How to Reduce the String Tension on a Guitar

Reducing string tension on a guitar will affect the tone of the strings when plucked or strummed. String tension is increased or decreased when the guitar is tuned. The standard tuning on a guitar is E, A, d, g, b and e, beginning with the thickest strings and moving to the thinnest. If you are new to guitar playing, use an electronic tuner to help you keep your guitar in tune until you become more adept at tuning it by ear.

Things You'll Need

• Thinner strings (optional)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Locate the guitar string lug for the string you want to loosen. The guitar string lugs are located in the head stock of the guitar. They are white or silver oval lugs that turn.

   • 2

     Turn the lug to loosen the string. The direction you turn the lug in depends on the string you will be loosening and the way in which you have strung your guitar.

   • 3

     Replace your strings with thinner strings to reduce string tension. This will alter the tone of your guitar.