Why Does My High E String Always Sound Out Of Tune?

Hi there,

It could be alot of things, but I would replace the strings first.

I agree change your strings first then go from there.

Thanks for the advice.

I've now tried changing the strings. It did sound one hundred percent better for the first 15 minutes but the 'E' string constantly needed retuning and after a very short time ended up sounding as bad as it had before. It won't seem to stay tuned for more than a couple of minutes but even when it is apparently tuned it sounds awful.

Have you put any graphite or lube like "Bends Nut Sauce" on the nut slots for string 3,2,1. You can use a pencil it does the same trick! This allows the string to slide through the nut slots easier and helps keep your 3,2,1 string in tune. You won't need to bother with the wound strings.

Hope this helps

Also check the intonation. Do this by sounding the 1st string then sound again but press on the 12 fret 1st string and check how close they match with a tuner. Strobe tuners are by far the best by any digital tuner will work. If it's sharp or flat you need to adjust the intonation.

I would tighten any screws around the tuning part of the guitar...they might be loose.

When I put the high E on a guitar I put the string through the hole twice...go through and come back around go through again to help with the string not slipping and going out of tune.

Slacken the high E string and check and see if the Nut is worn or cracked...it may need to be replaced.

Check and see if the bridge is worn or cracked as well.

Smash the guitar. If you have a vehicle.Run over it. If not beat the living hell out of it. Yeah that should work.

I sense some frustration. Get it in tune then play the hell out of it