How to Change Electric Guitar Strings: PRS Method

This video goes into the process of changing guitar strings. I’ll be working with my PRS SE Custom 24 because it was due for some new steel, but this process is the same or very similar for all electric guitars.

Take off the strings→Oil the fretboard (Optional) →Clean your guitar (Recommended) →Replace strings→Stretch strings and tune. Let me know if you have questions!

So how often should you change strings? Depending on how much you play and how many guitars you have will determine how often you change strings. I have three guitars (that I play about equally) and play for about 10 hours per week. I change my strings every two to three months. Oiling the fretboard is on an as needed basis when you start to see white pop up on the edges.

Some supplies that you will need are listed below. The * indicates optional.

• New strings
• String winder or string cutting tool
• *Neck stand
• *Guitar Polish
• *Microfiber cloth
• *Fretboard cleaner
• *Fretboard conditioner or lemon oil

Signal Chain Info:
Vocals→Sterling ST55 Mic→Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

Keep chasing that tone and thanks for watching!

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P.S.
I’m just a dude in my basement that has only been playing guitar for a few months and fell in love. I don’t get paid, I don’t get free schtuff, I just want to spread the joy and the lifestyle. If that’s what you’re about do me a favor and subscribe. Thank You!!

[tinchmalik]

for those who cannot pull the strings, use the hex screwer that comes with the guitar and try to push the string with it from above into the hole near saddles. It helped me when I ran into this problem

[allenbrady]

I only put used motor oil on my guitar fretboard and body. It has to be Beaver Brand 30 weight non detergent. Then I put pancake batter on the pickups (has to be Aunt Jemima's). I wear a welding mask and gloves for protection. I only change strings on the solar equinox 5:45pm.

[hahno]

T. J. Miller? Is that you..? :P Great video man. :)

[bcain]

Since the bridge tremolo comes from the factory preset and floating, did you have any issues after you removed all the strings and after putting them back on with the bridge tremolo not positioning in the same place? I saw one video where the luthier says the bridge should be parallel with the body. Just wondering if it would be safer as far as the bridge position if the strings were replaced one at a time?

[bibsythecottonelf]

Just got a Zack Meyers SE! Changing the out-the-box strings right now!

Thank you for the helpful video!

[davidsals]

Thanks for the video. I’ve heard with tremolo bridge guitars that you should change one string at a time to maintain tension, but you changed them all at once (which makes it way easier to clean the fretboard). It’s the thing I heard wrong? Or is it only for certain kinds of trem bridges?

[rickGPT]

Ok constructive feedback time. 1) iron the sheet used for backdrop or throw it in the dryer it looks low rent. Great color choice though. 2) leave out comments about not doing things before. People search for videos to learn and prefer authority. Fake it till you make it. You have a great tone of voice though. 3) great job of edit for brevity. 4) great choice of guitar. I own one too but 30th Ann. 5) watch Stewart macdonald videos for inspiration and ideas on how to shoot. 6) don't give up.

[alwaysopen]

I have a Swamp Ash Special with the black locking tuners from 1999. All you do is pull the strings tight and wind 1/2 turn until they lock. Way easier.

[darthdurkelthewise]

Good video man. The PRS method is a good one, not really any more effective than the "standard" method but still good! If the string is in place it ain't moving.
I love how folks like to criticize everything from your products to your background, geez. Get a life. To each his own on oils, fretboard cleaning, strings, etc. I mean damn, even spit will work on a fretboard!

Your videos are good, and helpful for many others! Keep doing your thing!

[thecrypt]

I found that I always snap the G B and e but I didn't know about bending the string 90 degrees, so hopefully that'll do the trick :)

[Guitaristlife-dnou]

How would you go about cleaning a mahogany unfinished fretboard

[TerryMartinez-ev]

My 4 string doesn’t go back through the tail. Changed 100s of strings. 1st PRS. Can only push. The string coils inside.

[FountainCitySoundscape]

Great vid. Jeopardy theme song was funny as hell. 😂

[robertturtle]

So a PRS SE does not come with locking tuners by default?

[skysea]

Instead of rags, I use Brauny which I recycle for the next time. I only replace one string at a time to retain tension on the neck. Careful there....that string will take your eye out!!!

[leftymadrid]

Nice, yeah, this is the way I do them too works great, but is a pain when taking them off. But that's ok, I would rather do all this and stay in tune longer lol.

[ShrubPlays]

Well, I already know how to change strings. Now I just have this info for when I finally get polish and stuff.

Thought I'd come by your old videos since you haven't uploaded in a while. (:

[Markmelcho]

The strings won’t just fall thru the bridge after they are cut. Take hemostats clamp about an inch from the bridge and force out the back. This is the part you left out dude.

[joecala]

I watch jeopardy too when changing strings!

[iamdavymarquez]

Can I change the thickness of the strings from 9 to 13 for example without any tremolo issues?