Mastering Guitar Tuning: Why New Guitars Go Out of Tune and How to Prevent It

Guitars are indeed finicky instruments. The weather, your environment, and even certain bodily emissions can all contribute to your guitar going out of tune. Understanding why this happens and how to manage it is crucial for any guitar player. This article will explore these issues in depth and provide step-by-step guidance on tuning your guitar properly.

Why Do New Guitars Go Out of Tune?

When a new guitar arrives, it might be out of tune almost immediately. This is not because of any manufacturing defect, but rather due to the nature of the materials and the tension that the strings apply. Several factors come into play:

Weather: Hot or cold air can expand or contract the wood, causing the guitar to go out of tune. Humidity: High humidity can cause swelling, while low humidity can lead to drying and cracking, both of which affect tuning. Personal behavior: Activities like farting near the guitar or sudden temperature changes can also temporarily alter the tuning. String Stretches: New strings haven't fully settled into the tension they need to maintain standard pitch, and they continue to stretch for hours or days. Tuning Mechanisms: The machine heads (headstocks) have a slight 'free play' which can cause inconsistencies in tuning.

If your new guitar is out of tune by a whole step after changing strings, it likely hasn't been stretched properly. The initial stretching process is crucial for achieving consistent tuning.

Stretching New Strings for Stability

When new strings are installed, it's essential to take the time to properly stretch them. The process involves tuning the guitar, playing deep bends, and retuning again repeatedly until the strings are stable. Here’s a detailed method:

After installing new strings, gently tune them to the desired pitch, but avoid over-tightening. Play deep bends on each string to stretch the strings without breaking them. Tune the strings back to pitch and continue to play deep bends again. Repeat this process, ideally 3-4 times, until the strings become stable. For some strings, pulling them upward can help in stretching them further.

This stretching process helps to settle the strings under tension and prevents them from losing tune as quickly while you're playing. Typically, this process should take no more than a day or two for strings to stabilize.

Proper Tuning Technique

How you tune your guitar can also play a significant role in how well it stays in tune. Here are a few tips for tuning your guitar correctly:

Always tune up to the desired pitch; never tune down and then up. If a string is sharp, go down much more than necessary and then back up to pitch. This leverages the 'free play' in the machine head mechanism, preventing any slippage when you tight the string again. Follow the order of strings: d, g, a, b, e, e. Pluck each string hard as you would normally play, tune to the desired pitch, and then give the string a pull to set the gears in your tuning keys. Readjust the string to the pitch and repeat this process until pulling on the string does not change the pitch. Repeat this process for all six strings.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your guitar is in perfect tune and remains that way for longer periods. Tuning correctly not only improves the sound quality but also enhances your playing experience.

Conclusion

Understanding why new guitars go out of tune and employing the correct techniques can significantly improve your guitar playing. Whether it's adjusting to changes in weather, properly stretching new strings, or mastering the tuning process, a bit of knowledge goes a long way in maintaining a well-tuned and sounding instrument. Happy playing!