Tuning Trouble? Here’s What’s Really Going On
We’ve all been there – you tune up, strum a chord, and five minutes later you’re sounding like a cat walking across piano keys. So why does your guitar keep going out of tune?
Spoiler alert: it’s not always your tuners’ fault.
As a local Sussex-based Guitar Tech, I see this daily.
Whether you’re gigging every weekend or just noodling at home, tuning issues can suck the joy out of playing. Let’s break down the most common culprits — and how to get your guitar behaving itself again.
1. Nut Slots Too Tight (or Too Shallow)
The nut is one of the most overlooked causes of tuning grief. If the slots are too tight, your strings get stuck when you’re tuning or bending. Then they suddenly slip and throw everything out.
Signs your nut slots are too tight:
- “Pinging” noises when tuning
- Tuning changes suddenly after a big bend
- Strings not returning to pitch after using a trem
Fix:
A touch of graphite from a pencil can help in a pinch, but a proper nut slot filing (done right, not butchered with a nail file! Nut slotting files are precision tools, and very expensive for a reason) makes all the difference.
REALLY do be careful if you are trying this yourself, if you go too wide or too deep, the nut will have to go in the bin!
Book a nut slot adjustment or replacement if needed
2. Old or Poorly Stretched Strings
If your strings are older than your last haircut, they might be the problem.
Dead strings struggle to hold pitch. And even new strings need a proper stretch.
Tell-tale signs your strings are the issue:
- Strings drift sharp or flat quickly after tuning
- The guitar sounds dull and lifeless (you’ll notice this most on the low E)
Fix:
Fresh strings, properly stretched, will behave much better.
Book a restring and stretch with professional winding
Check out my post on how to wind strings properly 🙂
3. Improper String Winding on the Tuners
Think of string winding like tying your shoelaces. Do it wrong, and you’re asking for slippage.
Common string winding mistakes:
- Too many wraps
- Overlapping coils
- Not locking the string properly
Fix:
Clean, consistent winding with a solid break angle over the nut.
Book a pro restring and winding job
4. Worn or Loose Tuning Machines
While tuners get blamed a lot, they’re usually not the issue. But if yours are wobbly or cheap, they might be slipping under tension.
Test tuning machines for issues:
- Do the pegs feel loose or gritty when turning?
- Any visible movement in the housing?
Fix:
Sometimes a tighten-up is all it needs. Other times, it’s worth upgrading.
Book a tuner inspection or ask about upgrade options
5. Bridge and Saddles Causing Slippage
If your saddles are rough or your trem’s not set up right, your strings might be catching. And every catch means another slip out of tune.
Especially common on:
- Vintage-style tremolos
- Guitars with sharp saddle edges
Fix:
A quick polish or some careful smoothing can work wonders. Trem users may need a full setup.
Book a saddle polish or tremolo setup
6. Neck Movement or Truss Rod Issues
Your guitar’s neck is a living thing (well, kind of). Changes in temperature, humidity, or string tension can throw it off.
Symptoms of neck/truss rod issues:
- Action keeps changing
- Intonation feels off
- Tuning stability comes and goes
Fix:
A small truss rod tweak can re-balance the neck and improve tuning stability.
If you have a bolt on neck, removing, reseating and re-bolting the neck can make all the difference 🙂
Book a full setup including truss rod/neck check
7. Playing Technique and Tuning Habits
Sometimes it’s not the guitar, it’s how we treat it!
Common culprits:
- Pressing too hard on the frets (pulling notes sharp)
- Tuning down to pitch instead of up
- Using a dodgy tuning pedal
Fix:
- Tune up to pitch to lock the string in place
- Keep your gear calibrated
- Work on lightening your touch
Still Going Out of Tune? Time for a Setup.
If your guitar’s constantly drifting out of tune, it’s trying to tell you something. And nine times out of ten, a proper professional setup will sort it.
As a local Sussex-based Guitar Tech, I offer:
- Nut work
- Restrings and pro winding
- Tuner upgrades
- Full setups and tremolo tweaks
So if your guitar’s acting like a toddler in a toy shop — wild and unpredictable — book it in and let’s get it playing sweet again.