How Do Guitars Get Out of Tune?
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A guitar goes out of tune when string tension changes. New strings stretch as they settle, temperature and humidity move the wood and the metal, worn strings lose their hold on pitch, and tuning machines can slip. A clip-on tuner reads each string so you can bring it back to standard tuning E A D G B E.
New strings stretch as they settle
New strings are a common reason a guitar drifts out of tune. The metal stretches under tension for a while after you put a fresh set on, so the pitch drops and you need to retune. Stretch each string by hand before you tune, then tune, play, and tune again until the pitch holds. A string that keeps dropping after repeated tuning is still settling.
Temperature and humidity change string tension
Wood and metal move as the room changes. Hot air, cold air and damp air all shift the neck and the strings, so a guitar that was in tune in one room can drift in another. Keep the guitar in the room where you play it, let it sit for a while after you bring it in from outside, and check the tuning before you play.
Worn strings lose their hold on pitch
Strings wear as you play them. Dirt and sweat build up on the metal, and the string stops holding tune. Look for discolored or rough strings, rust, and strings that no longer hold tune after you tune them. When those signs show up, change the set.
Tuning machines and the nut can slip
The tuning machines hold the string at tension, and a loose machine lets the string unwind a little, which drops the pitch. Check that each machine turns smoothly and holds its position when you let go. The nut is the small piece the strings pass over near the headstock, and a string that binds there can jump in pitch when you play. If a machine feels loose or a string sticks at the nut, ask a repair shop to look at it.
Use a tuner to check each string
A clip-on tuner clips to the headstock and reads the pitch of each string. Pluck one string at a time and compare the note the tuner shows with standard tuning E A D G B E. Turn the machine until the tuner shows the right note, then check the string again after you tune the rest.
What you need
KLIQ UberTuner-MAX USB Rechargeable Clip On Guitar
A rechargeable clip-on tuner with vibration-based pitch detection and an octave display, so background noise does not affect the reading while you tune.
- Chromatic mode
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip On
Snark SIL-RED Silver Snark Chromatic Tuner Red
A chromatic clip-on tuner with a high resolution display that rotates 360 degrees, so you can read it from any angle while you tune.
- Chromatic mode
Snark ST-8HPT High Precision Rechargeable Clip-On Tuner
A rechargeable clip-on tuner with pitch calibration at 432 and 442 Hz, so you can tune without buying or changing batteries.
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip-On
These come from our ranked list Best Tuners, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my guitar go out of tune overnight?
Temperature and humidity change overnight, and the wood and metal of the guitar move with them. A guitar that was in tune in the evening can drift as the room cools overnight. Check the tuning before you play.
Do new strings go out of tune faster?
Yes. New strings stretch under tension for a while after you put them on, so the pitch drops and you need to retune. Stretch each string by hand, tune, play, and tune again until the pitch holds.
How often should I change my strings?
Change them when you see discolored or rough strings, rust, or strings that no longer hold tune. How long a set lasts depends on how much and where you play. A set that keeps dropping in pitch after tuning is ready to change.
Can a clip-on tuner help me stay in tune?
Yes. A clip-on tuner reads the pitch of each string so you can see which strings have drifted. Tune each string to standard tuning E A D G B E and check again after you play.
Ranked guitar tuners lists
More how-to guides
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