Why Do Electric Guitar Strings Go Out of Tune When Bent

Understanding the Mechanics Behind String Tuning

The Impact of Bending on String Tension

When bending an electric guitar string, there is an inherent tension change that occurs. This phenomenon is rooted in the physical properties of the strings and the materials they are made of. Metal, especially when shaped into thin strings, is prone to deformation under stress due to its plasticity and inherent molecular behavior.

Technically speaking, bending the metal string alters its shape, leading to changes in the tension. This is because the pitch of a guitar string is directly proportional to the square root of its tension. Therefore, any bending or stretching changes the pitch, which can cause the string to go out of tune.

Material Stability and Its Role

Steel and nickel, the primary materials used in guitar strings, are not 100% stable. They stretch when bent, which is why guitar strings go flat after being bent. This stretching effect is more pronounced on new strings due to their freshness and the initial tension they carry.

For instance, when you bend a new guitar string, it will go flat from the target note due to the increased tension caused by the bend. Pre-stretching the string before playing can help mitigate this issue. For example, when stringing a guitar, one can tune it and then stretch each string as much as possible at the 12th fret and the 7th fret to ensure they retain their tension and tuning.

Common Issues with Cheap Guitars and Strings

Nut and Groove Misalignment and Cheap Components

Many guitars that are incorrectly set up are not in perfect tune to begin with. The primary complaint is often the string sticking in the grooves (top nut, bridge, or bridge saddles). Cheap guitars come with cheap parts that are not as refined as the super expensive models. Similarly, cheap strings can contribute to this issue.

To address this, one can use a guitar nut lubricant like 'nut sauce' or similar. A small amount of the lubricant applied to the nut can significantly reduce friction and help the string move more freely. If this doesn't resolve the issue, it is advisable to take the guitar to a local repair shop. They are usually knowledgeable and right, and the cost of fixing it can be surprisingly affordable.

Preventive Measures and Solutions

Pre-Stretching and Trimming

To prevent your electric guitar strings from going out of tune when bent, it is essential to pre-stretch them. This involves tuning the string and then pulling it tight at specific fret positions to increase its tension. This helps the string maintain its tuning after being bent.

However, it is also important to remember that after deep bends, the string may stretch more, leading to a slight tuning change. Therefore, regular stretching and tuning are necessary to keep your guitar in perfect condition.