How to String an Acoustic Guitar

Posted on September 1st, 2009 by Marck

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Adding new strings to an acoustic or folk guitar can help make it sound better for certain types of music. Over time the strings may be damaged, or you may want to give your guitar a different sound and feel. Here’s how you can string an acoustic guitar.

Nylon and Steel Strings

Nylon and steel guitar strings are available from all music stores and specialty shops. You may buy strings individually, but it’s better to buy a whole set of strings to keep the sound of the guitar smooth, uniform, and even across all frets. There are certain advantages and disadvantages to nylon and steel strings:

Nylon strings are easier on the hands, which means that you can strum or pluck the guitar without a pick or finger protection. The strings are softer, so you get less definition for notes especially when you’re working on pieces that include plucking or strumming the guitar along just two or three strings.
Steel strings tend to wear out and cause nails to break or fingers to get calloused if you do not use a pick. Steel strings are harder and stiffer than nylon strings, which makes each note defined and clear. Steel-stringed acoustic guitars are particularly useful for plucking and strumming routines.

Tools

To string an acoustic guitar, you need the following tools:

A set of strings (make sure that a nut is found at the end of every string)
Pliers
A thin skewer

Steps

Remove the old strings from the guitar by removing them from the peg heads at the headstock, and removing the peg from the bridge. You may need to use pliers just in case the pegs do not come off easily.
Thread one of the strings (the fifth string or the first string) to the proper position on the bridge by securing the nut to the peg, and push the string down to the bridge with the peg.
Thread the string along the saddle and the nut. Make sure to keep it taut.
Thread the string to the proper peg head. You may need to use a skewer to thread thinner strings.
Do the same for the rest of the strings.
As soon as you have put all the strings in place, wind them all to get the right tune and note.

New strings can give your guitar a whole new sound. With these steps, you can easily replace the old strings on your acoustic guitar with new ones.