Wrap the string around the post, then wind it down
The most common method is to loop the string around the tuning peg post once, then wind the string downward in neat, overlapping coils. Insert the string through the hole in the post, pull it taut at an angle away from the headstock, and turn the tuning key so the post rotates toward you. The string wraps around itself as it winds down the post. This method works on most acoustic and electric guitars and keeps tension even as you tune.
The number of wraps matters. Thicker strings (like the low E) typically need two to three wraps around the post before you start winding. Thinner strings (like the high E) need three to four wraps. Too few wraps and the string slips under tension. Too many and the string takes longer to settle and hold pitch.
Key Takeaways
- Thread the string through the tuning peg hole, pull it taut at an angle, and turn the tuning key so the post rotates toward you.
- Wind the string downward in overlapping coils, keeping tension on the string with your other hand so the wraps stay neat and tight.
- Thicker strings need two to three wraps; thinner strings need three to four wraps before the string runs out of post space.
- Trim excess string after winding so the wrapped portion does not extend past the post, which can cause tuning instability.
- New strings need to be stretched and retuned several times over the first few hours because the wraps settle and the string relaxes.
Insert the string and set the angle
Before you wind, the string must go through the hole in the tuning peg post. On most guitars, this hole runs straight through the post from front to back. Push the string through until about 2 inches of slack hangs on the other side of the post — enough to wrap around the post but not so much that you waste string.
Hold the string taut with your free hand, pulling it away from the headstock at roughly a 45-degree angle. This angle keeps the string from sliding off the post as you wind and ensures the wraps stack neatly. If you pull straight down or straight out, the wraps will bunch or cross over each other, and the string will slip.
Turn the tuning key and wind downward
Rotate the tuning key so the post turns toward you. On most guitars, this means turning the key away from the center of the headstock for the three tuning pegs on one side, and toward the center for the three on the other side. The post should rotate smoothly and the string should wrap around it in a spiral, moving downward with each turn.
Keep light tension on the string with your free hand as you wind. This prevents the string from bunching and keeps each wrap parallel to the one below it. If you let the string go slack, it will fold back on itself or cross over previous wraps, and you will have to unwind and start over.
Wind until the string reaches the bottom of the post or until you run out of post space. Most posts are about half an inch tall, so you should fit three to four wraps comfortably. If you wind too far up the post, the string will slip off the bottom edge under string tension.
Trim the excess string
Once the string is wound, cut off the excess with wire cutters or a string cutter. Leave about a quarter inch of string sticking out past the post — enough that it will not unwind but short enough that it does not stick out awkwardly. Excess string hanging past the post can catch on the headstock or cause the wrapped portion to shift and go out of tune.
If you do not have a string cutter, a pair of diagonal pliers works. Snip cleanly so the cut end does not have sharp burrs that could scratch your hand or the headstock finish.
Tune and stretch the new string
After wrapping, bring the string up to pitch using the tuning key. New strings do not hold pitch when ready — the wraps around the post settle, the string relaxes, and the bridge and nut shift slightly under the new tension. Tune the string to pitch, wait a few seconds, and check the pitch again. It will have dropped. Retune and repeat this cycle three or four times over the first few minutes.
You can speed up settling by gently pulling the string away from the fretboard with your hand, stretching it slightly. Do this a few times along the length of the string. Then retune. This helps the wraps compress and the string relax faster, so it holds pitch sooner.
Differences between tuning peg styles
Most acoustic guitars and many electric guitars have slotted tuning pegs, where the string goes through a hole in the post and you wind it around. The method described above works for these. Some guitars have locking tuning pegs, which have a small lever or screw that clamps the string in place after you insert it. With locking pegs, you insert the string, tighten the clamp, and then wind the tuning key. The clamp holds the string so it cannot slip, which means you need fewer wraps — usually just one or two.
A few guitars have vintage-style pegs where the post is horizontal and the string wraps around it side to side rather than top to bottom. The wrapping technique is the same, but the direction of the wind is different. Check your guitar's manual or look at how the existing strings are wrapped to see which style you have.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is not pulling the string taut while winding. If you let the string go slack, it will bunch up, cross over itself, or slip off the post. Keep steady tension with your free hand the whole time you are winding.
Another mistake is winding too many wraps. If you wind the string five or six times around the post, it takes longer to tune, the string takes longer to settle, and you waste string. Stick to three to four wraps for thin strings and two to three for thick strings.
A third mistake is not trimming the excess string. If you leave a long tail hanging past the post, it can catch on the headstock, cause the wrapped portion to shift, or make the guitar look unfinished. Cut it short.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times should I wrap the string around the post?
Thicker strings (low E, A, D) typically need two to three wraps. Thinner strings (G, B, high E) need three to four wraps. The exact number depends on the thickness of the post and the length of the string you have left after inserting it. Wind until you reach the bottom of the post or run out of space.
What angle should I pull the string at while winding?
Pull the string at roughly a 45-degree angle away from the headstock. This keeps the wraps from bunching and prevents the string from slipping off the post. If you pull straight down or straight out, the wraps will cross over each other.
Why does my new string keep going out of tune?
New strings settle over time. The wraps compress, the string relaxes, and the bridge and nut shift slightly. Retune the string several times over the first few minutes, and gently stretch the string by pulling it away from the fretboard. This speeds up settling. The string should hold pitch more steadily after an hour or two.
Can I reuse the old string wraps if I am replacing just one string?
No. Always remove the old string completely and wrap a new one. Reusing the old wraps can cause the new string to slip, go out of tune, or break prematurely because the old wraps are compressed and may have burrs or damage.
Do I need to wind the string a certain direction on every tuning peg?
Yes. On most guitars, the three tuning pegs on one side of the headstock wind one direction (away from the center), and the three on the other side wind the opposite direction (toward the center). This keeps all the strings aligned and the headstock balanced. Check your guitar to see which direction each peg winds.