How to correctly restring your acoustic | Guitar.com DIY

[@SourRazberry]

I’ve only had a couple guitar lessons over the years, my boyfriend has been playing heavily for 15 years. Neither of us can change strings. He’s so frustrated from trying countless times over the years with billions of different techniques, he refuses to try. I watched this video and even though I don’t really have guitar experience and was super nervous, I thought I’d give it a shot for him. I DID IT!!! First time I’ve EVER changed strings and I did it correctly! Thank you so much for this fantastic tutorial, it’s the best out there!!!

[@smartly007]

As a 64 year old novice guitarist I found this video clear and helpful and the fact that Matt is so personable was a bonus. Thanks Matt!

[@suee11]

Just started playing acoustic guitar and wanted better strings! Thanks for a straightforward method and the final section re slight stretching of strings whilst tuning, and tuning with the guitar in playing position are the best - I have watched most KZbin channels for restringing acoustic guitars and Matt gives the most advice and best technique I’ve seen! 😊

[@sushilily58]

This video is giving me the confidence to restring my guitar. Very simple and easy to follow.

[@evandrocarlociaccia9877]

D

[@AndySalinger33]

Great tutorial. One question: when am I supposed to smoke a joint? Before starting? (this is my hunch) Or, does one take a break somewhere near the midway point, and smoke it? These are the kinds of things many guitar players need to know. Kindest regards from sunny Florida.

[@Mozzarella-and-Tomato]

Take one when you've done with 1/4 and 3/4;)

[@AndySalinger33]

@@Mozzarella-and-Tomato cheers mate! 😂🤘

[@AndySalinger33]

@Jennifer Irwin you know what? This might sound bloody absurd, Miss Jennifer, but I was wondering if 98 could be the answer. Thanks love! 🕊

[@lilyolk299]

Let’s be real.. already smoking said joint brought us here

[@AndySalinger33]

@@lilyolk299 I respect your candor, and I admit it….when you’re right, you’re right! 💯

[@MrRBGIANTFAN]

There are hundreds of videos and/or web pages on how to restring a guitar. This is the first one that was perfectly clear. Thank you so much for posting

[@gunsmoke5580]

This is closest to perfect I’ve ever seen. Very clear and easy to follow instruction, helpful tips, random but helpful bits of information, taught me things I had no idea about even though I’ve had to restring a few guitars in my time playing before seeing this video. Plus Matt was really easy to understand in every sense of the phrase. Thank you!

[@MrPromexx]

Thanks! I just restrung my own guitar for the first time and this video really helped me! Easily the clearest and most concise video on this process.

[@brettsnowball]

This was by far the best acoustic guitar restring instructional video on KZbin. Matt was able to explain things thorough, yet concise and that's what I appreciated most about this DIY - easy to follow & lessened the stress

[@ibleebinU]

As a drummer about to change strings on my wife's Taylor, this was enormously helpful. Using the same strings and quick wind tool will make me feel like I know what I'm doing! 😊 Excellent video mate!

[@DontFretAboutIt]

Been restringing guitars horribly for 2 years, and it's just crazy how much better it holds tune with this method and how it eliminates an issue I've had with my open strings rattling

[@themardbard9096]

This is THE best string changing tutorial on here, thank you so much!!

[@tadesha]

it literally took me an hour to figure out the technique you used to string the last two strings! Now I can restring like a pro!

[@stephenwishburne1034]

I had the hardest time with the two thin strings. For me, they would not wrap tightly, and it ruined my bottom strings.

[@mariaavrms]

the best video about restringing a guitar, it's my second time changing strings and with your help i did it perfectly :) you explain so well!

[@TonyMadiArchive]

This video was a godsend man. Helped me re-string my old acoustic first try! I can't thank you guys enough!

[@robertlawler]

Matt, you are awesome, Dude! I thought I knew how to string a guitar, but you schooled me! Those pegs always gave me trouble and kinda frightened me when I restrung them. Now with your trick I am confident and wow! that was easy! Thank you, sir. I am now a subscriber.

[@michellegonzales2266]

I wish I'd watched Matt first, before watching some other person. I pretty much jacked up my first guitar restring--but it'll have to do for now. The second one I did with Matt, was much easier to visually and audibly understand. Thanks, Matt! :-)

[@frankharris9193]

Frankie I've been playing and gigging for sixty years now (HOW LONG??? Yup. Sixty. Started out wanting to be Hank Marvin). I've restrung everything from a double ball-ended headless bass through cigar-box guitars and resonators to my dear , dear Eric Clapton Strat. Never had the courage to tackle a pegged acoustic, so Matt's lesson is worth its weight in gold. I also learned the correct way to wind on; I've been told all sorts of questionable dodges over the years, but Matt's makes THE most sense. So, first we tackle our little acoustic-then on to the Ibanez twelve string. Wish me luck!

[@jordanbeauchamp4214]

How fast he tunes it at the end gives me anxiety 😂😂😂. I would be moving those pegs as SLOWLY as humanly possible. I’ve been cut my a string

[@boti2305]

First time seeing that amount of wraps

[@Rosyrive]

Saaame! I was looking for this comment! 2 wraps is perfection. Also if you can loop the string end under itself, that's the neatest.

[@andyboyd126]

Best video I've seen on KZbin (by a mile) on how to restring a guitar.

[@colinthompson3357]

Thank you Matt, I've always pulled the string tight from machine end snd then would on, but now, thanks to you, I can see its far better to leave a few inches extra to wind on to the peg and string has then got much greater support. 🙏

[@willd.8040]

Good thing I decided to watch a video before trying to restring the D string that I broke while tuning lol. I didn't realize that I was going into the wrong octave, and overtightened and SNAP. I have the strings to replace it, but I was gonna give it a go without any instructions, as it seemed straight-forward enough. Not at all. It's not difficult, but you have to know what you are doing. Thank you for this

[@neo692]

I often restring my guitars but this video was refreshing for the setups of my acoustics, thanks !

[@kevinpflaum19]

Thank you so much for the help. I had the hardest time going through 2 other tutorials and breaking 2 sets of strings. Your tutorial was actually easier and more clear to follow along. You're awesome dude!!!

[@josephyesupatham7760]

Excellently demonstrated the correct way of restring the acoustic guitar. Thank you.

[@user-barbikins]

wow what a feeling. I just replaced the strings on my Ovation guitar watching step by step video is great help ty

[@coachgkap]

Cheers Matt and thanks so much for a smashing go at this. I've done a few restrings but this has still educated me and I'll embrace your suggestions on my next go round. I especially like setting all the pegs and checking for proper seating before proceeding. A+

[@timrussell1559]

Really good vid. The only thing different that i've been doing over many years while restringing is to pull the B and E strings back through the holes in the tuner posts twice before winding them up. This method has always kept those 2 small strings tight without worry of them slipping loose on the post(i used to have issues with them loosening up before employing this method) Also, once those 2 tiny strings reach their max stretch point they stay in tune indefinitely. Right or wrong, doing it this way has alway's worked perfectly for me without any problems at all

[@jodineiman7863]

great video! i watched a couple others where i struggled to change the strings but this one laid it out nice and easy! thanks!!

[@chrisscott2369]

My stepson plays the guitar and I don't know the first thing about them, but this video was quick and simple, which is a sure sign the person making it knows their stuff! Great watch and I'm sure the guitar were about to restring will be played a hell of a lot once its got all 6 strings tuned. Thank you!

[@ErikOnlineDartsGaming]

I used to bring my guitars to the music store always to get them restringed. Before I tried it twice and always had breaking strings. Today I watched this video , tried it again and... no broken strings ! Thanks for this video !

[@andreasrennair6961]

Great tutorial with all the information to restring for the first time. Thank you.

[@YoSoyRodrigoNoriega]

this is the most accurate video of how to change strings, thankk you very much!

[@Krix6426]

I'm 51. I have always wanted to learn acoustic guitar. I was gifted an Eleca. My first lesson is to get string onto it. Thanks for the vid. It is a huge help.

[@pauledward7023]

I was taught to put graphite with a pencil I slots on bridge. But like the process you show.

[@Kavenga41]

Great video. Was able to do it right first time. All KZbin how-to videos should be this good. Thanks!

[@dangoodhind5409]

Thanks so much for this Matt, I managed to restring my wife's guitar for her which was well overdue and she's very happy with it now! Cheers for the clear instructions, meant I didn't make mistakes which otherwise would have been very easy. Much appreciated! :)

[@alexkane5608]

Thanks for taking some of the mystery out of the job. I've never enjoyed replacing strings but after watching you, I would feel a bit more confident. Don't need to do it right now though!

[@ricktomaski603]

Looks as though you've done this more than once!! Thanks for the huge help in the step-by-step guide.

[@edwardmasannat8228]

STELLAR Presenter and Clear /Concise run through! Truly Appreciate this how it’s done video. Saved to my favorites!

[@meechellla]

Honestly, thank you. I was so nervous to do this. Fantastic, chill walk through-video. Thank you! ✌🏼❤️

[@roberthancock2563]

Those Elixer strings are awesome!! I've had mine on my Yamaha FG830 acoustic for 5months and still sound incredible and no oxidation!

[@Humadonkil]

Thank you so much! I finally put on new strings after breaking previously snapping a few of them. I didn't know you had to measure and pull them back.

[@globaltrekkerexplorer]

Clear and concise instructional video! Thanks

[@happyfeva9423]

You are my go to guitar restringing guy. See you again next time sir

[@weishenten3638]

Thanks for the tutorial of changing acoustic guitar new strings

[@shaystolk1908]

The trust for those pegs is INSANE

[@敏-z7e]

i finally restring my guitar for the first time . your tutorial helped me a lot , thank you :)

[@gregorypdearth]

Good techniques shown here. I have noticed even the cheap plastic pegs come pre-slanted. And my local guitar center lacked anything made of bone. I used your technique of checking the peg and string position from the inside before going to the machine heads. I also used the technique you showed of pre-measuring the slack and then holding tension. I use a slightly less complicated technique to maintain the tension while tightening. I basically thumb the string against the nut of the machine head, so as it tightens I get nice even coiling that naturally lines up the pole. I also liked the idea of aligning the machine head holes with the long axis. It really helped get that first winding solid after bending the end of the slack to keep the string from slipping out. My acoustic seems louder now, probably because the end of the strings are making solid contact between the peg and against the body in the inside due to the pegs' slant alignment. I've always found the number of windings doesn't matter much except on electric guitars where less seems better. But on an acoustic four or five seems to make it more stable.

[@phito7051]

Thx a lot my uncle just gifted me with my first Acoustic , and this helped me clean it for the first time thx a lot!!!!!

[@335player7]

Great video...and technique. I've struggled for years to find the best way to restring my acoustics, and this is perfect. Thanks!

[@Michalstepis]

12:07 how is he not scared of the string snapping is this the power of god

[@cormacmccoy1]

I love this measurement technique for slack... Great idea

[@alessandrorighi7327]

Amazing tutorial,well explained and easy to follow!finally my guitar it's been cleaned and stringed properly !

[@MasterWingman]

Many excellent tips. Many mistakes to avoid that I've seen in other videos.

[@UnconsciousWhisperer]

Thank you! Now I am confident that I can string a guitar from watching this easy to follow lesson you've created.

[@Livender]

Nice classic Big Muff in the background ;) I have one of those and I love it. Good tutorial, thanks.

[@michaelshannon6558]

I did the 1.5 machine head measurement on the 6th string and it was way too much. 1 would be enough for the wound strings and maybe 1.5 on the 1st and 2nd.

[@emilauriel7505]

I think you are right. I have read that it shouldent be more than 3 times around for the wound strings, but now it’s 4 times around on string 6 and 5 and a lot more on string 4 and 3. How does your guitar sound when it has 0,5 machine head too much compared to the right measure?

[@brettwatty101]

Awesome mate, never strung a guitar before but watched your video and all done. Great tutorial. Thanks heaps.

[@LiamEserda]

Excellent vid/demonstration very clear and helpful! But one thing: should you not check the pegs again after restringing before tuning?

[@duane.w1660]

Thanks Matt great video...I cant believe how long Ive been doing it the wrong way. Appreciate your help!

[@gjhomes]

The best video I've seen so far; Great tips. Thanks 👍

[@allanjones3876]

You are amazing!! This video was everything I need to save money and help me and others out in the future!! Thank you so much!!

[@11downsey]

Great tutorial, never played a guitar but restringing for my GF for her then to tune it. Went perfectly.

[@Diflatte]

7:47 Damn the way the string is wound is soooooo clean, I'll do that next time I change my strings on my guitars ! Update : I fucked up so I just did the way I usually do it

[@dakharijackson6838]

I fucked up doing it this way and now I have to buy new strings I should've just did it how I usually do too

[@steveo363]

I eff'd it up too, I'm slighty dislexic and I put the skinny strings on first where the big ones go. Already snipped them dammit, I'm getting used to playing upside down now but I get a little dizzy if I play too long. Oh well, getting new ones next year.

[@coachgkap]

bwaaaa haaaa haaaaa - at least your friggin' honest.

[@brianlyddy8529]

Duuude! You are excellent. Picked up some restringing tips from you that I never knew. Great video. Keep Rockin'.

[@jankafka7330]

If there is one thing I have learned through watching videos on how to correctly restring a guitar it is that no two individuals agree on how to correctly restring a guitar. From guitar novices whose egos outweigh their knowledge to seasoned pro guitar techs and musicians, there is no consensus. My solution to this is to string instruments the way that has always worked for me and to block recommendations from KZbin channels offering such advice (the same way I block anything with the words 'secret', 'hack' or 'ASMR' in the title).

[@johnwilkerson2195]

I'm not a beginner but it's been a while since I've restringed a guitar but very helpful tutorial being a little rusty lol thanks

[@curtpiazza1688]

Wow! Great lesson! I 'll be trying my hand at this soon!

[@erj145jet]

been doing it wrong for years, really well presented video.

[@donnahiebert8887]

Thanks for the great instructions 🎉❤

[@matoko123]

The best video on this out there, thank you.

[@SeanHenderson]

I like that scraping sound

[@ryanfoster738]

Great video. It's be awhile since I've restrung my old guitar and this made it very easy.

[@chinthakapriyadarshana2350]

A very important lesson. Thank you very much❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MH-oj6nu]

Fantastic! This is very helpful. Thank you.

[@giacomopandiani6290]

This is just incredible! I was afraid of changing my strings because I always did an awful job. this time went perfect thanks to this dude. Awesome!

[@neha6723]

how many windings did you do?

[@giacomopandiani6290]

@@neha6723 can’t recall right know eheheh but it went pretty much factory style. I was really impressed, no problem even if put a lot of tension, believe me I tested it! Before this guy made this video I always did an awuful job

[@neha6723]

@@giacomopandiani6290 I watched this over and over again and still managed to mess it up, i feel like shit rn😣😣😣

[@giacomopandiani6290]

@@neha6723 trust me just take it easy when you do it, all you need is a steady hand, and when in doubt watch the video

[@neha6723]

@@giacomopandiani6290 I'll start over again tomorrow 🖐️👍 really do hope it goes well

[@william8258]

That is very helpful. I wish I could see plainly and slowly the loop that fastened the B and the E. Those are most apt to slip. Thanks so much--😂

[@bensonmaina2010]

Wow am so happy the video has helped me so much

[@bobgodo7728]

Best darn video yet. Simple instructions thx man.

[@sebvieira]

This is so satisfying to watch.

[@wichitans5996]

Amazing

[@Theodorlei1]

So good, all very understandable and helpful tips! The Guitar looks and sounds so nice now thanks

[@BobPlatts]

Brilliantly demonstrated 🙌

[@pcs6905]

Finally a good tutorial

[@maxwellslivr2969]

Really satisfying honestly

[@jdnula]

best restring video around, thank you .)

[@VeroniqueGraves]

Thank you! This video was very helpful!

[@przewodnikwjaponii]

Straight to the point! Nice one mate 🍻

[@makingguitarsimple]

Thank you for this video. Vey Informative and well explained!!!

[@andreaschristo1204]

Great video, very helpful. I messed up the first time by winding the string in the wrong direction, but fortunately was able to salvage the strings and wind them correctly. It crazy how much better a guitar sounds with good strings added. I look forward to doing a setup someday.

[@watchwmn]

As with about everything, self taught, ty! Especially like the start, loosen & cut, way cool, much faster easier, thanks again, also been winding all clockwise..used to have a nice fender, so miss it, had a Gibson too, always prefer fenders narrow fret bar, never played well, but write songs, guitar nice tool for that, even if the current one, cheap, piece of dung, haven't played in years, (shattered left wrist, arm hand, 2plates, 12 screws later, done her up good, docs said never get full use back, but good enough), fixin' to play again, thought, hey, how am I suppose to string it? Thanks for the tutorial! Appreciate it!

[@jamessimmons6483]

Great video! Thank you! This is very helpful! What tuner are you using?

[@Yuuya_0211]

Thx very clear tutorial

[@stewartharding552]

Thanks Matt, great video.

[@Jimothy-xg9qt]

this is great work, i find myself having quiet the tid bit of struggle with me big baby taylor LOL

[@keithowen5558]

Thanks for help. Easy to understand. Keith

[@crispagal6828]

A super super good tutorial 🙂

[@babahadil9881]

Thank you. This video really helps 👍👍