Your guitar is an intricately designed instrument that will provide the desired chords and tone when properly tuned. Unfortunately, as any musician knows all too well, there are times when even the most cherished instrument will fail to hold its tune properly. This can be the result of all sorts of issues. Here are some common reasons to consider that will cause your guitar to slip out of tune more often than it should. Keep these reasons and the following solutions in mind to ensure your guitar is ready to go at a moment’s notice, always sounding its best:
Common Causes of Guitars Going Out of Tune: Why Your Guitar Won’t Stay in Tune
String Stretching with Age
Older strings tend to stretch with age, losing the necessary elasticity. Of course, simply changing out strings isn’t always an instant fix either, as new strings do take time to settle, and should be broken in properly. Keep in mind that you will need to slowly break in your strings before they produce the desired sound you are after.
Improper String Installation
Another common issue that can cause your guitar to slip out of tune is improper string installation. This can include incorrect winding on tuning pegs or slippage due to loose wraps. There are several key factors to remember when properly stringing a guitar in order to prevent slippage and create the right environment for an excellent sound.
Tuning Pegs & Hardware Issues
Your poor tune might be the result of other issues, such as a loose or slipping tuning machine. Your tuning peg is obviously crucial for proper tuning stability. High-quality pegs that have been properly maintained will keep your guitar in tune. So, check the pegs and make sure that your strings are properly fitted and providing the right amount of tension. In addition, poor gear quality or even improper to nonexistent maintenance can also be a factor.
Nut & Saddle Friction
A common culprit for a guitar that loses tune too easily is nut and saddle friction issues. Strings binding the nut is an extremely common issue with wound strings. Issues might also arise due to improperly cut or dirty nut slots. The use of nut sauce, graphite, or other applicable lubricant can be a way to remedy this problem.
Bridge & Tremolo Instability
Floating tremolos and whammy bars can negatively affect proper tuning, as can spring tension imbalances. Therefore, it is important to have a proper setup, including a locking tremolo system to counteract these issues.
Environmental Factors
Temperature and humidity can severely impact your guitar’s tuning. This happens because the wood on your guitar will expand and contract based on humidity fluctuations. Therefore, it is imperative that you always store your guitar properly to prevent environmental factors from causing tuning issues.
Playing Style & Technique
Although aggressive bending and strumming might create the sound you want, it can actually cause tuning issues for your guitar in the long run. Other problematic playing techniques that could exacerbate this problem include tuning down without returning or using a capo. Frequent tune changes can also cause issues on occasion. If you love aggressive playing, that’s okay. Just consider switching to heavier gauge strings.
How to Keep Your Guitar in Tune Longer
Stretching New Strings
Proper stretching is key to breaking in new strings correctly. Stretching is basically the process of removing any gaps in the string. You should also tune up and down during the initial break-in period to give your strings the chance to settle properly.
Correct Stringing Technique
Another way to keep your guitar in tune for as long as possible is by using correct stringing techniques. For example, using the locking method of two to three wraps around the peg. This method will help you ensure good tension and neat windings, providing proper stringing for your instrument. Too many wraps cause tuning issues, but just the right amount of slack is ideal for the best sound. For heavier strings, two to three wraps are appropriate at the high end, with thinner strings, sometimes going around as many as three to five times, can be ideal.
Regular Maintenance
Your instrument deserves some much-needed pampering in the form of regular maintenance. This includes cleaning and lubricating the nut and saddle, in addition to tightening hardware during string changes. Cleaning can include using a dry cloth to remove dirt, sweat, and more from the guitar after a playing session, or could involve a deeper clean using appropriate cleaners and conditioners. Using a guitar-safe polish to properly maintain the finish and protect it against additional damage and scratches is wise.
Professional Setup
Since keeping your guitar in tune is key to creating the best sound and clearest notes, it’s important to do all you can to set it up for success. One way to do this is to let a professional handle the task. A full professional setup from a tech or luthier will ensure that your guitar produces the highest quality sound possible and will stay in tune longer than when you try to handle it yourself. They can also adjust the intonation, nut height, and tremolo balance, which are all immensely important to achieving the sound you desire.
Use of Locking Tuners or Nuts
After you have your guitar set up by a professional, you want to keep it as close to perfect as possible in terms of tuning and sound. To do this, consider using locking tuners or nuts. This is especially helpful if you use tremolo systems. This will also give you added stability during live performances.
Storage Tips
Last but not least, to keep your guitar in tune for as long as possible, store it properly. This means using humidifiers and cases to protect your instrument. Also, avoid keeping your guitar in direct sunlight or exposing it to temperature extremes.
When It’s Not The Guitar — But The Player
Sometimes, a tuning issue is primarily caused by player error. Common issues include misusing alternate tunings and not returning other strings. It can also simply be a technical or technique issue, such as just pressing too hard. Another common occurrence is the overuse of the tremolo bar without recalibration.
Keeping Your Guitar in Tune
The tips listed above highlight some of the most common reasons your guitar is getting out of tune in the first place, and answer the question: Why does my guitar keep going out of tune? Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to remedy this irritating problem that nearly every musician has experienced at least every now and then. Above all else, it’s important to stay proactive when it comes to tuning and remain committed to maintaining your guitar, which will, in turn, create the most reliable instrument possible.