You can replace a broken string yourself in 10 to 15 minutes with basic tools

A broken guitar string is not a reason to stop playing. You can replace it without special skills or expensive equipment — just a new string, wire cutters, and a tuner. The process is the same whether you play acoustic or electric, and once you do it once, it becomes automatic.

The hardest part is usually getting the old string out of the bridge and tuning peg. Everything else is straightforward: thread the new string through the same holes, wind it around the tuning peg, and bring it up to pitch. Most players keep spare strings in their case for exactly this reason.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove the old string by loosening the tuning peg until the string goes slack, then pull it out of the bridge and tuning peg.
  • Insert the new string through the bridge hole (or bridge pin on acoustic guitars), then thread it through the tuning peg hole.
  • Wind the string around the tuning peg so it wraps downward and stays tight, then tune it up to pitch using a tuner.
  • New strings need to be stretched by gently pulling on them and retuning several times before they hold pitch reliably.
  • Keep at least one spare string of each gauge in your case so you can play while the broken one is being replaced.

Remove the broken string from the bridge and tuning peg

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. You should be able to pull it out by hand once it has no tension.

On an acoustic guitar, the string is held in the bridge by a wooden or plastic pin. Pull this pin straight out — it may take some wiggling. On an electric guitar, the string straightforward threads through a hole in the bridge or bridge block. Pull the old string all the way through and discard it.

If the string broke at the tuning peg, you may need to unwind what is left of it from the peg. If it broke in the middle of the neck, pull out both pieces. Either way, the tuning peg hole should now be empty and ready for the new string.

Thread the new string through the bridge

Take your new string out of its packaging. On an acoustic guitar, insert the ball end (the small metal loop at one end) into the bridge hole, then replace the bridge pin on top of it. The pin holds the string in place and should sit flush with the bridge. Push it in firmly until it stops.

On an electric guitar, thread the string through the bridge hole or bridge block from the back. The ball end should be on the back side of the bridge, held in place by the bridge itself. Some electric guitars have a through-body design where the string goes all the way through the body — check your guitar's manual if you are unsure.

Pull the string up toward the headstock so it runs straight along the fretboard. There should be no slack, but do not pull so hard that you bend the bridge or bridge pin.

Wind the string onto the tuning peg

Thread the other end of the string (the end without the ball) through the hole in the tuning peg. Leave about 2 to 3 inches of slack — this gives you enough string to wrap around the peg without running out.

Hold the string taut with one hand and turn the tuning peg with the other. The string should wrap around the peg in a downward spiral, moving away from the center of the headstock with each turn. This keeps the wraps tight and prevents the string from slipping.

Wind until the string is snug around the peg but not yet at full pitch. You should have roughly two to three complete wraps around the peg. If you have too much string left over, you can trim the excess with wire cutters after tuning, but leave it for now in case you need to adjust.

Bring the string up to pitch with a tuner

Use a digital tuner to bring the string to the correct pitch. Clip-on tuners work well for this and are inexpensive. Turn the tuning peg slowly while watching the tuner display until the note matches the string you are replacing (for example, the high E string should read E).

Turn the peg counterclockwise to raise the pitch and clockwise to lower it. Move slowly — it is straightforward to overshoot and go sharp. Once the tuner shows the correct note, the string is at pitch.

If you have excess string hanging past the tuning peg, you can trim it now with wire cutters. Leave about a quarter-inch past the peg so the string does not unwind.

Stretch the new string so it holds pitch

New strings go out of tune quickly because the metal is still settling. Gently pull on the string at a few points along the neck — not hard enough to damage it, just enough to stretch it slightly. Then retune it with the tuner.

Repeat this process two or three times over the next few minutes. Each time you stretch and retune, the string will hold pitch longer. After 10 to 15 minutes of playing, it should be stable enough to rely on.

Some players also bend the string up and down at the tuning peg to speed up the settling process. This is optional, but it does help the string stabilize faster.

Tune the rest of your guitar

Once the new string is at pitch, check the tuning of the other strings. Replacing one string can sometimes throw the others slightly out of tune, especially on guitars with older or worn tuning pegs. Use your tuner to bring all six strings back into tune.

If the other strings were already in tune before you replaced the broken one, they should still be close. A quick check is all you need.

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 others will stay in tune as long as they were not damaged. Many players keep spare strings in their case so they can play while waiting to replace a broken one, rather than replacing the whole set at once.

What if I do not have a tuner?

A tuner is the easiest way, but you can tune by ear if you know how. Tune the new string to match the pitch of the same string on another guitar, or use a reference note from a piano, tuning fork, or tuning app on your phone. This takes more practice but works in a pinch.

How long does a new string last before it breaks again?

A new string typically lasts several months to a year with regular playing, depending on how often you play and how hard you play. Strings wear out faster if you play aggressively, bend notes frequently, or play in humid conditions. Keeping your guitar clean and dry helps strings last longer.

Should I replace the string while it is still broken, or wait until I have time?

You can play with a broken string missing, though the guitar will sound thinner and unbalanced. If you have a spare string, replace it right away so you can keep playing. If you do not have a spare, you can wait until you get one — there is no harm in leaving the string out temporarily.

What gauge string should I buy as a replacement?

Buy the same gauge as the string you broke. This information is printed on the original string packaging or on the string itself. If you have lost the packaging, check your guitar's manual or the manufacturer's website for the standard string gauge for your model.