Blog Entry #4: How to re-string your guitar

 Hi! My name is Austin Manore and you guessed it! We are going to be talking and learning about more music! Now, I don't know how many of you all play an instrument, however i'm sure you know it takes a lot of maintenance to keep one healthy! So, in today's blog we will be specifically focusing on guitar and how to change the strings! 

Before we get into the actual steps, there is one thing that needs to be covered. You need to pick out the right strings! If you're a guitarist you'll know, there are strings out there that are really bad! So I'll provide a link just in case y'all need some! Don't mind the price - https://elixirstrings.com. Ok, now that you have your strings let's get into how to change your old rusty strings to these new nice strings! (By the way: This is for electric and acoustic guitars)

1. Remove old strings

 Loosen the strings by turning the tuning pegs down all the way, once this is completed, by hand you're going to unwind the string from the tuning post. Now remove the core of the string from where it is laying. Acoustic: Pull out of bridge pin. Electric: Slide string out through the back or bridge.

2. Clean/Wipe down guitar

Now that all your old strings are off, your guitar is probably super dirty. So take this opportunity to clean the fret board! I caution you not to use water or soap, but use a substance called "Fretboard Conditioner."

3. Insert new strings

Now with that fresh looking guitar we can put on the new bronze strings! In order to do this, you'll need to insert the bottom of the string into the bridge where you originally took out the old ones. Put the pin in to hold it in place, and then pull the string up to its designed tuning peg! Whala you have yourself brand new guitar strings!

4. Tune up

Most of the time when we re-string the guitar is not perfectly in tune, so make sure your all tuned up! Buy yourself a tuner or just download an app on your phone! That should do the trick!

5. Trim excesses string

Once you have completed all 4 steps above, you will see that you have some excesses string hanging off your pegs. If you want grab some scissors and cut those things off! Make sure to pick them up off the floor because they are super sharp!

Boom! You have yourself pretty much a brand new guitar! Now I know that this wasn't the best explanation. It's hard to get into detail with this kind of thing! So if you're anything like me and you need to watch and learn here is a video that will be super beneficial! Thank you all!

Acoustic Re-String: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyo2kT2UGFM

Electric Re-String: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKFe8LpyBKA