How to Not Have Your Guitar String Snap

Keeping the guitar strings from snapping is a primary concern of a musician during his performance. With proper preventative maintenance, you can greatly reduce the chances of a guitar string snapping while you are playing. Guitar strings show signs of wear before they snap. Also, it is important to avoid placing individual strings in the wrong place. Using the correct strings for each pitch will significantly reduce the possibility of strings snapping. Strings that are properly maintained will rarely break.

Step 1 Ensure that the strings on the guitar are placed correctly. The lowest E-string should be tuned to E and it will also be the thickest string. Make sure you purchase the correct string for each tuning key. From top to bottom, the strings are tuned in fourths, which give an E-string, A-string, D-string and G-string. There is then a third between the G-string and B-string, and another fourth between B and E.

Step 2 Tune the strings to the proper pitch by using a tuner. If the pitch on the tuner states that the string is sharp, loosen the string by turning the tuning peg to the left. If it is sharp, increase the pitch by tightening the string to the right. Strings that are not tuned too tightly will place extra tension on the string, making it vulnerable to breakage.

Step 3 Check each string for any nicks or dings before every performance. Any damage to the string can cause it to break during a performance. Replace any strings that show signs of damage.