You broke the 'nut' of the guitar. These cannot be repaired, but they can be replaced. Most guitar shops, such as Guitar Center, Sam Ash Music, and Musician's Friend, carry these in stock. They are fairly simple to replace, and cheap to buy. I would get a few if I were you.
They come in quite a few different materials, as well as many different colors. For color, you'll want to go with what matches the rest of your hardware. If you have chrome hardware, a white nut is good. Black hardware calls for a black nut. As for materials, that's up to you. A GraphTek nut, made mainly of graphite, reduces string friction, but costs a lot more than your standard bone nut, and almost a fortune more than a plastic nut. Sounds like you had a plastic nut, which is good for a beginner's guitar. If you can swing it, get a bone nut. It will last longer, and helps out a bit with your tone.
For replacing it, just take your strings off, and swap them out. Some guitar manufacturers glue their nuts into place, so you might have to pry on it a bit. Be careful not to scratch your guitar. It will be easier if you take off the truss rod cover (the triangular looking piece of plastic at the base of the headstock). Then, you can get some leverage under the nut, without scratching an obvious part of the guitar. Still, be careful.
After you get the old nut off, you can either place the nut on there, and string it up, or glue it in. Wood glue is suggested for the second option, but you'll have to clamp it in place and let it set overnight. The next day, you can string it up and play again. Mind you, this option is NOT recommended if your band has a gig either that night or the next day.
Hope that helps!
Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/cameron_463100ffd54b591d
The official name of the part the strings run over at the top of the neck before going to the pegs is the "nut". This is the common name for the function on most stringed instruments.
You can buy these at guitar shops and replace your own, but sometimes they have to be adjusted to get the strings at the right height. Take your guitar to a place selling them... they may even be able to quickly change it for you.
I just got two nuts from Guitar Center for a bass and they were less than $5 each.
SOURCE: the part that holds the strings under the bridge
The tailpiece, as it's called, can be purchased from various parts shops, as well as online. Check AllParts as well as Warmoth. either one should have what you need. If you don't want to pay shipping, then you may be able to find it at Guitar Center, Sam Ash Music, or Musician's Friend.
If it's a string-thru-body design, then you'll have to take it to a luthier (guitar builder and technician) to have it fixed.
Hope that helps!
Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/cameron_463100ffd54b591d
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