Occasionally you will need to replace the strings on your guitar. The strings pick up sweat and moisture from use and even from sitting in the closet in the changing seasons. After long periods of playing the tone will start to sound muddy, giving it a less bright, rich sounding zing. Removing guitar strings is moderately simple, read the steps below to learn how.
Instructions
1. Loosen the tension on all the strings. Turn the tuners at the head down until all the slack is let out of them. It is easier and safer to remove your guitar strings with the slack out (lowest pitch) then it is when they are fully tuned.
2. Get the wire cutters. Clip the strings just above the nut, this will make it easier to pull the strings out. Hold the strings below where you are cutting to keep them from snapping back and cutting you.
3. Use a pair of needle nose pliers to pull the rest of the strings off the tuners and from the back where the new strings are later inserted.
4. Turn your guitar over and loosen the six screws on the back cover plate and remove it. Pull strings out through the back and throw them away.
5. Clean and or polish your guitar and before installing new strings. This is a great opportunity to get all those parts of the neck clean that you couldn't reach through the strings.
6. Install your new guitar strings.
