Q&A for How to Change Strings on an Electric Guitar

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Question

How do I tune an electric guitar?

Community Answer

If you are very experienced, you can use your hearing. You can also use a tuning device purchased at a music store or online. You can also use an app called GuitarTuna.

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Question

My string snapped down the middle, so I cant unwind it and can't get it out of the back of the guitar. What do I do?

Community Answer

You may want to take it to the shop if you can't do it yourself. You definitely don't want to break the guitar by messing with it.

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Question

My guitar has little things at the bottom, attached by a screw with a spring on it, and the string comes out of a channel in the middle of each piece. What are they for?

Community Answer

These are the bridge saddles, they're usually adjustable - they can be adjusted forwards and backwards along the length of the string to set intonation, and up and down to set the string height/action.

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Question

What do I do if the strings break and I did everything right?

Community Answer

In that case, it is likely that the strings aren't of good quality. Purchase better ones in future.

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Question

Can I use a tuner for an acoustic guitar on an electric guitar?

Jelke de Jong

Community Answer

Yes! Most, if not all, tuners can probably do both acoustic and electric if they are made for guitars.

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Question

Why would my string slip out of my guitar?

Community Answer

You probably didn't wind up the strings right, try taking it to a guitar shop and having a professional change the strings for you.

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Question

How do I make the string look like an S when changing the strings on my electric guitar?

Community Answer

Turn the string around the peg and wrap the end of the string around the other half to lock the string in place.

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Question

How do I keep the strings from coming off the guitar while tuning?

Community Answer

Tune slowly, not moving the pegs too much at a time. It may also depend on the type of guitar strings you have and whether or not they need replacing.

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