How to set the strings on an acoustic guitar: step by step instructions, tips

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Guitar is probably the most popular musical instrument among music lovers. Almost everyone can master the technique of playing the acoustic guitar if desired. Like any other musical instrument, the guitar requires careful handling and care. The most, perhaps, the main procedure for the current maintenance of the instrument is the replacement of strings. In what cases it is required and how to properly install the strings on an acoustic guitar - we analyze in this article.

Reason for replacement

The most common and obvious reason for replacing strings is when they break. Usually the thinnest are torn - the first and second. It is also necessary to make a replacement in cases where the strings stop sounding. This happens when:

• heavy pollution;
• long-term operation, when the string stretches over time and loses elasticity;

Before a responsible performance or concert is also recommendedinstall strings on an acoustic guitar - both to get a qualitatively new sound, and in order to protect yourself from an untimely break. It is advisable to make a replacement 2-3 days before the event. In this case, the strings will properly settle on the instrument, and it will be possible to thoroughly tune it.

In general, experts advise replacing the strings on an acoustic guitar at least once every six months, and even more often with an intensive playing mode.

Preparation for work

Before you install the strings on an acoustic guitar, you need to decide on the choice of a new set. Regardless of how many are torn, it is recommended to replace them with a complete set. First, strings from different manufacturers have different properties and can vary greatly in sound. Secondly, during operation they stretch, therefore, even taken from exactly the same set, they will play differently.

Another important point - the choice of the type of material: steel or nylon. If the instrument was originally designed for nylon strings, in no case should steel ones be installed. Excessive tension can deform the neck or break the saddle.

Before starting work, you must also prepare the necessary tools.

Replacement Tools

To change strings you will need:

Accessory for changing strings. Sold in every music store and greatly facilitates the work. It is put on a peg and speeds up the twisting of old strings. ATthe lower part has a recess with which you can pick up the locking peg

• Set of new strings. It is selected individually, depending on the level of play, the budget of the owner, the number of strings in the kit.
• Nippers or scissors for metal. If there is no purpose to save the old strings, then they can be cut to facilitate removal. After installing new ones, the remaining ends are bitten off.
• A piece of soft cloth. Use a microfiber cloth or regular flannel to clean the neck and body.
• Means for the care of the guitar. A special liquid for cleaning the surface of the instrument is available at any music store. Makes it easier to remove dirt and dust from the body and neck, dissolves grease stains, and makes the surface shiny.

Removing old strings

To loosen the string tension, you need to start turning the peg. If, instead of loosening, the string continues to stretch and the sound gets higher, change direction.

Rotate until the string starts to dangle. Then the end must be removed from the hole in the fittings of the peg. This procedure is performed for all strings.

Next, the strings are removed from the bottom. The locking pegs must be pryed from below with any flat tool and removed, and the end of the string removed.

If the pegs are too tight and won't budge, you can stick your hand into the guitar's resonator hole and lightly press on them from below. After that, the neck and body of the guitarIt is advisable to wipe with a napkin treated with a special agent. Old strings can be rolled up and put away for later use as spares.

How to string an acoustic guitar

6 strings of the new set are taken out of the package and unwrapped. Installation starts from the extreme, moving on to the middle. This order will allow you to evenly and gradually load the neck.

Before setting the strings on an acoustic guitar, it is advisable to check the height of the neck and, if necessary, adjust its position with an anchor.

The end of the string, on which the hammer (a special cylinder that holds the string) is located, is inserted into the hole under the bottom bar, a peg is inserted from above. In this case, you need to pull the string in the direction of the fingerboard so that it is securely fixed.

Next, proceed to winding and final fixing. The strings are passed through the corresponding slot in the top shelf, then threaded through the hole in the tuning pegs and make a couple of turns so that the end is under the turn.

The string is finally fixed by turning the tuning screw. You don't have to tighten all the strings at once. There is a risk that one of them will burst and the whole set will become unusable.

After all the strings are stretched and set, it is advisable to wait 1-2 days. During this time, excess tension in the new string will be removed. Then you should cut off the ends with wire cutters. But some fans prefer to leave curls for extra effect.

How to put nylon strings onacoustic guitar

When choosing a guitar for learning, novice musicians focus on nylon strings. They are much softer than steel. The first three - the sharpest - do not have a winding at all. This avoids the appearance of corns on the fingers in the learning process. The advantage is that you can install nylon strings on both acoustic and classical guitars.

Let's figure out how to install nylon strings on acoustics. The main difference is that there are no balls at the ends. The string is simply passed through the slot, threaded through the hole in the lower bar and fixed with a knot.

There are many ways to tie a knot, but the main thing is to securely fix the string on the bar. Then, by analogy with metal ones, they are fixed to the pegs at the top of the neck.

Guitar Tuning

After the strings are correctly set on the acoustic guitar, the instrument is tuned. New strings will stretch a lot at first, so it will not be possible to achieve the perfect sound right away. In the absence of sufficient experience in the tuning process, it is recommended to use a tuner.

Then it is advisable to let the instrument "rest" and repeat the tuning. The first time after installation, more frequent tuning of the instrument will be required. But when the strings sit down, the guitar will get a qualitatively new sound.

Quickly and easily learn how to set the strings on an acoustic guitar, both steel andnylon, you can only constantly practice this. It may be difficult for beginners to do this on their own at first. In this case, you can be advised to turn to the services of specialized music salons, where they will help and tell you how to put the strings on an acoustic guitar. 6 strings specialist will replace within 15-20 minutes.