I’ve only had a couple guitar lessons over the years, my boyfriend has been playing heavily for 15 years. Neither of us can change strings. He’s so frustrated from trying countless times over the years with billions of different techniques, he refuses to try. I watched this video and even though I don’t really have guitar experience and was super nervous, I thought I’d give it a shot for him. I DID IT!!! First time I’ve EVER changed strings and I did it correctly! Thank you so much for this fantastic tutorial, it’s the best out there!!!
Been restringing guitars horribly for 2 years, and it's just crazy how much better it holds tune with this method and how it eliminates an issue I've had with my open strings rattling
There are hundreds of videos and/or web pages on how to restring a guitar. This is the first one that was perfectly clear. Thank you so much for posting
Great tutorial. One question: when am I supposed to smoke a joint? Before starting? (this is my hunch) Or, does one take a break somewhere near the midway point, and smoke it? These are the kinds of things many guitar players need to know. Kindest regards from sunny Florida.
Just started playing acoustic guitar and wanted better strings! Thanks for a straightforward method and the final section re slight stretching of strings whilst tuning, and tuning with the guitar in playing position are the best - I have watched most RUclips channels for restringing acoustic guitars and Matt gives the most advice and best technique I’ve seen! 😊
This is closest to perfect I’ve ever seen. Very clear and easy to follow instruction, helpful tips, random but helpful bits of information, taught me things I had no idea about even though I’ve had to restring a few guitars in my time playing before seeing this video. Plus Matt was really easy to understand in every sense of the phrase. Thank you!
This was by far the best acoustic guitar restring instructional video on RUclips. Matt was able to explain things thorough, yet concise and that's what I appreciated most about this DIY - easy to follow & lessened the stress
As a drummer about to change strings on my wife's Taylor, this was enormously helpful. Using the same strings and quick wind tool will make me feel like I know what I'm doing! 😊 Excellent video mate!
Good thing I decided to watch a video before trying to restring the D string that I broke while tuning lol. I didn't realize that I was going into the wrong octave, and overtightened and SNAP. I have the strings to replace it, but I was gonna give it a go without any instructions, as it seemed straight-forward enough. Not at all. It's not difficult, but you have to know what you are doing. Thank you for this
I’ve been restringing my guitar since I was 14 and it always took forever to do, took forever for it to hold its tuning, etc. I followed this video and it was fast and my guitar sounds great and has held its tuning immediately. Thank you!
Frankie I've been playing and gigging for sixty years now (HOW LONG??? Yup. Sixty. Started out wanting to be Hank Marvin). I've restrung everything from a double ball-ended headless bass through cigar-box guitars and resonators to my dear , dear Eric Clapton Strat. Never had the courage to tackle a pegged acoustic, so Matt's lesson is worth its weight in gold. I also learned the correct way to wind on; I've been told all sorts of questionable dodges over the years, but Matt's makes THE most sense. So, first we tackle our little acoustic-then on to the Ibanez twelve string. Wish me luck!
I wish I'd watched Matt first, before watching some other person. I pretty much jacked up my first guitar restring--but it'll have to do for now. The second one I did with Matt, was much easier to visually and audibly understand. Thanks, Matt! :-)
Matt, you are awesome, Dude! I thought I knew how to string a guitar, but you schooled me! Those pegs always gave me trouble and kinda frightened me when I restrung them. Now with your trick I am confident and wow! that was easy! Thank you, sir. I am now a subscriber.
Thank you Matt, I've always pulled the string tight from machine end snd then would on, but now, thanks to you, I can see its far better to leave a few inches extra to wind on to the peg and string has then got much greater support. 🙏
I used to bring my guitars to the music store always to get them restringed. Before I tried it twice and always had breaking strings. Today I watched this video , tried it again and... no broken strings ! Thanks for this video !
Cheers Matt and thanks so much for a smashing go at this. I've done a few restrings but this has still educated me and I'll embrace your suggestions on my next go round. I especially like setting all the pegs and checking for proper seating before proceeding. A+
I'm 51. I have always wanted to learn acoustic guitar. I was gifted an Eleca. My first lesson is to get string onto it. Thanks for the vid. It is a huge help.
My stepson plays the guitar and I don't know the first thing about them, but this video was quick and simple, which is a sure sign the person making it knows their stuff! Great watch and I'm sure the guitar were about to restring will be played a hell of a lot once its got all 6 strings tuned. Thank you!
Really good vid. The only thing different that i've been doing over many years while restringing is to pull the B and E strings back through the holes in the tuner posts twice before winding them up. This method has always kept those 2 small strings tight without worry of them slipping loose on the post(i used to have issues with them loosening up before employing this method) Also, once those 2 tiny strings reach their max stretch point they stay in tune indefinitely. Right or wrong, doing it this way has alway's worked perfectly for me without any problems at all
Thank you so much for the help. I had the hardest time going through 2 other tutorials and breaking 2 sets of strings. Your tutorial was actually easier and more clear to follow along. You're awesome dude!!!
Good techniques shown here. I have noticed even the cheap plastic pegs come pre-slanted. And my local guitar center lacked anything made of bone. I used your technique of checking the peg and string position from the inside before going to the machine heads. I also used the technique you showed of pre-measuring the slack and then holding tension. I use a slightly less complicated technique to maintain the tension while tightening. I basically thumb the string against the nut of the machine head, so as it tightens I get nice even coiling that naturally lines up the pole. I also liked the idea of aligning the machine head holes with the long axis. It really helped get that first winding solid after bending the end of the slack to keep the string from slipping out. My acoustic seems louder now, probably because the end of the strings are making solid contact between the peg and against the body in the inside due to the pegs' slant alignment. I've always found the number of windings doesn't matter much except on electric guitars where less seems better. But on an acoustic four or five seems to make it more stable.
I smoke 5 packages while restringing which is more expensive than the string set itself and my guy here just winding to tune in 10 seconds. Respect dude.
Great, especially with emphasis on sandpapering the bridge pins, and emphasis on checking correct placement of ball/bead of string by pressing ‘digits’ through sound hole. Restring process, near machine heads, best be more close-up, and, best be more gradual pace, in this view.
Thanks so much for this Matt, I managed to restring my wife's guitar for her which was well overdue and she's very happy with it now! Cheers for the clear instructions, meant I didn't make mistakes which otherwise would have been very easy. Much appreciated! :)
Thanks for taking some of the mystery out of the job. I've never enjoyed replacing strings but after watching you, I would feel a bit more confident. Don't need to do it right now though!
If there is one thing I have learned through watching videos on how to correctly restring a guitar it is that no two individuals agree on how to correctly restring a guitar. From guitar novices whose egos outweigh their knowledge to seasoned pro guitar techs and musicians, there is no consensus. My solution to this is to string instruments the way that has always worked for me and to block recommendations from RUclips channels offering such advice (the same way I block anything with the words 'secret', 'hack' or 'ASMR' in the title).
I did the 1.5 machine head measurement on the 6th string and it was way too much. 1 would be enough for the wound strings and maybe 1.5 on the 1st and 2nd.
I think you are right. I have read that it shouldent be more than 3 times around for the wound strings, but now it’s 4 times around on string 6 and 5 and a lot more on string 4 and 3. How does your guitar sound when it has 0,5 machine head too much compared to the right measure?
Can you string a Fender CN-60S classical guitar for left-handed playing with out compromising the sound? I noticed that there is slight angle on the bridge.
I have a problem with my bridge at the nuts it makes a buzzing noise when you tune the strings. Also the bridge is not fixed in. So I'm wondering what is wrong?
7:47 Damn the way the string is wound is soooooo clean, I'll do that next time I change my strings on my guitars ! Update : I fucked up so I just did the way I usually do it
I eff'd it up too, I'm slighty dislexic and I put the skinny strings on first where the big ones go. Already snipped them dammit, I'm getting used to playing upside down now but I get a little dizzy if I play too long. Oh well, getting new ones next year.
@@neha6723 can’t recall right know eheheh but it went pretty much factory style. I was really impressed, no problem even if put a lot of tension, believe me I tested it! Before this guy made this video I always did an awuful job
I had the bridge pins popping up on a new guitar when re stringing as they where getting near pitch do you sand the bridge pins away from the groove as if up towards the bridge ?
As with about everything, self taught, ty! Especially like the start, loosen & cut, way cool, much faster easier, thanks again, also been winding all clockwise..used to have a nice fender, so miss it, had a Gibson too, always prefer fenders narrow fret bar, never played well, but write songs, guitar nice tool for that, even if the current one, cheap, piece of dung, haven't played in years, (shattered left wrist, arm hand, 2plates, 12 screws later, done her up good, docs said never get full use back, but good enough), fixin' to play again, thought, hey, how am I suppose to string it? Thanks for the tutorial! Appreciate it!
I've always worked from 1 to 6 one at a time maintaining proper tension on each string and bringing it in to tune before I change the next string.i double feed the first string to keep it from slipping by the way I'm 69 and have been playing since I was 17
You never EVER remove all the strigs at one time, it is vital to keep the tension on the top and the bridge as conistent as possible. The amount of flex in the top that you are creating could actually compromise the glue bond at the bridge. How do I know this? I’ve been a woodworker, a luthier, and a guitarist for 57 years.
A lot of people say it’s a myth and have cut and restring 1000s of times and never had an issue. It’s an old guy myth. Another luthier even chimed in and said it’s okay to take em all off at once. So… Based on your experience, sounds like you’re an older person. If you’re so certain about your theory…have you ever tried taking all strings off at once? If you did, what happened?
I’ve only had a couple guitar lessons over the years, my boyfriend has been playing heavily for 15 years. Neither of us can change strings. He’s so frustrated from trying countless times over the years with billions of different techniques, he refuses to try. I watched this video and even though I don’t really have guitar experience and was super nervous, I thought I’d give it a shot for him. I DID IT!!! First time I’ve EVER changed strings and I did it correctly! Thank you so much for this fantastic tutorial, it’s the best out there!!!
As a 64 year old novice guitarist I found this video clear and helpful and the fact that Matt is so personable was a bonus. Thanks Matt!
Been restringing guitars horribly for 2 years, and it's just crazy how much better it holds tune with this method and how it eliminates an issue I've had with my open strings rattling
There are hundreds of videos and/or web pages on how to restring a guitar. This is the first one that was perfectly clear. Thank you so much for posting
Great tutorial. One question: when am I supposed to smoke a joint? Before starting? (this is my hunch) Or, does one take a break somewhere near the midway point, and smoke it? These are the kinds of things many guitar players need to know. Kindest regards from sunny Florida.
Take one when you've done with 1/4 and 3/4;)
@@Mozzarella-and-Tomato cheers mate! 😂🤘
@Jennifer Irwin you know what? This might sound bloody absurd, Miss Jennifer, but I was wondering if 98 could be the answer. Thanks love! 🕊
Let’s be real.. already smoking said joint brought us here
@@lilyolk299 I respect your candor, and I admit it….when you’re right, you’re right! 💯
Just started playing acoustic guitar and wanted better strings! Thanks for a straightforward method and the final section re slight stretching of strings whilst tuning, and tuning with the guitar in playing position are the best - I have watched most RUclips channels for restringing acoustic guitars and Matt gives the most advice and best technique I’ve seen! 😊
This is closest to perfect I’ve ever seen. Very clear and easy to follow instruction, helpful tips, random but helpful bits of information, taught me things I had no idea about even though I’ve had to restring a few guitars in my time playing before seeing this video. Plus Matt was really easy to understand in every sense of the phrase. Thank you!
This was by far the best acoustic guitar restring instructional video on RUclips. Matt was able to explain things thorough, yet concise and that's what I appreciated most about this DIY - easy to follow & lessened the stress
As a drummer about to change strings on my wife's Taylor, this was enormously helpful. Using the same strings and quick wind tool will make me feel like I know what I'm doing! 😊 Excellent video mate!
Thanks! I just restrung my own guitar for the first time and this video really helped me! Easily the clearest and most concise video on this process.
Good thing I decided to watch a video before trying to restring the D string that I broke while tuning lol. I didn't realize that I was going into the wrong octave, and overtightened and SNAP. I have the strings to replace it, but I was gonna give it a go without any instructions, as it seemed straight-forward enough. Not at all. It's not difficult, but you have to know what you are doing. Thank you for this
This video is giving me the confidence to restring my guitar. Very simple and easy to follow.
D
I’ve been restringing my guitar since I was 14 and it always took forever to do, took forever for it to hold its tuning, etc. I followed this video and it was fast and my guitar sounds great and has held its tuning immediately. Thank you!
Frankie
I've been playing and gigging for sixty years now (HOW LONG??? Yup. Sixty. Started out wanting to be Hank Marvin). I've restrung everything from a double ball-ended headless bass through cigar-box guitars and resonators to my dear , dear Eric Clapton Strat. Never had the courage to tackle a pegged acoustic, so Matt's lesson is worth its weight in gold. I also learned the correct way to wind on; I've been told all sorts of questionable dodges over the years, but Matt's makes THE most sense. So, first we tackle our little acoustic-then on to the Ibanez twelve string. Wish me luck!
I wish I'd watched Matt first, before watching some other person. I pretty much jacked up my first guitar restring--but it'll have to do for now. The second one I did with Matt, was much easier to visually and audibly understand. Thanks, Matt! :-)
Matt, you are awesome, Dude! I thought I knew how to string a guitar, but you schooled me! Those pegs always gave me trouble and kinda frightened me when I restrung them. Now with your trick I am confident and wow! that was easy! Thank you, sir. I am now a subscriber.
it literally took me an hour to figure out the technique you used to string the last two strings! Now I can restring like a pro!
I had the hardest time with the two thin strings. For me, they would not wrap tightly, and it ruined my bottom strings.
Loved the tips about sanding the peg and not kinking the string
This is THE best string changing tutorial on here, thank you so much!!
Best video I've seen on RUclips (by a mile) on how to restring a guitar.
the best video about restringing a guitar, it's my second time changing strings and with your help i did it perfectly :) you explain so well!
How fast he tunes it at the end gives me anxiety 😂😂😂. I would be moving those pegs as SLOWLY as humanly possible. I’ve been cut my a string
Thank you Matt, I've always pulled the string tight from machine end snd then would on, but now, thanks to you, I can see its far better to leave a few inches extra to wind on to the peg and string has then got much greater support. 🙏
I used to bring my guitars to the music store always to get them restringed. Before I tried it twice and always had breaking strings. Today I watched this video , tried it again and... no broken strings ! Thanks for this video !
Cheers Matt and thanks so much for a smashing go at this. I've done a few restrings but this has still educated me and I'll embrace your suggestions on my next go round. I especially like setting all the pegs and checking for proper seating before proceeding. A+
I'm 51. I have always wanted to learn acoustic guitar. I was gifted an Eleca. My first lesson is to get string onto it. Thanks for the vid. It is a huge help.
My stepson plays the guitar and I don't know the first thing about them, but this video was quick and simple, which is a sure sign the person making it knows their stuff!
Great watch and I'm sure the guitar were about to restring will be played a hell of a lot once its got all 6 strings tuned. Thank you!
wow what a feeling. I just replaced the strings on my Ovation guitar watching step by step video is great help ty
This video was a godsend man. Helped me re-string my old acoustic first try! I can't thank you guys enough!
Really good vid. The only thing different that i've been doing over many years while restringing is to pull the B and E strings back through the holes in the tuner posts twice before winding them up. This method has always kept those 2 small strings tight without worry of them slipping loose on the post(i used to have issues with them loosening up before employing this method) Also, once those 2 tiny strings reach their max stretch point they stay in tune indefinitely. Right or wrong, doing it this way has alway's worked perfectly for me without any problems at all
Excellently demonstrated the correct way of restring the acoustic guitar. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the help. I had the hardest time going through 2 other tutorials and breaking 2 sets of strings. Your tutorial was actually easier and more clear to follow along. You're awesome dude!!!
Good techniques shown here.
I have noticed even the cheap plastic pegs come pre-slanted. And my local guitar center lacked anything made of bone.
I used your technique of checking the peg and string position from the inside before going to the machine heads. I also used the technique you showed of pre-measuring the slack and then holding tension.
I use a slightly less complicated technique to maintain the tension while tightening. I basically thumb the string against the nut of the machine head, so as it tightens I get nice even coiling that naturally lines up the pole.
I also liked the idea of aligning the machine head holes with the long axis. It really helped get that first winding solid after bending the end of the slack to keep the string from slipping out.
My acoustic seems louder now, probably because the end of the strings are making solid contact between the peg and against the body in the inside due to the pegs' slant alignment.
I've always found the number of windings doesn't matter much except on electric guitars where less seems better. But on an acoustic four or five seems to make it more stable.
I was taught to put graphite with a pencil I slots on bridge. But like the process you show.
I smoke 5 packages while restringing which is more expensive than the string set itself and my guy here just winding to tune in 10 seconds. Respect dude.
I often restring my guitars but this video was refreshing for the setups of my acoustics, thanks !
Great, especially with emphasis on sandpapering the bridge pins, and emphasis on checking correct placement of ball/bead of string by pressing ‘digits’ through sound hole.
Restring process, near machine heads, best be more close-up, and, best be more gradual pace, in this view.
Those Elixer strings are awesome!! I've had mine on my Yamaha FG830 acoustic for 5months and still sound incredible and no oxidation!
Excellent vid/demonstration very clear and helpful! But one thing: should you not check the pegs again after restringing before tuning?
Thanks so much for this Matt, I managed to restring my wife's guitar for her which was well overdue and she's very happy with it now! Cheers for the clear instructions, meant I didn't make mistakes which otherwise would have been very easy. Much appreciated! :)
this is the most accurate video of how to change strings, thankk you very much!
STELLAR Presenter and Clear /Concise run through! Truly Appreciate this how it’s done video. Saved to my favorites!
Great tutorial with all the information to restring for the first time. Thank you.
First time seeing that amount of wraps
Saaame! I was looking for this comment! 2 wraps is perfection. Also if you can loop the string end under itself, that's the neatest.
great video! i watched a couple others where i struggled to change the strings but this one laid it out nice and easy! thanks!!
Great video. Was able to do it right first time. All RUclips how-to videos should be this good. Thanks!
Thx a lot my uncle just gifted me with my first Acoustic , and this helped me clean it for the first time thx a lot!!!!!
You are my go to guitar restringing guy. See you again next time sir
i finally restring my guitar for the first time . your tutorial helped me a lot , thank you :)
Thanks for taking some of the mystery out of the job. I've never enjoyed replacing strings but after watching you, I would feel a bit more confident. Don't need to do it right now though!
Great tutorial, never played a guitar but restringing for my GF for her then to tune it. Went perfectly.
Thank you so much! I finally put on new strings after breaking previously snapping a few of them. I didn't know you had to measure and pull them back.
Very helpful tutorial,just one question where can you get that peg remover tool ?thanks
If there is one thing I have learned through watching videos on how to correctly restring a guitar it is that no two individuals agree on how to correctly restring a guitar. From guitar novices whose egos outweigh their knowledge to seasoned pro guitar techs and musicians, there is no consensus. My solution to this is to string instruments the way that has always worked for me and to block recommendations from RUclips channels offering such advice (the same way I block anything with the words 'secret', 'hack' or 'ASMR' in the title).
Nice classic Big Muff in the background ;) I have one of those and I love it. Good tutorial, thanks.
Looks as though you've done this more than once!! Thanks for the huge help in the step-by-step guide.
Honestly, thank you. I was so nervous to do this.
Fantastic, chill walk through-video. Thank you! ✌🏼❤️
I've followed the tutorial and it went mostly great, thank you! Playing the D sharp on the D string though is very buzzy, will this go away with time?
The best video I've seen so far; Great tips. Thanks 👍
I did the 1.5 machine head measurement on the 6th string and it was way too much. 1 would be enough for the wound strings and maybe 1.5 on the 1st and 2nd.
I think you are right. I have read that it shouldent be more than 3 times around for the wound strings, but now it’s 4 times around on string 6 and 5 and a lot more on string 4 and 3. How does your guitar sound when it has 0,5 machine head too much compared to the right measure?
The best video on this out there, thank you.
Duuude! You are excellent. Picked up some restringing tips from you that I never knew. Great video. Keep Rockin'.
Great video! Thank you! This is very helpful! What tuner are you using?
Thanks for the tutorial of changing acoustic guitar new strings
I'm not a beginner but it's been a while since I've restringed a guitar but very helpful tutorial being a little rusty lol thanks
The trust for those pegs is INSANE
Many excellent tips. Many mistakes to avoid that I've seen in other videos.
Can you string a Fender CN-60S classical guitar for left-handed playing with out compromising the sound? I noticed that there is slight angle on the bridge.
Clear and concise instructional video! Thanks
I love this measurement technique for slack... Great idea
Thank you! Now I am confident that I can string a guitar from watching this easy to follow lesson you've created.
You are amazing!! This video was everything I need to save money and help me and others out in the future!! Thank you so much!!
Great video...and technique. I've struggled for years to find the best way to restring my acoustics, and this is perfect. Thanks!
I have a problem with my bridge at the nuts it makes a buzzing noise when you tune the strings. Also the bridge is not fixed in. So I'm wondering what is wrong?
been doing it wrong for years, really well presented video.
7:47 Damn the way the string is wound is soooooo clean, I'll do that next time I change my strings on my guitars !
Update : I fucked up so I just did the way I usually do it
I fucked up doing it this way and now I have to buy new strings I should've just did it how I usually do too
I eff'd it up too, I'm slighty dislexic and I put the skinny strings on first where the big ones go. Already snipped them dammit, I'm getting used to playing upside down now but I get a little dizzy if I play too long. Oh well, getting new ones next year.
bwaaaa haaaa haaaaa - at least your friggin' honest.
I like that scraping sound
This is just incredible! I was afraid of changing my strings because I always did an awful job. this time went perfect thanks to this dude. Awesome!
how many windings did you do?
@@neha6723 can’t recall right know eheheh but it went pretty much factory style. I was really impressed, no problem even if put a lot of tension, believe me I tested it! Before this guy made this video I always did an awuful job
@@giacomopandiani6290 I watched this over and over again and still managed to mess it up, i feel like shit rn😣😣😣
@@neha6723 trust me just take it easy when you do it, all you need is a steady hand, and when in doubt watch the video
@@giacomopandiani6290 I'll start over again tomorrow 🖐️👍 really do hope it goes well
Amazing tutorial,well explained and easy to follow!finally my guitar it's been cleaned and stringed properly !
Awesome mate, never strung a guitar before but watched your video and all done. Great tutorial. Thanks heaps.
I had the bridge pins popping up on a new guitar when re stringing as they where getting near pitch do you sand the bridge pins away from the groove as if up towards the bridge ?
As with about everything, self taught, ty! Especially like the start, loosen & cut, way cool, much faster easier, thanks again, also been winding all clockwise..used to have a nice fender, so miss it, had a Gibson too, always prefer fenders narrow fret bar, never played well, but write songs, guitar nice tool for that, even if the current one, cheap, piece of dung, haven't played in years, (shattered left wrist, arm hand, 2plates, 12 screws later, done her up good, docs said never get full use back, but good enough), fixin' to play again, thought, hey, how am I suppose to string it? Thanks for the tutorial! Appreciate it!
Best darn video yet. Simple instructions thx man.
That is very helpful. I wish I could see plainly and slowly the loop that fastened the B and the E. Those are most apt to slip. Thanks so much--😂
12:07 how is he not scared of the string snapping is this the power of god
I've always worked from 1 to 6 one at a time maintaining proper tension on each string and bringing it in to tune before I change the next string.i double feed the first string to keep it from slipping by the way I'm 69 and have been playing since I was 17
I just bought new strings and they’re all doing some curl things so how to I straight them
Thanks Matt great video...I cant believe how long Ive been doing it the wrong way. Appreciate your help!
First snapped string
Nice string lesson bro. And of course only an englishman would have doilys under his cups on a workbench !
What tells you that the strings are set correctly and they produce the sound they should?
A very important lesson. Thank you very much❤❤❤❤❤❤
Good video! Thank you for the lesson.
Wow! Great lesson! I 'll be trying my hand at this soon!
Brilliantly demonstrated 🙌
Great video. It's be awhile since I've restrung my old guitar and this made it very easy.
best restring video around, thank you .)
This is so satisfying to watch.
best demo ever!
You never EVER remove all the strigs at one time, it is vital to keep the tension on the top and the bridge as conistent as possible. The amount of flex in the top that you are creating could actually compromise the glue bond at the bridge. How do I know this? I’ve been a woodworker, a luthier, and a guitarist for 57 years.
This
A lot of people say it’s a myth and have cut and restring 1000s of times and never had an issue. It’s an old guy myth.
Another luthier even chimed in and said it’s okay to take em all off at once. So…
Based on your experience, sounds like you’re an older person. If you’re so certain about your theory…have you ever tried taking all strings off at once? If you did, what happened?