How to Lock Your Tuners! (No Slip... Better Tune)

A technique I've been using over the past couple years to lock my strings in place. It keeps the guitar in better tune and is a pretty easy trick. I hope you like
Kennisrussell.com
kennisrussell
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[@peterlawson777]

I’m 59, been playing for ever and nobody is going to tell me how to sting a guitar!!! Except....I tried this method and it’s completely awesome, transformed my forever out of tune LP. Thanks for this simple but really effective tip 😊

[@jeffmorrison5695]

Tuning problems for LP are not in the tuners. It's the width of the nut and the angle from the nut to the tuner post. I found graphite in the string slots help my LP stay in tune (almost)

[@Lil._.SpooKy666]

Kinda had me in the first half, not gonna lie

[@c.f.pedraza4057]

@@jeffmorrison5695 mmmm, I've found that with using this method of stringing a LP, and instead of leaving slack for wind, and pulling the slack to hand tension, there is even less tuning issues. Plus better tuners than the shitty Gibson Deluxe machines. I don't even stretch strings anymore, it just takes down maximum clarity and risk of over stretching a particular string making it pop faster than it should. I just play to stretch until they dont go out of tune for about 3 or 4 songs.

[@mikewalsh7318]

I've been doing this for 40 years, it works beautifully. The luthier at the shop where I bought my first guitar showed me this and I've used it ever since.

[@edth5273]

I didn't even realize there was any other way to do it.

[@devonhamler2055]

I've never heard of this method of restringing until now, but I shall use it from now on

[@josuegonzalez1913]

@@devonhamler2055 #metoo :)

[@JA-re8gi]

I've been playing since 1861 and have been using this method religiously and I have never had the a guitar go out of tune. In 1895 I tried creating a recognized religion out of this method of guitar stringing, but they tried to burn me as a witch.

[@audunrundberg4028]

I worked as a roadie for Mozart and I used this method to string his piano all the time

[@w.rustylane5650]

Wow, you're very old!

[@jackbarlow4104]

Reading this at 2:30 am, you guys made me laugh more than tik tok!

[@teteakhiangte2449]

Haha

[@keramidasnicolas2079]

To be right too early is like being wrong ...

[@irascib1e]

I've been playing guitar for 30 years, doing repair work on guitars for 25 years, playing in a band for 15 years, taking care of kids for 10 years, divorced for 2 years, this trick just inspired me to finally get my life together

[@kajeto1]

Thanks for closing in on this part. A lot of videos don’t show this detail, and it’s where I’ve struggled. Thanks for talking through the 3x3’s, too.

[@AtacamaHumanoid]

Best stringing video. I've seen a few with the same technique but just found this one and now I don't think I'll ever forget exactly how to do it easily. I don't change strings often, but when I do I use this method and always realize I'm not sure how much slack or which way to crimp it.

[@bob76451]

I've used this method for almost 30 years and never had a string slip. Couldn't recommend this method more. Thanks for the great explanation, Kennis.

[@lampa2525]

Thank you this is very helpful. I'm glad there are people like you who want to help the rest of us. Well done

[@Jarrettfan]

Ive been playing the guitar for 45 years never learned this trick. Thank you very much!

[@TeleCaster66]

But have you ever needed to do this to keep your guitar in tune? This certainly doesn't hurt but I've yet to find it necessary in 40 years of playing.

[@peterlawson777]

Me too. Really useful tip.

[@gsuderman]

@@TeleCaster66 Good point. I have a number of guitars and don't really have tuning problems. Of course they are all Fenders or Fender like. So far no LPs with the G string issue.

[@lesblack413]

@@TeleCaster66 Me also!!

[@TheVampireKit]

Cool technique - I will definitely give this a try. So nice to watch a video that is helpful, clear, and to-the-point. Thanks.

[@BarcaPatrick9]

ever since I saw this method, I've tried it and I've loved it...I told my best friend about it too and he tried it out and fell in love with this stringing method too lol thanks Kennis 👍

[@brettneuberger6466]

Best re-string video on YT in my book. Simple, great explanation, and great video. Thanks!

[@Giggiyygoo]

I was hesitant to try this, since I tend to bend alot when I play. I thought the unwound strings would slip, but I was wrong. The strings settle in and stay in tune very quickly after restringing, rather than taking a few days to get stable. This is my go-to method now.

[@tarcrystalline]

A no frills but highly effective tutorial that works!! My go-to refresher every time I restring.

[@daytoneman]

I like that idea. I was toying with buying some locking tuners (which are expensive) and decided to try this & it works. Thanks Kennis....

[@BigBoss-td3it]

We have same plan.. hehe thanks to this

[@juddharley1621]

I cut my high E a bit short and it wasnt winding enough, you just salvaged the whole thing, thank you!

[@raymonduncad1333]

Since I used this method, I never used the nutlocks on my ibanez. stays in tune even with relatively big dive bombs.

[@psk5896]

What ??? Wow I don't know if you're serious or joking

[@armanzakwan1898]

Yes

[@davidlawrence701]

Do you have a Floyd

[@juffurey]

Even better if you use a tusq xl or black tusq (self-lubricating) nut and rolling saddles.

[@benspeeds]

Thanks for this! I've been doing a terrible job changing strings for 25 years! Lol! No more! This is the best explanation of this process that I've been able to find. The guys in the other videos mean well but fall short when faced with providing a clear explanation of the process.

[@RobertLofrano]

Awesome easy video to follow, the easiest way I have seen yet. Thanks for sharing

[@ranajeetidutta]

I have started to put my strings on my guitar your way. I had watched your video few months back but forgot to say thanks. Today while stringing my guitar I remembered your video. Thanking you for a great video. Saves me from tuning my guitar over and over again.

[@forni9853]

That's the best way to re-string both an electric and a acoustic guitar. I leave a bit more slack for more winds around the post because on some songs I'll tune down a whole step. Good concise video.

[@drdubios]

I do less slack than in the video still able to tune down on drop d flat.

[@bluzzedude8111]

I've been playing for over 40 yrs and I never knew this trick. I even have locking tuners on my Strat and it still would go out of tune. This trick you showed on here has completely fixed my tuning issues...LMAO..I'm almost speechless...Thank you Mr. Russell...we can always learn new things on this incredible instrument !

[@gregoryroth5527]

Had to look up this technique again to refresh and found your video. No frills and nice and concise, thanks!

[@raylynch8419]

Great video. Nice and clear with plenty of detailed instructions. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@daddylongles]

Amazing Kennis. Just restrung my Strat ready for next Saturday’s gig using this method. Thank you for sharing this!!

[@damiancalle255]

BLESS YOU, YOU WONDERFUL WONDERFUL MAN! I broke two high e strings before this video and I finally fixed my guitar. Thank you so much.

[@NixataBG]

Awesome and genuine passion in this vid! Thank You, Sir!

[@chardmb]

Ive been using this method for 97 years, its really quite effective!

[@Arcturian1111]

I've used this method over 35 years ago, and haven't had to change my strings since. Works great...saved me a lot of money on strings. I may consider buying new strings for its 50th Anniversary.

[@waynekieft4952]

Are you for real mate?Strings should be changed at least every 6 months or so, otherwise they will just sound dull.You may get away with doing it once a year on an acoustic but an electric guitar will really suffer tone wise!

[@margiedelay1716]

Thanks Kennis. This worked very well for my import Strat. Now I'm on the lookout for string trees like the ones in your video

[@anthonydalecy6980]

Thanks brother this is simply the best method! For me! I knew your video was out there I used it several years ago.

[@agentviktor3297]

The best method. This really makes a difference.

[@rselp]

Thanks for posting this video! I used to use this locking tie but found it difficult to remove the strings from the tuning posts on the fly at a gig. I use a variation on this method now that still locks pretty well but makes string changes much easier. Will post a link for anyone interested in this alternative locking tie.

[@ministryinsong]

Thanks for that. I’ve been playing for years and this is a super tip I’ve missed. God bless you brother.

[@willpancake]

Awesome! My restring time was cut in half! Before, my strings kept slipping as I wound them, but this method prevents that, and gives you the perfect amount of string on the peg for most standard tunings. Got my new NYXL 10s on with no problems at all! Props!

[@frisbeeshawn5356]

This may just be the best explanation teaching skill tutorial I've ever seen and learned from. I'm gonna do this on my next new string change. Acoustic for me. 🤘🏻🤘🏻🔆🔆

[@Kazahmish]

way back in the late 80's I made a huge discovery, do NOT change strings when you are drunk.. I tried and it went great, until I went to cut the excess off and accidently cut the actual string going TO the post.. yeah.. it was funny later. thanks for this video, I like this idea.. :)

[@taffboyslim]

Done that too ...but not even drunk :-)

[@mjt11860]

lmao!

[@TimothyRyanFisher]

Kazahmish I don't change strings drunk because I've poked myself bad on a cut string while sober. One night I jabbed a finger on the cut string that hangs off the tuner on the fifth string of my banjo I kept playing but blood got all over my banjo. Those little pieces of string that hang off the tuners are dangerous.

[@jv1969]

been there lol

[@jacobprice2879]

Kazahmish Let's start a band....

[@nikkiyumch1313]

Finally a video that explains it probably... thank you so much ❤️

[@hayk.galstyan]

I did this when I was younger, now wanted to remember how it's done but non of the top video's mentioned it, so thank you!

[@johnnynails166]

I have always done this since I started playing guitar 45 years ago. Always thought everybody strung their strings this way! Wild...just the correct way to do it.

[@juffurey]

Look up Phillip McKnight's video on locking string wraps, there are several different styles.

[@kaitlyncoleman7872]

Nice video, straight to the point but with enough detail. I've been changing out my guitar strings for years, (definitely not as often as I should be though) but always like to watch a video for a refresher, just in case.

[@ikealamp53]

Thans so much for this. Best description on KZbin! Subbed!

[@seanpardito468]

Changing Strings on my Strat right now while watching your video. Thanks for this tutorial sir, it really works

[@SRNF]

Learned this in the 90s from a Joe Walsh VHS....old school locking lol

[@markrodgers2976]

That exactly the same way I first heard about this technique !

[@TomClarkSouthLondon]

Me too👍

[@axe2grind911a]

Great player - but nobody ever said Joe Walsh was a genius...

[@ryanlevin1912]

DH Glad to see i’m not the only one that gets annoyed by pointless “LOL‘s”

[@chrisbauer1975]

I use this method for a couple of years and confirm it is a huge improvement in tuning stability.

[@ricjenner1120]

Thanks for the bonus tip on the spinning string tree ! Just purchased one for my G&L Doheny.

[@pdusername]

You did a good video, slow, well explained, and good close examples. Especially helpful on the smallest strings. Many toot their horn, but don't properly teach the subject.

[@jamiee172]

Cool, gonna have to try this when I change strings again

[@peterbodzak7078]

ohh the sound of the strings being cut

[@ColinBrain]

*Nck*

[@savanaviolenta]

Peter Bodzak especially if your watchinh with headphones,ouch.

[@cesarbeltran6583]

ASMR

[@sahamal_savu]

So satisfying lol

[@blisterbrain]

That's what it sounds like when I cut my toenails

[@rush2124u2]

This is very helpful for a new person such as myself starting out. Thanks, much appreciated very well done

[@rick00770]

That's a new one,I like it. Great idea. Subscribed.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

I thought everybody did this! I learned this 40 years ago when I built dulcimers!! It works great!

[@danceswithbadgers]

There's a variation on this method where you wind once above the bend in the string and and below after that. This requires about half as much slack again but is completely secure. As mentioned elsewhere in the replies, I also add in about half a fret's worth of slack as I progress to each lighter string to maintain a more consistent 'break' angle over the nut - this on Gibson-style guitars with angled back headstocks.

[@Gk2003m]

This is the method I use, and you are correct. No slippage.

[@marwinvandenkoch9367]

i never comment on videos but man I need t o lose some words for this. Every single time i change my strings (not reguraly) i come back to this video. nowadays too slow but man as a beginner this video is a lifesaver. thank u very much for the video the locks work perfectly for me

[@SkrvnHiptR77]

Very simple and very effective tip. Thanks! U just helped a lot of players stay in tune better!

[@tasteybrains1927]

Heads up, if you use a heavier gage string, give yourself waaaaay more slack in the string before you start crimping and winding. The heavier gage strings won’t stretch as much and you won’t have enough string to wind around the peg several times.

[@joelbagg620]

I generally use a 3 pegs past the one you are doing the luthier's knot on rule for determining slack. Seems to work well enough. I also like the aesthetic of seeing many winds of string around the peg. Personal preference.

[@terryare]

C.F. Martin taught me this in the 1980s. It really helps holding tune.

[@richierich207]

thanks I'm always happy to learn a new trick

[@SmiTTyy-sh8nc]

Gonna try that next time

[@Mang213]

I've been doing this for over twenty years, since I first started playing guitar. I thought I was pretty clever because I've never heard of anyone else doing it this way, so I'm pleased to see that I'm actually kinda smart. Sometimes......

[@eddietruly8807]

Indeed I've been also doing it 35 yrs and yes it is called " Gibson Mandolin Stringing method" I learned it from a super cool bluegrass boss martin player

[@HustleAndStrum]

I will def be using this technique. Too cool. Thx!

[@vandalsavage6152]

So simple but so clever, thanks Jen (and Joe)

[@craigmuir5271]

I’ve been playing for 40 years my guitar teacher taught me this in my first week and have always strung my guitars this way. A good idea is to get 3 turns round the tuning peg particularly if you play a lot in drop tuning. Next time you have your strings off replace any tuners that are worn or have excessive play in the pegs. Thanks for posting this video.

[@tomislavkefecek4443]

Thank you for demonstrating this, perfectly clear in explanation, glad you took the time to record and show this. Seeing it done, so helpful

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Great Video. I Agree with you . . . on the Roller String Trees. Makes a Huge Difference in Tuning Stability = No Comparison

[@joseluisruiz3789]

excellent!!! I've been playing bass for 18 years and Guitar for about 2 years and I've been doing this method since 1998. it just makes the Guitar and bass look more presentable on a stage ;) thumbs up man. glad I subscribed to your channel, you definitely have a lot to offer here.

[@dickjohnson4268]

And then there's "The B.B. METHOD." Watching B.B. change out a broken string on stage is pure artistry.

[@samatlanta]

My guitar tech showed me this method about 40 years ago, and I've used it ever since, followed by stretching the strings until they stay in tune. Pay attention to what you're doing when removing the strings and you won't have a problem with scratching the headstock.

[@markstewart8171]

Yea i put my strings on and didn't clip them the other day and put the guitar in the case. What do ya know, scratched part of the gison logo off the headstock. Still upset over it.

[@robspunk]

Thanks BRO! I basically do this but you made it much simpler for me. Cheers buddy

[@exitostropicales101]

This is the best tutorial on how to put strings on a fender electric guitar on KZbin. No discussion about it. Thanks man!

[@grahamgilbert5477]

Thanks for sharing. I will try this later

[@mandolinic]

I use this technique I restring my mandolin. I do however have two further suggestions. You should cut the string immediately after you've wound it on, unless you're wearing eye protection! You really don't want the end of the string poking you in the eye (or up the nose). That can ruin your whole day. When you cut the string short, it leaves a jagged sharp edge facing outwards upwards from the tuner, with the potential risk of cutting or impaling your fingers at some future time. I cut about 3/4" from the tuner, and then use pliers to fold the cut edge back on itself. Now, there's less chance of your fingers accidentally touching the cut edge of the string and gashing your hand two minutes before you're due to go on stage.

[@mandolinic]

Accidents happen, but an ounce of common sense can stop things getting worse.

[@chantsurwhen5475]

Mandolinic couldn't you wind over the string and down? then no jagged edges sticking up

[@pikherz]

If you cut the strings at a 90° angle the edges aren't sharp enough to cut you.

[@mandolinic]

+George Hypotenuse and the Triangles My bloodied fingers and scraped knuckles attest otherwise ;-)

[@pikherz]

I know people who dont cut the string ends off at all. That's much more dangerous and looks stupid.

[@kenobisghost7302]

For the low E I usually pull the string back from the nut one fret to ensure more of windings. More windings gives a greater downward angle from the nut and give more sustain. There for each string I pull back an additional half fret. This will give you more windings as the strings get thinner.

[@makaras]

Kylo Ken wow that sounds good. But will that mean 3.5 frets back for the high E?

[@carltaylor4942]

Kylo - That sounds about right to me! I notice on the video that the sixth string has almost no wrap around the post and is therefore bound to slip constantly.

[@danceswithbadgers]

Likewise, keeps a more consistent 'break' angle on the strings too.

[@danceswithbadgers]

@@makaras Yes, that's about right.

[@ericlewis9638]

Thanks for the video tutorial on locking strings. I tried it this evening on a Strat. and it worked great! Keep up the great content!

[@sylvainbiensur7370]

Thank you for sharing this brillant method !

[@obnoxious.]

Thank you, bro, I've been trying to play guitar for 30 years, but I could never string it, I would just pull the string through the peg and start turning but it would just keep falling out and I could never get it to any kind of pitch. Now I can finally start learning to actually play. I will recommend this method to all my friends and family.

[@makwabid69]

I thought there was some "fancy" method I wasn't aware of lol...this is the way I was taught in '77...

[@MrRobertcarlson]

I had a different technique that was not as reliable and such a pain to get right but it worked great. Your method is even better and simpler, and faster to string. Thanks for the video.

[@Hogprint25]

Best explanation I’ve seen! Thanks

[@rareform6747]

Nothing beats the open Fender tuners , easy on easy off !

[@sidweazel2883]

It’s called a luthier’s knot, used by millions of guitarists since the beginning of time

[@codybruce3864]

I'm going to do this from now on. Thanks for sharing!

[@anthonymikolich8206]

Your explanation was absolutely maddening!

[@richarddelconnor]

Wow! You’re the first guitarist I’ve seen do this even though I’ve been putting my guitar strings on this way since 1969. I learned this from my guitar mentor Bob Coates. The only difference is I would wind the string at least 90° before I slip the string underneath and created a hard bend on it underneath the string wrapping on top of it. I’ve always been tempted to make a video to show this because I’ve never seen another guitar player do this. When I started Shaolin kung fu in 1980 I started breaking strings and even bass strings. Sometimes I’d break up to four strings in one hour show. But my guitar stayed in tune.

[@CubensisRecords]

What a nightmare

[@nekrohatred9547]

What does Kung fu have to do with guitar what bro??

[@williamrocker7586]

@@nekrohatred9547 Some Martial Artists break boards or concrete blocks. Evidently his particular style breaks strings

[@stanesposito2664]

Been doing it that way for thirty years. The strings still go out, especially on a Les Paul. There's more involved than just a way of putting on strings, but it's the best method I've found...best for Strats.

[@MichaelLevine]

I tried the String Butler on my Les Paul - works great! Most Gibson style headstocks bind at the nut, especially the 3rd string which you bend a lot. It's due to the angle of the string between the nut and the tuner.

[@greghaney2606]

Thanks this video really helped very well shot

[@DemonKingOFFICIAL]

A really good explanation/video for this. Very clear.

[@SuperStig23]

Firstly, thanks for the tip, it works great on the wound strings, not so well on the unwound G B & high E strings, these I would pass through the hole twice. Locking tuners are overrated IMHO and if you are having constant tuning problems your nut is usually the culprit, even if perfectly installed and the intonation is set the difference between an open string and a fingered string is huge especially on the G B E strings, try a compensation nut.Another tip is always stretch new strings like an animal and always tune UP to the correct pitch, if you go too far, back off the tuner, stretch, and try again. NEVER tune down to the correct pitch, WHY ? well strings NEVER go sharp they always go flat so the idea is to take up the slack.Not to toot my own horn but I saw early Talking Heads at CBGB's, they were fantastic, their songs were great and David Byrne was electric, he was having a lot of tuning problems and I talked to him on a break and give him this same advice about alwaystuning up to the note, never down, I saw them a couple of weeks later and they sounded great,, David was very gracious and thanked me for the tip. He was an artist not a technician and I'm sure as they became more famous eventually somebody else would have shown him this trick but I'm proud to have played a small part in making a fantastic band sound much better.

[@SoulSecureOfficial]

"Never go sharp" huh? Explain that one to my mandolin. I'm gonna try this, I think someone told me to do this a long time ago, but I never did it.

[@Markle2k]

If your strings are going sharp, you have too much friction in the nut and/or string trees. The tension from tuning up is "leaking out" too slowly from the headstock side. Stretching the strings helps even things out as does pulling the string out of the slot and rolling it back in. (the plastic nut that came with my first Yamaha acoustic was terrible) Lubricate with a pencil or graphite powder. Also check that your nut slots are the correct width for the gauge string you are using.

[@mikedambeck7136]

SuperStig23 works great on unwound strings if you're precise! only method I've used since '80! Never failed yet!!!

[@PrimeFlash93]

When you pass the unwound strings through the hole twice, do you do the first pass above the string or below it? In other words, do you go over then under and crimp it as shown in the video, or do you go under twice then crimp it?

[@bloozedaddy]

anyone who's played an instrument for any amount of time and hasn't figured out that tuning up to pitch is the only way to tune really hasn't paid much attention to their craft.

[@johnsee7269]

More than 40 years for me as with the guy below. Bought a guitar that had the strings attached this way. The only way to eliminate slippage in an "average" restring. Assuming you don't have locking tuners, etc.

[@Kevin-ux4ys]

This was very helpful, thank you!!

[@soloseeker77]

THANK YOU FOR THIS. Cannot tell you how many times I've had this explained to me and either there was no visual or the camera work was terrible.

[@U2WB]

Hi Kennis. I’m not disagreeing, but wanted your thoughts on this: I was told long ago that winding strings using this wrap-over technique weakens the string and makes it more likely to break at the post. So instead I wrap with an under-over pattern. First I put a kink in the string so the cut-off excess is bent in the opposite direction, then I wind one full turn under the cut end, then when it reaches the cut-end again I start winding over for the remaining 2 or 3 turns. This squeezes the string between windings rather than compressing it by winding across it.

[@cygnus1965]

This is how I have always done mine.

[@gustavomrezende]

It's a very interesting technique, thank you for sharing it. My only concern is about the thinner strings (specially E and B). The angle they are "folded" seems to be very acute, and I was wondering if that could make those strings more prone to break...

[@yorichixX]

Exactly yes, it happens

[@wolfgangsandwich699]

THANK YOU this solves tuning stability as well as not knowing how much string to leave to wrap around the post

[@TimothyRyanFisher]

Cool, I'm going to try this now. I've been changing strings for 30 years and I just learned something. Thanks

[@boikie]

Been doing it for 40 years, thought everybody was doing it this way lol

[@c.p.1589]

Repairers hate this method. It's really hard to get the treble strings off without cutting yourself. You can't take the treble strings off and put them back on again if, for instance, you wanted to change a saddle on a Strat or take the neck off etc. You really have to hack at that folded end with cutters to get them off. You will bleed. This is my experience anyway.

[@ColinBrain]

Perhaps use needle-nose pliers to grip the strings instead of your fingers. That should remove the chance of cuts and also allow you to yank on the thinner strings with ease

[@Nicky-T]

I's rather cause problems for my repairman (who I see maybe every three years unless I buy a new guitar) than have my strings slipping every day. Anyway, just do the first 2 or 3 (plain) strings

[@makaras]

Great close ups of the over-under on the pegs - many thanks

[@bltefft]

Thanks for a good video. Your method is the way I've always done it. Just makes sense to lock the strings.

[@desertrain4026]

There is no need to wrap it over the string. When you do this it makes it difficult to unstring your guitar. Just kink it as it "exits" the peg and away you go! Does the same thing as wrapping it around the post but so much easier to remove when installing new strings. Thanks for taking your time to educate so many on much needed skill sets!

[@jimthebutcher99]

When you wrap it over the string the string comes around pressing the string down and locks it down. Your way does not. You are skipping the lock. What I like about this method is that it takes fewer wraps around the peg so speeds it up.