We now switch over to a typical 3x3 style tuning system, which is where you have 3 tuning pegs on each side of the headstock. This is typical of Gibson guitars, but is also seen on acoustics and many other brands of guitar.

Summary: 3x3 Style Tuners

The first point to remember with these tuners is to make sure the tuning peg holes are all facing the same way before you put the strings on. This will make it a lot easier as you then start to restring the guitar. They should all be facing forwards like this.

Checklist: Changing Strings

With 3x3 tuners, there is a slightly different process getting a good string change. The process is as shown below:

• 1. Pull the string through the bridge and up through the tuning pegs. Make sure it is nice and taut.
• 2. Allow roughly 1.5 tuners length of extra string after the tuning peg and create a kink in the string.
• 3. Pull the string back until the kink is half an inch from the tuning peg.
• 4. Start winding the string whilst still keeping the tension to get a good wrap around the peg.
• 5. Cut the excess string with a pair of wire cutters.

As a final point, for the thinner strings it is beneficial to use James' technique to create an extra break angle. This involves using the thumb and first finger as shown in the image here: