Why Does My Guitar Keep Going Out of Tune?

Author: Axiom Music Date Posted:28 September 2026

Why Does My Guitar Keep Going Out of Tune?

Few things are more frustrating for a guitarist than tuning an instrument, playing for a few minutes and discovering that it already sounds wrong again.

Some movement in tuning is completely normal, particularly after fitting new strings. However, a guitar that constantly drifts out of tune may be telling you that something needs attention.

So, why does my guitar keep going out of tune? Here are some of the most common causes.

New strings need time to settle

If you have just changed the strings, don't be surprised if the guitar needs frequent tuning for a while.

New strings stretch when they are first installed. As that initial stretching occurs, their pitch drops.

After installing new strings, tune the guitar normally, play for a few minutes and tune it again. This may need to be repeated several times before the strings become stable.

You can gently stretch each new string by pulling it slightly away from the fingerboard, but avoid excessive force.

The strings may not be fitted correctly

How a string is installed around the tuning post can affect tuning stability.

If there is insufficient winding, excessive winding or loose overlapping coils around the post, the string may gradually slip.

The string should wind neatly around the tuning post without becoming tangled.

On an acoustic guitar, also check that the bridge pins are properly seated after changing the strings.

Temperature can affect tuning

Guitars react to their surroundings.

Moving from a cool room into a warm environment—or leaving a guitar in a hot car—can affect both the strings and the instrument itself.

Metal strings expand and contract as temperature changes, which can alter their pitch.

If you have just brought your guitar into a significantly warmer or cooler environment, allow it a little time to adjust before repeatedly tuning it.

Old strings can become unstable

Strings don't necessarily have to break before they need replacing.

As strings age, they collect dirt and perspiration and gradually deteriorate. They may become dull sounding, rough to the touch or increasingly difficult to keep in tune.

If your guitar used to hold its tuning well but has recently become troublesome, an old set of strings is one of the simplest things to check.

Tune up to the note

Good tuning technique can also help.

If you tune a string too high and need to lower the pitch, take it slightly below the required note and then tune upwards to the correct pitch.

This helps remove slack from the tuning mechanism and string.

Electronic tuners make this process much easier because you can see whether each string is sharp or flat as you adjust it.

Check the nut

At the top of the fingerboard, each string passes through a small slot in the nut.

If a slot is too tight, the string can sometimes bind rather than moving smoothly when the tuning key is turned.

You may hear a small "ping" as the string suddenly releases. The pitch may also jump unexpectedly rather than changing smoothly.

If this happens repeatedly, the nut may need attention from an experienced guitar technician.

Avoid widening the slots yourself unless you have the appropriate tools and experience. Removing too much material can create a different set of problems.

Playing style affects tuning too

Heavy string bending and vigorous playing naturally place greater demands on tuning stability.

This is particularly noticeable on electric guitars equipped with tremolo systems.

A guitarist who bends strings aggressively may therefore need to check tuning more frequently than someone playing gentle rhythm guitar.

Is the guitar actually out of tune?

Sometimes a guitar is correctly tuned when the open strings are played but sounds less accurate when chords are played further up the neck.

That can indicate an intonation issue rather than ordinary tuning instability.

Intonation refers to how accurately the guitar produces notes along the length of the fingerboard.

On many electric guitars, intonation can be adjusted at the bridge. Acoustic guitar intonation can require more specialised attention.

A simple troubleshooting checklist

If you're wondering why does my guitar keep going out of tune, work through the obvious causes first:

Check the tuning with an electronic tuner
Consider the age of the strings
Allow new strings time to settle
Check that strings are wound neatly around the tuning posts
Look for slipping bridge pins on an acoustic guitar
Consider recent temperature changes
Listen for strings catching in the nut
Check whether the problem occurs only when playing notes further up the neck

Most tuning problems are straightforward once you identify what is causing them.

Keeping a small electronic tuner nearby also makes regular tuning a quick part of playing rather than an inconvenience.

Related Axiom guitar accessories:
https://www.axiommusic.com.au/accessories/

Why Does My Guitar Keep Going Out of Tune?