How to Restring a Bass Guitar
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Take the old strings off the bass, then thread each new string through the bridge and its tuning post and wind it up to pitch. Tune each string to pitch and stretch each new string gently until it holds tune.
Take the old strings off
Loosen each string at its tuning post until it is slack, then unwind it from the post and lift it out of the bridge. Work through the strings and set the old set aside. With the strings off, wipe the fretboard and the neck with a soft dry cloth before the new set goes on.
Match the new set to the bass
Check that the new set matches the bass: the same number of strings and the same scale length as the set you take off. Open the set and lay the strings out in order, thickest to thinnest, so each one goes to the right tuning post.
Thread each string through the bridge
Feed the ball end of each string through the bridge and pull it snug. Run the string up the neck to its tuning post, leaving enough slack for a few winds around the post. Thread the end through the post hole and bend it so it holds while you wind.
Wind the string onto the tuning post
Turn the tuning key so the string winds down the post, with each wind sitting below the last and no overlaps. Keep light tension on the string with your free hand as you wind so it coils neatly. Stop when the string is close to pitch, then move to the next string.
Tune up and stretch the strings
Tune each string to pitch, then pull each string gently away from the fretboard and tune it again. Repeat until the strings hold tune. Check the tuning again after playing, and ask a repair shop if the action or the neck relief feels off after the change.
What you need
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Bass
A nickel wound 4-string set in 50-105 gauge, with strings gauged .050, .070, .085 and .105.
- Material: Nickel Wound
Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Bass
A nickel wound 4-string set in 45-100 gauge, made for bass guitar.
- Material: Nickel Wound
D'Addario XL Nickel Bass Guitar Strings 45-100
A nickel-plated steel 4-string set in 45-100 gauge, built on a Hex-Core.
- Material: Nickel-Plated Steel
D'Addario NYXL Bass Guitar Strings 50-105
A nickel-plated steel 4-string set in 50-105 gauge, built on an NY Steel core for strength and tuning stability.
- Material: Nickel-Plated Steel
These come from our ranked list Best Bass Guitar Strings, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Should I change all the bass strings at once?
Yes. A fresh set keeps the tension even across the neck and the strings wear in together. Changing one string leaves the rest of the set older than the new one.
How do I know when my bass strings need changing?
Change them when they no longer hold tune, feel rough under your fingers, or show discoloration or rust. How much and where you play wears strings out, so watch for those signs rather than a calendar.
Do new bass strings need stretching?
Yes. New strings slip at the tuning post until they settle, so pull each one gently away from the fretboard and tune it again. Repeat until each string holds tune.
What if the bass buzzes after I restring it?
Check that each string sits in its bridge saddle and nut slot and that the winds on the post do not overlap. If the buzz stays, ask a repair shop to check the setup rather than adjusting the truss rod yourself.
Ranked guitar strings lists
More how-to guides
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