How to Change Strings on a Fender-Style (6-String) Guitar

TC-TUNE

We often receive inquiries at our shop about how to change strings on the 6-string tuner type commonly found on Fender Stratocasters and Fender Telecasters.
Although the mechanism itself is simple, we often receive inquiries such as, “I’m not sure if I’m winding the strings correctly” or “The tuning isn’t stable.”

So, in this article, we’ll explain the basics of changing strings on the 6-sleeve tuner system commonly found on Fender-style guitars.
In this example, we’re using a Stratocaster-type guitar, but the basic steps are the same for any guitar with a similar 6-in-1 tuner.

"6-in-line tuners" refer to a type where six tuners are arranged in a straight line on one side of the headstock.
This specification is commonly found on guitars such as the Stratocaster and Telecaster, featuring a design where the strings run almost in a straight line from the nut to the tuners. While the structure itself is simple, tuning stability can vary depending on how the strings are wound and the amount of winding.
Additionally, there are mainly two types of 6-in-line tuner configurations:

First, turn the peg to loosen the string tension, then remove the old string

With the strings removed, this is the perfect time to clean the fingerboard, frets, body, and area around the bridge. Use a cloth to remove dust and dirt. We recommend TCGAKKI or the dedicated cloths from Advance Guitars. Since we actually use these tools ourselves, you can use them with confidence.

Click here for the cleaning video
Watch the polishing video here

If your fingerboard is rosewood, apply a small amount of specialized oil to keep it properly moisturized.
Click here for the oil link

Many Fender-style guitars are designed so that the strings pass through the back of the body. Thread the strings through the hole in the back of the body and pull them out toward the bridge.
*Note: Depending on the model, some guitars are designed to route the strings directly through the bridge plate.

To install new strings, pull the string toward the tuning peg and determine the length that will serve as a guide for how many windings to make. Note that the required length differs between wound and open strings.

First, we’ll explain the wound strings. With the string pulled all the way to the peg, allow for about two pegs’ worth of slack to determine the length. This amount of slack ensures the correct number of windings when you wrap the string around the peg.

Using pliers, bend the string at a 90-degree angle abouttwo pegs’ length from the point where you determined the length .
Cut the string, leaving a length equal to the depth of the peg hole.

This bent point serves as a guide for where to start winding the string.
Bending the string in advance stabilizes the starting point for winding and makes it easier to achieve the correct number of windings.
Cut off the excess string. Holding it as shown in the photo will prevent the cut end from flying off.

Insert the end of the string into the hole at the top of the peg post.
Then, guide the string along the groove of the post.

NG (The string inserted into the peg post is too long)

OK (The string inserted into the peg post is the right length)

Turn the peg to wind the string while pulling it lightly.
Here are the key points for winding:

• Wind the string downward in a spiral pattern
• Make sure the windings do not overlap
• Ensure the string is pulled straight toward the nut
  
  

You can wind the string correctly by holding it as shown in the photo to apply the right amount of force.

The number of wraps is just right

Next, I’ll explain how to measure the length of the plain strings
First, pull the string taut and hold it at the position of the peg where you plan to tune it

While holding the string, slide it along the fretboard until your hand is positioned at the 6th string peg.

In that position, cut the string using the peg where you plan to tune it as a guide.

Once you’ve cut the string, insert the end of the string into the hole in the peg shaft.

Then, bend the string 90 degrees toward the tip of the headstock and wrap it around the shaft.

*This length is only a guideline.
The appropriate number of wraps may vary slightly depending on the specifications of the strings and tuning pegs you are using.
*Some pegs have shorter shafts, in which case you may not be able to wrap the string around as many times.
In that case, it is fine to wrap it fewer times.

Similarly, pull the string to the peg and determine the length using the following guidelines.
The basic guidelines are as follows:

6th and 5th strings (1.5 pegs)

After threading the string through the side hole of the peg, pull the string toward the tip of the headstock.
Then, move the string from the 6th string to the 5th string peg position

5th string → 4th string peg position; the remaining length should be approximately one peg’s worth.

4th string (2 pegs)

After threading the string through the side hole of the tuning peg, pull the string toward the tip of the headstock.
After that, 4th string → 2nd string peg position

3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings (3 pegs’ worth)
For plain strings, leave a little extra length—about three pegs’ worth—to allow for a few extra windings.

3rd string
Thread the string through the side hole of the 3rd string peg and pull it toward the tip of the headstock

Pull it back to the position of the 6th string peg

This method ensures you have about three pegs’ worth of slack.

2nd string
Thread the string through the side hole of the 2nd string peg and pull it out toward the tip of the headstock

Feed it back to the position of the 5th string peg

This method allows you to secure a length equivalent to about three tuning pegs.

String 1
Thread the string through the side hole of the 1st string peg and pull the string toward the tip of the headstock

Feed it back to the position of the 4th string peg

This method allows you to secure a length equivalent to about three tuning pegs.

*This length is only a guideline.
The appropriate amount of winding may vary slightly depending on the specifications of the strings and tuning pegs you are using.
*Some tuners have short shafts, so you may not be able to wind the string as many times.
In that case, it is fine to wind the string fewer times.

Turn the peg while gently pulling the string to wind it.

After turning it about 90 degrees, bend the string straight up.

Wind the string downward so that the windings do not overlap.

Once you’re done winding, cut off the excess string.
The end of the string can be sharp, so be careful not to injure yourself.

Done

If all strings are tuned stably and wound correctly, the process is complete.

Important Notes

・Over-tightening the strings can lead to unstable tuning
・The tips of the strings are sharp, so please be careful not to injure yourself
・Tuning will stabilize after you tune the guitar a few times following the string change

Good job!

Important Notes

・Over-tightening the strings can lead to unstable tuning
・The tips of the strings are sharp, so please be careful not to injure yourself
・Tuning will stabilize after you tune the guitar a few times following the string change

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