I have not changed my own guitar strings as I usually do it about every 6 months when I have it tuned up at my local guitar shop and they do it for me.

What is the best way to change strings? Should I change one string at a time and if so what string should I start with?

Also, what strings (Gauge) are best for tuning to D for Death Metal?


Thanks,
Peter

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Hey dude,

I'm assuming you have a Floyd Rose. This is a really cool article from an Ibanez site on the best way to restring and tune up a guitar with a Floyd Rose/related locking trem system.
As for string gauges for tuning to D, for my Ibanez RG570 which I tune to either D or E (my trem is disabled), I use Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom 10 - 52's.

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If you have a floyd change one at a time if you have a fixed or t-o-m bridge it doesnt really matter and it doesnt matter what string you start with I usaully start with the hightest string and wor up. And for D and I am assuming one whole step not drop D if you have 24 3/4 scale neck you should use 10-13-17-30-42-52 or 10-13-17-28-38-52 and if you hve a 25 1/2 scale neck 10-17-13-26-36-50 have the best al around tention I have found for playing fast death metal hope this helps but its really up to what string you personally like keep it brutal

You should change your strings more often, also change them yourself. As for the strings themselves, do them one at a time, and probably just start from the high e.

I have a fixed (no wammy bar) so I am assuming this is fixed.

Yeah, I drop a whole step to D. My guitar is at my practice space right now so I don't know how what scale neck I have but I will check it out.

I have a set of new strings at home now (D'Addario XL, 10, 13, 17, 26, 36, 46). I see from your examples they end with 50 or 52, what is the difference from the 46 I have and 50 or 52 your recormending?


Thank you!!!

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Is there a standard as to how often guitar strings should be changed?

When you say "high E" I am assuming your talking about the bottom string and the Low E would be the top string, correct?


Thank you!!!

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High E is the highest pitched string. The low E is the lowest pitched string. Also, if your guitar is a 24.75", I'd reccomend 12-54 strings for D.

Depends how often you play, but an average player should probably change every 2-3 months at least. High is the thinnest one. Higher guages mean thicker strings.

It really doesn't matter you could put them on in a jumbled order, Just make sure you turn all the tune keys the same way my friend tuned his keys in all different directions and i just cringe while playing his guitar.