Kavanagh Customs

Project Guitar Help Centre: trouble-shooting tuning problems

We've all come across at least one guitar in our lifetime that just would not stay in tune. It's quite possibly the most annoying fault any musical instrument can have and one that has doomed many to the dustbin or back of the closet.

However, tuning problems can generally be quite easy to fix once you know the cause of the problem. Remember that with a new set of strings you will always have to retune them several times over the course of the first day that they are on the guitar as they stretch and acclimatise. This is completely normal.

STRING SLIPPAGE: don't overlook this one. In our experience this is the number one cause of tuning instabilities. Check to make sure that your machineheads are threaded properly - even a minute slip can cause the entire guitar to go out of tune so double-check. This is what locking tuners were invented for.
Click here for information on how to string the machineheads properly.

NUT SLOTS: a poorly cut slot, especially one where the slots are too narrow can cause the strings to bind to the nut, or catch in it. If you hear a creaking or popping noise coming from the nut when you tune it, then this is probably your trouble. You will need to have the nut slots widened slightly or move down to a lighter gauge of string. Fortunately neither is very difficult. When you next change your strings, apply a small amount of lubricant to the slots to ease their passage - it will do your tuning stability a world of good.

TREMELO: When you use your tremolo, it has to return itself exactly back to the same position otherwise your tuning will be affected. Unfortunately most tremolo units aren't that precise and we often just block tremolo bridges down since we never use them anyway. However, if you are determined to use your tremolo and still demand perfect pitch, ensure that the pivot points of the tremolo unit are well lubricated to ensure that it can easily return back to it's original position.

WORN MACHIENHEADS: cheap or old machineheads will develop a slackness within their gearing which makes tuning a nightmare. To combat this, tune the string slightly sharp and allow the machineheads to slacken back to give you the correct note. Alternatively, tune the string sharp and bring it back to correct again by tugging on the string. Tuning up to the note takes some of this slack away. Of course, what you really want to do is buy some new locking tuners.

In addition to this you should also check the machinehead stalks to ensure that there isn't any play side-to-side, any excessive corrosion, and that all the screws are still tight. Tighten the screws and with the guitar unstrung, simply try to move the stalk - if there is excessive "wobble" or rattle you should probably consider replacing them.