A broken string stops the guitar from playing that note, and you'll need to remove the old one and thread a new string through the bridge and tuning peg

When a string breaks, the break usually happens at the bridge (where the string anchors to the body) or at the tuning peg (where it wraps around the post). Either way, the fix is the same: remove what's left of the old string and install a new one. The whole job takes 5 to 10 minutes once you have a replacement string that matches the one you broke.

You'll need a new string in the same gauge as the one that broke—if you're not sure which gauge, check the packaging from your last string set or look at the remaining strings on your guitar. You'll also want wire cutters and a string winder (optional but faster than turning the tuning peg by hand). A clean cloth helps remove the old string's residue.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove the broken string by loosening the tuning peg until the string goes slack, then pull out the bridge pin (if you have an acoustic) or unwind the string from the tuning post (if you have an electric or classical).
  • Thread the new string through the bridge hole, find it with the bridge pin or knot, and wrap the other end around the tuning peg post in a downward spiral.
  • Tune the string to pitch using the tuning peg, then stretch it gently by pulling on the string itself to help it settle and hold tune faster.
  • A new string will drift out of tune for the first few hours, so retune it several times before playing a full session.

Removing the Broken String

Start by loosening the tuning peg for the broken string. Turn it counterclockwise (when looking at the headstock from the front) until the string goes completely slack. This removes tension so you can safely remove the bridge pin or unwind the string without the guitar fighting back.

On an acoustic guitar, reach inside the sound hole and push the bridge pin straight up and out. The pin is a small wooden or plastic cylinder that holds the string in place at the bridge. Once it's out, pull the broken string free from the bridge hole. On an electric or classical guitar, straightforward unwind the remaining string from the tuning peg post and pull it out through the bridge.

Wipe the bridge and tuning peg area with a clean cloth to remove any corrosion or residue from the old string. This keeps the new string from picking up dirt and helps it last longer.

Threading the New String Through the Bridge

Take the ball end of the new string (the end with the small metal ball attached) and insert it into the bridge hole from the top of the guitar body. Push it all the way through until the ball end sits snug against the inside of the bridge.

On an acoustic, replace the bridge pin by pushing it straight down into the hole. The pin's groove should face the string so the string sits in the groove and the pin holds it in place. On an electric or classical guitar, tie a straightforward knot at the bridge end of the string, or loop it around the bridge pin if your guitar has one. Pull the string tight so the knot or loop sits firmly against the bridge.

Wrapping the String Around the Tuning Peg

Pull the string up toward the headstock, keeping it roughly straight. Leave about 2 to 3 inches of slack between the bridge and the tuning peg post—this gives you enough string to wrap without running short. Insert the string end through the hole in the tuning peg post.

Turn the tuning peg so the post rotates downward and the string wraps around it in a spiral. Each wrap should sit below the previous one, moving down the post. Wrap the string 2 to 4 times around the post (acoustic and classical guitars usually need more wraps than electrics). Keep tension on the string with your other hand so the wraps stay neat and tight.

Once you've wrapped enough, trim the excess string with wire cutters, leaving about a quarter-inch of tail. This prevents the string from unwinding and keeps the headstock clean.

Tuning and Stretching the New String

Turn the tuning peg to bring the string up to pitch. Use a tuner (a clip-on tuner or smartphone app works fine) to match the correct note. Turn slowly so you don't overshoot the pitch and snap the new string.

Once the string is in tune, gently pull on the string itself—not the tuning peg—to stretch it. Pull downward about an inch, then release. Repeat this 5 to 10 times along different points of the string. This helps the string settle into the bridge and tuning peg and reduces how much it will drift out of tune over the next few hours.

Retune the string after stretching, as it will have gone slightly flat. New strings continue to settle for several hours, so expect to retune it a few more times before it holds pitch consistently.

Why New Strings Go Out of Tune Quickly

A new string has never been stretched before, so the material is still adjusting to the tension. The wraps around the tuning peg post also settle as you play, and the bridge pin or knot shifts slightly as the string pulls on it. All of this causes the pitch to drop gradually.

Stretching the string by hand speeds up this settling process, but it doesn't eliminate it entirely. Expect the string to drift flat over the first 2 to 4 hours of playing. This is normal and not a sign that something went wrong. After that, the string will hold tune much more reliably.

When to Call a Professional

If the string breaks repeatedly at the same spot, or if you break a string and find that the bridge or tuning peg is cracked or damaged, take the guitar to a repair technician. A cracked bridge or peg can't hold a string safely and needs professional repair.

If you're uncomfortable unwinding the string or wrapping it around the tuning peg, a guitar tech can do the job quickly and inexpensively. Some music stores also offer free string replacement when you buy strings from them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just one string or do I have to replace all six?

You only need to replace the broken string. The other strings are fine to keep playing. However, if your guitar is several years old and you've never changed the strings, replacing all of them at once will make the whole guitar sound brighter and fresher.

What if I don't have a string winder?

A string winder is faster but not necessary. You can turn the tuning peg by hand—it just takes longer. Grip the tuning peg knob and turn it steadily. The wraps will go on the same way, and the result is identical.

How tight should I wrap the string around the tuning peg?

Wrap it snugly but not so tight that you can't turn the tuning peg smoothly. The wraps should sit neatly in a spiral with no overlaps or gaps. If the peg becomes hard to turn, you've wrapped too tightly and should loosen it slightly.

Is it normal for the string to sound dull at first?

Yes. New strings sound bright and metallic for the first few hours, then settle into a warmer tone as they age. If a new string sounds unusually dull or dead, it may be defective—try a different string from a fresh pack.

What do I do with the broken string?

Recycle it if your area accepts metal in curbside recycling, or throw it in the trash. Some musicians save broken strings for craft projects, but most just discard them.