In this video I want to share with you 8 easy life-hacks that might help your guitar stay in tune longer.
A large number of guitarists try to solve problems with tuning stability by changing tuning pegs. I must say that this way is one of the most extreme. It is not cheap and it does not always help. So let's think of it, as of the last possible option.
Most of these guitar tips are suitable for Gibson style guitars. Some are also suitable for Fender style guitars and even acoustic guitars as well.
So, let's get started.
1.
The next time you change strings, apply a small amount of pencil lead to the nut. This will help the strings slide better. Therefore, the strings will not get stuck in the nut.
2.
The most problematic strings are the third and the fourth. Use a nail file to slightly change the angle of the slots in the nut. A nail file is a good tool - because it does not make the slots deeper. The angle of the slots should go in the direction to the pegs of the third and the fourth strings. This operation will prevent strong bending of the strings. Which means that they will move fluently on the nut.
3.
After inserting the string to the peg's hole - wind it higher than a hole. This will raise the position of the string for a few millimeters. As a result, the pressure on the nut will decrease.
4.
As in the previous tip – try to reduce the tension of the strings. But now - from the other end of the strings. Raise the stopbar for a few millimeters. If you are worried that this will reduce the sustain of your guitar – don't be. Many famous guitarists raise their stopbars as high as possible - and the sustain does not become shorter. Just try it.
So now the angle of the strings that are lying on the bridge is less acute. The tension of the strings is reduced - and their mobility on the bridge is increased.
5.
If you still do not want to lift the stopbar - I recommend making the top wrapping. The point of this tip - as in the previous one. But the stopbar can be left as low as possible.
6.
This tip is pretty obvious, but it can work. Try strings of different gauge and different brands.
And a bonus advice! Personally, I'm not a fan of D'Addario strings,
but I found that their wound 3rd string holds the tuning really good. There should be a letter W near the third string on the package. Or you can buy this kind of string separately.
7.
This advice is a kind of urban guitar legend. This legend says that the magnets in the pickups slightly attract the strings — therefore make your guitar out of tune. To prevent this - you need to lower the pickups. Personally, I did not notice a difference in the stability of the tuning. But the guitar started sound better. So I recommend you to try it too.
8.
And finally, my favorite tip. Install a string tree that will change the bending angle of two most problematic strings (third and fourth).
If you don't know where to get it, just ask a friend who has the Fender to play his guitar for a minute. Unscrew the string tree, return the guitar and run.
The guitar tree should be installed to the place where the screw holds the truss rod cover. So you don't have to make new holes in your guitar. Now we got rid of the strong bending of the strings.
Please write in comments which one of my tips did help you. Share your hacks on how to improve the stability of guitar tuting. And I believe that together we will overcome this problem.
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