It can happen to the greatest guitarists.You're playing a gig or jamming with friends.You don't have an extra set of strings with you, and you're not in a place where you can easily buy more.You may be able to fix the broken string so you can keep playing.You still want to replace the broken string as soon as possible, even though this temporary fix can save you time and money.The best way to fix a broken guitar string is to replace it.
Step 1: Don't string your guitar with long tails.
You need a lot of string leftover at the machine head of your guitar to take advantage of this trick.Leave the tails at the top, instead of cutting it off when you're done.If it breaks, you have a lot of string to play with.The way you would curl a ribbon is to take a coin and roll it along the string.You don't want to get poked by the strings.
Step 2: The bridge pin can be removed to free the broken string.
To release the loose end of your broken string, pop out the bridge string.If you're in a situation with low light, set the bridge pin somewhere that you won't lose it.If you don't have a pocket to hold the pin, hold it between your lips, but be careful not to bite it.
Step 3: Pull the broken string through the ball end.
Stick the end of the string through the ball end.Just a few times, twist the string around itself.The broken end of the string should be attached to the ball end.To make sure they stay attached, you don't need to twist the string more than 3 or 4 times.
Step 4: The string should be removed from the tuning post.
When you put the broken end back into the peg hole, loosen the top end of the string so you don't have to play with it.It is possible to note how much string was twisted around the ball end.If you have enough string at the top of your guitar, you shouldn't have any problems.
Step 5: Pull the string back up when the broken end is in the peg hole.
The bridge pin can be snapped back into place if the "new" ball end of the string is inserted into the peg hole.Put the string on the bridge and run it through the tuning post.Place your thumb on the bridge pin to keep it from popping out until you run the string back up through the tuning post.When you bring the string back to the right tension, it should snap into place.
Step 6: The string should be brought back up to tune.
Turn the key until the string is back to the right tension, then slip it back through the tuning post.You can get it close enough if you're in the middle of a song.Curl the end of your guitar's string tail if you have a chance.
Step 7: Remove the broken string.
Remove both ends of the broken string.The bridge pin will need to be pulled to free the lower end.The string should be removed from the tuning post.It could cause damage to the post.Before disposing of broken string, it is advisable to coil the pieces.They could poke someone or tear a garbage bag.
Step 8: Put the ball end of the string into the peg hole.
Take the ball end of the new string and slip it into the peg hole.Drop the bridge pin into the hole and press it with your thumb until it snaps into place.Make sure the bridge pin is set with a tug on the string.
Step 9: The string should be pulled through the tuning post.
Run the string through the slot in the bridge and up the fretboard.Pull the string through the post by putting the end into the tuning post.You should be able to pull the string away from your guitar.
Step 10: If you want to wind the tuning peg, bend the string 90 degrees.
You should bend the portion of the string that you pulled through the tuning post so that it doesn't get tangled as you wind it up.To wind the string, turn the pegcounterclockwise.As you turn the tuning peg, watch the string winding over the post.Slow down so that the string doesn't cross itself.The string could fall out of tune more frequently if there is an overlap of wind.
Step 11: To correct tension, tune the string.
Once you've wound the string to the point that it makes a clean sound when plucked, stop winding and use an electronic tuner or other method to get the strings to produce the right tone.You'll need to tune your other strings after changing a string.The tension may have been lost when you removed the broken string.
Step 12: Take the string and stretch it.
Carefully pull the string away from the guitar and then back up again.Stretching the string will help it stay in tune.You need to re tune the string after stretching it.You may want to go through it again.
Step 13: Curl the leftover string with a coin.
If you want to leave enough string at the top so that you can fix it if it snaps, curl the tail of the string instead of cutting it off.The sharp ends can be dangerous.If you don't want to leave the ends on, you can cut them with wire cutters.
Step 14: Determine where the strings snap the most.
A sharp edge on your guitar is one of the reasons strings break.If your strings break in the same place, you should inspect your guitar to make sure there are no sharp edges.You don't have to take your guitar to a repair shop if you sand it down on your own.If you don't have confidence in yourself to make this kind of repair on your own, you should let an expert take care of it.
Step 15: For alternate tunings, switch out the strings.
If you tune your guitar to an alternate tuning, your strings may be at a higher tension than they are designed to hold.If you find your strings snap more frequently when you're in an alternate tuning, you may want to invest in strings that are specifically designed for that tuning.Most string manufacturers make strings that are specifically designed for Nashville tuning.The string package shows which tunings the strings are appropriate for.You can ask a staff member at a music store to help you find the best strings for the tuning you want to use.
Step 16: After you play your guitar, clean your strings.
The oils and dirt from your fingers are transferred to the strings when you play guitar.Every time you play, wipe a clean rag or t-shirt on your strings.The dirt can cause strings to snap over time.If your strings break where you play frequently, this is the most likely culprit.
Step 17: You can play with a lighter pick.
The heavier the guitar pick, the more wear it causes.If your strings break around the sound hole, you may be playing with a pick that is too thick.A staff member at your local music store can help you with your guitar pick.You want something with enough weight to strum effectively and produce the sound you want, but not so much that it causes too much wear to your strings.
Step 18: Change your strings at least once a week.
If you play on a regular basis, at least 3 times a week for more than an hour each time, your strings will start to show signs of wear after 3 weeks and may break more frequently.Thinner strings wear down more quickly, so you may need to change them more frequently.
Step 19: Before playing, stretch new strings.
Make sure you stretch your strings when you change them.Go from the top to the bottom, then re tune.Stretching helps hold the strings in tune and prevents them from snapping easily.You have to stretch before you play your guitar.You should stretch them until you can tug at the sting without it going out of tune.