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How to Change Strings
on a Ukulele or Classical Guitar
on a Ukulele or Classical Guitar
Changing ukulele strings for the first time might feel a bit intimidating, but it's a fairly straightforward process once you get the hang of it. Here's a step-by-step guide for a standard soprano, concert, or tenor ukulele, or Classical Guitar with tie-bar or slotted bridge.
What You’ll Need:
- A new set of ukulele strings
- Tuner (clip-on or app-based)
- Wire cutters (to trim excess string)
- Towel roll (to rest the neck)
Optional, But Helpful:
- String Winder
Instructions
1. Loosen and Remove the Old Strings
Turn the tuning pegs to loosen each string until you can easily unwind it from the peg.
Carefully untie or remove the string from the bridge.
Remove all 4 strings one at a time. If this is your first time restringing an instrument, we recommend doing it one at a time so you can reference the previously tied strings.
Tip: Wipe down the fretboard with a clean cloth while the strings are off!
2. Identify the New Strings
Most string sets label each string. Check the packaging to find out how yours are labeled.
Arrange them from top to bottom as they’ll be placed on the instrument.
Ukulele
(G, C, E, A or 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st).
G (4th) - top
C (3rd)
E (2nd)
A (1st) - bottom
Baritone Ukulele
(D, G, B, E or 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st).
D (4th) - top
G (3rd)
B (2nd)
E (1st) - bottom
(G, C, E, A or 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st).
G (4th) - top
C (3rd)
E (2nd)
A (1st) - bottom
Baritone Ukulele
(D, G, B, E or 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st).
D (4th) - top
G (3rd)
B (2nd)
E (1st) - bottom
Classical Guitar
(E, A, D, G, B, E or 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st).
E (6th) - Top
A (5th)
D (4th)
G (3rd)
B (2nd)
E (1st) - Bottom
(E, A, D, G, B, E or 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st).
E (6th) - Top
A (5th)
D (4th)
G (3rd)
B (2nd)
E (1st) - Bottom
3. Attach String to the Bridge
See the diagram/images below for reference. This looks more complicated than it is.
For Tie-Bar Bridge (most common):
Thread the end of the string through the hole in the bridge.
Pull the tail back up and wrap under itself, then under your loop again. Wrap the tail twice and pull tight to make a knot.
Tuck the short end under the edge of the bridge to secure it. Leave a tail so you can tuck it under the next string for extra security. It's better to run them a little long and trim all the tails at the end.
Thread the end of the string through the hole in the bridge.
Pull the tail back up and wrap under itself, then under your loop again. Wrap the tail twice and pull tight to make a knot.
Tuck the short end under the edge of the bridge to secure it. Leave a tail so you can tuck it under the next string for extra security. It's better to run them a little long and trim all the tails at the end.
For Slotted Bridge:
Tie a double knot at one end of the string.
Drop the knotted end into the slot; it will hold in place.
If it pulls out, tie a bigger knot and repeat.
For Bridge Pins:
Tie a double knot at one end of the string.
Drop the knotted end into the pin hole, then insert the bridge pin. Make sure the notch on the pin is facing towards the neck. Push in with a decent amount of force with your thumb.
If the pin rises up while you're tuning it up, push it back down.
Tie a double knot at one end of the string.
Drop the knotted end into the slot; it will hold in place.
If it pulls out, tie a bigger knot and repeat.
For Bridge Pins:
Tie a double knot at one end of the string.
Drop the knotted end into the pin hole, then insert the bridge pin. Make sure the notch on the pin is facing towards the neck. Push in with a decent amount of force with your thumb.
If the pin rises up while you're tuning it up, push it back down.
4. Thread String Through Tuning Peg
Insert the other end of the string through the hole in the tuning peg.
Leave a bit of slack, (about the distance between tuning pegs, around 1-1.5 inches).
Begin turning the tuning peg so the string winds toward the center of the headstock. Make sure the string is coming up on the inside of the peg, not the outside.
Tip: Hold your finger down on the string so it winds from the bottom going up. If the wrap comes off the top, it'll unwind.
Keep the string neat as it winds up (no crossing or overlapping). You want 1-2 full wraps around the peg for your initial tuning. Over time as the strings stretch you'll keep winding the string up and you'll run out of space on the peg.
5. Repeat Steps For All Strings
6. Stretch and Tune the Strings
Once all strings are installed, tune up your instrument.
Gently stretch each string away from the fretboard a few times to help it settle.
Retune.... and again. It’ll go out of tune several times as the strings stretch naturally.
7. Trim Excess String
Once you're happy with the windings and tuning, use wire cutters or scissors to trim the extra string near the tuning peg, as well as the ends on the bridge.
Tips for Beginners:
Nylon strings take a few days to fully settle and hold tuning.
Recheck tuning each time you play until they stabilize.
Always replace the full set (not just one string) for balanced sound and tension.