Changing guitar strings...dang it, did it wrong! Wat to do now?

Question:I just took off all my old guitar strings on my acoustic/electric and now I read that I should've done them one at a time to keep the tension in the neck consistent! Should I put the old ones back on and do it the right way? Also, my pegs are not staying in...they keep popping out as I try to tighten the low E string. I have to play (plugged in) in a couple days...HELP!!!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I just took off all my old guitar strings on my acoustic/electric and now I read that I should've done them one at a time to keep the tension in the neck consistent! Should I put the old ones back on and do it the right way? Also, my pegs are not staying in...they keep popping out as I try to tighten the low E string. I have to play (plugged in) in a couple days...HELP!!!

Taking all of the strings off at once is not a major disaster. Don't lose any parts that fall off. Replace all popped pigs into their holes. Secure with screws if possible.

Restring in this order:

E - #6 Top string closest to your face. Heaviest string in the pack. Bass E. Low note.
A - #5 Next
D - #4 Next
G - #3 Next
B - #2 Next
E - #1 Highest note. Lightest string. Closest to your lap.

Here's how to string a guitar:

-- Metal Strings - Remove plug from body. Secure beaded side of string under peg.

-- Nylon Strings - Tie string to bridge.

Feed unbeaded end through Machine screw on head of guitar. Screw until string is taut.

Next, tighten the strings to put appropriate tension on neck. This means winding each string so it is near, but less than the tension required to be in tune. If you can't hear this, then get a tuner or get a reference tone from another instrument or tuning fork, etc.

Let the strings and guitar adjust to their new situation for a while, then tune.

Play as much as you can!

Yes you should have changed them one at a time,but it's not the end of the world.Don't bother putting the old ones back on.If you mean the pegs on the bridge it is most likely that you are not fully seating the peg.Push it all the way in and give it a light rap(hit)before you even thread the string through the tuning peg.If you are talking about the tuning peg,then I need more info before I can help(nylon,steel,make of guitar,etc..)Most likely you would best be served if you take it to a tech,or at least someone who knows guitars,if none of the above works.

Yes the keyhole deal is normal and you can try roataing the ball end of the string so its perpindicular to the hole and also doing what Dave has suggested LOL

As stated, it really doesn't matter, but it is best to do it one at a time. To keep the pegs in the bridge, try using a pencil with exposed lead & run it in circles around the hole so the lead (graphite actually) gets on the inside of the hole. Once you place the string inside, replace the peg & pull the ball end tight against the peg. The graphite will help seat the bridge pegs and won't leave any kind of residue like glue or any other fastening material would. I also stretch my strings out a little once they're tuned to pitch, then re-tune to help the guitar stay in tune better for the first few performances. Good luck & hope this helps!