Changing Electric Guitar Strings Fender Strat
Electric Fender Stratocaster Tuning problem?
I have just recently changed the strings for my Electric Fender Strat. When done, I attempted to tune my guitar with a tuner, but I encountered a problem. First, there is this metal head nut on my guitar that needs tightening and it interferes with the tuning alot. That is probably the major problem. Once it was tuned, it gets quickly out of tune, due to what I believe is the headnut. I’m not sure what it is, but it looks like this metal thing with three bolts in it, probably to keep the strings down in place. Whenever I tune the guitar it quickly gets out of tune. What could be wrong? Could I tune it with the string saddles?
Hi! From what you describe, it sounds like you have a locking nut arrangement paired with a Floyd Rose-style bridge setup. When you make the initial tuning adjustments and then cinch down the nut bolts, it will pull the notes slightly out-of-tune. You then need to make the fine adjustments at the bridge, by turning the small screws at the tail end. If you don’t have any way of compensating for tuning at the bridge, someone has either misunderstood the intention of the locking nut or replaced the required adjustable-tuning bridge. If this is the case, remove the locking bar. Whenever new strings are installed (prior to final tuning), pinch each string in the middle (around the 12th fret), and pull upward (about an inch or so, until you feel resistance) a couple of times. This will help “set” the string, and better maintain tuning. Best regards, Dana
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