Restringing a twelve-string guitar takes about an hour once you know the order of steps

A twelve-string guitar has six pairs of strings instead of six single strings. The bottom four pairs are tuned an octave apart — the thicker string in each pair is tuned to the standard note, and the thinner string sits one octave higher. The top two pairs are tuned in unison, both strings at the same pitch. You remove all twelve strings at once, clean the fretboard while it is exposed, and thread new strings back through the bridge and up to the tuning pegs in a specific order. The process is identical to restringing a six-string guitar, except you are working with twice as many strings and need to understand which strings pair together.

The main difference from a six-string is that you cannot straightforward string them in any order — the pairing matters for tuning and sound. If you put the strings on in the wrong pairs, the guitar will sound thin or unbalanced. The standard order from lowest to highest is: E-e, B-b, G-g, D-d, A-a, E-e, where capital letters are the lower octave and lowercase letters are the higher octave on the first four pairs, and both strings in the top two pairs are the same note.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove all twelve strings at once by loosening the tuning pegs, then unwind them from the pegs and pull them out of the bridge.
  • The bottom four string pairs are tuned an octave apart — the thicker string is the lower note, the thinner string is one octave higher.
  • The top two string pairs (D and A) are tuned in unison, meaning both strings in each pair play the same note.
  • Thread strings through the bridge from the thickest pair to the thinnest, then wind each string around its tuning peg in a consistent direction to avoid overlapping wraps.
  • Tune gradually in small increments rather than bringing each string to full pitch when ready, because the neck tension changes as you add tension.

What you need before you start

Buy a twelve-string replacement set, not two six-string sets. A proper twelve-string set has the pairs already matched for tone and thickness. The strings come in a specific gauge pairing — for example, a .010 paired with a .009, or a .012 paired with a .010 — so the two strings in each pair blend together rather than clash. If you use random singles, the pairs will sound uneven.

You will also need wire cutters to trim the excess string after you wind it around the tuning peg, a string winder (optional but saves your hand), and a clean cloth. Some players use lemon oil or fretboard conditioner while the fretboard is exposed, though this is not required. Have a tuner within reach — a clip-on tuner works best because your hands will be busy.

Removing the old strings

Loosen all twelve tuning pegs by turning them counterclockwise. You do not need to remove them completely — just loosen them enough that the strings go slack. This usually takes two or three full turns on each peg. Slack strings are much easier to remove from the bridge.

Once the strings are slack, pull them out of the bridge. Most twelve-string guitars have a pin bridge — small pegs hold each string in place. Remove the pins by hand or with a small flathead screwdriver, then pull the old strings straight out. If your guitar has a different bridge style, such as a tie block, straightforward untie or unwind the strings from the bridge.

After the strings are out, unwind them completely from the tuning pegs and discard them. This is a good moment to wipe down the fretboard with a dry cloth, or to clean the body and headstock if they need it.

Threading new strings through the bridge

Start with the thickest pair — the low E strings. Insert both strings of the pair into the bridge hole from the underside, then replace the bridge pin to hold them in place. The pin should sit snugly and hold both strings without crushing them. Move to the next pair (B strings) and repeat, working your way up to the thinnest pair (high E strings).

Push each pair all the way through the bridge so there is no slack between the bridge and the tuning pegs. The strings should be taut but not under tension yet — you are straightforward positioning them. Once all twelve strings are threaded and pinned, you are ready to wind them onto the tuning pegs.

Winding strings onto the tuning pegs

Start with the low E pair on the bass side of the headstock (the thicker strings on the left if you are right-handed). Insert the first string through the hole in the tuning peg, leaving about two inches of slack. Bend the string at a right angle to the peg, then turn the tuning peg so the string winds around it. Wind downward on the bass side pegs and upward on the treble side pegs — this keeps the string wraps neat and prevents them from overlapping.

Aim for two to three wraps around each peg before the string reaches full pitch. Too many wraps and the string will slip; too few and it will not hold tension. As you wind, keep slight tension on the string with your other hand so the wraps sit snugly against the peg without gaps.

Once the string is wound, trim the excess with wire cutters, leaving about a quarter inch beyond the peg. Repeat this process for all twelve strings, working in pairs from the thickest to the thinnest. The order does not matter as long as you keep the pairs together.

Tuning and stretching new strings

Bring all twelve strings up to pitch gradually, not one pair at a time. Tune the low E pair to E, then the B pair to B, then the G pair to G, and so on. Once all twelve are at pitch, go back to the low E and retune — new strings stretch and go flat quickly, so you will need to retune several times over the first hour.

Gently stretch each string by pulling it away from the fretboard at the middle of the neck. Pull firmly but not hard enough to bend the neck. This helps the string settle faster and reduces the number of times you have to retune. After stretching, retune again. Repeat this cycle three or four times until the strings hold pitch for at least a few minutes between tunings.

New strings typically take 24 to 48 hours to fully stabilize. During this time, retune every few hours if you are playing. After a day or two, the strings will hold pitch much more reliably and you can return to normal playing.

Common mistakes that make restringing harder

The most common error is winding the strings in the wrong direction on the tuning pegs. On the bass side (thicker strings), wind downward so the string wraps move toward the center of the headstock. On the treble side (thinner strings), wind upward for the same reason. This keeps the wraps tight and prevents the string from slipping.

Another mistake is threading the strings in the wrong pairing order. If you put a thin string where a thick one should go, or vice versa, the guitar will sound unbalanced — one pair will be too bright and another too dull. Always check your string set packaging to confirm which gauges go together.

A third error is tuning each string to full pitch when ready instead of gradually. The neck is under increasing tension as you add strings, and tuning too fast can cause the neck to bow or the strings to slip. Tune all twelve strings to pitch, then retune them again, and repeat until they stabilize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I restring a twelve-string guitar one pair at a time instead of all at once?

You can, but it is harder. Removing all strings at once lets you clean the fretboard and see the entire neck clearly. If you change one pair at a time, the remaining strings stay under tension and make it difficult to thread new strings through the bridge. Most players find it faster and easier to do all twelve at once.

What if one string in a pair breaks while I am playing?

Replace just that one string, not the whole pair. Buy a single string in the same gauge and wind it onto the tuning peg the same way you would a new string. The pair will sound slightly different until the new string stretches and settles, but it will still work. You do not need to restring the entire guitar.

How often should I restring a twelve-string guitar?

It depends on how often you play. If you play daily, restring every two to three months. If you play a few times a week, every three to four months is usually enough. Strings lose brightness and go flat over time, so when the guitar sounds dull or will not stay in tune, it is time for fresh strings.

Why does my twelve-string sound thin or unbalanced after restringing?

The most likely cause is that the string pairs are reversed — you may have put a thin string in the position of a thick one, or vice versa. Check your string set packaging and compare it to what you installed. If the pairs are wrong, you will need to remove and reinstall them in the correct order.

Do I need a special tool to remove the bridge pins?

No. Most bridge pins come out by hand if you pull straight up. If they are stuck, a small flathead screwdriver or even a coin can pry them out gently. Do not force them — if a pin is truly stuck, soak the bridge area with a tiny bit of water and wait a few minutes for the wood to soften slightly.