A frequent question is "what is the best way to tie strings on the tuner shafts?". Well, as with most things there is no one way to do it, but here are some recommendations which work and will stop strings from slipping.

On a classical guitar run the strings as shown in the diagram and hold the loose end while you tighten it. This works with all classical guitar strings. Two or three full turns should be enough for the 4th to 6th strings and three or four turns for the 1st to 3rd strings. The diagram shows the left side of the headstock where the tuners should be rotated anticlockwise. On the right side the tuners should be rotated clockwise. 

To achieve the best path for your strings from tuner to nut position make a conscious effort to tighten the strings so they follow the pattern to the right of the diagram and avoid the string touching any part of the headstock itself.

On steel string guitars just follow the stringing diagram, holding and pulling upwards the loose end of ...

Something a bit different this month. For all you singer/accompanists out there! 

I recently acquired a Dunlop D64 iPhone/iPod holder which can either be attached to your guitar top or to a table stand with the help of a rather powerful suction base and all of which comes with the package. I say iPhone/iPod but in fact I guess it will work with most similarly sized smart phones - my HTC Desire is a perfect fit.

Now I'm not suggesting you go and fit one of these things to your newly acquired custom-made classical guitar which cost you 000's of whatever you pay in, but for most regular guitars with factory finishes and/or a scratchplate it should be fine. 

First thing I noticed when I opened the mailbox was how well packaged and made the product is - and it works just like it says it does in the instructions. My only gripe might be that if you attach it to your scratchplate the hinged arms do not allow you to locate the phone far enough away from your right hand (for right-handed ...