How to String a Guitar
Updated Nov 10, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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To string a guitar, remove the old strings, thread each new string through the bridge, wind it onto its tuning post, and tune it to standard tuning: E A D G B E. Work through the strings in turn, and check the tuning again after the new strings settle.
Loosen and remove the old strings
Turn each tuning post to slacken the string, then unwind it from the post and lift it free of the bridge. Take the strings off in turn so the neck keeps even tension while you work. Put the old strings aside where they cannot scratch the guitar.
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. Use warm water and mild soap only where the instrument allows it, and follow the maker's own cleaner for the finish. If the frets or the nut show wear, ask a repair shop to look at them.
Thread the new string through the bridge
Take the new string from its packet and feed it through the bridge from the back, pulling it through until the ball end seats against the bridge. Pull the string up the neck toward its tuning post, keeping it straight so it does not kink. Match each string to the post for its position on the headstock.
Wind the string onto the tuning post
Pass the string through the hole in the tuning post and pull it snug, leaving slack to wind. Turn the post so the wraps fall neatly below the hole and tighten toward the headstock, keeping tension on the string with your other hand. Stop when the string is taut and the wraps sit in a tidy coil.
Tune up and settle the strings
Tune each string to standard tuning, E A D G B E, with a tuner or against the A440 reference. New strings stretch and lose pitch at first, so pull each string gently away from the fretboard, retune, and repeat until the tuning holds. Check the tuning again after playing, since fresh strings take time to settle.
What you need
D'Addario EJ16-3D Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
A 3-pack of phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings in 12-53 light gauge, wound over a hexagonal high-carbon steel core.
- Sets in pack: 3
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
Elixir
A single set of coated phosphor bronze acoustic strings in 12-53 light gauge, with NANOWEB coating that guards against sweat, corrosion, humidity and rust.
- Coated strings
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Electric
A set of nickel wound electric guitar strings in 10-46 gauge, in Element Shield packaging that keeps the strings fresh.
- Material: Nickel Wound
Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Electric
A set of nickel wound electric guitar strings in 9-42 gauge, in Element Shield packaging that keeps the strings fresh.
- Material: Nickel Wound
These come from our ranked list Best Guitar Strings, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when to change guitar strings?
Change them when they look discolored or feel rough, when rust shows on the wound strings, or when they no longer hold tune. Strings that sound dull after tuning are also due for a change, and how often this happens depends on how much and where you play.
Can I change one guitar string at a time?
Yes. Changing a single string at a time keeps even tension on the neck, and it works when only one string is worn or broken. Change the full set when the rest of the strings show the same wear.
What tuning should a guitar be in?
Standard tuning is E A D G B E, from the lowest string to the highest. Tune the lowest string to E, then work across the neck in that order, and check each string with a tuner.
Ranked guitar strings lists
More how-to guides
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