Changing strings on a 12 string guitar is similar to the process used on a six string, but there are special considerations to be remembered.
Changing the strings on a 12-string guitar can seem like a difficult task, particularly to a new player who has never taken on the challenge before. The truth is that putting new strings on a 12-string isn't much different than changing strings on a regular six-string guitar. Paying attention to a few key differences, however, will help keep your 12-string guitar sounding its best.
Instructions
Removing the Old Strings
1. Release the tension of the 12th and 11th strings (the low E strings) of the guitar by lowering the pitch until they have considerable slack. Unfasten the strings from the tuning pegs. If the strings are difficult to remove, you may need to use wire cutters to cut them off the tuning pegs.
2. Take the tuning pins that are holding the guitar strings in place on the bridge out of the guitar. Remove the strings. If you are changing strings on a 12-string electric guitar that does not have pins, simply push the strings through the slot and remove the strings from the back of the guitar. Discard the used strings.
3. Move to the 1st and 2nd or high E strings on the bottom of the neck and reduce the tension until there is considerable slack. Remove the strings as previously instructed.
4. Remove the 10th and 9th or A strings in the same fashion as the previous strings. The 10th and 9th strings are at the top of the fretboard, just below the low E strings.
5. Move to the 3rd and 4th strings on the opposite side of the fretboard and remove them in the same fashion.
6. Remove the 8th and 7th strings from the guitar in the same manner.
7. Move to the last two strings, the 6th and 5th strings, and remove them in the same way you removed the other strings.
Putting On New Strings
8. Insert the 12th string into the bridge where the string is held in place. Pull the string toward the fretboard gently until it is taut and insert the pin if there is one.
9. Insert the string in the hole of the proper tuning peg. Pull the string until it is taut, and wrap it around the tuning head two times in a counterclockwise motion. Once you have gone around the tuning peg two times, insert the string end through the two loops you have made with the string.
10. Tighten the string by turning the tuning peg away from your body. Leave just a little slack in the string, and don't worry about tuning to proper pitch yet.
11. Repeat this process on the 11th string, the one just below the 12th. Don't cut the excess string off yet.
12. Repeat this process, moving back and forth from the top of the fretboard to the bottom. You will put the new strings on in the exact same order as you took them off.
