How to Restring a 12-String Guitar? – A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Restringing a 12-string guitar can be difficult for beginners as you have to deal with twice the number of strings. However, you don’t have to worry! Strings on these guitars come in pairs. A quick tip, tune the actual set in standard tuning. The lower paired strings need to be tuned an octave higher. The higher strings need to be tuned to standard tuning.

Check out the best budget 12-string guitars that you can buy!

So for those who are still worried about how to change strings, we got your back. Check out our guide on changing strings on these guitars. Let’s get started!

A Quick Look On Restring a 12-String Guitar

Restring a 12-string Guitar (Step-by-Step Guide)Remove the Old StringsClean Your GuitarPutting in the New StringsInitial Wrap and TrimTune with different tuners
Restring your guitar if you see the following things. Not shinyGrime buildupDull sound Snapped stringsImbalanced strings	Things You Need Before RestringingNew stringsWire cuttersString WinderGuitar tunerCleaning cloth ready.

When Does Your Guitar Need a Restring?

There are a few indicators that make a full restring necessary for your 12-string guitar.

• Strings have no shine: When your guitar strings lose that bronze shine they had fresh out of the box, they need a restring.
• Strings have grime buildup: Guitar string can pick up oil from your fingertip when playing. Over time this makes them coarse and rusty.
• Strings sound dull: When strings are used for longer than their lifespan they start sounding less bright. This takes the charm out of playing a 12-string guitar indicating a restring.
• Snapped strings: Whenever a string snaps, it is best to change all the strings on a guitar. This is more important for a 12-string guitar as strings come in pairs.
• When strings lose tension: There may come a point where you have to constantly retune your guitar every time you pick it up. This indicates that the strings have lost tension and, thus are unable to stay in tune. 

5 Things You Need Before Restringing

Try to get a few things in arms reach before starting the restringing process. 

1. The obvious: Any strings designed for 12-string guitars will do. However, we recommend using strings from reputed brands if you have a more expensive guitar
2. Wire cutters: A wire cutter will come in handy when you need a quick restring. They keep the process clean and tidy.
3. String winder: A string winder can reduce the time needed to restring significantly. Manually winding 12-strings can tire you out quickly. You can find many string winders that come combined with wire cutters. 
4. Guitar tuner: Even if your guitar has a built-in tuner, we recommend using a proper external guitar tuner. They are reliable and can accurately detect pitch.
5. Cleaning cloth: Before putting on the new strings, we recommend wiping down your guitar. Additionally, you can also use some rubbing alcohol to wipe down the fretboards and tonewood.

How to Restring 12 String Guitar? (Step-by-step guide) 

If you need to change your strings immediately, check out our step-by-step on restringing a 12-string guitar. 

Step 1: Remove the Old Strings

To begin the process, carefully take out your old strings from your 12-string guitar. Use the string winders to carefully wind each tuning peg to loosen string tension. It is important to do this as many beginners may want to cut the string right away. This is a very bad practice as cutting strings that are not loosened may cause irreversible damage to your guitar.

Step 2: Remove or Cut The Old Ones

If you have a 12-string acoustic guitar, you can remove each bridge pin that holds one end of the string to the body. Some string winders can also double as a tool to do this. If you don’t have one, you can use pliers to carefully take them out.

If you have a 12-string electric guitar, pull the strings out through the bottom of the bridge. You have to be careful as this process may differ depending on what type of bridge you have. Also, some guitars may need the string to be pulled out from the back of the body.  

If you want to save some time on this process, you can use the wire cutter to snap the strings right away. 

Step 3: Clean Your Guitar

Once the strings are off, you can do a quick wipe-down before restringing. Now is the best time to do this. Use rubbing alcohol to wipe down the headstock, fretboard, and guitar body. This is an additional step that you can skip if your guitar is cleaned regularly.

Step 4: Putting in the New Strings

Before attaching the new strings, you need to understand the dynamics of a 12-string guitar. 

Each pair of strings must be treated as one unit. You have the regular strings paired with another set. One string makes a lower note while the thinner paired string produces a higher octave note.

• Remove from packaging: New strings usually come in pairs in the packaging. Attach the thick strings to the row of bridge pins furthest from the center of the body, and the thinner strings to the row in front. 
• Put the strings in the bridge pin: Secure each string by rolling the metal ball at the end into the respective bridge pinhole and reinserting the pin. Ensure the string is held firmly in place. 
• Put the other end in the tuning pegs: For the tuning pegs, turn each so the hole faces down the neck. Put the strings through the pegs to set them in place. Try to keep some headroom before winding the strings. This will even out the tension when you start tuning the strings. 

Step 5: Initial String Wrap and Trim

Wind each string around its tuning peg and make sure a few rows are wrapped. Here is where your handy string winder will come of great use. Once all strings are securely wound, trim off any excess strings with your wire cutter or pliers.

Step 6: Tune To Pitch

Once you have properly completed all of the above, get down to tuning it to your preferred scale. You can use anything from a digital tuner to tuning by ear.

Digital tuners

Digital tuners are a very handy tool to have in your arsenal. They can accurately detect the pitch of each string. They have functions that can indicate whether your pitch is sharp or flat. There are different types of digital tuners you can choose from:

• Clip-On Tuners: They attach directly to the headstock of your guitar and use vibration sensors to detect the pitch. They’re portable, easy to use, and usually very inexpensive.
• Pedal Tuners: For electric guitars, pedal tuners are recommended. These are floor-mounted units that can be activated with a footswitch. They are precise but may come are a hefty price.
• Built-in Tuners: Most guitars usually come with a tuner paired with their onboard electronics. It’s debatable how accurate they are but more expensive guitars may come with a good enough one.

Tuning by Ear

If you are a pro, you can tune by ear too. Do this by matching the pitch of each string to a reference pitch, such as a tuning fork or another instrument. It is a valuable skill to have as you may not always have access to digital ones.

FAQ

How Is A 12-string Guitar Set Up?

A 12-string guitar has strings arranged in pairs. They play together when a single note is played. The lower four strings (E, A, D, and G) are tuned and octave together. The top two (B and E) are tuned the same.

How Hard Is It To Tune A 12-string Guitar?

For beginners, tuning a 12-string guitar may be twice as hard compared to a 6-string guitar. The strings have higher tension so initially, it may be difficult to tune to pitch. However, with practice, it can be easily mastered. 

Restring A 12 String Guitars Doesn’t Sound So Hard!

That sums up our guide on how to restring a 12-string guitar. We have given you everything from what you need to the steps you need to follow to restring your guitar. Follow these steps to the dot. Initially, you need some practice and you may have a thing or two that will do wrong. However, do not worry, by the time your third or fourth restring comes around, you will be able to do it with ease!