How do I restring my guitar?

The Ultimate Guide to Changing Guitar Strings: Tuning Stability, Tips & Tutorials

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you'll know that my last guide was dedicated entirely to a question I get asked by new students almost every single week: how often you should change your guitar strings. There are plenty of different approaches to that timeline depending on how often you practice, how heavy your hands are, and the climate here in Sydney.

If you haven’t checked out that breakdown yet, take a look to find your ideal maintenance schedule. Once you know when to change them, the next hurdle is mastering the physical technique so your instrument actually stays stable and sounds its absolute best.

Why Most Players Struggle With Tuning Issues

Changing your guitar strings doesn't have to be a chore! Whether you're a beginner or you’ve been playing for years, we’ve all dealt with the immense frustration of string slippage and guitars that simply won't stay in tune. The truth is, how you restring your guitar is a critical factor in performance—and utilizing a few "pro steps" makes all the difference.

To take the mystery out of the process, keep your instrument in perfect pitch, and help you say goodbye to tuning troubles forever, I've produced two comprehensive, step-by-step video masterclasses over on the Simon Morel Guitar YouTube Channel:

Pro Tips from the Martin Guitar Factory

While my methods have served me beautifully over decades of live gigging and teaching in Sydney, I am always on the lookout for great secondary insights. I highly recommend taking a look at this legacy Martin Guitar factory restringing tutorial by Tim and Dave on YouTube. Dave makes the entire process look completely effortless, and their technique for securing strings at the post is world-class. (Plus, I have to admit, I have major gear envy over their specialized string-winding power tools!).

Hit that play button on the videos above, follow along, and let’s get those guitars set up cleanly! I am always keen to hear what you think of these techniques in the comments below.

Looking to Expand Your Guitar Collection?

If your current instrument is past the point of a simple cleanup and maintenance check, and you're thinking about upgrading your setup, I have heaps of resources available right here on the blog. Dive into my comprehensive, step-by-step buyer's guide on how to buy an electric guitar to ensure you land the perfect model for your hands, your style, and your budget.

Simon Morel provides professional, tailored guitar lessons in Petersham and across Inner West Sydney, as well as one-on-one online sessions for students worldwide. Whether you are picking up the instrument for the first time or looking to master advanced technique, get in touch today to book your first session!