In this video I show you the best method for changing strings on an acoustic guitar. I also include a few extra tips and tricks from years of restringing hundreds of guitars.
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!
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
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
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.
Just used this video as a reference for about the 20th time. It is hands down the best CZcams 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.
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.
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
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 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".
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!
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!!
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.
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 👏👏👍🎸
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.
after taking up the guitar after 35 years again, I knew there was a good and a bad way to tune a guitar, like most things in life. Watched one video, kid was too concerned about how he looked and being cool. you told it how it is and most importantly explained the Why! Thanks millions man, I'll be checking your tuning vid next. xxx
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 ;)
SO helpful, I really appreciate the detailed instructions. Other videos just gloss over stuff and it's not helpful, but you answered every question in perfect detail. Excellent job!
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!
This was such an amazing video. Haven’t re-stringed my guitars in years and really needed a walk through to make sure I did it right. Thank you so much. You rock
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!
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!
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 👍
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ;)
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!
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.
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.
What comes to mind in so many different experiences is the great line from the move THE EDGE when Anthony Hopkins says, "What one man can do, another can do!" It always encourages me to keep plugging away at new challenges...
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!
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'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.
I was "tickled to death" to see you do this with a Yamaha FG-150. It was MY first guitar 50 years ago and has been real a "workhorse" for me over the years. I have always thought it had a great "string tone". A few years ago, I got a 2nd Yamaha guitar with a built-in tuner (AC3R). It's a nice guitar, but I sometimes find myself "drifting back" to my 150! It's a true love affair! I thought your stringing instruction was great! Wish I had had someone show me that when I first started! :)
Those red label Yamahas are great sounding guitars! A lot of them need neck resets though. I've done a fair bit of work to this 150 (including the neck reset) and it plays great. My grandfather bought this guitar for the family and my dad learned how to play on it. It was passed on to me to take care of it after my grandfather passed, so it's special to me too.
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
I notice you have a string winder on your table, Why not use the slot in the end of the winding handle to slide under the string peg and lever upwards. This is what it is for. Handy video and you are so right about the amount of people that are scared of doing the most basic maintenance on their instruments.
I’ve played guitar for two years now and in that time was terrified to restring my guitar until watching your video. Thanks man used that technique you were insistent on and it sounds great. Plus I don’t have to worry about cutting myself on the exposed wire! Thank you
I honestly dont have an idea why I am watching this video.I ve been changing strings on my guitars since I was 11 ,so 22+ years ,but from your plesent voice ,to perfect tempo (expaining everything and not boring everyone to death ,I wanna ask everyone in coment section.How about we start petision that this video becames offial video of "how to change strings on acoustic" Great job man,best posible video.Again I ve changed strings 1000+ times and I am watching you.Dont know what can be more of acnolagment to your video!
Ha ah i was thinking the same thing. Why am i watching this? Anyway i did and changed my strings the way i always have. Less stuffing around and never had an issue
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
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.
Thanks for the great work. I’ve been playing for 30yrs, but have always been so lazy and/or impatient about restringing. I loved that I did a search and ended up here, and I just acquired a very similar Yamaha that I wanted to clean and restring. Really great, no BS video, and honestly; your voice is uncannily similar to Steve Albini’s!
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!
I truly appreciate this. I just had the E string on my first set of strings to snap, and after ordering a set of Elixirs today, I wanted to use this as an opportunity to inspect, clean and condition the frets, fingerboard and other parts of my Jasmine. Very nice explanation and demonstration; much appreciated.
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 :)
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.
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.
Wow! Thank you so much! I have been stringing my own guitars for years and have several and string other people's as well and have done pretty good with it. I would string them without the knot because it looks prettier (LOL). You answered most of the questions I had and I really appreciate you taking the time and making this video. Thanks again😎
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.
First video I watched my first string broke and very difficult to follow. After going through this one I got everything done and feel a lot more confident about my guitar staying in tune and understanding the process and little tips to help maximize your tuning! Best video I’ve seen!
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.
@@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
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!
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 for 50 years, but picked up a couple of good tips. Never too late to learn!
Amen, 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!
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
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!
I'm 15 and learning guitar and broke a string the first day, this has helped me so much thank you
15years of guitar experience and this is the most in-depth guide i have ever watched, keep up the great work!
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!
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you found it helpful
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
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.
Just used this video as a reference for about the 20th time. It is hands down the best CZcams 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
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
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!
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 😕
Thank you for this. Still valid 7 years later! I took my time and followed your directions. Many thanks!
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.
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
I used to string this way and after a 25 year break from playing, I couldn't remember how. Thanks for the careful explanation!
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 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".
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!
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
after watching a LOT of videos on CZcams on how to restring your guitar, for sure this is the best one. Thanks mate!
The best most thorough demo of this on CZcams. I’ve done it a million times but never happy with my wraps. This definitely worked.
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!!
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’m glad you mentioned pulling on the strings to make sure they are stretched and properly seated. Bravo
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.
"It goes bloop"
that's what i learned today
😂 loved it
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 👏👏👍🎸
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’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!
Thank you for not assuming that I already know how to do this. I appreciate this video.
Just changed my guitar strings for the first time and couldn't be ,happier, thanks to this brilliant, clear demonstration. Thank you so much.
after taking up the guitar after 35 years again, I knew there was a good and a bad way to tune a guitar, like most things in life. Watched one video, kid was too concerned about how he looked and being cool. you told it how it is and most importantly explained the Why! Thanks millions man, I'll be checking your tuning vid next. xxx
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 ;)
What an excellent system. Played all my life and never thought of this. It's definitely superior.
SO helpful, I really appreciate the detailed instructions. Other videos just gloss over stuff and it's not helpful, but you answered every question in perfect detail. Excellent job!
This video is THE ONLY video for those wanting to learn to change strings 🙂 really appreciate this, brother 🙏🏻
This is by far the best tutorial on restringing an acoustic guitar out there. Very well explained and detailed. Thanks man!
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!
This was such an amazing video. Haven’t re-stringed my guitars in years and really needed a walk through to make sure I did it right. Thank you so much. You rock
Wow an actually useful video on tuning guitars. You are part of the 10% of CZcams that are worth the time to watch. Thank you.
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!
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!
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.
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 👍
Great video, hadn't changed my strings in years and this truly helped
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 watched a few of these videos and none answered all of my questions, until yours. Good job. And thank you.
8:06
"Let's get to why you're ACTUALLY watching this video."
🤣🤣🤣 OMG how did you know lol.
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.
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.
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 always check with a mini lesson before restringing Thank You , Your method is the way to restring forever! Easy and no slipping!
Yeah , me too . So many kinds of different tuners rive me nuts
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.
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.
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.
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 ;)
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!
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.
done like an absolute pro, exactly as my dad taught me only i needed refreshing about how to seat strings in the bridge. Thanks for the detailed video
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the kind words
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.
What comes to mind in so many different experiences is the great line from the move THE EDGE when Anthony Hopkins says, "What one man can do, another can do!" It always encourages me to keep plugging away at new challenges...
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!
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.
Man, you make it so simple compared to others and your Video Photography is great. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the clarity and nuts n bolts delivery!
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.
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 was "tickled to death" to see you do this with a Yamaha FG-150. It was MY first guitar 50 years ago and has been real a "workhorse" for me over the years. I have always thought it had a great "string tone". A few years ago, I got a 2nd Yamaha guitar with a built-in tuner (AC3R). It's a nice guitar, but I sometimes find myself "drifting back" to my 150! It's a true love affair! I thought your stringing instruction was great! Wish I had had someone show me that when I first started! :)
Those red label Yamahas are great sounding guitars! A lot of them need neck resets though. I've done a fair bit of work to this 150 (including the neck reset) and it plays great. My grandfather bought this guitar for the family and my dad learned how to play on it. It was passed on to me to take care of it after my grandfather passed, so it's special to me too.
What makes this video so good is the camera is where it should be for an instructional video
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
"I'm a normal guy" ...9 mins later "I'm a guitar tech" lmao
I notice you have a string winder on your table, Why not use the slot in the end of the winding handle to slide under the string peg and lever upwards. This is what it is for. Handy video and you are so right about the amount of people that are scared of doing the most basic maintenance on their instruments.
I’ve played guitar for two years now and in that time was terrified to restring my guitar until watching your video. Thanks man used that technique you were insistent on and it sounds great. Plus I don’t have to worry about cutting myself on the exposed wire! Thank you
I love that guitar! One of the best sounding guitars ever made!! The vintage FGs, are hard to beat, and have endless amounts of tone!
Absolutely agree. When I bought mine fg730s, I strummed and picked from cheap to high end. In the end, this Yamaha had the tone that tickles my bone.
I honestly dont have an idea why I am watching this video.I ve been changing strings on my guitars since I was 11 ,so 22+ years ,but from your plesent voice ,to perfect tempo (expaining everything and not boring everyone to death ,I wanna ask everyone in coment section.How about we start petision that this video becames offial video of "how to change strings on acoustic"
Great job man,best posible video.Again I ve changed strings 1000+ times and I am watching you.Dont know what can be more of acnolagment to your video!
Ha ah i was thinking the same thing. Why am i watching this? Anyway i did and changed my strings the way i always have. Less stuffing around and never had an issue
Makes it a lot less stressful. For fifty years I've been fumbling around with this. THANX!
This is the best and most helpful video I’ve ever watched for helping me put strings on my guitar. Thank you so much!
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!
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.
Thanks for the great work. I’ve been playing for 30yrs, but have always been so lazy and/or impatient about restringing. I loved that I did a search and ended up here, and I just acquired a very similar Yamaha that I wanted to clean and restring. Really great, no BS video, and honestly; your voice is uncannily similar to Steve Albini’s!
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
I truly appreciate this. I just had the E string on my first set of strings to snap, and after ordering a set of Elixirs today, I wanted to use this as an opportunity to inspect, clean and condition the frets, fingerboard and other parts of my Jasmine. Very nice explanation and demonstration; much appreciated.
Thanks for the kind words. Glad it helped you.
You're a great teacher!
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 :)
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.
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.
Wow! Thank you so much! I have been stringing my own guitars for years and have several and string other people's as well and have done pretty good with it. I would string them without the knot because it looks prettier (LOL). You answered most of the questions I had and I really appreciate you taking the time and making this video. Thanks again😎
You're very welcome. Glad it helped you out!
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.
Thanks so much! I was nervous about doing this, but your calming explanations gave me confidence and made it easy!
First video I watched my first string broke and very difficult to follow. After going through this one I got everything done and feel a lot more confident about my guitar staying in tune and understanding the process and little tips to help maximize your tuning! Best video I’ve seen!
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.
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.