Eventually, everyone runs into the need to restring their instrument. Whether your strings have broken, been worn down, or you simply want to try out higher quality strings, you’ll need to learn how. While it can seem like a daunting task the first time, restringing the ukulele can be a fun and pleasant experience if you do it right.

What you'll need:
10-20 minutes
New strings
Tuner
Wire cutters, sharp scissors, or string cutters
String winder (optional)

Step 1: Loosen each string until they slide easily off the tuning pegs. If you’re unsure which direction to turn the pegs, pluck a string while turning the peg one direction. If the pitch goes down, you’re doing it right. If the pitch rises, simply switch directions. Remove each string from their tuning pegs. If you have a slotted head ukulele, you’ll just need to unwind it enough to be able to push the end of the string through the hole.

Tip: to make winding faster, you might consider purchasing a string winder. These are cheap (anywhere from $2-5) and very easy to use!

Step 2: Carefully remove each string out from the bridge.

Standard Bridge: Your strings have little knots holding them in place at the bridge. The string needs to be slid off parallel to the body of the ukulele. Sometimes strings can get wedged in pretty tight, so this may take some coaxing, just be careful you don’t damage the bridge with any yanking or tugging you may feel inclined to do. Never pull up on the string to free it from the bridge!

Tie-Bar Bridge: Your strings are tied to the bridge of this type of ukulele (as the name suggests). You will need to carefully untie each string from the bridge. Push the free end of each string into the knot until it loosens enough for you to untie it completely. This may take a bit of fiddling, but be patient, you’ll get it eventually!

Step 3: Now you’re ready for your new strings!

Standard Bridge: Take out the G-string first (if you’re using an alternate tuning, just use the top string first). Tie a knot at one end of the string leaving a tail about an inch long. Slip that knot right in the notch at the bridge, just where the prior string was attached.

Tie-Bar Bridge: Using your top (G) string first, slide one end into the small hole in the bridge, inserting it away from the sound hole. Give yourself about an inch and a half of a tail. Take the short end of the string and loop it behind the long end of the string just before where it enters the bridge. Then loop it under the length of the string that runs over the tie-bar twice. Pull the end of the string so it tightens.

Tip: If you find that some strings aren’t staying put with a double loop, try using a triple loop. This commonly happens on the small A-string.

Step 4: Slip the other end of the string through the appropriate metal hole in the tuning peg or slot. Pull the string taut and begin tightening it with the tuning peg. Generally, strings are wound down. To do this, simply guide the string towards the headstock as you tighten it so that the small end is at the top of the tuning peg.

Step 5: Repeat steps 3-4 for each string.

Step 6: Snip off the ends of each string using your wire cutters, scissors, or string cutters for a clean, attractive finish.

Step 7: Using a tuner(check out Get-Tuned.com's Online Ukulele Tuner) make several passes along each string to tune the instrument. The strings will continue to stretch out over the next several times you play, so be patient and persistently correct the tuning of the instrument.

Tip: Right after changing the strings, some people like to store their ukulele with the strings tightened a few notes above the target pitch in order to stretch the strings out a little faster. Just remember to tune it to the correct pitch when you take it out to play.

Written by Caroline Gibson