Immensely helpful - I was able to follow your instructions and changed the strings on my guitar with confidence. Nothing broke, no one died and the world didn't end! Thank you so much!
Thanks from me too. I managed and made no mistake. That was a big surprise for me. And that shows that you instruction video was easy to understand and just perfect. I had bought that black to string a guitar thing some years ago. All guitar owners must have such a thing. It makes it so much more easy to change strings with that thing.
I remember there's an older version of this video on this channel. I used that video as a reference when I first tried to change strings as a beginner. That was three years ago. Now that I look back on my journey, I think of the numerous hours I've spent on this channel and on Justin's website. Thank you Justin for your great lessons. The world is a better place with you in it.
When I first saw this... I said to myself... another head scratching method of how to change strings. But.. it was Justin. The best example by far. Another great job by Justin!
Several things to reinforce what Justin's said here, if you do not stretch the strings straight away, you will fight tuning issues for DAYS. One additional tool besides the winder/cutter would be a device called a String Stretcha. It is a stick with a hook and heel that simulates what Justin showed you but it puts the leverage perfectly on each string and when you run it up and down, it really does a great job. Watch a video about it and you'll see what it does. Also, cutting off the old strings over the fret board instead of the body will keep the strings for scratching up your beautiful finish. One final thought, when all the old strings are off, check the nuts on each tuner head. They will almost always need snugged up when you change strings.
Excellent tutorial! Caution: Be careful with the pins if you are replacing them on an older guitar with very old looking strings. I just changed strings on a 1970's Epiphone. I broke two of the pins trying to get them out with pliers. This was my 1st go at changing strings on an acoustic. Lesson learned.
I have to say you are my first point of call for anything to do with guitars. Anyone can change strings with confidence after watching you. Thanks again.
Justin thank you for this lesson 🙂 I am pleased to report I successfully changed my strings AND finally retrieved the quarter piece of my plectrum that broke off and fell through the sound hole into my guitar body while I was strumming about a month ago 🤣.. easy to follow instructions too much appreciated!
It's worth a mention that when tuning the guitar, always tune up, as in, don't loosen the string to get it in pitch. If it is a little sharp, take it down past the pitch and bring it up to pitch. The string will hold its tuning better.
I should have known it! Haha Cheers, Justin. I have 6 electrics, but many of them are unplayable because of intonation problems. Could you do a lesson on setting the intonation? I've tried fixing them, but seem to make the problem worse, if anything. I can't afford to get them fixed by a good luthier or technician.
+Walamonga 1313 Most of them them were picked up cheaply on eBay. Of those, none costed half of what it did to get my Ibanez set up. And the intonation was only good for a short time.
I used this years ago when I was learning guitar. Flash forward to today when I've picked it back up and it's still the best video I've come across - Glad I found it once more.
Thank you Justin. As a kid, restringing guitar was just fun. Yesterday, I decided to try restringing my guitar myself rather than taking it back to guitar shop. I totally messed up, broke a string, didn't leave enough wind at top or lock in the balls of strings so ordering new set to take it on again tomorrow according to this great tutorial.
I dont ever comment but I just finished restringing a GS Mini and a Les Paul Standard 60s because of u. That clockwise/counter clockwise loop is the easiest to follow. I love u man
An excellent reference at any stage you happen to be on, if playing the acoustic guitar. I guess bad habits creep in, so it's nice and refreshing to have a run through, even if you are a seasoned player
Great lesson which I've just watched again. I now always use this method of changing strings which only takes me about 15 minutes now. The first wind allows the string to lock in place and then the remaining turns keep the string nice and neat below.
This is my go-to for restringing my acoustic guitar. It's by far the clearest instructions out there in RUclips land. Thanks for another great video Justin!
Who would have thought that finding a good video on changing acoustic strings was difficult? So glad I found this one. Literally answered all my questions right as I was about to ask them! Great job. 👍 thanks!
Absolutely great! Probably the best guitar string tutorial on the internet and I've seen quite a few others. Showing things close-up really helps a lot!
I am so bad at changing strings, it's embarrassing. I always come back to this video. It's so helpful. Still, for me getting this done always seems to take all evening, lol. Maybe that's why I don't change my strings nearly as often as I should.
Always a joy to watch well-spoken Justin. He's a good tutor, with an amicable easy-going clear style. Nice cap, too, which is always a bonus. It didn't harm the Housemartins.
This is without a doubt the best video on changing strings I have run into. I particularly appreciated your method of starting the string winds on the tuners. Very cool. I followed the instructions, and I have never changed strings as pain free as this time.
the one thing that has kept me from ever really playing in my 40 year life span was this process right here. Thank you for all your vids, bucket list item checked! :)
I feel rude for not having subscribed much earlier. This is by far the most detailed string changing tutorial I've seen on RUclips, and I've referenced it for the last three times I have changed my strings. Well done.
What a great video!! I have never seen anyone take strings off and put them back on so fast. I guess he has done it several thousand times before:) I also didn't know about stretching the strings before tuning it or the cutter/ winding tool. This was an extremely helpful video so whenever the time comes I won't worry:))
Thank you Justin! Such an excellent lesson. Really helped me through the nervous process of changing my guitar strings for the first time! I'm sure I speak for all of us here when I say I really appreciated the detail you put into this instructional.
I'm not sure how many thousands of times I've done this myself. But for some reason it was still fun to watch you do it! JustinGuitar - making even the mundane aspects interesting. ;)
Thanks Justin! I tried changing strings for the first time today and thanks to your video I got it done successfully without breaking a sweat (or a string!) 😁
Changed my strings finally after starting learning guitar 1.5 yrs in - lol Took 30 mins, and broke the 3rd/G string as I was apparently 2 octaves higher
Great video, Justin. I've been playing since 1963. I like the idea of locking the strings and it's a new one on me. I'm going to change the strings on my Tacoma D-10E right now using your instructions. Thanks. Jim
Sharpen a lead pencil to a nice point and go over the slots in the nut. The graphite lubricates the strings and stops that annoying 'click' when tuning. Once stretched I usually give all the open chords a good bashing, retune, and very rarely have any tuning problems afterwards.
Justin, Thanks a lot for this video. Your tip about stretching the strings was especially helpful as it helps make the new strings sound normal vs. the tinny sound produced by new strings.
I never realise how dull my strings have become until I've changed them. I always use coated strings and I've just changed to Elixir Nanoweb 11s and they're fantastic. I tend to cut them a bit shorter at the headstock end so they don't scratch the inside of the case. Thanks Justin. Great tutorial👍🏻
I've got two Seagulls (both from the Coastline range, but one's a 6-string and the other a 12-string) and they're brilliant. You'll definitely get a great guitar when you get a Seagull.
Thanks so much for this video. I used it for how to wind my strings. First time I ever changed strings and man did it make a difference in sound. Wow were my strings dead.
Why does it help. I’ve used straight winds under the hole for 20 years and never had probs with tuning stability even on a crappy guitar. Ok I might do it but seems like over kill based on my experience.
One of my mistake was that if the strings did not wrap around the metal thing I would try to pull on the strings tight to make it nice and clean. But what that did was not allow any space for me to actually tune the strings into place, and before I could even bring the strings up to standard tuning there was too much pressure so they would break. keep in mind that even if its not perfect the string will become nice and clean tightly around the metal as you're tuning it. So don't let your ADHD get the better of you
Helped a lot. And the guitar sounds so much better. The white bar on the bottom did fall out when I cut the strings. I think I put it back on correctly.
ive got a huge mission ahead.... change strings on a 1960s Martin Coletti excited to see how it sounds, i got a Axel Deluxe player 4 string bass which needs new strings, and my final mission is fit new strings on my 4 month old Fender player strat, i wont touch the fender if i cant manage the other 2 wish me luck ive never did this before. GOOD luck to everyone else trying this.
Just to let you know that I successfully changed my strings for the first time completely stress free! 1 thing worth mentioning...the left tuning pegs need to be turned a different direction to the right side when tightening. I spent a good 2 minutes trying to figure out why it wasn't winding correctly lol
I was going to mention it, but some tuners go the other way and then that would have been even more confusing! :) well done on your first string change!
Haha yeah true. I got there in the end mate. Thanks very much, not just for this video, but for all of your videos. You have been a big influence in my guitar journey. Take care, Chris
No need to cut the strings or use plyers if the pins get stuck. Just loosen the strings a bit more and you can take them out. If the pins seem stuck, just take a small hard object and push from inside the guitar while putting on some counterweight with your other hand. Then you do not risk scratching up anything up. I usually look these videos up because I somehow forget how to wind the strings up to fasten them properly :p
I've been playing for nearly 10 years and I never knew "stretching out new strings." was so literal... The strings are constantly being stretched under a great deal of tension. That's the very nature of the instrument. So, I always assumed it just meant to wait till the strings settle in on their own.
This just lets you keep strings better in tune straight away, especially for gigging artists who sometimes change strings daily. This isn't so bad with steel strings, nylon instrument like ukulele or classical guitar are stretching strings for so long time.
When I was a pup I'd change a string when I broke one but as the years have rolled by I change the whole set about once every six weeks. easy to say when I can afford to do it but try to aim towards it at least.
thanks justin you saved my money and me from becoming broke af lmfao where i am in Australia a pack of martin and co strings are like 16.99 but then im not employed either anyway you saved me man
What Justin said about keeping an eye on the tuning pegs......please do that lots otherwise your eyeball can get severely scratched.....which never happened to me long before this video existed....honestly 👀
Immensely helpful - I was able to follow your instructions and changed the strings on my guitar with confidence. Nothing broke, no one died and the world didn't end! Thank you so much!
SterlingOwl loool it's not that hard! This helps though
Thanks from me too. I managed and made no mistake. That was a big surprise for me. And that shows that you instruction video was easy to understand and just perfect. I had bought that black to string a guitar thing some years ago. All guitar owners must have such a thing. It makes it so much more easy to change strings with that thing.
I remember there's an older version of this video on this channel. I used that video as a reference when I first tried to change strings as a beginner. That was three years ago. Now that I look back on my journey, I think of the numerous hours I've spent on this channel and on Justin's website. Thank you Justin for your great lessons. The world is a better place with you in it.
how is your guitar playing today?
Oh my God... I did it... After 10 years of casual playing, I actually did it. I changed my strings thanks to Justin!
When I first saw this... I said to myself... another head scratching method of how to change strings. But.. it was Justin. The best example by far. Another great job by Justin!
Cheers Joe
Several things to reinforce what Justin's said here, if you do not stretch the strings straight away, you will fight tuning issues for DAYS. One additional tool besides the winder/cutter would be a device called a String Stretcha. It is a stick with a hook and heel that simulates what Justin showed you but it puts the leverage perfectly on each string and when you run it up and down, it really does a great job. Watch a video about it and you'll see what it does. Also, cutting off the old strings over the fret board instead of the body will keep the strings for scratching up your beautiful finish. One final thought, when all the old strings are off, check the nuts on each tuner head. They will almost always need snugged up when you change strings.
Good tips!
***** It is! How simple yet awesome? Little things like that are what make the life of a musician so much easier
Excellent tutorial! Caution: Be careful with the pins if you are replacing them on an older guitar with very old looking strings. I just changed strings on a 1970's Epiphone. I broke two of the pins trying to get them out with pliers. This was my 1st go at changing strings on an acoustic. Lesson learned.
Wish I'd read this before I tried. Didn't even know it was possible to do this.
I follow along each time I change the stings to make sure I don’t forget some detail and mess it up. It’s nice having you along. Thanks!
I have to say you are my first point of call for anything to do with guitars. Anyone can change strings with confidence after watching you. Thanks again.
Justin thank you for this lesson 🙂 I am pleased to report I successfully changed my strings AND finally retrieved the quarter piece of my plectrum that broke off and fell through the sound hole into my guitar body while I was strumming about a month ago 🤣.. easy to follow instructions too much appreciated!
It's worth a mention that when tuning the guitar, always tune up, as in, don't loosen the string to get it in pitch. If it is a little sharp, take it down past the pitch and bring it up to pitch. The string will hold its tuning better.
True that... covered in the lessons on tuning the guitar ;)
I should have known it! Haha Cheers, Justin.
I have 6 electrics, but many of them are unplayable because of intonation problems. Could you do a lesson on setting the intonation? I've tried fixing them, but seem to make the problem worse, if anything. I can't afford to get them fixed by a good luthier or technician.
You have 6 guitars yet you can't affor to set them fixed? Lol
+Walamonga 1313 Most of them them were picked up cheaply on eBay. Of those, none costed half of what it did to get my Ibanez set up. And the intonation was only good for a short time.
Good to know... After I broke the string
I used this years ago when I was learning guitar. Flash forward to today when I've picked it back up and it's still the best video I've come across - Glad I found it once more.
Successfully replaced strings in the first attempt using just hands. Thanks Justin!
Thank you Justin. As a kid, restringing guitar was just fun. Yesterday, I decided to try restringing my guitar myself rather than taking it back to guitar shop. I totally messed up, broke a string, didn't leave enough wind at top or lock in the balls of strings so ordering new set to take it on again tomorrow according to this great tutorial.
I dont ever comment but I just finished restringing a GS Mini and a Les Paul Standard 60s because of u. That clockwise/counter clockwise loop is the easiest to follow. I love u man
An excellent reference at any stage you happen to be on, if playing the acoustic guitar. I guess bad habits creep in, so it's nice and refreshing to have a run through, even if you are a seasoned player
I open this video every time I change my strings) Nice tutorial, very pleasent author and very easy to get the idea of what to do!
Ha hahaha same here.
Lol.. Repetitio est mater studiorum.. Same
FINALLY! A clear and concise tutorial. Great job. Thank you.
Great lesson which I've just watched again. I now always use this method of changing strings which only takes me about 15 minutes now. The first wind allows the string to lock in place and then the remaining turns keep the string nice and neat below.
This is my go-to for restringing my acoustic guitar. It's by far the clearest instructions out there in RUclips land. Thanks for another great video Justin!
I'm always afraid when restringing that I'll tighten too far when tuning and it'll snap buying me in the face...which has happened and hurts lol
Who would have thought that finding a good video on changing acoustic strings was difficult? So glad I found this one. Literally answered all my questions right as I was about to ask them! Great job. 👍 thanks!
From when I was a teen first starting guitar to now, I want to thank you for your charismatic and reliable lessons =)
Absolutely great! Probably the best guitar string tutorial on the internet and I've seen quite a few others. Showing things close-up really helps a lot!
Justin, today was the second time I have used your video to replace my strings. Thanks for being so helpful to us beginners!!
Not sure why, but I feel like visiting the Arctic.
Sun, surf and extinction!!
lol
@@justinguitar D'addario makes Extra Light Gauge Nickle Bronze Strings which will really rock.
I am so bad at changing strings, it's embarrassing. I always come back to this video. It's so helpful. Still, for me getting this done always seems to take all evening, lol. Maybe that's why I don't change my strings nearly as often as I should.
Always a joy to watch well-spoken Justin. He's a good tutor, with an amicable easy-going clear style. Nice cap, too, which is always a bonus. It didn't harm the Housemartins.
This is without a doubt the best video on changing strings I have run into. I particularly appreciated your method of starting the string winds on the tuners. Very cool. I followed the instructions, and I have never changed strings as pain free as this time.
the one thing that has kept me from ever really playing in my 40 year life span was this process right here. Thank you for all your vids, bucket list item checked! :)
I feel rude for not having subscribed much earlier. This is by far the most detailed string changing tutorial I've seen on RUclips, and I've referenced it for the last three times I have changed my strings. Well done.
My 2 cents worth. A tip I've used for years (if possible) is to wash your hands before playing. Strings last a lot longer.
I do that before I play my Strat.
And clean the strings with a dry cloth after you finish playing
I never thought of that. Going to try it out. Thanks for the tip!
What a great video!! I have never seen anyone take strings off and put them back on so fast. I guess he has done it several thousand times before:) I also didn't know about stretching the strings before tuning it or the cutter/ winding tool. This was an extremely helpful video so whenever the time comes I won't worry:))
Thank you Justin! Such an excellent lesson. Really helped me through the nervous process of changing my guitar strings for the first time! I'm sure I speak for all of us here when I say I really appreciated the detail you put into this instructional.
I'm not sure how many thousands of times I've done this myself. But for some reason it was still fun to watch you do it! JustinGuitar - making even the mundane aspects interesting. ;)
ha ha!! :)
I was definitely hesitant to learn about how to restring my acoustic, but I'm glad this popped up! Thanks Justin.
Great tutourial! Just changed strings on my acoustic following this and its the best method I have done so far! Thanks Justin!
That pre-bend in the string before putting it into the bridge is genius
Just finished restringing my acoustic with the right way, your way! Thank you very much mate, you are an inspiration, keep up the good work! :D
Thanks for actually giving info on how much slack to use...all the other videos ive seen don't elaborate on that
exactly helped me a lot too. Thx ;*
Thanks Justin I just don't take all the strings off Great video
Thanks Justin! I tried changing strings for the first time today and thanks to your video I got it done successfully without breaking a sweat (or a string!) 😁
Changed my strings finally after starting learning guitar 1.5 yrs in - lol
Took 30 mins, and broke the 3rd/G string as I was apparently 2 octaves higher
Great video, Justin. I've been playing since 1963. I like the idea of locking the strings and it's a new one on me. I'm going to change the strings on my Tacoma D-10E right now using your instructions. Thanks. Jim
Sharpen a lead pencil to a nice point and go over the slots in the nut. The graphite lubricates the strings and stops that annoying 'click' when tuning. Once stretched I usually give all the open chords a good bashing, retune, and very rarely have any tuning problems afterwards.
The best restring vid till date!!!
Another tip, after learning.. you can use something to push the pins from the bottom if they are really stuck. Helped me a lot after I ruined pins...
5:02 "Try and get it in the right way." Good advice.
Justin, Thanks a lot for this video. Your tip about stretching the strings was especially helpful as it helps make the new strings sound normal vs. the tinny sound produced by new strings.
nailed it man, i did mine on the first try with your help
Thanks! No one ever told me about stretching my strings!
It really helps keep the guitar in tune!
I just restringed mine, and it went well for all strings except the G string (ironically), it snapped becaue if my dumbass tuning the wrong string.
I never realise how dull my strings have become until I've changed them. I always use coated strings and I've just changed to Elixir Nanoweb 11s and they're fantastic. I tend to cut them a bit shorter at the headstock end so they don't scratch the inside of the case. Thanks Justin. Great tutorial👍🏻
I've been thinking about buying an acoustic(a Seagull) and was worrying about string changes.. then this lesson came out! Thanks!
I've got two Seagulls (both from the Coastline range, but one's a 6-string and the other a 12-string) and they're brilliant. You'll definitely get a great guitar when you get a Seagull.
ChantalGuitarNL Nick Feldman +1 for Seagull. My 12-string is a few years old and it's a joy to play, sounds great too.
Wonderful...I finally managed to change the e string myself! Thanks a lot, Justine!
I’ve watched other videos for help changing my strings ... this one resulted in the best outcome. Thanks!
This is so much better than the last one I watched
Justin you are quite simply the best!
Thanks so much for this video. I used it for how to wind my strings. First time I ever changed strings and man did it make a difference in sound. Wow were my strings dead.
this is so much better than other instructions
Thank you for this am learner this has given me the confidence to try and change the strings myself
just changed my strings for the first time thanks to you. That video really helped, thanks a lot !
You'd be surprised how many guitar players dont use the first wind over, rest of the winds under technique. It really helps alot
I like to call it "the string sandwich"
Yeah, that was the only thing in this video that was new to me. Definitely gonna try it!
Why does it help. I’ve used straight winds under the hole for 20 years and never had probs with tuning stability even on a crappy guitar. Ok I might do it but seems like over kill based on my experience.
Thanks Justin. Really clear. Just done this for the first time and needed your guidance.
One of my mistake was that if the strings did not wrap around the metal thing I would try to pull on the strings tight to make it nice and clean. But what that did was not allow any space for me to actually tune the strings into place, and before I could even bring the strings up to standard tuning there was too much pressure so they would break. keep in mind that even if its not perfect the string will become nice and clean tightly around the metal as you're tuning it. So don't let your ADHD get the better of you
Thank you so much! Very helpful. I successfully changed the strings and lived to tell the tale...
Thank you!! Can you do a lesson on the floyd system? The other videos out there don't quite approach this as thoroughly/clearly as you do.
Hey Justin, new to acoustic so I was questioning those pins. I have the same string winder, didn't know they had a pin puller. Thanks!
Am I the only guitarist here who hates to put the strings
Nope I think we all despise it in some way
No
For me the vacum cleaner is worse. Thanks for the video. It made my day (I hope 😕).
Thank you! Successfully changed my guitar strings for the first time :)
By far the best video I’ve seen on restringing, nice one Justin 👍
11:00 - 11:45 - thanks! I needed to see that part!
Helped a lot. And the guitar sounds so much better. The white bar on the bottom did fall out when I cut the strings. I think I put it back on correctly.
Very thorough and easily understood even by me! Thank you so much.
ive got a huge mission ahead.... change strings on a 1960s Martin Coletti excited to see how it sounds, i got a Axel Deluxe player 4 string bass which needs new strings, and my final mission is fit new strings on my 4 month old Fender player strat, i wont touch the fender if i cant manage the other 2 wish me luck ive never did this before. GOOD luck to everyone else trying this.
Cheers Justin.
I was having trouble trying to get the locking method right.
As always the best.
Just to let you know that I successfully changed my strings for the first time completely stress free!
1 thing worth mentioning...the left tuning pegs need to be turned a different direction to the right side when tightening. I spent a good 2 minutes trying to figure out why it wasn't winding correctly lol
I was going to mention it, but some tuners go the other way and then that would have been even more confusing! :) well done on your first string change!
Haha yeah true. I got there in the end mate. Thanks very much, not just for this video, but for all of your videos. You have been a big influence in my guitar journey. Take care, Chris
You’re a very good teacher. Love all your videos, very helpful.
Very detailed and very helpful, thank you.
Now I can change my string guitar . Thanks for the tutorial.good jobs
Thanks a lot, Mate. Just changed the strings watching your tutorial. Works Great.
good stuff now I can do my own but if you put the pins back in the same string hole they came out of they see to stay in better imo
No need to cut the strings or use plyers if the pins get stuck. Just loosen the strings a bit more and you can take them out. If the pins seem stuck, just take a small hard object and push from inside the guitar while putting on some counterweight with your other hand. Then you do not risk scratching up anything up. I usually look these videos up because I somehow forget how to wind the strings up to fasten them properly :p
I've been playing for nearly 10 years and I never knew "stretching out new strings." was so literal... The strings are constantly being stretched under a great deal of tension. That's the very nature of the instrument. So, I always assumed it just meant to wait till the strings settle in on their own.
This just lets you keep strings better in tune straight away, especially for gigging artists who sometimes change strings daily. This isn't so bad with steel strings, nylon instrument like ukulele or classical guitar are stretching strings for so long time.
Give them a good tug (3-4 times). They settle far quicker.
you could let them settle on their own but you'd be playing out of tune a lot for maybe a month! ;)
***** With my playing, no one would really notice...lol !
Learned from experience yesterday: cheap guitars have cheap tuning pegs, be careful when tightening - the little wheel inside can break.
...thank YOU...i finally got the proper procedure....gave me a lot of confidence...!! great job !!
Thanks dude for your videos, you are really helping me out there!
The only video that made sense to me, much appreciated
Thanks Justin.. I replaced the strings using hands in the first attempt itself by watching your video ...
Great instructions and the close ups really nailed it for me!
When I was a pup I'd change a string when I broke one but as the years have rolled by I change the whole set about once every six weeks. easy to say when I can afford to do it but try to aim towards it at least.
Justin, you is a legend. Thank you so much for this advice.
This was so helpful! Thanks, brother!
Only started January ,not changed strings yet ,but looks easy enough thanks
Thank you veryyy much Justin...I can't wait to see the video on the upgrade to the cheapest acoustic guitar from Amazon. Cheers!
Good to see these updated. :) Will you be doing one about changing strings on a guitar with a floyd rose tremolo?
When I next change string on my Frank Gambale Ibanez... but might be a while..
Sweet! :) Thanks for the reply.
Your tutorial helped me but I ended up having only a few winds for the thinnest first string :-( Will that affect the guitar staying in tune?
thanks justin you saved my money and me from becoming broke af lmfao where i am in Australia a pack of martin and co strings are like 16.99 but then im not employed either anyway you saved me man
Thanks again Justin, you make learning a joy mate.
I usually pay to get my strings Replaced, This video helped.
What Justin said about keeping an eye on the tuning pegs......please do that lots otherwise your eyeball can get severely scratched.....which never happened to me long before this video existed....honestly 👀
Hey justinguitar im going to do it for changing guitar strings on my guitar how often do I start tightening and loosening