Sweet Strings by Slidin' Delta

A guitar is not like a piano in that when you play a guitar every day you can wear out a set of strings in just a couple of weeks. Of course the exact length of time a set of strings will last depends on how hard you play and how long. You will know when it is time to change strings by the dull lifeless way your guitar sounds.

Proper stringing of a guitar will improve its tone and its tuning stability. Stringing a guitar is something you can do for yourself. You could of course pay a technician to string your guitar, however, sooner or later you are going to have to start doing it for your self.

To undertake this, you will just need a few tools.

1. First you will need a guitar tuner.
2. Second you will need heavy wire cutters.
3. If you are stringing an acoustic guitar, you will need a string winder or a pair of pliers.
4. If you are stringing an electric guitar, you will need a small screwdriver of the type your guitar requires for setting the intonation.
5. Finally, during the process of stringing your guitar, you should apply fretboard conditioner. For this you will need fretboard conditioner and a paper towel.

50's HARMONY ROCK A BILLY AND 67 FENDER VIBRO CHAMP

The best way to start is to take the wire cutters and cut the old strings in half. Once you have done this, you can unwind one half of each string from its tuning key. The other half of each string can be pulled out of the tailpiece of an electric guitar. For an acoustic guitar, you will have to pull out the string pins used to secure the strings in the bridge of the guitar. For this you can use the pin remover on a string winder or a pair of pliers. Now is a good time to clean your guitar. Be sure to clean the places you were unable to reach because of the strings. This is also the time to apply the fretboard conditioner. Apply it generously to the entire fretboard then wipe up the excess with the paper towel.

Now, for installing the new strings. First slide each string through the tailpiece for an electric guitar. For an acoustic guitar secure the strings with the string pins. Slide each string through the hole in the proper tuning key and wind it in a downward direction. Use as many windings as you can, however, do not exceed the area intended for string windings on the tuning key. On the plain strings you must have a tie so after putting the strings through the hole in the tuning keys go one winding up then the rest down as before. Be sure the strings do not overlap as this can cause both tuning problems and string breakage. This can be difficult on the thinnest string, as they can be hard to see. Pull the excess of each string tight and cut.

Next use the tuner to tune each string to its proper pitch. With an acoustic guitar you are finished, as there is no way to set the intonation. For an electric guitar check the pitch on one string paying close attention to how the needle on the tuner acts. Then check the pitch at the twelfth fret. If the needle does not act the same, then use the screw for setting the intonation on that string. Keep repeating this process until the needle on the tuner acts just exactly the same at the twelfth fret as it did on the open string. Repeat this on each string

Now you are ready to enjoy the best tone and tuning stability your guitar can have.

Privet beginner lessons with modes are available in the Yucca Valley California area from Slidin' Delta for both guitar and piano. To schedule lessons call 760-228-1937. Be prepared to leave a local call back number as this phone is answered automatically.

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Last updated 21 APR 2009 by Slidin' Delta

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