I remember holding my first guitar. It was summer and I was at playing with my grandad’s guitar at his place in Montana. Unfortunately, I also remember playing with the tuning keys only to snap two strings. The excitement was soon replaced with fear as I dashed to my uncle for help.
Of course, after all these years of playing the instrument, I’ve learnt several techniques and methods to re-string guitars but the guitar string locking method is still hands down the best.
This locking method is applicable to anyone who wants to change their guitar strings. And it’s really simple! More importantly, you could significantly elevate the quality of your tune. So, scroll on down and check out the Guitar String Lock Method!
As a bonus, we’ve added a few more guitar-stringing methods!
Also Read: Where Can I Get My Guitar Restrung? | Let’s Find Out!
Table of Contents
Why Is Guitar String Locking Method Important?
Now, why is restringing or guitar locking method important? Well, let’s say you don’t lock your string and simply wrap it. You could potentially deal with slippage or tuning stability issues. Of course, there is such a thing as overclocking your strings. This would be the knotting technique you may see on some guitars. The only issue with this is that if you clip the strings, you could end up scratching your head and finish. That could be scary on a really expensive guitar.
Best Way To Lock Guitar Strings
Though the standard method is suitable for guitars, guitars face sustainability issues in tune due to winds around the post.
There are many methods to hold the position tightly, but those are related to wrapping the string around the loose ends of the post.
So, to tackle this problem, many guitarists prefer the guitar string lock method for their guitars. It locks the string to the post and significantly reduces the guitar’s sustainability issues.
Let’s have a look at the step-by-step process:
Thread The String:
First, you need to secure the eye side of the string at the bridge. When done pass the straight end of the string through the machine head’s eye.
Remember that this method is designed only for acoustic and electric guitars. Never use this method on a classical guitar.
Loop The String:
Make sure it passes over the free end of the guitar. Moreover, holding the string by your hand and looping it over the loose end is relatively easy and more comfortable than turning the key to get the first loop.
It also helps you make significant adjustments to the slack, which is essential for the amount of available string to wrap.
Correct Winding:
After that, make sure that the string is winding around the turning head so that counter-clockwise turning can tighten the string. It keeps uniformity and alignment among the strings on the guitar.
If there are any faults, you’ll be able to notice them.
Tight The String:
Hold the first loop in your left hand and turn the machine head to tighten the strings properly. In this case, make sure not to tighten too much.
Otherwise, your strings will get weak or even break.
Wind And Wrap The String Continuously:
Three to four loops will be enough for lower strings to give a great sound.
But for higher strings made of plain steel, you need to have at least five loops to make them work properly.
Remember, it takes practice and time to determine how much slack will be required for loops.
If the loop is shorter, quickly get back to the first step and rest the guitar again by careful selection of slack.
Check The Wraps Properly:
The final step is to check whether the wraps are loose or tight.
Make sure to practice a little bit to check how much quality these wraps are providing. If there is any fault, you need to revise the process and solve the problem.
Don’t Cut Extra String:
Do not cut the string if it is a few inches long until your guitar remains in tune.
You never know when you will have to restring your guitar or a few strings due to some faults in tune.
In such situations, extra slack will help you tune your guitar correctly.
Other Methods To Restring A Guitar
When it comes to restringing a guitar, different experts use different techniques for changing the strings of their guitars. Among them, most of the methods are correct.
But, since you are on the beginner level of guitar, you need to know about a few basic restring methods. Different guitars require different ways depending upon their making.
Five of the most common and widely used techniques are as follows:
The Standard Method:
Restringing a guitar by the standard method is something that most guitarists do. It is easy to understand, and one can become an expert with a few practices.
Primarily, this method is used for restringing electric guitars by experts. Suppose you are a complete beginner and do not have much knowledge or expertise in the field.
In that case, I will suggest you practice the standard method for changing your guitar strings.
Top Wrapping Method:
Many players who want to avoid a few things mostly rely on this technique, known as the top wrapping method.
In this method, instead of pushing the string through the tailpiece, you push them through opposite directions.
After that, these strings are wrapped over the tailpiece, and then tuners are used for the strings to tune them.
When you use the top wrapping method for your guitar restringing, it allows you to bend your tailpiece until it touches the top of your guitar.
It also offers added energy to your guitar, from the tailpiece to the neck. I have also felt increased warmth and sound in the guitar tone.
String-Through-Body Method:
This method allows you to restring your guitar by putting strings through the holes on the backside of your guitar. It depends more on the manufacturing design of the guitar.
Now, this is not a method that can be applied to any guitar but is specialized to certain guitars like the fender telecaster.
It is widely accepted among musicians that inserting strings inside the guitar increases resonance, sustainability, and rhythm to your guitar.
Method 4: Backward Stringing Of Floyd Guitars:
Whenever it comes to restringing a Floyd guitar, it is the most asked question of which method should be used to restring it.
Floyd guitars are different from normal guitars involving unique lock mechanisms and fine tuners located on different positions at the bridge.
So, backwards stringing is used for Floyd guitars to tackle that problem.
Read Other Articles: How To Wrap Guitar Strings?| Things To Know! How To Change Acoustic Guitar Strings Martin? Where Can I Get My Guitar Restrung? | Let’s Know! How Much Does It Cost To Replace Guitar Strings?-Need To Know This How To Fix A Dead Fret On Electric Guitar? | Fixed!
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