subject: Acoustic Guitar Lessons: How to Replace Strings [print this page] Acoustic Guitar Lessons: How to Replace Strings
Learning to play the acoustic guitar has many different parts. Not only do you need to learn how to play the guitar but you also need to learn about the instrument itself - what are its parts and how do they work? If you have chosen to invest in beginner acoustic guitar lessons your instructor will help you to learn all these lessons.If you do not have a private instructor you can just as easily access this information via the internet in the form of online acoustic guitar lessons. The simple act of taking an acoustic guitar lesson can increase your knowledge of the guitar to such a degree that, down the line, you may find it easier to pick up more difficult techniques. There may be many difficult things you do as you learn how to play the guitar but there are also some simpler things like learning how to change your guitar strings. If you do not have an instructor to teach you how to change your guitar strings during an acoustic guitar lesson then the following information can help you.Many people think that the only time you need to change your guitar strings is when they break. However, it is possible for strings to become rusted or discolored, in which case, it may be necessary to change them sooner. When you need to purchase new guitar strings you will find that there is a wide variety of options available so be sure you know what kind of guitar you have so you can find the proper strings to match. Acoustic guitar strings are different from electric, bass, and classical guitar strings so if you are not sure what kind you need bring your guitar in to the music store and have someone help you find out which kind you need.Once you have purchased your new guitar string or set of guitar strings you will be ready to change them. There are a few tools you will need: wire snips, a cloth, and a string winder. A string winder and pliers are optional, but you may find that they are quite helpful. First, lay your guitar out on a flat surface and position yourself in front of the instrument with the sixth string closest to you. Loosen the string by turning the tuning peg and uncoil it, then remove the other end of the string from the bridge (this is where the pliers may come in handy). Discard the old string and use the cloth to wipe down your guitar then take your new string out of the package and slide the ball-end into the hole in the bridge. Lightly pull on the string until you feel the ball slip into place then pull the string upwards toward the headstock and an inch past the tuning peg. Feed the string through the tuning peg and crimp the string at a 90 degree angle and test the string for tuning. Once you have finished, use your wire cutters to trim the excess string. If you need to change additional strings, you may do so, but do not attempt to remove and replace all strings at once - doing so can damage your guitar or result in more broken strings.
