How to Lengthen a 3.5mm Audio Cable?

[wongojack]

I figured someone on here would know this.

I have a VGA cable with an attached audio cable with a 3.5mm connector (like phones).  The portion of the audio cable that extends away from the VGA connector is not long enought to reach the phones jack on my laptop.  I want to try to patch the cable to make it just a few inches longer.

If I cut the cord (on the audio only) how many wires will I find inside?  Is it just right and left? ground?  How do I know which is R,L to match them up to another wire that I'll be using for the 'patch'?

[wongojack]

Let me add that I realize everyone on the internet is a moron and doesn't know that they can buy things to solve their problems, but I am aware of some of the commercial alternatives available to solve this problem.

For me I:
Don't want to buy anything else, I have an alternative already, I like to learn things.

I think it would be easy to connect 3 wires and have something exactly the right length.




Someone knows about this and I would be greatful if they would share their knowledge.

[BobA]

The audio cable may have 2 wires and a braided shield that is ground or 3 wires including a ground and a braided shield.  The first guess is probably the most common.