Updated October 5, 2026
1. New strings are still stretching
New strings keep stretching for days. After you put them on, gently pull each string away from the fretboard along its length, then retune. Repeat this a few times.
2. Strings are badly wound on the posts
With too few wraps, the string can slip. With too many, the wraps cross over each other, then settle and go flat. Aim for two or three neat, downward wraps on wound strings, and a few more on plain ones.
3. The nut slots are binding
If you hear a “ping” while tuning, or a string suddenly goes sharp after a bend, it is getting stuck in the nut. Rub pencil graphite or nut lubricant into the slots. Badly cut slots need a technician.
4. Temperature and humidity
Wood and metal react to the weather. Let a guitar reach room temperature before you tune it. Keep it away from heaters and windows, and tune again after moving to another room or stage.
5. A tremolo bridge that doesn’t return
A floating tremolo balances the pull of the strings against springs. Heavy use or a bend can leave the bridge slightly out of place. Lubricate the pivot points, check the spring tension, or block the bridge if you don’t use it.
6. Loose or worn tuning machines
Check that the nut or screw holding each tuner to the headstock is tight. A tuner that turns too easily or wobbles may need tightening or replacing.
7. Intonation or neck relief is off
If the open strings are in tune but chords higher up the neck sound wrong, the intonation (how in tune the fretted notes are) needs adjusting. When it is right, the note at the 12th fret matches the 12th-fret harmonic. A technician can fix this with a setup.
8. Pressing too hard or bending a lot
Pressing the strings too hard makes them sharp, and big bends can pull strings out of place. Press only as hard as you need for a clean note.
9. Old strings
Old, rusty strings lose their stretch, sound dull and stop playing in tune. If yours are months old, a new set often fixes the problem.
10. Tuning down to the note
When you lower a string to a note, the gears can stay a little loose and the string slowly goes flat. Always finish by tuning up to the note.
Keep the online guitar tuner open while you practise, and read how to tune a guitar for the basics.