June 12, 2011

Stretching Your Guitar Strings

Guitar players know what can happen when their instruments go out of tune. That is why they stretch their strings properly. Not only their strings will last long, they will create wonderful music especially when they use the guitar effects pedals. It is enough to do even a slight bend on the higher strings, that they go out of tune. To avoid this, do not forget to stretch your strings before playing.

It may not be such a difficult process, but it is important especially when you have new strings. With this process, your strings will get more flexible and not break during a bend that is almost off the fretboard.

The stretching process follows a few easy steps. Restring your guitar and then stretch the strings. You have to stretch the strings before tuning them for the first time as that may cause them to break. This also keeps the guitar in tune. Sometimes the strings snap while tuning and they can hit you in the face. Pay attention to that.

It is easier for you if you place the guitar on a plane surface. Use your index and middle finger of your left hand. Push down on the low E string at the first fret. With your thumb of the right hand, gently pull up the low E string while still pushing down with your left hand. When you pull up the string pay attention not to break it. About an inch or less off and away from the guitar bridge will do. Pull it up and down a few times.

There is a peak of the tension you can feel with your fingers. Lower the string back into place. You need to do this procedure two or three times at the same string.

Now, you have finished stretching the first string. Move your left hand up two frets and your right hand up two frets and repeat procedure. Repeat until you reach the fifteenth fret. Do the same for the rest of the strings.

Then you have to tune your guitar. You can use either your own ear or an electric tuner. After that, stretch all strings again. It may be necessary to tune your strings again after that. The actions that you have to perform are repeated several times.

You have to continue to alternate between stretching and tuning your strings until you see they can be stretched without going out of tune again. You finish repeating the procedure only when they stay in tune.

If you use the guitar effects pedals from Sounds Great Music you can surely improve the overall quality of your music.And if you stretch your strings, they will stay in tune.

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