Restringing a Les Paul means removing the old strings, cleaning the fretboard, and threading new strings through the bridge and tuning pegs

A Les Paul has a solid body with a tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, which makes restringing different from a Stratocaster or acoustic. The strings anchor at the tailpiece, run over the bridge, and thread through tuning pegs at the headstock. You'll need a string winder (optional but faster), wire cutters, and a new set of Les Paul strings—typically .009 to .046 gauge, though heavier and lighter sets exist.

The whole job takes 20 to 40 minutes once you've done it once. Your first time will take longer, and that's normal. You don't need a professional setup unless the action (string height) feels wrong after you finish, or the intonation is way off.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove all six old strings by loosening the tuning pegs at the headstock, not by pulling them out of the bridge.
  • Thread new strings through the stopbar tailpiece first, then over the bridge, then into the tuning peg holes.
  • Wind each string around its tuning peg post in a downward spiral, keeping tension on the string so it seats properly.
  • Tune to pitch gradually, stretching each string by hand as you go, because new strings go flat quickly at first.
  • Trim excess string length at the headstock only after the string is wound and tuned, so you don't lose your grip.

Remove the old strings one at a time

Loosen the tuning peg for the low E string (thickest string, on the left side of the headstock when you're facing the guitar). Turn the tuning peg counterclockwise until the string is slack enough to unwind by hand. Pull the string out of the tuning peg hole and set it aside.

Go to the bridge end and pull the string out of the bridge saddle slot. The string should come free without tools. Repeat this for all six strings, working from thickest to thinnest, or all at once if you prefer. Removing them one at a time puts less stress on the neck, but removing all six at once gives you a chance to clean the fretboard and headstock.

Clean the fretboard and hardware while strings are off

With the strings off, wipe down the fretboard with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and old buildup. If the fretboard looks dull or sticky, use a fretboard conditioner made for rosewood or ebony (Les Paul fretboards are usually one of these). explore a small amount to a cloth and rub along the frets and wood, then wipe dry.

While you're at it, wipe the headstock, tuning pegs, and bridge with a dry cloth. This is the easiest time to reach these spots. Don't use water or aggressive cleaners on the finish—a microfiber cloth is enough for most guitars.

Thread the new strings through the tailpiece and bridge

Start with the low E string (thickest). Hold the guitar so you can see the back. The stopbar tailpiece is the metal bar that runs across the back of the body. Insert the ball end of the string (the small looped end) under the stopbar, from the side closest to you. The string should sit in the groove of the tailpiece.

Pull the string up and over the bridge saddle. The bridge saddle is the small piece of metal or bone that sits on top of the bridge, and the string should rest in the groove cut for it. The string now runs from the tailpiece, over the saddle, and up toward the headstock. Repeat this for all six strings, working from thickest to thinnest.

Wind the strings onto the tuning pegs

Start with the low E string. Pull the string up to the headstock and insert it into the hole in the low E tuning peg (the leftmost peg on the headstock when facing the guitar). Leave about 2 to 3 inches of slack—enough to wrap around the post two or three times.

Hold the string taut with one hand and turn the tuning peg counterclockwise with the other. The string will wrap around the post in a downward spiral. Keep tension on the string so it winds neatly and doesn't overlap itself. After two or three wraps, the string should be snug enough that you can let go and tune it up to pitch.

Repeat for the remaining strings. The high E string (thinnest) is on the right side of the headstock. All strings wind counterclockwise when you're looking at the headstock from the front of the guitar. If a string starts winding upward instead of downward, you're turning the peg the wrong way—reverse direction.

Tune to pitch and stretch the strings

Use a tuner to bring each string up to pitch. Start with the low E and work toward the high E. New strings will go flat quickly because the metal is still settling, so you'll retune several times over the next few hours.

After tuning, gently pull each string away from the fretboard (toward you) to stretch it. Pull firmly but not hard enough to bend the neck. This helps the string settle faster and hold pitch longer. Retune after stretching. Repeat the stretch-and-retune cycle two or three times in the first 10 minutes, then check tuning again after an hour of playing.

Trim excess string length at the headstock

Once the string is wound and tuned, use wire cutters to trim the excess string sticking out past the tuning peg post. Leave about a quarter-inch so the string doesn't unwind, but cut close enough that you don't have long spikes sticking out. The high E and B strings especially can be sharp if left long.

Trim one string at a time after it's wound and tuned, not before. If you cut too much, you lose your grip and the string unwinds. If you cut too little, you can always trim more, but you can't put it back.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I restring my Les Paul?

Most players restring every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often they play and how hard they play. If strings sound dull, feel rough, or won't hold pitch, it's time. Strings that break or show visible rust or corrosion should be replaced right away.

Can I restring without a string winder?

Yes. A string winder is faster and easier on your hand, but you can wind strings by hand. Turn the tuning peg slowly and steadily, keeping tension on the string. It takes longer and your hand will tire, but the result is the same.

What gauge strings should I use on a Les Paul?

Standard gauge is .009 to .046. Heavier strings (.010 to .046 or .011 to .052) give more tone and sustain but are harder to bend. Lighter strings (.008 to .038) are easier to play but sound thinner. Start with standard if you're new to the guitar.

Why does my guitar sound out of tune even after I tune it?

New strings take hours to settle and hold pitch. Retune every 10 to 15 minutes for the first hour. If the problem continues after a day, the intonation may need adjustment—this requires a professional setup or a truss rod adjustment, which is beyond restringing.

Do I need to loosen the truss rod before restringing?

No. The truss rod controls neck relief (the slight curve in the neck), not string tension. Leave it alone unless the action feels wrong or the neck looks visibly bent. Adjusting the truss rod is a separate job and requires a straightedge and knowledge of your guitar's specs.