How to Restring a Bass Guitar
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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To restring a bass guitar, remove the old strings, fit a new set through the bridge and tuning posts, and bring each string to pitch. Work one string at a time or remove the whole set first, then wind each string neatly onto its post and stretch it in before a final tune.
Loosen and remove the old strings
Turn each tuning peg to loosen its string until it is slack, then unwind the string from the post and lift it out of the bridge. You can change one string at a time to keep tension on the neck, or take all four off at once if you want to wipe down the fretboard. Set the old strings aside so they do not scratch the body.
Wipe the fretboard and body
With the strings off, wipe the fretboard and the body with a soft dry cloth to lift dust and finger marks. Do not use solvents or household cleaners on the finish. If the fretboard looks dry or the finish needs more than a dry wipe, use only a cleaner made for that instrument and follow the maker's directions.
Fit the new strings at the bridge
Open the new set and lay the strings out in order, from the thickest to the thinnest. Feed each string through the bridge from the back, pulling it through until the ball end seats against the bridge. The thickest string goes in the lowest position and the thinnest in the highest, matching the order of the set.
Thread and wind the strings
Pull each string up to its tuning post and pass the end through the hole in the post. Hold the string taut, then turn the peg to wind the string onto the post, guiding the wraps downward so they sit neatly without crossing. Leave enough slack before winding so the string wraps around the post rather than pulling straight through.
Bring the strings to pitch
Tune each string to pitch, working from the lowest string to the highest. New strings stretch, so pull each string gently away from the body and tune it again, repeating until the tuning holds. Check the tuning after each stretch so the strings settle evenly.
Trim the ends and check the strings
Cut off the extra string length at each tuning post so no loose ends stick out. Play each string and check that it holds its tuning and does not buzz against the frets. If a string buzzes or will not hold tune, take the bass to a repair shop rather than adjusting the neck yourself.
What you need
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Bass
A nickel wound 50-105 set for a 4-string bass, with gauges .050, .070, .085, and .105.
- Material: Nickel Wound
Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Bass
A nickel wound 45-100 set for a 4-string bass, with Element Shield packaging that keeps the strings fresh.
- Material: Nickel Wound
D'Addario XL Nickel Bass Guitar Strings 45-100
A nickel-plated steel 45-100 set for a 4-string bass, built on a hex core.
- Material: Nickel-Plated Steel
D'Addario NYXL Bass Guitar Strings 50-105
A nickel-plated steel 50-105 set for a 4-string bass, built on an NY steel core for greater break strength.
- Material: Nickel-Plated Steel
These come from our ranked list Best Bass Guitar Strings, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which string goes where?
Match the strings by thickness. The thickest string goes in the lowest position and the thinnest in the highest, following the order of the set. The gauges printed on the packet, such as 50-105 or 45-100, list the set from the thickest string to the thinnest.
Why do new bass strings go out of tune?
New strings stretch as they settle, so the tuning drops after the first play. Pull each string gently away from the body and tune it again, repeating until the tuning holds. A string that keeps slipping may not be wound neatly on its post.
When should I change my bass strings?
Change them when they look discolored or feel rough, when they rust, or when they no longer hold tune. How fast that happens depends on how much and where you play. Wiping the strings with a soft dry cloth after playing keeps grime off them.
Do I need to remove all the strings at once?
No. You can change one string at a time to keep tension on the neck, or take all four off at once to wipe down the fretboard. Either way, fit the new strings in order and bring each one to pitch before you move on.
Ranked guitar strings lists
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