When you jam with friends, practice at home, or set up for your next performance on stage, you’ll likely have a few extra accessories and replacement items, just in case you need to adjust your instrument or replace a string. One of the most common repairs you’ll get used to as a guitarist is fixing a guitar string, and this is handy if you don’t have any strings available or forgot to bring them to your practice session. In this article, we will share with you a few tricks on how to fix a guitar string.
While keeping a few guitar strings on hand is the best way to remedy a broken guitar string, there will be situations where you run out of spare strings or need a quick fix in a short time. This method is a great way to keep playing if you don’t have a new string and need a fast solution to continue your lesson or practice session.
5 Steps On How To Fix A Guitar String
If you’re not equipped with spare acoustic guitar strings, you can get the most out of longer strings where there’s a lot leftover. While many guitar players use pliers or a wire cutter to trim them right away, you can leave them on the fret until you need them later. These extra-long strings are convenient to use when you have a sudden guitar string break.
Initially, you may find these long steel or nylon strings a bit concerning, as they have sharp ends. You can easily keep them from poking your hands while you play by curling the ends with a coin so that the guitar strings curve inward and are safe and undamaged.
- First, loosen and remove the bridge pins to release the broken string. When you pull the bridge pinout, it’s essential to place it somewhere safe while completing the following steps.
- Loosen the broken string completely, then place it through the ball end and use pliers to secure it when it is rewound.
- Once you have one end fastened, you’ll need to ensure that you have enough string left to fasten the other end to the peg hole, making the extra string ideal for this quick fix method.
- When you place the broken end of the string to the peg hole, snap the bridge pin securely, and make sure it lines up with the tuning post.
- Adjust the string to tune it and set the proper tension. You may not achieve the same tone as before, but you’ll set the old string to a relatively close position with some practice.
Fixing Various Types of Guitar Strings
Many experienced guitarists prefer steel guitar strings for their strength and durability. They are less likely to snap or break, though they take some time to get accustomed to, especially if you’ve just begun using them.
Nylon strings are softer to play with and lower tension, making them easier to fix if they snap during a lesson or practice. While nylon strings may seem like an excellent option for new and novice guitar players, they don’t offer the same crisp, fullness in sound that professional musicians favor.
Steel strings are repairable, though they can be challenging to fix. Nylon strings may be easier to work with initially, though they don’t fit well with a guitar that requires steel strings, and they do not include a truss rod, which supports the overall sound and tones.
Tips for Avoiding a Broken Guitar String
Guitar strings often break, especially if you play often. If you’re a new guitarist, learning to fix a broken or snapped guitar string is just as important as maintaining your instrument and its accessories, including getting familiar with the tuner, truss rod, bridge pins, and which strings are best to purchase.
Whether you play a Les Paul, a classical guitar, or getting acquainted with an amp for your electric guitar, there are essential steps you can take in keeping your instrument’s strings in excellent condition:
- Ensure that every wound string isn’t too tight or with a loose end, as this can impact tone quality and string action.
- Choose only the correct strings for your guitar type, as this will significantly affect the quality of sound and performance.
- Always bring extras in the event of an unexpected string change.
- If you have a local guitar center or shop, you can quickly get advice on which brands are best for your instrument, such as coated strings, and which material is best for your guitar
- Keep excess string handy at the end of your fret, just in case you need to perform a quick fix by restringing the extra nylon or steel strings.
Summary
Fixing a guitar string is an excellent option if you don’t have all the tools and extras to replace a broken string. It’s beneficial if you’re getting ready for a concert or live event and need a quick solution. This process only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of time and difficulty in a short time.
