How do I wrap guitar strings correctly?

Question

I just bought a new set of guitar strings and after previously failing I'm determined to get these on correctly. Every other time I've strung my guitar the strings would wrap over themselves on the machine heads. I know they should wrap from bottom to top but whenever I try I can't seem to control the location. Sorry, its hard to describe my situation in words. ><

Can anyone offer tips on how to control winding the strings so that they wrap from bottom to top?

Answer 1

As a person who works in a music store and has to restring guitars alll day long, this is the method that I use because it &quot;locks&quot; the strings in and will help hold your guitar in tune better.  Just watch this quick video by D&#039;addario  (the best strings out there IMHO) Its easy to understand whats going on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rhdxCECc...

Answer 2

First of all, I would disregard anyone that tells you that this &quot;does not matter&quot; because it most certainly does. You are not &quot;obsessed,&quot; you are simply being thorough. I commend you.

I also have an Epi Special II and a number of acoustics, and I believe the following will help you out.

This is a fantastic video that will show you the correct way to string an electric guitar:

http://www.gieson.com/Library/projects/v...

NOTE: In the video you will notice that the guy first places the string in the nut. What you DON&#039;T see is that he is determining how much slack to leave in the string before winding it. I leave about 1&quot; of slack (between the string and the fretboard) and that leaves plenty of string to wrap around the tuning peg. You can decide for yourself what is best for you.

A narration for an acoustic guitar:

http://www.howtotuneaguitar.org/



And you can find more resources here:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&amp;q=res...

Good luck!

Kabum

Answer 3

Let me ask a question in return. Why are you obsessed with a perfect wrap. This seems to be a personal aesthetic that should have no bearing on the impression you give others (should be determined by how you play, not how you or your guitar looks).

There have been many great guitarists who have played on stage with strings hanging out on both ends, and on instruments that are scratched and dented. Nobody cares.

Now, if you must persist in this endeavor, you can cut the strings shorter so that there is only enough to wrap how you want, and to end where you want.

Personally, I wouldn&#039;t bother.