How to Fix a Guitar String (Electric & Acoustic Guitar)

A broken guitar string can be a nightmare, especially for beginner guitar players who do not have a lot of experience and have never even changed the strings on their guitar. If you do not know how to fix a guitar string you have come to the right place.

In this guide we will go over the steps you need to take to replace a broken guitar string, and what you need to do exactly. 

Can you replace just one guitar string?

Yes, you can replace just one guitar string, however, you need to make sure that you replace the correct guitar strings. It is important that guitar players always have extra strings laying around because you never know when a string is going to break. If it does, all you have to do is to pick those extra strings and replace the broken string.

Can you fix a guitar string at home?

It is extremely easy to fix a single guitar string at home, and you do not have to run to the nearest music shop. All you need is an extra set of strings and a few minutes. 

What do you need to fix a guitar string?

The only thing you really need to fix a guitar string is an extra set of strings. It can also be helpful to have a guitar string winder laying around because it makes it easy and faster to wind the string. You will also need to use a tuner, to correctly tune the new string you just added.

Depending on the guitar you have you might need a screwdriver also, especially if it is an electric guitar with the strings running through the back of the body. Additionally, you might need a plier to remove the bridge pin on an acoustic guitar or you can use a string winder, which also allows you to do the same.

How to fix a guitar string at home 

Here are the steps you need to take to fix a single guitar string at home without any tools

1. Locate the broken string and unwind it with the tuner to remove it.

2. If you are replacing a string on an electric guitar, you will need to remove the end of the guitar string on the bridge. This can vary depending on the type of electric guitar you are playing and the type of bridge it has. 

Stratocasters have the strings running through the body of the guitar, and you need to remove it through the back, by removing the backplate with a screwdriver. For most Les Pauls, and semi-hollows you remove the string next to the bridge of the guitar.

Acoustic guitars lock the string on the bridge with a bridge pin, and to replace a string you need to remove the pin. While sometimes it can be easy to remove the bridge pin with just your fingers, you might need a plier to do it. Be careful when doing it, because acoustic guitars are far more delicate than electric guitars.

3. Once you have removed the broken string, it is now time to find the correct string to replace. Most guitar sets will label the different strings with colors so make sure you pick the right string to replace.

4. Start by placing the string on the bridge. In a Stratocaster, you need to put the string in, through the backplate hole, on the hole in the bridge block, and run it all the way to the headstock.

On a Les Paul, the string easily attaches to the bridge, and once again run it all the way through the nut until the headstock.

With an acoustic guitar, you will need to put the string in the bridge hole, and put the bridge pin on top of it. Make sure you use some tension to assure yourself that the string is locked in place. The string should be tight and straight before you put it through the tuners.

5. Once the string is flat and straight you can put it through the hole in the tuner, and start winding it. Make sure the string is running through the guitar nut on the right slot! This is where using a guitar string winder can be very helpful to make the process faster.

6. Tune the string to the right note, and you are done. It may take some time for the string to settle and you will have to tune it a few times, but the more you play the faster the string will settle.

It is possible to fix a guitar string at home, but it can be a difficult process. Depending on the Guitar strings are one of the most important parts of your instrument. If they’re not tuned correctly, or if they break, it can ruin your guitar’s sound. This guide will teach you how to fix a guitar string, no matter what the problem may be.

How much does it cost to fix a guitar string?

If you fix a broken guitar string at home it will be extremely cheap, because all you need is a new set of strings. However, if you decide to take a guitar to the nearest guitar shop, they will certainly charge you $10 to $20 for the labor on top of the cost of the new guitar string set.

What to do if a guitar string popped?

A guitar string may pop if it is not well settled, or it is not attached correctly to the bridge of the guitar. If this happens, you need to release the tension in the tuner and place the string correctly on the bridge. In some cases, the string may be damaged, and it will need to be completely replaced.

Conclusion

While fixing a guitar string can be a daunting task for beginner guitar players it is actually pretty easy. If you follow our guide step-by-step, you will know exactly how to fix a guitar string in no time. It will be extremely useful, and you do not have to rely on anyone else to replace guitar strings once you know how to do it.