How much slack do you put on each guitar string?

Question

Im changing guitar strings, and saw lots of lessons. They always say make sure you put enough slack on each string but they never tell you how much. This one guy for the b string gave about 3 inches of slack. He said it was gonna change depending on string. never explained though. Can anyone help please?

Answer 1

Just not make them too tight!!

Answer 2

once i get my strings in place at the bridge, I wrap them twice around the little string spool before sliding it into the hole. After my strings are all tuned and they have stretched thoroughly after a couple good plays making sure to bend the strings a lot and retuning after each play. I then cut off the excess material and leave about a half inch or so of string.

Answer 3

There is no definite set rule, only experienced suggestions.

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=restrin...

Answer 4

Keep it simple.  With the string attached at the bridge, lay the string down without slack up to the tuning machine.  At about 2 inches beyond the tuner you are going to string through, crimp the string 90 degrees out.  String it through, crimp back 90 degrees, and turn it on, take up any slack and press the string to a middle fret with your free hand... guid it once over, twice under.  Voila.  I've never had a problem.

Answer 5

that depends how you string up. if you wrap it around, then put it through the the hole the you don't need that much slack maybe 1/2 an inch to an inch. if you ptu it through the hole then tune up, i'd say maybe 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches tops.

Answer 6

well, there are cenrtain "looks" that you can put to the strings.

Afro-you get the 4-5 loops on the e, 4-5 lopps on the b, 4 on the g, 4 on the d, 31/2 on the a, and 3 on the e and you dont cut the slack(make sure you straighten them out)

Thrashy-get about 2 inches of slack in the hole and then wrap all the string on every string(it will fit)

formal-you get the same loops on the tuners as in afro, but the only difference is that you cut the slack.

Other than these lil facts, its all about gauge and likes.

if you're using a gauge 9, you might want to get a whole other loop on the 1st2nd and 3rd strings and another half loop on the other 3

if you're using an 11 or 12, you want to leave the loops the same since the measurements that i gave you are for those strings since i use that size

buy good strings like elixir or good d'addario's