How to change strings on an electric guitarThe forum has plenty of string-changing wisdom, though no full step-by-step guide. Here's what our members' experience covers — change one string at a time if you're nervous, and the basics below will get you sorted. Watch your gauge on a Strat Floating bridges move: NNavz666 found his Squier Strat's bridge lifted when he tuned up light-gauge strings after the factory superlights — going up a gauge changes string tension, so the tremolo springs may need adjusting 1. Trem setup is trial and error: cain re-tensioned his Ibanez's floating bridge springs by turning the screws in the back cavity clockwise — about 1.5 turns got his bridge level again after a gauge/tuning change 8. Change them regularly Monthly is common: MikeM, our Valve Wrangler, changes electrics monthly; RRobRam and others every 4 weeks. Old strings stretch unevenly, hurt tuning and intonation, and break — ezietsman, our Amp Whisperer, points out a snapped string on a 3-year-old set is just age, not a bridge burr 1,6. Alan's test: Alan Ratcliffe, our Guitar Doctor, changes strings when they "go soft" and lose tension — long before tone dies or tuning problems start. He changes every three weeks at most 2,5. Fresh strings make a real difference Squonk noticed instantly better bends, harmonics and pull-offs after fitting a new set 2. If you want a full threading-and-tuning walkthrough for a Strat, ask the community — someone will post one. From these forum threadsHELP: changing the strings on an electric (2013): Squier Strat bridge lift when string gauge changesChanging Strings!!!... (2011): How forum members judge when strings need changingWhat makes you change strings? (2014): Alan's "goes soft" rule for string changeshow long should strings last? (2011): MikeM and Alan on string life and toneEdge III + lighter strings. (2008): Fixing a floating bridge after a gauge change
