how to string a les paul guitar

3 min read 02-02-2025

Stringing a Les Paul guitar might seem daunting, but with a little patience and the right tools, it's a manageable task. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your Les Paul sounds its best.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin, gather the necessary materials. Having everything ready prevents interruptions and ensures a smooth process.

A new set of guitar strings (choose the gauge appropriate for your playing style)
A guitar string winder (highly recommended to speed up the process and prevent hand fatigue)
Wire cutters or string snippers
A tuner (clip-on tuners are convenient)
Optional: Lubricant for the nut and tuning pegs

Step 1: Removing the Old Strings

Start by loosening the old strings. This prevents excessive tension that could damage the guitar. Tune the guitar down to the lowest possible setting on each string before proceeding.

Loosen each string completely using the tuning pegs.
Once loose, remove the strings from the tailpiece (or stop tailpiece) and the tuning pegs.
Discard the old strings responsibly.

Step 2: Preparing the New Strings

Getting the new strings ready makes the process much quicker. Don't rush this step, it's an important one.

Unwind the strings from the package.
Using the string winder, wind the ball end of each string onto the appropriate tuning peg. Make sure each string is securely attached.
Lightly lubricate the nut slots with graphite or a suitable lubricant to reduce friction and improve tuning stability. This is optional but helpful.

Step 3: Threading the Strings Through the Body

This section varies slightly depending on your Les Paul's specific tailpiece design. Be gentle to avoid scratching the finish.

**For a Stop Tailpiece:** Thread the strings through the holes in the stop tailpiece, ensuring they're properly seated and won't slip.
**For a Tune-o-matic Bridge and Stop Bar Tailpiece:** Thread the strings through the holes in the Tune-o-matic bridge, then over the stop bar tailpiece.
Pull the strings through until there's enough slack to reach the tuning pegs.

Step 4: Winding the Strings onto the Tuning Pegs

This is crucial for tuning stability. Wind consistently to avoid slipping.

Using your string winder, wind each string onto its respective tuning peg. Keep the tension consistent to avoid tangling or breaking the strings.
Leave about 2-3 inches of string slack extending from the tuning peg after winding. This helps with tuning stability and prevents the string from slipping.

Step 5: Tuning and Stretching the Strings

Tune your guitar carefully, using your tuner as a guide. This is an iterative process, and your guitar will likely need several rounds of tuning.

Tune each string to its correct pitch, going back and forth between strings as necessary.
Once tuned, play each string for a few minutes to stretch the strings. They will likely go out of tune.
Retune as needed until the strings hold their pitch. This may require repeated tuning and stretching.
Trim the excess string ends with your wire cutters or string snippers.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

Make any necessary adjustments to intonation and action after the strings have settled. This often requires a professional setup, so consult a guitar technician if you're unfamiliar with these adjustments.

Check the intonation of your guitar (the accuracy of the pitch across the fretboard).
Check the action (the height of the strings above the frets).

Conclusion

Stringing your Les Paul guitar is a rewarding experience that allows you to take more control of your instrument's setup. Following these steps will ensure a successful string change and keep your Les Paul playing its best. Remember, patience and precision are key to getting a perfect result. If you're still unsure, consider having a professional perform the first string change to learn the correct technique.