I also have been playing guitar for 52 years and have never seen such a clear demonstration of how to correctly attach and wind the strings. Very helpful! Thank you!
I’m a grown man but the way this guy held my hand and coaxed me through the process made me feel coddled and cared for, which strangely I appreciated. Thank you kind sir, guitar strings strung, mission accomplished.
I’m a total beginner and this video helped me restring my guitar for the first time today with ease! Thanks for making it so easy to follow and for explaining the “why’s.”
been playing guitar for 25ish years and pathetically never changed my strings after my first failed attempt. Quarantine got me in a bind and this video was the clearest....thank youuuu
Thank you so much! Not to outdo any of the older gents here but I've been playing acoustic guitar for over 60 years (I'm 70 and still learning) and thanks to your video I just restrung my Gibson J45 the best I have ever done! Nothing like doing something the wrong way for 60 years, but as the saying goes, better late than never. Thank you!
My partner bought me my first guitar for my birthday last year and it really means a lot to me so I was nervous restringing it myself, thinking I’d break it somehow, this video was perfect, easy to follow and explains it all brilliantly! Just finished and tuned up and the strings haven’t fallen out so guess I did it right, which means if so can then anyone can follow this too haha
100%. I watched like 3 other videos before trying to restring my guitar for the first time, and I still had a few issues such as bridge pins coming out during tuning, a treble string slipping due to incorrect knot and not enough slack, and sharp points from clipping strings. Would have had none of those issues had I just watched this video. Now I feel like an expert. Great stuff dude
I left my last comment at minute 22. Minute 25 you're answering a question I had earlier and didn't know would get answered by this video regarding the "string tree" on my Strat (didn't know that's what it was called) and its purpose. You're a wealth of knowledge
This guy is a born teacher! He is explicit, detailed, articulate so much so that I, as a beginner, am very good at changing my strings. He put me at ease about working with my instrument in a confident manner. Bravo!!
I'm a total novice when it comes to guitars and at 66 i'm slow at picking things up but watching your brilliant lesson all your teaching has etched in my brain. Thanks so much that you took the time to teach other like me, well done young man. Wish I could find someone like you to teach me basic guitar.
I have taught school for 39 years, and this guy is a great teacher! He is patient and does not rush through anything! His method is awesome, and if you take your time, like him, tuning becomes a delight!
Lifesaver! I was literally a nervous beginner and by the end of this video I was able to restring all 6 strings with no issues. You were so calm, clear, and detailed. Thanks for the amazing instructions and tips! Best restring video ever!
Just used this video as a reference for about the 20th time. It is hands down the best RUclips instructional for string changes on an acoustic. Thank you!
Thank you for making this video. In my early guitar playing days, I was lucky to meet a guitar tech who showed me how to make the "tie" up at the tuning pegs (as you did), and it changed my guitar-playing life forever. Before this, I thought that the more times you wind the string around the peg, the better. He explained that doing this actually decreased the stability of the tuning. Once I learned to make the tie and stretch out what little slack remained in the strings, the guitar would stay in tune after lots of hard playing under the lights. One additional small point that the guitar tech recommended. He said that ideally only one string-lap around the guitar peg along with the tie was enough to stabilize the tuning. As counterintuitive as this sounds, I have found that this approach does the greatest job of locking your guitar into tune. It's a beautiful thing.
Thank you I'm 14 years old and I'm playing tomorrow with my church youth and my strings snapped .for the first time I actually did it!!!! Keep it up brother.Keep it up 💪
I've been playing and stringing acoustic guitars for fifty three years and never had a problem worse than a broken high E, your video was so clear and made so much sense that I switched to your method and have used it on all my guitars with great results. Thanks and congrats on a well done job.
Thank you. I started guitar lessons at age 68 and am now going on 71. I had changed my nylon stringed Cordoba, but tonight was a first for my Martin. Excellent directions. It’s never too late to learn something new. I have a great instructor.
first time "guitarist" here, haven't played one since i was maybe 10yo, now 47yo. Great video as I sit here restringing a guitar. Easy to follow and loved the explanations ;)
Brilliant tutorial. My late husband was an incredible flatpicker and pulled his strings backwards to lock them. Since he passed 8 months ago, I have been trying to find a video on how to do that. I am so thrilled that you demonstrated his technique, I couldn’t work out how to do it. One happy lady here!
A very professional presentation, clear and so much more descriptive after looking at several. I will restring again now for sure. After 60 years since I played guitar with basic chords, at 84 have decided to exercise my fingers again. Many thanks. Barry ...Australia.
I liked the part about" bend it in towards the headstock and then go under".............no matter which side you are on. I've been struggling with that for 50 years because I think about it too much
This is the best detailed description on how to restring your guitar that I have seen. I’ve been playing for 10 years and watched countless videos and reviewed many websites on how to do this. If your beginner just bookmark this video right now.
Thank you for a clear, concise and informative video! I have tended to avoid changing my own strings all these years because it was an uncertain process that resulted in slippage and awkward technique. I also learn much better when the reasoning is explained, and appreciate your simple, straightforward instruction. Great job!!
Thank you so much for this very clear demonstration. It’s tremendously done. Really appreciate your work bro. It’s my very first time having a guitar and changing its strings and i was struggling to change them without any idea and thank god that I could find your video to learn it and I learned 200% clearly from you. Thanks a lot again. ❤️❤️❤️
Best guitar string tutorial I have used. Straightforward and effective. Had my strings on in no time with none of the usual anxiety! Thanks.! This is so good 👏👏👍🎸
to gauge the length of the string before winding I always slide my left fingers up to the next post, pinch it then pull the slack back towards the nut then tighten. I also always wrap the first wrap over the tag then the rest under the tag and it puts it in a vice. Helps keep it in tune, you always need to guestimate for the D and the G.
This video was so helpful, especially with how you explained things and showed the movements clearly. I’m very proud to say that I did not snap any of my strings thanks to your instruction. Keep up the Good work 👍
We have always let someone else do this for our guitars. Now my wife & I are retired and this was sooooo helpful as you really did teach us how to do this correctly and we really enjoyed your tone and the pace of talking us through this. We found it very thorough and especially liked both dealing with the pins, & attaching it properly to the headstock/tuners. Grateful for you.
Peg pillars on wonder are kinda brittle mines been broken for a while I just got a dunlop peg puller that doubles as a bottle opener, perfect for that cold one after a round of restringing the axes
Absolutely beautiful, man! Just amazing how people put up all these "how-to" vids here, and with no expectation of any kind of monetary return. Thank you!
I'm a beginner who has had his guitar for only a couple of months and it was a few days ago when I broke my first string. I was skeptical about having to change the guitar strings by myself until I saw this video and mahn I CAN tell you how greatful I am. I first saw this video ,conjured enough confidence and I had this video playing all along as I was changing the strings. Not only I successfully restrung my guitar but I absolutely enjoyed doing it. Thank you so much for this video.
This was really useful, as it's been years since I have restrung a guitar. When I think of winding the strings, I think about winding towards the body of the guitar or away. These whole instructions are very clear and concise.
Thanks for showing in detail the relationship of the bridge pin to the string ball.Most of the other videos give the impression that it stays on the tip of the pin,which will cause the pin to rise out of it's hole. Or if not,shoot out later! I found that out 50 yrs.ago, but a beginner may not know that. A lot of video instructions go in great detail about things that are obvious, but don't even mention this, so kudos to you!
I've tried numerous techniques for stringing guitars for 50+ years and understand the rationale for each different one. But I gotta say that just simple winding on the post works just as well for me as any other. And I do a lot of bending and fairly hard playing. I'm an electric player and typically use 9.5 gauge strings, but over the years have also used 9s and 10s, all with similar results. My tech usually uses this 'knot' technique and I don't like it, primarily because it can be a pain in the ass to get the strings back off. After trying multiple techniques, I've settled on just simple, straight winding. About two times around, which does correspond with about one tuner's worth of slack to start with. Nothing fancy. But definitely lube the nut slots. I use Big Bends Nut Sauce but any other stuff is better than nothing.
Yes, I agree. There is no reason to knot your strings. I used to do it that way and I also used to do the one over, the rest under. Now I use the Taylor method of just winding down. I put 2-3 winds on the wound strings and 3-5 on the plain strings. No pain, no fuss, and my guitars stay in tune just fine. The big thing, I think, is to stretch all the slack out of your strings and get them tight around the tuner posts. I think that the more twists, knots, overlaps and other fancy stuff you use, the more potential you have for backlash. The two guitars that I own that have wiggle sticks have locking tuners.
When I was 19 I bought a Yamaha FG150 ($38) at a PX on a military base in Japan while on R & R from my tour of duty in Vietnam. A while back I blew the dust off the case & started to play it again. The strings were shot & I thought I'd look around for any pointers that might be handy...imagine my surprise when I stumbled on this great video featuring the same guitar I've had for over 50 years! The pointers/tips are great for those who are new or have been out of touch. Thanks! ....my FG 150 It still looks & sounds great (now).
Your expertise really shines through in this video! Excellent video for newbies & more seasoned players alike... I love the subtle tips like using a coin if you're stuck (or the peg is), really nice loop technique, very interesting about creating an angle at the headstock to improve the intonation and slightly bending the string at the bridge and headstock for an optimal result. Job very well done. Thanks so much ;)
Thanks so much! I watched other videos, but yours was the best to follow where you gave me confidence every step of the way. Great job, and I know helpful to many like me!
@@citoyendumonde9083 I wouldn't say it's damaging to a neck, but occasionally (only very rarely) it might cause the truss rod to shift and need a slight adjustment
Yours is the best description of how to wind the stings round the tuning pegs I have seen. I like the way you wrap the string under and in towards the other side.
The best tutorial for changing guitar strings. I’ve tried many other ways/videos and finally came across with this video!! No more frustration. Thank you so much!
All the videos on this are by pros who have done this hundreds or thousands of time. This guy is honest enough to explain he has one way of doing it and its advantages and there are other ways that might be just as good,. Lots of people are scared to do this or dont know what to do.
The top 3 make sure to crimp under and out towards the exterior of the head stock. Make sure too much slack isn’t there and crank the the strings ALWAYS wrapping to the outside
This was my first time ever re stringing my guitar and I found it so simple and easy to do using this tutorial, thank you so much I was quite nervous at first thinking about doing this but this tutorial made it very simple and easy too complete....many thanks :)
This was one of the best videos to show how to string your guitar. This is what's called a Luthier's knot and it works well in keeping your guitar in tune. I would also like to add that I saw you using a string winder this is an excellent way to also remove the pegs on your bridge by using the front end of the string winder it slides perfectly under the head of the peg and and pops it out with no damage to the bridge. I've been using this method for over 20 years it works great the winder slides perfectly under the head of the peg and and pops it out with no damage to the bridge.
Thank you for this. Perfect instruction. After much hesitation, I restrung my Yamaha acoustic guitar on my own and feel confident that I did it right. Thank you.
I was about to comment this exact thing... but thought I should look to see who else noticed... all manualpeg winders have the notch to pop the pin or safely and with any chance I'd damaging the bride... rather surprised that want mentioned. I'd never used any of the ways mentioned in the video... but otherwise a very good and detailed video. 😎🎸
Thank you! I watched a bunch of videos and read different articles and kept snapping strings. I successfully changed two strings all by myself! Best video.
It's also good to give a 45 degree bend at the ball-end of the string. That way, when the string is tightened - the ball won't be inclined to pop the pin up.
Not at all sure that I like that idea. If the pin pops up, the ball end of the string isn’t seated properly. Wiggle it around a bit and you should feel the string slacken as it slips into place. Re-tune.
There is another reason the string goes under the windings. The peg surface is curved inwards meaning the windings naturally pull towards the center of the peg which forces the windings against the string that's going through the hole of the peg which stops the string from slipping. When you wind from underneath the break angle actually adds more force towards the center of the peg adding more tension on the portion of the string passing through the peg hole.
Did you use the correct gauge? Or try to wind it too far? I found out recently that some guitars, depending on the materials used when manufactured *and* overall structural integrity of the guitar, can be made to use certain types of strings. Either way they are common mistakes. I've actually ruined 3 sets of bass strings so far trying to restring it! XD And they are expensive. It is actually very interesting how much customization - between wood species used for both the neck and body, material type used to create the nut and saddle, string material (nickel, steel, brass, phosphor, copper, etc) and string core shape (hex core, round core, etc) - can effect sound brightness, sustain, general playability... The acoustic guitar, quite literally, is a living object.
This is the way. I’ve seen numerous other guitar techs using this very same technique for winding their strings. There’s absolutely no way that the string can slip doing it like this. Great explanation and tutorial.
I can't believe you didn't mention bridge pin pullers. Most string winders have them. Pulling them out with wire cutters is a good way to scratch your guitar.
The string winder i had sucked and wouldn't grip around the pins it was useless and couldnt pull them out so i used to just pry those mothers out with a pocket knife
I just watched another video from a Taylor authorized guitar tech. He used a side cutters leveraged over the saddle with no problem. I have your same concern but he didnt seem to have a problem with it.
0:46 yes the worst case scenario really isn't me breaking the new strings . I just tried it out , tried to pick out one of the bridge pins , I applied pressure to pop it out and I ended up breaking the entire guitar . Wow
You're the best. Thank you a million for posting. It really helped me on a few fine points that I've always wondered about, even tho I've owned and played guitars for a hundred years! Much appreciated.
The string winder you were using has a notch for pulling the pins out without destroying them with your pliars. Just though I would mention that. Also the method you are using to lock the strings is called the Martin wrap. Also the best strings are made by Martin (a guitar maker) and the 540s in Phosphor Bronze Light are my favorites. They are the unplated ones and compare in quality to the D'Addario. Try Martins and you will never look back.
You're correct, most winders have a notch for that. I grind the edges of my winders off so that they don't rub against the wood of the headstock. Not always necessary, but when working on vintage guitars, the winder can rub against the wood and cause damage. That's why I didn't use the notch in the video.
The winder slipped while I was applying pressure and using the notch to remove pins on a Takamine. The winder ran along the top of the guitar and put a deep scratch in the finish. Luckily it was my own guitar, but, lesson learnt!
What a great video. The best one out there. Shame you don’t have more videos explaining absolutely everything about guitars. I love that you don’t just tell about how, but also why to do the different steps. I’ve been playing guitar for 17 years, but I still learned something here.
I was always told by my guitar teacher - 1980 - never take all the string off at once it's not good for the neck. So I alway did one at a time - is this an old wives tale?
Not a myth at all. If you think about the torque that is on the neck and the release of that torque when you remove all of the strings at the same time?! If you want your guitar to stay in tune after restringing you'll change the strings one at a time and save all that neck movement!
@@davidrobertson229 It isn't torque, its tension. If you take off all the strings then yes, the neck will bow back some, but as soon as you put new strings on and tune them up the relief will return to right where it was before. I do it to my guitar every 2 weeks when I change strings. I've done it to every guitar I've ever owned and I have never had trouble tuning. If you go to any luthiers' channel here on RUclips you will see them doing it as well. If there is ever any trouble with the neck then you can adjust the truss rod. All guitars eventually need to be adjusted regardless. That is why most guitars have them.
@@davidrobertson229 Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying doing it your way is bad either. If you like doing it that way then that is how you should do it. In the end you have to do what you feel is right for your instrument.
Yours was the best. That way you lock them is what I was looking for. Most of the other videos don’t have that. I’ve been doing that for 40 years. Thank you.
I appreciate anyone that takes the time and effort to make an instruction video like this one. Having said that, the "luthiers knot" is something I never use. I have played for parts of over 6 decades so I guess I'm not a "youngster". 🤣 I have also worked at various guitar shops, music shops, etc., and we used a different method on the tuning pegs. As you say in the video there is more than one way to replace strings. My recommendation for players is to research those various ways, visit local guitar shops and talk with their techs, talk to luthiers, etc. "my 2 cents".
This was the best of the 10 or so I watched, some by string & guitar makers. Half said put through the tuner hole before wrapping, other half said wind it first, some said line up tuning holes parallel, some said 45 degrees. I got disgusted before seeing this and just put it through, wound it around, through hole again and tightened it, screw it. Next time I will follow this one.
+Frank Matturri - Actually it depends on the type of tuners you have, what the best method is as well as the strings themselves-- some tuner pegs have a locking system and actually grab the strings. and some strings are coated and slip easier... some are wound and some aren't, but for basic acoustic rewinding - you are watching a very useful how-to video here. That may be why you saw so many different kind of instructions? That plus the number of idiots that love to post videos and have no idea how stuff should be done correctly. GOOD LUCK GUY.
If I manage to screw this up after watching this video I don't have the right to own a guitar. The effort you put into this tutorial is very much appreciated! 👍
I usually forget this method and I search each on internet to remember it, always from different sources and this is the best material I`ve ever seen so far! Well explained, very clear and easy to remember :) Thank you!
I also have been playing guitar for 52 years and have never seen such a clear demonstration of how to correctly attach and wind the strings. Very helpful! Thank you!
Very clear understanding, great video quality and terrific lighting. Man is a good teacher! Thanks
What's your age sir
22 years myself. Same here bud!
Wtf
24 years here. The detail is appreciated!
I’m a grown man but the way this guy held my hand and coaxed me through the process made me feel coddled and cared for, which strangely I appreciated. Thank you kind sir, guitar strings strung, mission accomplished.
lol, happy to hold your hand through the process
I’m a total beginner and this video helped me restring my guitar for the first time today with ease! Thanks for making it so easy to follow and for explaining the “why’s.”
Exactly!
Been playing for 50 years, but picked up a couple of good tips. Never too late to learn!
Amen, brother!
I'm 15 and learning guitar and broke a string the first day, this has helped me so much thank you
Dude I'm 13 years old at 2:00 am you save my life. I have a lesson tomorrow. THANK YOU!!!!
@@anonymoususer4489 why you mad
Bikesh Shrestha Grow up, dude.
@@dennybonneau1237 Sounds like you're the one that needs to grow up.
@@anonymoususer4489 shut the fuck up boomer
Shinigami this thread is awful lmao
been playing guitar for 25ish years and pathetically never changed my strings after my first failed attempt. Quarantine got me in a bind and this video was the clearest....thank youuuu
15years of guitar experience and this is the most in-depth guide i have ever watched, keep up the great work!
Thank you so much! Not to outdo any of the older gents here but I've been playing acoustic guitar for over 60 years (I'm 70 and still learning) and thanks to your video I just restrung my Gibson J45 the best I have ever done! Nothing like doing something the wrong way for 60 years, but as the saying goes, better late than never. Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you found it helpful
Great demo, thank you!
My partner bought me my first guitar for my birthday last year and it really means a lot to me so I was nervous restringing it myself, thinking I’d break it somehow, this video was perfect, easy to follow and explains it all brilliantly! Just finished and tuned up and the strings haven’t fallen out so guess I did it right, which means if so can then anyone can follow this too haha
You have a great partner
i'm just going to say that this is probably the best explained youtube lesson on how to change strings
Thanks for the compliment!
Georgi Ivanov true
Very true !
100%. I watched like 3 other videos before trying to restring my guitar for the first time, and I still had a few issues such as bridge pins coming out during tuning, a treble string slipping due to incorrect knot and not enough slack, and sharp points from clipping strings. Would have had none of those issues had I just watched this video. Now I feel like an expert. Great stuff dude
I left my last comment at minute 22. Minute 25 you're answering a question I had earlier and didn't know would get answered by this video regarding the "string tree" on my Strat (didn't know that's what it was called) and its purpose. You're a wealth of knowledge
This guy is a born teacher! He is explicit, detailed, articulate so much so that I, as a beginner, am very good at changing my strings. He put me at ease about working with my instrument in a confident manner. Bravo!!
I'm a total novice when it comes to guitars and at 66 i'm slow at picking things up but watching your brilliant lesson all your teaching has etched in my brain. Thanks so much that you took the time to teach other like me, well done young man. Wish I could find someone like you to teach me basic guitar.
I have taught school for 39 years, and this guy is a great teacher! He is patient and does not rush through anything! His method is awesome, and if you take your time, like him, tuning becomes a delight!
Lifesaver! I was literally a nervous beginner and by the end of this video I was able to restring all 6 strings with no issues. You were so calm, clear, and detailed. Thanks for the amazing instructions and tips! Best restring video ever!
Just used this video as a reference for about the 20th time. It is hands down the best RUclips instructional for string changes on an acoustic. Thank you!
Same here! Even though I've memorised it, I still watch it for maximum efficiency 😃
Haha, thanks! It's the gift that keeps giving apparently
Thank you for making this video. In my early guitar playing days, I was lucky to meet a guitar tech who showed me how to make the "tie" up at the tuning pegs (as you did), and it changed my guitar-playing life forever. Before this, I thought that the more times you wind the string around the peg, the better. He explained that doing this actually decreased the stability of the tuning. Once I learned to make the tie and stretch out what little slack remained in the strings, the guitar would stay in tune after lots of hard playing under the lights. One additional small point that the guitar tech recommended. He said that ideally only one string-lap around the guitar peg along with the tie was enough to stabilize the tuning. As counterintuitive as this sounds, I have found that this approach does the greatest job of locking your guitar into tune. It's a beautiful thing.
Interesting. I had always thought that, in general, the more winds the better. I'll try this new method next time I change strings.
@Grayson Barton same man. I’m going to try this when I get my new high E string, since mine snapped 😕
Who the hell disliked this video?!?! This is the best tutorial out there
What the hell you gonna do about it ?
Folks who know better
The best most thorough demo of this on RUclips. I’ve done it a million times but never happy with my wraps. This definitely worked.
Thank you I'm 14 years old and I'm playing tomorrow with my church youth and my strings snapped .for the first time I actually did it!!!! Keep it up brother.Keep it up 💪
So this came in handy when I pulled out my guitar in quarantine. I am sooooo happy I found this video (and so is my neglected guitar)😍♥️
Now all you need to do is buy a clip-on tuner from me on eBay. lol
i’ve never played my guitar either, but i play piano and ukulele. it is so cool
omy gosh same, my guitar G string broke and I finally pulled it out to fix it, and I'm so hapy
SAME
@@annadenfeld4535 same here!
I've been playing and stringing acoustic guitars for fifty three years and never had a problem worse than a broken high E, your video was so clear and made so much sense that I switched to your method and have used it on all my guitars with great results. Thanks and congrats on a well done job.
Love to hear it!
I used to string this way and after a 25 year break from playing, I couldn't remember how. Thanks for the careful explanation!
Thank you. I started guitar lessons at age 68 and am now going on 71. I had changed my nylon stringed Cordoba, but tonight was a first for my Martin. Excellent directions. It’s never too late to learn something new. I have a great instructor.
This tutorial was amazing. I really didn't expect this to be so easy after not being able to learn from other tutorials. Thank you so much
This is by far the best tutorial on restringing an acoustic guitar out there. Very well explained and detailed. Thanks man!
I’m still a beginner when it comes to restringing my guitar and I really do an awful job at doing it. Thank you for this video!
first time "guitarist" here, haven't played one since i was maybe 10yo, now 47yo. Great video as I sit here restringing a guitar. Easy to follow and loved the explanations ;)
Brilliant tutorial. My late husband was an incredible flatpicker and pulled his strings backwards to lock them. Since he passed 8 months ago, I have been trying to find a video on how to do that. I am so thrilled that you demonstrated his technique, I couldn’t work out how to do it. One happy lady here!
A very professional presentation, clear and so much more descriptive after looking at several. I will restring again now for sure. After 60 years since I played guitar with basic chords, at 84 have decided to exercise my fingers again. Many thanks. Barry ...Australia.
This video is THE ONLY video for those wanting to learn to change strings 🙂 really appreciate this, brother 🙏🏻
My high E string while I’m tuning it: *snaps*
Me: 👁👄👁
yeah...
Literally me right now
@@darr0w2 me too bro😅
I just snapped mine :/
@@sarahblower4831 me toooo!
Thank you for not assuming that I already know how to do this. I appreciate this video.
Just a perfect explanation on how to restring guitar. I ve looked through dozens of videos and no one gives so much details. Thank you.
Just changed my guitar strings for the first time and couldn't be ,happier, thanks to this brilliant, clear demonstration. Thank you so much.
What an excellent system. Played all my life and never thought of this. It's definitely superior.
Wow an actually useful video on tuning guitars. You are part of the 10% of RUclips that are worth the time to watch. Thank you.
I liked the part about" bend it in towards the headstock and then go under".............no matter which side you are on. I've been struggling with that for 50 years because I think about it too much
This is the best detailed description on how to restring your guitar that I have seen. I’ve been playing for 10 years and watched countless videos and reviewed many websites on how to do this. If your beginner just bookmark this video right now.
Been playing guitar for 3 years and gotta say: this is probably the most helpful video I’ve gotten about stringing/cleaning a guitar
Thank you for a clear, concise and informative video! I have tended to avoid changing my own strings all these years because it was an uncertain process that resulted in slippage and awkward technique. I also learn much better when the reasoning is explained, and appreciate your simple, straightforward instruction. Great job!!
Thank you so much for this very clear demonstration. It’s tremendously done. Really appreciate your work bro. It’s my very first time having a guitar and changing its strings and i was struggling to change them without any idea and thank god that I could find your video to learn it and I learned 200% clearly from you. Thanks a lot again. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, I bought my first guitar last week and broke a string when I was tuning it and this video helped me re-string it!
I’m glad you mentioned pulling on the strings to make sure they are stretched and properly seated. Bravo
Best guitar string tutorial I have used. Straightforward and effective. Had my strings on in no time with none of the usual anxiety! Thanks.! This is so good 👏👏👍🎸
to gauge the length of the string before winding I always slide my left fingers up to the next post, pinch it then pull the slack back towards the nut then tighten. I also always wrap the first wrap over the tag then the rest under the tag and it puts it in a vice. Helps keep it in tune, you always need to guestimate for the D and the G.
"It goes bloop"
that's what i learned today
😂 loved it
This video was so helpful, especially with how you explained things and showed the movements clearly. I’m very proud to say that I did not snap any of my strings thanks to your instruction. Keep up the Good work 👍
We have always let someone else do this for our guitars. Now my wife & I are retired and this was sooooo helpful as you really did teach us how to do this correctly and we really enjoyed your tone and the pace of talking us through this. We found it very thorough and especially liked both dealing with the pins, & attaching it properly to the headstock/tuners. Grateful for you.
Thank you for this. Still valid 7 years later! I took my time and followed your directions. Many thanks!
Never use a metal anything to pull out the string pins.
I use the slot on the end of the string winder. That's why it's there.
Anthony Blanco to late
This is probably meant for beginners who don't have a winder.
I agree. The pins shouldn't be hammered in 🤣 the little notch on your plastic key winder should be able to remove pins.
Then wtf do you want me to do, try to pull it out until my fingers bleed? Shits stuck on there and wouldn’t move
Peg pillars on wonder are kinda brittle mines been broken for a while I just got a dunlop peg puller that doubles as a bottle opener, perfect for that cold one after a round of restringing the axes
Absolutely beautiful, man! Just amazing how people put up all these "how-to" vids here, and with no expectation of any kind of monetary return. Thank you!
Didn't learn much new but since I've been loving my Yamaha FG140 since the sixties, I loved the video.
Such a great guitar that it's been reissued.
I'm a beginner who has had his guitar for only a couple of months and it was a few days ago when I broke my first string. I was skeptical about having to change the guitar strings by myself until I saw this video and mahn I CAN tell you how greatful I am. I first saw this video ,conjured enough confidence and I had this video playing all along as I was changing the strings. Not only I successfully restrung my guitar but I absolutely enjoyed doing it. Thank you so much for this video.
This was really useful, as it's been years since I have restrung a guitar. When I think of winding the strings, I think about winding towards the body of the guitar or away. These whole instructions are very clear and concise.
Great lesson, took the fear out of restringing a guitar. Thanks
Thanks for showing in detail the relationship of the bridge pin to the string ball.Most of the other videos give the impression that it stays on the tip of the pin,which will cause the pin to rise out of it's hole. Or if not,shoot out later! I found that out 50 yrs.ago, but a beginner may not know that. A lot of video instructions go in great detail about things that are obvious, but don't even mention this, so kudos to you!
You should not change all the strings at the same time because you need to keep the tension on the neck so it doesn't bow out of position
@@pengy1950 yeah I used to have a Vantage and that's the reason I couldn't keep the damn low E string from popping the pin out.
Great video, hadn't changed my strings in years and this truly helped
I've tried numerous techniques for stringing guitars for 50+ years and understand the rationale for each different one. But I gotta say that just simple winding on the post works just as well for me as any other. And I do a lot of bending and fairly hard playing. I'm an electric player and typically use 9.5 gauge strings, but over the years have also used 9s and 10s, all with similar results. My tech usually uses this 'knot' technique and I don't like it, primarily because it can be a pain in the ass to get the strings back off. After trying multiple techniques, I've settled on just simple, straight winding. About two times around, which does correspond with about one tuner's worth of slack to start with. Nothing fancy. But definitely lube the nut slots. I use Big Bends Nut Sauce but any other stuff is better than nothing.
Yes, I agree. There is no reason to knot your strings. I used to do it that way and I also used to do the one over, the rest under.
Now I use the Taylor method of just winding down. I put 2-3 winds on the wound strings and 3-5 on the plain strings. No pain, no fuss, and my guitars stay in tune just fine.
The big thing, I think, is to stretch all the slack out of your strings and get them tight around the tuner posts.
I think that the more twists, knots, overlaps and other fancy stuff you use, the more potential you have for backlash.
The two guitars that I own that have wiggle sticks have locking tuners.
When I was 19 I bought a Yamaha FG150 ($38) at a PX on a military base in Japan while on R & R from my tour of duty in Vietnam. A while back I blew the dust off the case & started to play it again. The strings were shot & I thought I'd look around for any pointers that might be handy...imagine my surprise when I stumbled on this great video featuring the same guitar I've had for over 50 years! The pointers/tips are great for those who are new or have been out of touch. Thanks! ....my FG 150 It still looks & sounds great (now).
"I just don't like to be told what to do, I want to know why". Best statement ever! TY for sharing the instructional video
Your expertise really shines through in this video! Excellent video for newbies & more seasoned players alike... I love the subtle tips like using a coin if you're stuck (or the peg is), really nice loop technique, very interesting about creating an angle at the headstock to improve the intonation and slightly bending the string at the bridge and headstock for an optimal result. Job very well done. Thanks so much ;)
Thanks so much! I watched other videos, but yours was the best to follow where you gave me confidence every step of the way. Great job, and I know helpful to many like me!
Instead of using pliers to take out the string holders which can mess them up, just slide your hand in the sound hole and pop them out from under
But this way you will have to remove all string before, which could be a bad stress to some necks
Yup, this works great too
@@citoyendumonde9083 I wouldn't say it's damaging to a neck, but occasionally (only very rarely) it might cause the truss rod to shift and need a slight adjustment
@@fixthethings Ok, thanx
@@citoyendumonde9083 Good call Citoyen, I don't think that removing all of the tension from the truss rod is a good idea.
Yours is the best description of how to wind the stings round the tuning pegs I have seen.
I like the way you wrap the string under and in towards the other side.
The best tutorial for changing guitar strings. I’ve tried many other ways/videos and finally came across with this video!! No more frustration. Thank you so much!
Love hearing this! That's what it's all about
This guy: "You can do it, I'm a normal person"
Also this guy: "I'm a professional guitar tech, out on the road..tuning is kinda what I do"
LOL
Best. Comment. Ever.
I think he means he's a normal guy who also knows how to pro tech a guitar... he's not a wizard, he's not superman....
A normal person can change strings. Don't be afraid. Pay attention and use your brain.
All the videos on this are by pros who have done this hundreds or thousands of time. This guy is honest enough to explain he has one way of doing it and its advantages and there are other ways that might be just as good,. Lots of people are scared to do this or dont know what to do.
Haha, true true. I guess I meant that anybody can do it and you don't need developed skills to change strings.
My guitar is putting up a fight and won’t accept my E string so I will now be playing a 5 string
Lmao same
Same.
Instant Keith Richards..
=)
The top 3 make sure to crimp under and out towards the exterior of the head stock. Make sure too much slack isn’t there and crank the the strings ALWAYS wrapping to the outside
Keep trying, you’ll get it!
This was my first time ever re stringing my guitar and I found it so simple and easy to do using this tutorial, thank you so much I was quite nervous at first thinking about doing this but this tutorial made it very simple and easy too complete....many thanks :)
This was one of the best videos to show how to string your guitar. This is what's called a Luthier's knot and it works well in keeping your guitar in tune. I would also like to add that I saw you using a string winder this is an excellent way to also remove the pegs on your bridge by using the front end of the string winder it slides perfectly under the head of the peg and and pops it out with no damage to the bridge. I've been using this method for over 20 years it works great the winder slides perfectly under the head of the peg and and pops it out with no damage to the bridge.
Thank you for this. Perfect instruction. After much hesitation, I restrung my Yamaha acoustic guitar on my own and feel confident that I did it right. Thank you.
Tried to tune the G string, but my wife slapped my hand away :(
xDD
She was fed up with your strumming
Why was the G-string untuned in the first place 😆 nice joke btw
You not strumming it right 🤣🤣
@@dippydip2170 Go away.
8:06
"Let's get to why you're ACTUALLY watching this video."
🤣🤣🤣 OMG how did you know lol.
Also the string winder has a notch at the end for pulling out the pegs. Better than risking damage to the pegs or the guitar with metal tools.
They're rubbish. Use a spoon.
that notch was put there for the big flat tuning key heads on fender basses.
I was about to comment this exact thing... but thought I should look to see who else noticed... all manualpeg winders have the notch to pop the pin or safely and with any chance I'd damaging the bride... rather surprised that want mentioned. I'd never used any of the ways mentioned in the video... but otherwise a very good and detailed video. 😎🎸
Playing for 2 decades and I've changed my strings many times, but I never knew if I was doing it 'right'! Thanks for the extra tips ;)
Thank you! I watched a bunch of videos and read different articles and kept snapping strings. I successfully changed two strings all by myself! Best video.
It's also good to give a 45 degree bend at the ball-end of the string. That way, when the string is tightened - the ball won't be inclined to pop the pin up.
Not at all sure that I like that idea. If the pin pops up, the ball end of the string isn’t seated properly. Wiggle it around a bit and you should feel the string slacken as it slips into place. Re-tune.
There is another reason the string goes under the windings. The peg surface is curved inwards meaning the windings naturally pull towards the center of the peg which forces the windings against the string that's going through the hole of the peg which stops the string from slipping.
When you wind from underneath the break angle actually adds more force towards the center of the peg adding more tension on the portion of the string passing through the peg hole.
My high e string snapped when I was tuning it and I’ve never done this 😬
Did you use the correct gauge? Or try to wind it too far? I found out recently that some guitars, depending on the materials used when manufactured *and* overall structural integrity of the guitar, can be made to use certain types of strings. Either way they are common mistakes. I've actually ruined 3 sets of bass strings so far trying to restring it! XD And they are expensive.
It is actually very interesting how much customization - between wood species used for both the neck and body, material type used to create the nut and saddle, string material (nickel, steel, brass, phosphor, copper, etc) and string core shape (hex core, round core, etc) - can effect sound brightness, sustain, general playability... The acoustic guitar, quite literally, is a living object.
Great video, I have been playing off and on for 50 years and never saw a clear method of installing strings on a guitar. Great Job.
This is the way. I’ve seen numerous other guitar techs using this very same technique for winding their strings. There’s absolutely no way that the string can slip doing it like this. Great explanation and tutorial.
"I'm a normal guy" ...9 mins later "I'm a guitar tech" lmao
Still can’t figure this stuff out! Battery is good no power on fishman amp
I can't believe you didn't mention bridge pin pullers. Most string winders have them. Pulling them out with wire cutters is a good way to scratch your guitar.
The string winder i had sucked and wouldn't grip around the pins it was useless and couldnt pull them out so i used to just pry those mothers out with a pocket knife
I just watched another video from a Taylor authorized guitar tech. He used a side cutters leveraged over the saddle with no problem. I have your same concern but he didnt seem to have a problem with it.
There's a puller built into the winder
David Bresett But he didn't mention it. That was my point.
jstevens501 As you say, he's an authorised guitar tec. That's the clue.
0:46 yes the worst case scenario really isn't me breaking the new strings . I just tried it out , tried to pick out one of the bridge pins , I applied pressure to pop it out and I ended up breaking the entire guitar . Wow
after watching a LOT of videos on RUclips on how to restring your guitar, for sure this is the best one. Thanks mate!
I have been tuning my guitar wrong for 50 years and my musician friends just laugh at me and shake their heads. This is a real help
You're the best. Thank you a million for posting. It really helped me on a few fine points that I've always wondered about, even tho I've owned and played guitars for a hundred years! Much appreciated.
The string winder you were using has a notch for pulling the pins out without destroying them with your pliars. Just though I would mention that. Also the method you are using to lock the strings is called the Martin wrap. Also the best strings are made by Martin (a guitar maker) and the 540s in Phosphor Bronze Light are my favorites. They are the unplated ones and compare in quality to the D'Addario. Try Martins and you will never look back.
You're correct, most winders have a notch for that. I grind the edges of my winders off so that they don't rub against the wood of the headstock. Not always necessary, but when working on vintage guitars, the winder can rub against the wood and cause damage. That's why I didn't use the notch in the video.
The winder slipped while I was applying pressure and using the notch to remove pins on a Takamine. The winder ran along the top of the guitar and put a deep scratch in the finish. Luckily it was my own guitar, but, lesson learnt!
@@ParaBellum2024 yeah i hate string winders lol the one i had sucked horribly so i always just use my hands now
I used plyers and it broke the pin in half lol
@@Christian-oi7sd Hey Friend ... there is a great tool that they make that fits over any sized pin and pulls it right out.
Man i get nervous while doing that!! im afraid I'm gonna mess up. its like doing a surgery.! 😬
Broke my extra g string and cant play anymore since i didnt knnow how to change strings. Cant play anymore por. Hub intros.
What a great video. The best one out there. Shame you don’t have more videos explaining absolutely everything about guitars. I love that you don’t just tell about how, but also why to do the different steps. I’ve been playing guitar for 17 years, but I still learned something here.
DIRECTIONS UNCLEAR. MY FOOT LANDED IN GUITAR.
911 whats your emergency?
looks like you skipped step 3
@IQ Ocelot no 😞🤘
You forgot a pair of safety glasses.
I was always told by my guitar teacher - 1980 - never take all the string off at once it's not good for the neck. So I alway did one at a time - is this an old wives tale?
I’ve always heard this too.
Myth
Not a myth at all. If you think about the torque that is on the neck and the release of that torque when you remove all of the strings at the same time?! If you want your guitar to stay in tune after restringing you'll change the strings one at a time and save all that neck movement!
@@davidrobertson229 It isn't torque, its tension. If you take off all the strings then yes, the neck will bow back some, but as soon as you put new strings on and tune them up the relief will return to right where it was before. I do it to my guitar every 2 weeks when I change strings. I've done it to every guitar I've ever owned and I have never had trouble tuning. If you go to any luthiers' channel here on RUclips you will see them doing it as well. If there is ever any trouble with the neck then you can adjust the truss rod. All guitars eventually need to be adjusted regardless. That is why most guitars have them.
@@davidrobertson229 Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying doing it your way is bad either. If you like doing it that way then that is how you should do it. In the end you have to do what you feel is right for your instrument.
Yours was the best. That way you lock them is what I was looking for. Most of the other videos don’t have that. I’ve been doing that for 40 years. Thank you.
I appreciate anyone that takes the time and effort to make an instruction video like this one. Having said that, the "luthiers knot" is something I never use. I have played for parts of over 6 decades so I guess I'm not a "youngster". 🤣 I have also worked at various guitar shops, music shops, etc., and we used a different method on the tuning pegs. As you say in the video there is more than one way to replace strings. My recommendation for players is to research those various ways, visit local guitar shops and talk with their techs, talk to luthiers, etc. "my 2 cents".
This was the best of the 10 or so I watched, some by string & guitar makers. Half said put through the tuner hole before wrapping, other half said wind it first, some said line up tuning holes parallel, some said 45 degrees. I got disgusted before seeing this and just put it through, wound it around, through hole again and tightened it, screw it. Next time I will follow this one.
+Frank Matturri - Actually it depends on the type of tuners you have, what the best method is as well as the strings themselves-- some tuner pegs have a locking system and actually grab the strings. and some strings are coated and slip easier... some are wound and some aren't, but for basic acoustic rewinding - you are watching a very useful how-to video here. That may be why you saw so many different kind of instructions? That plus the number of idiots that love to post videos and have no idea how stuff should be done correctly. GOOD LUCK GUY.
I failed horribly I don’t know what I did wrong but lemme say I think I did everything wrong I could never do this
4:40 "That's fine but I am not like that " 😆
If I manage to screw this up after watching this video I don't have the right to own a guitar. The effort you put into this tutorial is very much appreciated! 👍
I usually forget this method and I search each on internet to remember it, always from different sources and this is the best material I`ve ever seen so far! Well explained, very clear and easy to remember :)
Thank you!
I have played for 13 years and I still hate re-stringing and feel like I'm doing it wrong. Especially when I had a Floyd Rose
Oh fuck those things ill never own another lol.