Best way to not break strings while changing to and from open tunings?

Question

Sometimes while tuning to and from an open tuning, A for example while tuning back up to standard the high E tends to snap. wondering should I go high to low or low to high while down tuning, and vice versa tuning back up

Answer 1

You should definitely get some lower tension strings (generally a little pricier than normal strings).  If your E string is snapping that easy, a higher quality string would help the most.

Turning the pegs really slowly and carefully is a good idea.   If you tune up maybe a half step and let it sit for a while then tune up another half step, then another, letting it sit for maybe a day between tunings, your strings should stretch out and shouldn't snap as easily.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Yup. I agree with piano na... Those definitely sound like cheap strings. I can't remember a single time I broke a string when returning to E from D. Even playing some of Joni Mitchell's odd tunings in the 70s, one of which goes all the way down to C...  still no breaks.

Cheap strings are NEVER worth it.

I did just think of one other possibility. If it's only the high E, you may want to check the tuner, nut and bridge for burrs -- anything that may be weakening the string in the area where it breaks.

Kabum