How to install strings correctly. String tension: everything you need to know

Sooner or later, any guitarist is faced with the need to replace old strings with new ones (we wrote about the signs that strings should be changed in the article:). But not everyone, especially beginners, knows how to do this correctly, so in this article we will talk about this, although not complicated, but very important process.

Replacing strings on an electric guitar

How to remove old strings

The easiest way is to first loosen the tension of the strings, in order to avoid injury, bite them with wire cutters, then remove the remains from the machine and pegs. The method is more complicated, first you need to twist the old strings from the pegs, this can be quickly done using such a turntable (we talked about it and other accessories useful for a guitarist in this article:).

How to install new strings

Before installing new strings, make sure you install them in in the right order, usually each envelope from the package is marked with the number of a specific string, but if there is no such marking, and this also happens, you will have to select the strings by eye, and it is better to do this in advance and not in the process, so as not to spoil the set.

It is best to install the strings not in order, but in the sequence 1-6, 2-5, 3-4. Such an installation will make the tension force of the strings on the neck symmetrical and uniform, which in turn will have a positive effect on the condition of the neck and will minimize the possibility of violating its geometry.

The installation of strings in the bridge primarily depends on its design; if with a tom, headtrail and classic Strat tremolo you can simply thread the strings through the bridge, then with a floyd, caler, etc. everything is not so simple and the string will still have to be fixed in the machine using special keys.

After installing the strings in the bridge, you should pass the string through the hole in the peg rod, however, there are nuances, such as the number of turns, because if there are a lot of them, problems will arise with the tuning, the optimal number is 2-4 turns on strings without braid and no more than 2 -x turns on braided strings.
To more securely fix the string in the peg, you can install it as follows:

However, such manipulations are often unnecessary and, of course, on instruments with locking pegs or top locking pegs, such an installation will not bring any benefit.

Replacing strings on an acoustic western guitar

How to remove old strings

There are also two ways: the first, using wire cutters, is to simply bite the strings and remove the remains from the pegs and bridge, and the second, also using a peg turntable, loosen the tension of the strings, and use it to remove the buttons holding the strings in the bridge:

However, if you do not have such a device, you can remove the locking buttons using improvised means, for example, a coin.

How to install new strings

Installing new strings on a Western guitar is very similar to the procedure described above with an electric guitar; in the same way, you should set the string sequence, make no more than 2-4 turns on strings without braid and no more than 2 turns on strings with braid and fix it on the peg string.

However, installing a string in a bridge is very specific; first, you should place the string in one of the holes in the bridge, close it with a button and press well on it so that it does not squeeze out when the string is pulled.

Replacing strings on an acoustic classical guitar

How to remove old strings

The easiest way is to simply loosen the tension of the strings, cut them and carefully untie the knots on the pegs and bridge; you can, of course, untie them without cutting them, but this method will take more time and effort.

How to install new strings

First, make sure the string order is correct before installation. Then pass the string through the bridge hole and carefully make a knot as shown in the picture:

Carefully ensure that the knot is tighter and does not fall apart.
Then thread the strings into the pegs, starting with the first one and make a knot according to the diagram in the figure:

Again, monitor the tightness of the knot and do not forget that strings 4, 5 and 6 are wound in the opposite direction from 1, 2 and 3.

Replacing strings on a bass guitar

How to remove old strings

Due to the fact that cutting or cutting strings on a bass guitar is a rather complicated and time-consuming task, the easiest way is to simply loosen the tension of the strings using pegs; don’t forget about a turntable; this will be much faster.

You need to loosen the tension in the following order 1-4-3-2, so the force acting on the bar will be relatively evenly distributed and the chance that you will break the geometry of the bar will be close to zero.
Then you should remove the strings from the holes of the pegs and bridge.

How to install new strings

First of all, before installation, you need to make sure that the order of the strings is correct. Then thread the strings through the holes in the bridge; depending on the design, the strings may also pass through the body.
It is worth noting the fact that strings on bass guitars are often inserted directly into the peg rod:

To correctly insert a string there, you should apply it to the peg simulating tension, move 1.5-2 centimeters to the top and cut off the end of the string; this will be easy to do, since the strings of a bass guitar are usually much narrower at the end. The strings should be installed in the same order as they were removed: 1-4-3-2.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say that, depending on the instrument, the force acting on the strings can reach up to 100 kilograms, as a result of which, in order to avoid injuries when replacing, you need to be very careful and not apply excessive force, especially when tensioning new strings.

→ How to change strings

Attention! When changing strings or tuning, hold the instrument with the top of the instrument facing away from you. The total tension force of the guitar strings can reach 50 kg. If the string breaks, it can damage your eyes and face. If, when replacing strings, you need to cut the string with a special tool (nippers, etc.), you must completely release its tension in advance. A sudden drop in string tension can not only cause damage to the fretboard, but a snapped string can also injure you. To relieve tension, it is convenient to use special ones (sometimes called stringwinders).

How to change and tighten nylon strings on classical guitar

IN classical guitars Nylon strings are most often used. Typically the three strings are made of pure nylon, the three bass strings are complemented by windings of silver plated copper. It is not recommended to use metal strings in a classical guitar - it is simply dangerous: since the instrument is not designed for strong tension, it can break itself, and even cause damage to you.

1. Remove the first string - unwind the peg by hand or using a string winder, remove the string from the peg mechanism on the headstock and then pull it out of the stand (bridge) on the top soundboard.

2. Attaching the new string to the stand (bridge). The diagram shows the part of the stand (bridge) and the part of the string that is attached (neck at the top). When attaching the first, second or third string, you can make more turns.

Make sure the last turn of string is at the edge of the bridge.

3. Attaching a new string to the tuning machine. The diagram shows how to install the first string (the second and third are installed in the same way). The fourth, fifth and sixth strings are wound onto the peg in the opposite direction when installed.

4. After installing the strings, you can tune the guitar; use for this.

Please note that immediately after installation, the strings will actively stretch and the guitar may go out of tune very quickly - this is normal. A little later this process will become less noticeable, but the strings will still stretch, and the guitar will have to be adjusted periodically.

How to change and tighten metal strings on an acoustic guitar

1. Remove the first string - unwind the peg by hand or using a string winder and remove the string from the peg mechanism on the headstock. Then remove the tailpiece (pin) from the stand (bridge) on the top soundboard of the guitar. If you don’t have a tenacious tool at hand, you can remove it using any coin.

2. Insert the string into the hole, close it with a pin and press it well so that it does not squeeze out when the string is pulled.

3. We bring the free end of the string to the head of the guitar neck and insert it into the hole of the desired peg, then turn the string in the direction opposite to the rotation of the peg (2), pass the tip of the string from below (3) and wrap it around the string going to the soundboard (4). After this, we rotate the peg along the blue arrow (5), the string clamps itself and, thanks to this “lock,” does not slip out of the hole of the peg (6). As a result, there should be 2-3 turns on the peg. If the strings are wound on the pegs without this very “lock”, then the guitar often goes out of tune, because When playing, the strings begin to weaken, even with a large number of turns.

4. Now you can tune the guitar using, for example, .

Every experienced guitarist knows that strings need to be changed regularly. If you neglect this rule, the sound of the guitar and its general condition will rapidly deteriorate. Therefore, every beginner sooner or later faces the question “how to change strings on a guitar.” We will look at the process of replacing strings on an acoustic guitar, electric guitar and bass guitar below.

For most beginning musicians, this process seems terribly complicated and incomprehensible.

In fact, you don’t need to have any special skills, but change the strings with a clear and step by step instructions, even a person far from music can do it.

Professional guitarists change strings every month, or even every week. However, for an amateur guitarist who devotes about an hour a day to his hobby, it is enough to change the strings once every two to three months. In general, the question “how often to change strings” is quite philosophical. Exists great amount manufacturer brands, materials and thickness standards. You can understand all this diversity by reading here. One set of strings can perform its functions properly for three months, while another will become unusable within a couple of weeks. That's why the best option- monitor the condition of the strings daily and purchase a new set if:

• You notice that the sound of the guitar has become “faded” and inexpressive;
• You have to tune your guitar more and more often;
• The strings cling to the frets;
• External signs appeared - loss of color, shape.

Does it look like your guitar? — Go to the store for a new set!

How to change strings on an acoustic guitar

Today, there are two types of acoustics on store shelves - those with nylon strings and those with metal strings. A guitar with nylon strings is usually called a “classical” guitar and is typically taught in music schools and they play exclusively with their fingers, without a mediator. Guitar with metal - “dreadnought” or “western”. It’s not worth betting on “western” nylon or “classic” metal - such experiments, in best case scenario, they will ruin the sound, and in the worst case, the neck will be bent.

First, let's figure out how to change the strings to metal strings.

1. Loosen the pegs by hand or using a special wrench.
2. Take the strings out of the pegs and unwind them.
3. Remove the pins (plugs) that hold the strings in a stationary position from the holder. We recommend using a special tool instead of pliers or pliers. But if neither one nor the other is at hand, use any coin.
4. Take out the strings.
5. Take the time to wipe hard-to-reach places on the hyphae and soundboard when the strings are tense.
6. Time for new strings. The optimal order of string tension is 1st, 6th. 2nd, 5th, 3rd, 4th. This method gives more space to your hands.
7. Insert the string into the hole on the holder and press down with the plug until it stops.
8. Insert the other end into the peg and wrap it around.
9. Wind the strings to approximate working condition. The first three strings are tensioned clockwise, the rest - counterclockwise. Don't forget to hold the plugs, otherwise the string may pop out.
10. Use wire cutters to remove any remaining ends.

The difference in installing strings on classics and dreadnoughts lies in the different mounting on the holders. In “classics”, as a rule, there are no plugs - the strings are attached using a knot.

• Thread the string into the holder.
• Make a loop - bring the end of the string behind the main part.
• Wrap the end around the string and thread it through the loop to create a knot.
• Press the string against the soundboard.
• Tighten the string tighter by pulling the main part and the end into different sides.

How to change strings on an electric guitar

1. Use a wrench or manually to release the tension.
2. Pull the strings through the back of the guitar. To make it easier to grip the strings, insert the strings through the hole. If you have a typewriter Floyd Rose, then you need to use a special wrench to loosen the “saddles” for the strings.
3. Don't forget to take care of your guitar - wipe it with a lint-free cloth.
4. Before installing new strings, place the guitar at a comfortable level on a soft surface to avoid scratches.
5. Turn the tuning pin hole to face you.
6. Thread the strings through the holes on the back or place them in Floyd Rose saddles.
7. Press the string a little and slowly tighten it.
8. Next, insert it into the peg and start winding.
9. Trim the remaining strings.

How to change strings on a bass guitar

1. Gradually release the tension on the strings using the pegs until the tension is completely gone.
2. When the strings are free, pull them out one at a time.
3. Pull the strings through the tailpiece or body, depending on the model.
4. Use a cloth to wipe down the guitar.
5. Pull the strings in the same way as you removed the previous set.
6. Carefully and slowly pull the strings through the guide.
7. Wrap until there is about two centimeters of string remaining.
8. Bend the ends of the strings and place them in the groove.

      Date of publication: April 08, 2015

Each of the beginning musicians who pick up a guitar is forced, sooner or later, to deal with replacing strings. And, as practice shows, few of them are able to do this as expected. In this article we will look at how to string a guitar correctly and without mistakes.

IN currently guitar strings There are two types available - nylon (sometimes called synthetic) and metal. By and large, every acoustic guitar designed to use one type of string. This is due, first of all, to different string tension: “nylon” is much softer than “metal”, and the design of the guitar takes this into account. You can, of course, try to string nylon strings on a Western guitar, but in this case it will be difficult for the soft “nylon” to swing a hard body designed for strings made of metal. Stretching metal strings on classical guitars, originally designed for nylon, is simply risky, since strong tension can tear out the bottom nut (studding), and the neck without an anchor can lead. Never do this!

By appearance distinguish guitars designed for tensioning different types strings, very easy. Just look at the neck and the nut. Look for yourself - and everything will become clear to you. Metal strings, unlike nylon strings, are not attached to the snare, but to the body of the guitar. Inside the body, the soundboard under the snare is reinforced with a wooden plate to help withstand tension metal strings.

How to String a Metal String Guitar

So, how to change guitar strings correctly? Let's look at this process step by step.

1. Loosen the pegs - rotate them until the string begins to sag freely. It is very convenient to use a special string spinner for this - it costs a pittance, but it helps a lot!

2. When the metal string has weakened, simply unwind the string, freeing the peg from it.

3. Remove the plugs (pins) holding the string in the nut. Many people do this in a barbaric manner - with ordinary wire cutters or pliers, after which traces of this unsightly surgical intervention remain on the plugs, and sometimes on the threshold. It is better to use a special tool, which is much more convenient, and the plugs do not deteriorate.

4. When the plug is removed, pull out a metal string with a ball (hammer) at the end from the hole in the bottom sill.

5. When the guitar is left without strings, do not forget to take care of it - wipe the dust in those places where installed strings were not allowed to do this, and also clean the neck and body with special products.

6. Now we stretch new metal strings. The installation procedure can be recommended as follows: first, strings 1 and 6 are tensioned, then 2 and 5, then 3 and 4. This is convenient because the already installed pair of strings does not interfere with the installation of the next pair.

We thread the ball of the new string into the hole and insert the plug until it stops.

7. We thread the other end of the string into the hole of the peg and wrap the main part of the string around the axis of the peg so that the tip of the string remains under our turn.

We make the next turn with the help of a peg, wrapping the string already under the tip of the string. Thus, when tensioned, the tip of the string will be securely fixed between our two turns.

The meaning of these actions is simple - the more turns of string are wound around the peg, the more often the guitar will go out of tune. Our task is to minimize the turns, but at the same time there remains the possibility that under tension the string in the peg will not hold and will fly out. Therefore, we make a kind of knot that will allow us not to wind it around the peg. big number turns, and at the same time reliably hold the string on the peg.

If you do wind a lot of turns on the peg, make sure that they do not overlap each other, but are located next to each other, like spirals in a spring.

Remember the winding direction: the first three strings (thin) are wound clockwise, and the 4th, 5th and 6th strings are wound counterclockwise.

8. Pull the string onto the guitar until it is approximately working, being sure to hold the plug with your free hand. If you don't hold it, it can easily fly out when the string is pulled. Pull the string slowly and smoothly, without jerking, otherwise it may break. When stretched until elastic, stop and carefully release the plug. Do not under any circumstances overtighten the string! It's better to under-tighten than over-tighten!

9. Repeat this operation for all other strings.

10. Take wire cutters (or a special multifunctional tool) and carefully cut the ends of the metal strings at the pegs. Don't leave those ugly clusters of dangling strings on the headstock! It looks terrible, but that’s not the point, the point is that the sharp ends can easily injure a person nearby.

After stringing the guitar, tune them using a tuner or tuning fork. Be prepared for the fact that until the next day the system will float a little: the strings settle into place, stretch, and come into working condition. So tune your guitar every few hours and everything will be fine!

In general, it takes about 15-20 minutes to replace metal strings on a guitar. And the question “how to change strings on a guitar” should disappear by itself.

How to String a Nylon String Guitar

Now let's learn how to properly tension nylon strings. It's a little more complicated than replacing metal strings, but not so much that you can't handle it. Go!

1. Remove old nylon strings. Using a turntable or by hand, rotate the peg in the desired direction until you can pull the tip of the string out of the hole in the peg. To make things easier, some lazy guitarists start by simply cutting stretched strings scissors, but pieces of strings and torn pieces of gimp flying over the guitar are potentially dangerous for both you and the guitar!

2. Remove the other end of the string from the nut, unraveling the loop knot.

3. After removing all the strings, wipe the guitar from dust - the headstock, the neck itself, the body of the guitar. It is inconvenient to do this with the strings installed. You can use special products to care for your guitar.

4. We stretch new strings. We will stretch the nylon strings in the same order as the metal ones: first the 1st and 6th, then the 2nd and 5th, then the 3rd and 4th. In this case, the already installed strings will not interfere with us pulling the next ones.

Let's look at the classic installation of nylon strings on the nut. Let's start with the sixth string. We thread it into the hole of the threshold by 10-12 centimeters.

5. Make a loop - place the tip of the string under its main part.

6. Wrap the tip around the string and put it in a loop - you get a knot.

7. Bend the main part of the nylon string to the soundboard of the guitar. If you don't do this, the tip of the string may slip out of the knot.

8. Pull the main part of the string and its tip firmly in different directions so that the knot is tightened.

9. Move on to the second end of the string. Insert the end of the string into the hole of the peg.

10. Bring the tip of the string up, making a half turn around the peg.

11. Wrap the tip of the string around the main part of the string.

12. Rotating the peg, stretch the nylon string. A few turns around the peg are enough - the tail of the string will be securely pressed and will not jump out. The rotation should be made to the side when the string comes out to the nut from the top of the shaft.

13. Let's move on to the first string. We thread it into the hole of the threshold by 10-12 centimeters.

14. Make a loop - place the tip of the string under its main part.

15. Wrap the tip around the string, not just once, but several times. By the way, many people do this with all strings - this is a purely personal matter.

16. Pull the main part of the string and its tip firmly in different directions so that the knot is tightened. Be sure to ensure that the tip of the string extends beyond the edge of the nut! Otherwise it may pop out.

17. We pull the second part of the string onto the peg similarly to the sixth string.

18. We stretch the 5th and 4th strings similarly to the 6th string, and the 2nd and 3rd strings similarly to the 1st.

19. Carefully trim the ends of the nylon strings.

You'll be done in twenty to thirty minutes. Unlike metal strings, nylon strings take much longer to shrink - sometimes up to a week. It would be advisable to immediately tighten the strings a little higher in tuning than they should be. They will still weaken. Do not forget to constantly tighten the strings during shrinkage.

Let's talk now about some subtleties. First, do not wrap the wraps all the way to the end of the shaft - where they can get caught in the gap between the shaft and the wood of the fingerboard (red arrows). When tensioned, the string may break! Always leave some space between the last turn and the end of the shaft.

Secondly, you should avoid large bending of the strings in the area of ​​the nut (highlighted with a red line):

To do this, the direction of winding the string must be certain: the 1st and 6th strings - in the outer direction of the shaft, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th - in the inner direction of the shaft. In the photograph, the directions for winding the strings are shown by arrows. Of course, it may not be possible to place the string without bending at all, but our task is to make it minimal:

Another tip - many guitarists, before installing smooth strings (without winding - from the first to the third) in the nut, make an additional knot at the tip. This prevents the tail from slipping out of the loop.

Some sets of strings are sold with small thickenings at the end. In this case, there is no need to make additional knots - the string will no longer jump out:

Sometimes manufacturers produce nylon strings with balls (hammers) at the end - the same as for metal strings. This allows you to simply slide the string through the hole without having to tie a knot at the nut. Not a bad solution, but for some reason it has not yet received wide distribution.

Good luck with this simple task!