Changing guitar strings

[abbotter88]

So I've never personally changed my guitar strings, I have always had a guitar shop do it. However, now that i'm at school I have to do it myself. Just wondering, if I don't really know what i'm doing and following a web site's instructions, is there any danger in screwing up my guitar...or is it pretty easy to change strings? thanks

[VanHorneDog]

you can screw up your Machine Heads if you turn them too much, but you can replace those.

your biggest problem would be if you cant get them on and tightened properly and leave them off or lose. you can cause neck problems. gutiars are made to have strings at full tension on them.

just get a few really cheap sets of strings to practice with and go from there or find somebody to show you how to do it so you make sure you do it right.

[Character Zer0]

just get a few really cheap sets of strings to practice with and go from there or find somebody to show you how to do it so you make sure you do it right.

I agree with this.

I would do that first, because chances are your first time you may break a string, but after you get the first time out of your way it'll come easy to you. It's really not rocket science, so once you do your first string you'll most likely get it down.

[Taylor/Martin]

I would Google "Taylor String Changing Method." Their method is awesome for changing acoustic strings. I hate changing strings with a passion, but this method helps make it less frustrating.

[sully51]

It's a pretty easy process, make sure you only do a string at a time though because as VanHorneDog said you can damage the neck by totally unloading it.

[VanHorneDog]

It's a pretty easy process, make sure you only do a string at a time though because as VanHorneDog said you can damage the neck by totally unloading it.

most guitar techs i know just cut them all off and start froms scratch and it was how i was taught by and instructor, its also easier to clean the guitar when you do this. which is extremely important to keep the wood at the right moisture level and letting it breath like its supposed to. its unloading it for a long period of time that is dangerous. the truss rod wont do anything to a neck in 5 minutes.

[MCP318]

stringing a 12-string is one of the most irritating things in the world

[VanHorneDog]

stringing a 12-string is one of the most irritating things in the world

try a mandolin, omg. :lol

[Pipsqueak]

It's a pretty easy process, make sure you only do a string at a time though because as VanHorneDog said you can damage the neck by totally unloading it.


This is an old wives' tale.
You cannot hurt your guitar by taking off all the strings. Plus, that's how you clean the neck of your ax.
Yes...guitars are designed for the tension of the strings. Yes, it may go slightly out of whack while you're changing strings, but it will come right back.

Here's the taylor way:
http://www.taylorguitars.com/global/pdfs/Steel_Restring.pdf

And here's another good reference:
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/Guitar/Setup/SteelStrings/Stringing/ststringing1.html

The second link above has a TON of great guitar care and reference information.

If you went to a guitar store and watched a luthier change your strings, it may freak your freak. Some of those guys just clip away without loosening first. That's not really advised, as the "shock" on the neck is really what can cause damage, esp. on a cheap guitar.

Anyway...hope that helps, and minimizes the spread of false info. (and I don't mean this in a way to call anybody out...just keeping it real)
-A

[VanHorneDog]

^^^ i was just saying that if you leave a guitar untensioned for long periods of time it can throw the guitar out of wack and would require attention. it happened to my neck, i had to move up to mediums for a while becuase i had custom lights on it and the next bowed.

anyway, the lutheir i talked to said to use mediums for a while to put it back, but if it goes too far it can be bad for the fretboard.

[Pipsqueak]

^^^ i was just saying that if you leave a guitar untensioned for long periods of time it can throw the guitar out of wack and would require attention. it happened to my neck, i had to move up to mediums for a while becuase i had custom lights on it and the next bowed.

anyway, the lutheir i talked to said to use mediums for a while to put it back, but if it goes too far it can be bad for the fretboard.

agreed 100%..."long periods of time" I would venture to say, is any duration longer than the time it takes to change strings and clean your fretboard.

[VanHorneDog]

agreed 100%..."long periods of time" I would venture to say, is any duration longer than the time it takes to change strings and clean your fretboard.

of course, like i said before. Changing your strings and cutting them all off wont do anything. leaving that way for 2 weeks. you might see some problems. but most will fix themselves. leave it that way 3 years, you need a new neck.