How To Change Your Ukulele Strings
by Jonas
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To change ukulele strings, loosen and unwind each old string and slip it out of the bridge, then thread the new string through the bridge, tie it off, wind it onto the tuning peg with a little slack, and tune up. New strings keep stretching for a few days, so expect to retune often at first.
Fresh strings give a tired ukulele a noticeable lift, and once you have done it once it takes about ten minutes. The process is the same for any brand (Kala, Cordoba, Fender and others); only ukuleles with bridge pins differ, which is covered further down. Check out the different string types and the best ones to buy first if you have not picked a set yet.
Check out the different ukulele string types and the best ones to buy.
Quick guide to changing ukulele strings
A. Removing the old ukulele strings
Out with the old. These are the steps to take your old ukulele strings off.
- Loosen the string
Unwind the tuning peg (also called the tuning key or machine head) until the string is loose or has fully unwound.
- Push it through the bridge
Once the string is loose, push it back through the hole in the bridge.
- Remove the string
Undo the knot and slide the string out. Repeat for all four strings.
Some people cut the strings while still wound on. It is faster but not recommended: loosen first so you do not scratch the uke or hurt yourself.
B. Putting on new strings
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Insert the string in the bridge
Take a new string and insert it through the hole in the bridge. It doesn’t matter which side it’s on, but make sure that the longer end is on the headstock side and the shorter (2-3 inches or 5-7 cm) is at the bottom of the instrument (1).
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Tie the knot
This is the most difficult step when changing ukulele strings. Many people struggle to tie the knot. Here’s how to get it right: • Wrap the short end of the string around the long end (2). • Then wrap the string around itself twice (3 and 4). • Hold the short side against the bridge and pull the long end very tight to make sure it locks in properly. This string isn’t going anywhere!
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Adjust the tuning pegs
Now adjust the tuning pegs to align the holes with the ukulele (you want the holes to be pointing towards the top and bottom of your instrument).
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Insert the string in the tuning peg
Insert the long end of the string through the hole and pull it 2 or 3 frets back. That will give us enough string to wind onto the peg.
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Tune the ukulele
You’ve reached the final step! Wrap the string around the tuning head by turning the peg: the first time you wrap it round, pass it over the string sticking out. The remaining wraps should pass under it. Tune your ukulele correctly and carefully clip off any excess string without cutting through the new string itself! Take it from me: this does happen when changing ukulele strings.
C. Keeping it in tune
When you have new strings, you will usually notice that you have to retune your instrument the first few times you play it. You can speed up this process by stretching the strings in the middle, but be sure to take care. So stretch them a few times, re-tune and you should be good to go! Find out how to properly tune your ukulele here.
If you have an older ukulele or a brand new one with no set-up at all, you might find that you can’t get your ukulele in tune. The solution to this problem is to tighten the screws of the tuning keys.
If your ukulele still drifts after the strings have settled, something else is going on. The won’t stay in tune guide walks through the usual suspects.
How to change ukulele strings with bridge pins?
In short: loosen the strings, pull the pins out with cloth-padded pliers, swap the strings, push the pins back, then tune up. Here is the detail.
While having to change the strings on a ukulele with bridge pins might look more challenging, it is actually the opposite. To remove the strings, first loosen the strings. Unwind the tuning keys (also called tuning peg or machine head) until the string is loose or has unwound completely. Then take a pair of pliers to take the bridge pins out (specialized tools exist, but pliers work just fine). I suggest putting a thin cloth between the teeth of the plier in order to not leave marks on the bridge pins. Now you can safely remove the strings out of the holes and from the ukulele.
You will notice either a small knot at the end of the string or a small metal cylindrical piece. If there is no cylindrical piece on the string, tie one or two knots in the new strings and put it back in the respective hole for that string its tuning.
Finally push the bridge pin back in the bridge and pull on the string to make sure it’s a tight fit. Insert the string in the tuning peg and tune the ukulele.
When should you change your ukulele strings?
Most players change ukulele strings every 4 to 6 months, sooner if a string breaks, the tone goes dull, or it will not hold its tune. But when you restring your ukulele is really up to you. It depends on how much you play your ukulele and how hard you play it. Some people change them every few weeks, other people wait for a few months. I change them every 4-6 months.
Obviously, you should consider changing your ukulele strings when a string breaks. Do not just replace that one string, but change all the strings at once because the others are probably worn out as well. If you find yourself tuning your ukulele a lot more than you usually do, then you can take this a sign that you need to restring your ukulele.
| Brand | Sizes | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Aquila New Nylgut | Soprano, concert, tenor, baritone | Warm, traditional |
| D’Addario | Soprano, concert, tenor, baritone | Brighter, more projection |
See the full guide to the best ukulele strings for picks by size.
Changing ukulele strings FAQ
How often should you change ukulele strings?
Every 4 to 6 months for most players, sooner if you play hard or daily. Change them when a string breaks, the tone goes dull, or the uke stops holding its tune.
Do you change one string or all four?
Change all four at once. If one has worn out the others are usually close behind, and a full set keeps the tone even. The exception is a fresh string that snaps soon after fitting.
How do you tie a ukulele string knot at the bridge?
Thread the string through the bridge hole leaving a short tail, wrap the short end around the long end, then wrap it around itself twice. Hold it against the bridge and pull the long end tight so it locks.
Why won’t my new ukulele strings stay in tune?
New strings stretch for the first few days, so they drift flat and need frequent retuning. Gently stretch each one and retune a few times to speed it up. If it still drifts after a week, see the won’t-stay-in-tune guide.
Can you put guitar strings on a ukulele?
No. Use ukulele strings sized for your uke (soprano, concert, tenor or baritone). Guitar or steel strings put far too much tension on a ukulele and can damage the bridge and neck.
Tune up your fresh strings
Once the new strings are on, bring them up to pitch with the free ukulele tuner and expect to retune over the next few days while they settle. If it keeps drifting after that, the won’t-stay-in-tune guide covers the other causes.
Very helpful tip! 😊
Buongiorno la terza corda del mio ukulele è più grande delle altre vorrei sapere perché.
I think I want to ask what’t string goes where
does anyone know how to change the tuning pegs?
just got a basic mahogony tenor Ulumac uke. What if anything, can (should) I use on the mahogony as a finish? The wood is well sanded but does not appear to have any oil or wax on it. I live in humid south Florida.