Change Strings On An Electric

In this guitar lesson, we're going to learn how to change the strings on an electric guitar. There are many different types of electric guitars that require slightly different methods for changing the strings. In this lesson, we'll learn how to change the strings on guitars with Les Paul, Stratocaster, Telecaster, Bigsby, and Floyd Rose bridges.

Les Paul

First, we'll take a look at how to change the strings on a guitar with a Les Paul-style (Tune-O-Matic) bridge. With this bridge, you can just push the strings through the back of the bridge and bring them up over the saddles. Les Pauls typically have standard modern tuning pegs. With these, you can do your first wrap over the top of the string hole and the remaining wraps underneath the string hole. This locks the string in place and reduces tuning issues.

Stratocaster

Stratocaster bridges typically have a tremolo system involved. This requires you to load the strings through the back of the bridge and through the tremolo system itself.

Bigsby

For the next guitar, we're going to look at guitars with Bigsby vibrato systems like those on Gretsch guitars. Before you try to hook the ball of the string on the bridge, kink the string over so that you have an easier time hooking it onto the pin. Once it's hooked on there be sure to keep tension on the string while you wrap it around the tuning peg or it's likely to fall off of the pin.

Floyd Rose

Floyd Rose bridges tend to be pretty tricky compared to other bridge types. Start by clipping the ball end off of the new string. Stick it into the bridge and use your Allen key to lock the string in place. Make sure to change strings on a Floyd Rose one at a time to keep tension on the bridge.

Telecaster

Changing the strings on a string-through bridge is very straight forward. Simply push the end of the string through the back of the body of the guitar and pull it out from the top of the bridge. Make sure it's sitting correctly on the saddle and you're good to go.

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