Why Your Guitar Keeps Going Out of Tune and How to Fix It
If your guitar won’t stay in tune, it’s usually due to new strings or tuning habits
Rose Park
4/15/26 • 4 min read
New Strings Stretch More Than You Expect
If you recently changed your strings or bought a new guitar, this is the most common reason your guitar keeps going out of tune.
New strings stretch as they settle, which makes them go flat again and again, especially during the first few days.
It can feel like you’re constantly re-tuning, but this is completely normal. The key is consistency. Keep tuning and playing, and within a few days, the strings will stabilize and start holding their pitch much better.
Try a Free 30 Minute Lesson with Guitar Specialists
60+
Instructors
70,000+
Lessons taught
4.9/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average lesson rating
Temperature and Humidity Changes
Guitars are very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Even small shifts in the room can cause the wood to expand or contract, which affects string tension and tuning.
This often happens when you move your guitar from a cold space to a warm room, or if the room temperature changes overnight. Try to keep your guitar in a stable environment and avoid sudden temperature changes. Letting your guitar adjust to the room before playing can make tuning more consistent too.
How Your Tuning Technique Matters
Try not to rush through tuning, that’s one of the first things many guitar teachers will tell you. Take it slow and give each string a second to settle, it will be more accurate that way.
Another good habit is to always tune up to the note. If you go past it, drop slightly below and come back up. This helps the string hold its place better and keeps it from slipping while you play.
Cheap Tuners and App Limitations
Not all tuners work the same, and that can affect how well your guitar stays in tune. Phone apps are convenient, but they can sometimes get confused by background noise or pick up the wrong string.
Clip-on tuners tend to be more reliable since they read the vibration directly from your guitar. That usually makes things a bit easier, especially if you’re still getting used to tuning. Apps can still work fine if you’re in a quiet space. But if your tuning feels a little off or inconsistent, switching to a physical clip-on tuner can make a noticeable difference.
Quick Checklist to Keep Your Guitar in Tune Longer
- ✓ Tune slowly and check each string more than once
- ✓ Always tune up to the note
- ✓ Expect new strings to shift for the first few days
- ✓ Keep your guitar in a stable room
- ✓ Use a reliable tuner, especially in noisy spaces
- ✓ Retune after playing for a few minutes
Ready to Level Up Your Guitar Skills?
If your guitar keeps going out of tune, small fixes in tuning and setup can make a big difference. For faster progress and fewer mistakes, our weekly private online guitar lessons from home can help you build solid techniques with a structured approach.
Your first lesson is free. No contracts ever.
Guitar Guides: Beginner to Advanced
Interested in a certain style?
Musical Theatre Singing Lessons | Classical singing Lessons | Rock singing Lessons | Country singing Lessons | Pop Singing Lessons
Classical Guitar Lessons | Acoustic Guitar Lessons | Jazz Guitar Lessons | Rock Guitar Lessons | Electric Guitar Lessons | R&B Guitar Lessons
Rose Park
Rose Park is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where she studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees before co-founding Lesson With You. As a pianist, Rose was a prizewinner in many international piano competitions and performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Japan.