Keeping in tune

[paulp1960]

Assuming the OP can string the guitar successfully my guess is strings sticking in the nut slots.

[fazool]

If you are tuning UP to pitch there is more tension above the nut than below the nut so slippage at the nut would equalize that by pulling the strings harder and raising the pitch, going sharp.

If, however you are tuning DOWN to pitch, it could happen the opposite but you don't normally tune down to pitch because you always start with loose strings.

So, in my mind, that eliminates the nut.


The saddles and string anchors on an electric won't slip or move so that eliminates that end of the string, in my mind.

Tuners cannot physically go out of tune by rotating (long-winded mechanical explanation about one way forces on a worm gear drive system......blah blah blah its impossible). Even the cheapest tuners can't rotate unless made wrong. So that eliminates the tuners.

Your strings could be bad material or wraps unwinding. If it was only the wound strings I would think this could be a possibility but it sounds like it's not that case which eliminates the strings.


The only thing left (and the 99% most common cause) is poorly installed strings. Wound onto the post loosely/sloppily and the slack is pulling out of the wrap.

[FrankHudson]

I think Fazool nails it.

How experienced are you in restringing a guitar?

I would restring the guitar with fresh strings. If you haven't done this yet, it's good to do anyway. Unless you have strong preferences I'd get a set of regular hex-core strings with a .010 high E, like the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky set. If you aren't experienced in guitar string changing, view some YouTube videos on or web guides with pictures on proper stringing practices. You'll see that methods vary somewhat, but to consolidate the knowledge:

Only a few wraps (2-3) on the post. Some use various "string locking" wraps on all, or on the plain, unwrapped strings. You're looking to get a even wind with as little gaps between the winds on the post. A cheap string winding crank and keeping tension on the string with your free hand after you get your wrap started can help. A cheap cradle stand to hold your guitar's neck up on a flat surface can help too. You've already been pointed to "string stretching" videos. The idea is that this removes most all the remaining slack.

If you're new to this, when you're buying your new strings, get a 3 pack. You may screw up, and for some errors, it's best to just start over with a fresh string. I've been doing this for decades, but I'm a klutz, I still screw up sometimes.

As mentioned above, doesn't hurt to lube the nut slots (I use a bit of Chapstick)--and yes, always tune UP to the pitch when doing your final tuning.

Even after proper installation and stretching, fresh strings may still go flat a bit at first when playing. And temperature changes can cause them to go out of tune even just sitting there.