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

TC-TUNE

One of the most common questions we receive at our store is about how to change strings on the 6-in-line tuner type, which is widely used on models like the Fender Stratocaster and Fender Telecaster.
While the structure itself is simple, we often get inquiries such as, “I’m not sure if I’m winding the strings correctly” or “The tuning isn’t staying stable.”

So, in this article, we’ll explain the basics of changing strings on the 6-in-line tuner guitars commonly found on Fender-style models.
In this example, we’re using a Stratocaster-type guitar, but the basic procedure is the same for any guitar with a similar 6-in-line tuner setup.

“Six-in-line tuners” refer to a type where six tuners are lined up in a straight row on one side of the headstock.
This configuration is primarily used on guitars such as the Stratocaster and Telecaster, and features 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 two main types of six-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 cleaning cloth to remove dust and dirt. We recommend the specialized cleaning cloths from TCGAKKI and Advance Guitars. Since we actually use these products ourselves, you can use them with confidence.

Click here for the cleaning cloth video
. Click here for the polishing video

. If your fingerboard is made of rosewood, moisturize it appropriately with a specialized oil. 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 on the back of the body and pull them out toward the bridge. *Note
: Depending on the model, some guitars have a design where the strings pass 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 times to wind it. Note that the method for determining the length differs between wound and open strings.

We’ll start by explaining the wound strings. With the string pulled toward the tuning peg, allow for about two tuning pegs’ worth of slack to determine the length. Allowing this much slack ensures the correct number of windings when you wrap the string around the peg.

Using pliers, bend the string at a point about two pegs’ length beyond 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 it in
advance ensures a consistent starting point and makes it easier to achieve the correct number of windings. Trim off the
excess string. Hold it as shown in the photo to prevent the cut end from flying off.

Insert the tip 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, applying the proper amount of force.

The number of windings is just right

Next, I’ll explain how to determine 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 in place, slide it along the fretboard until your grip 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.

After cutting the string, insert the end of the string into the hole in the peg shaft.

Then, bend the string at a 90-degree angle toward the tip of the headstock and wrap it all the way around the shaft.

*This length is only a guideline.
The appropriate number of windings may vary slightly depending on the strings and peg specifications.
*Some pegs have shorter shafts, in which case you may not be able to wind the string as many times.
In that case, it’s fine to use fewer windings.

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’ length)

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

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

String 4 (2 pegs’ worth)

After threading the string through the side hole of the tuning peg, pull the string toward the tip of the headstock.
Then, move the string from the 4th string tuning peg position to the 2nd string tuning peg position

3rd, 2nd, and 1st Strings (3 pegs’ worth)
Since plain strings require a slightly longer length, leave enough slack for about 3 pegs’ worth.

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

Return the string to the position of the 6th-string peg

This method ensures you have enough string to cover approximately three pegs.

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

Pull it back to the position of the 5th-string peg.

This method ensures you have enough length for about three pegs.

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

Feed it back to the position of the 4th-string tuning peg.

This method ensures you have enough string length for about three pegs.

*This length is only a guideline.
The appropriate number of windings may vary slightly depending on the strings and peg specifications you use.
*Some pegs have shorter shafts, so you may not be able to wind the string as many times.
In that case, it’s fine to use fewer windings.

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

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

Wind the string downward, making sure the coils do not overlap.

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

Done

If all strings are in stable tune and wound correctly, you’re all set.

Points to Note

・Over-tightening the strings can
lead to unstable tuning. ・Be
careful not to injure yourself, as the ends of the strings are sharp. ・Tuning will stabilize after you tune the instrument a few times following a string change.

Good job!

Precautions

• Over-tightening the strings can
lead to unstable tuning. • The ends of the strings are sharp, so be
careful not to injure yourself. • After changing the strings, tuning them a few times will help stabilize the tuning.

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