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Changing Strings on an Electric Guitar

By , About.com Guide

7 of 10

Using Tension to Control String Winding

use both hands to create tension on string while winding

use both hands to create tension on string while winding

In order to control how the string wraps around the tuning peg, it helps to remove slack in the string, by creating artificial tension. As you continue to slowly wind the new string, take the index finger of your free hand and push down slightly on the string, against the fretboard of the guitar. With the remaining fingers in that hand, grasp the string, and gently pull up and back, in the direction of the guitar's bridge (see photo). If you pull too hard, you'll pull the string out of the tuning peg altogether. The goal is to eliminate the string slack near the tuning peg, allowing you to wrap the string more precisely.

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