if you want to keep neck tension steady.
2️⃣ Clean the Guitar
Before adding new strings:
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Wipe the fretboard and body with a clean, dry cloth.
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Use fretboard conditioner on rosewood or ebony boards (avoid on maple).
This is the best time to remove built-up grime.
3️⃣ Install the New Strings
For Acoustic Guitars:
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Insert the ball end of the string into the bridge hole.
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Place the bridge pin back in, with the groove facing the string.
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Push the pin in firmly while gently pulling up on the string until it locks.
For Electric Guitars:
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Thread the string through the back of the guitar (strat-style) or from the tailpiece (Les Paul-style).
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Pull the string up to the headstock.
4️⃣ Attach to the Tuning Peg
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Pull the string through the hole in the tuning peg.
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Leave a bit of slack (about 2–3 inches).
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Start winding so that each wrap goes neatly below the previous one.
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Keep tension on the string with your picking hand as you wind.
💡 Tip: For stability, have 2–3 wraps for wound strings (low E, A, D) and 3–5 wraps for plain strings (G, B, high E).
5️⃣ Tune and Stretch
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Use a tuner to bring the string up to pitch.
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Gently pull the string away from the fretboard along its length to stretch it.
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Retune—it will go flat after stretching, so repeat until it holds pitch.
6️⃣ Clip the Excess
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Use wire cutters to trim excess string close to the tuning peg.
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Avoid sharp ends sticking out—they can poke fingers or snag clothing.
🛠️ Chagrin Valley Music Tip
If you’re unsure about string type, gauge, or technique, bring your guitar to us.
We can help you pick the right strings, demonstrate proper restringing, and even do a full setup so your guitar plays and sounds its best.
👉 Explore our guitar lesson programs »
👉 Stop in for a string change or guitar checkup »
Final Thought: Restringing gets faster every time you do it. With fresh strings, your guitar will feel livelier, sound brighter, and inspire you to play more.