How to restring your guitar

JUNE 12TH, 2025

Restringing an electric guitar begins with removing the old strings. Loosen the tension by turning the tuning pegs until the strings become slack, then carefully unwind and remove them from the tuning pegs and bridge. It is advisable to do this one string at a time to maintain neck tension, although removing all strings at once is possible if the truss rod is properly adjusted. Once the strings are removed, clean the fretboard and other hardware using a suitable cleaner or conditioner.

Next, thread the new string through the bridge, ensuring it is securely anchored depending on your guitar’s specific bridge type (such as a fixed bridge or tremolo system). Pull the string towards the appropriate tuning peg and insert it through the peg hole. Leave some slack to allow for winding—approximately enough for 2-3 wraps around the peg for the higher strings, and 3-5 wraps for the thicker lower strings. Begin to wind the tuning peg, making sure the string coils neatly and downward, which helps maintain tuning stability and tension.

After all strings are installed and roughly tensioned, tune the guitar to the desired pitch using an electronic tuner for accuracy. Stretch the strings gently by pulling them away from the fretboard, then retune. Repeat this stretching and tuning process a few times until the strings stabilise and stay in tune. Finally, trim the excess string ends at the tuning pegs to avoid sharp edges and ensure a clean finish to the restringing process.