Tuning a guitar is second nature to seasoned musicians. But what happens when the tuning process only leads to more pitchiness? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to fix this problem.
If your guitar tuning peg is not tightening strings, identify the problem first. Common issues include a faulty tuning mechanism, poorly wound strings, or strings wound in the wrong direction. If none of these causes apply, it is time to seek a professional repair person’s help.
Read on to learn how you can fix your guitar’s tuning issues. If none of these solutions work, keep reading to learn how to find a quality guitar repair person.
If you want to find out what my recommended guitar gear is, then here is what I recommend on Amazon:
- Fender Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle (MY FAVORITE GUITAR)
- Snark SN-8 Super Tight All Instrument Tuner (Easiest Tuner I’ve Used)
- 6 String Acoustic Guitar Capo (Best CAPO for quick changes)
- Dunlop Max Grip 1.0mm Nylon Picks (Thick Guitar Pick So You Don’t Lose Grip!)
- Universal Guitar Stand (Cheap & Minimalist Guitar Stand I Recommend)
- Levy’s 2″ Wide Quick Adjust Guitar Strap (Best Guitar Strap For Any Level)
Most Common Tuning Peg Tightening Strings Issues and How To Fix Them
Fixing tuning pegs that refuse to tighten strings is an easy process as long as you can diagnose the problem. For your convenience, we gathered some of the most common causes, along with some how-to fixing guides below.
Malfunctioning Tuning Peg or Machine Head
One typical, if not reasonably obvious cause, might be a faulty tuning mechanism. On classical guitars with nylon strings, these are the tuning pegs. Steel-string acoustic and electric guitars, on the other hand, use machine heads. You are more likely to encounter this issue with nylon-stringed classical guitars and their tuning pegs (go here to learn how to tune classical guitar by ear).
Nylon-String Classical Guitars
If your nylon-stringed classical guitar is not tuning correctly, there’s a good chance a tuning peg is malfunctioning (Question: how long should a guitar stay in tune?). This problem usually presents itself as a gear that slips or may not even tighten at all. Here’s how to check for this problem and fix it:
- Eliminate tension: Loosen the guitar string to eliminate any tension.
- Operate with a screwdriver: Next, grab a Phillips-head screwdriver and get to work. Gently turn the tuning peg screw to see if it has loosened. If you do notice slack, tightening the screw with the screwdriver should do the trick. Be careful not to tighten too much, or you can damage the tuning mechanism or the whole instrument.
- Fix an improperly placed gear: If you notice no positive changes after using your screwdriver, then the issue may be an incorrect gear or post-placement. In this instance, it is best to remove the screw and gear. Then, push the post closer to where the gear is supposed to be.
- Replace the peg: If removing the gear does not work, then you should replace the tuning peg altogether.
Steel String Guitars (Including Western Acoustic and Electrical)
The tuning mechanisms on western acoustic and electric guitars, known as machine heads, are more complex. In this scenario, the most typical problem is loose bushings and washers. Another possible conundrum is a loose tuning button. We will tell you how to handle both issues in the how-to guide below.
- Tighten the bushing and washer: The first solution is very straightforward. If you have ever worked with bushings and washers before, you know you can handle them with a wrench or nut driver. Tighten the bushing and washer as you normally would with a wrench or nut driver. Be mindful of these two things: First, you need to remove the strings first before attempting this. Second, do not over-tighten!
- Tighten the tuning button: Tuning buttons have a small screw up-top that you can turn with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Handle them with care, as you would with the tuning peg of a classical guitar. Give a gentle turn to check for looseness, and then tighten the screw. Remember not to tighten too much! You only need to screw it enough that you feel some tension while turning it.
- Broken machine head: Unfortunately, if neither of those solutions worked, you need to replace the tuning machine with a new one.
Badly Wound String
What does it mean if your instrument slips out of pitch and goes flat after being wound? In this scenario, the falling pitch most likely indicates a guitar string that is poorly wound. For visual confirmation, take a look at the wound string. If there is uneven space between the string and its adjacent strings, it is wound wrong. You need to restring your guitar.
Otherwise, you will experience unstable tuning and unexpected instances of pitch slipping in performance.
Strings Wound in the Incorrect Direction
When a guitar is restrung and tuned, it is vital to turn the pegs counter-clockwise. Furthermore, turning the tuning mechanism counter-clockwise should tighten the guitar string and raise the pitch. Examine your tuning mechanism and turn it counter-clockwise. Does the string loosen and lower in pitch? If so, then it is wound in the wrong direction.
To fix this, you need to restring the guitar and wind them in the correct direction. Take your time and restring clean and evenly.
Choosing a Repair Person (or When Your Other Fixes Have Failed)
So, let’s say you have tried every fix so far, and nothing seems to work. When this happens, it is time to ask for professional help. Luckily, there are guitar repair people who can handle these significant problems. But choosing a stranger to adjust and tinker with your beloved instrument is not a decision to be taken lightly. How do you find the right one for you and your instrument?
Handles Pressure Well
You may wonder if an overbooked professional is the wrong choice for you. How do you know they will give your instrument the time and attention it needs? On the other hand, if they get a lot of business, they must be good. Busy is not a bad thing, as long as the repair person can handle the pressure. Check their body language and how they interact with you and other customers.
Can Diagnose the Problem and Explain It to You
This quality comes from a passion for the instrument. Repair people who care take the time to listen to your issues and look for a solution as if the guitar was their own. They will also explain the problem to you in an uncomplicated manner. Some repair people can be curt or require specific terminology from you. However, if they know their stuff, their abruptness is likely in your best interest.
Finding a problem is one thing, but fixing it is the real skill test. If the repair person knows what they are doing, they will construct a plan in haste. More importantly, they should be transparent with you. Your guitar matters to you: otherwise, you would not be seeking a repair. The person repairing it should respect that and be completely upfront about what they will do to it.
They Go the Extra Mile
When it comes down to it, you need a repair person that will put the same amount of effort, if not more, into your guitar as you would. This consideration presents itself in different ways. Maybe they decide to fix a minor problem for you free-of-charge. Or perhaps they avoid price-gouging by focusing on the issue over the higher invoice. You care, so they should too.
Positive References
Before meeting a new repair person, it helps to check their references. In the age of review sites, like Yelp, it is easy to find customer reviews. However, seeking the recommendation of a trusted musician is another excellent way to go. Use the guidelines above to ask the right questions when getting your options.
Final Thoughts On Guitar Tuning Peg Not Tightening Strings
In short, if your guitar’s tuning pegs do not tighten the strings, there is either a problem with the tuning mechanism or the strings themselves (here’s how to keep a guitar tuning peg from slipping). Tuning mechanism issues usually require some adjustments using standard hardware. Incorrectly wound strings need you to restring the guitar. Unfortunately, there are some tuning problems that a musician cannot solve on their own. In this case, it is vital to seek help from a professional guitar repair person.
If you want to find out what my recommended guitar gear is, then here is what I recommend on Amazon:
- Fender Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle (MY FAVORITE GUITAR)
- Snark SN-8 Super Tight All Instrument Tuner (Easiest Tuner I’ve Used)
- 6 String Acoustic Guitar Capo (Best CAPO for quick changes)
- Dunlop Max Grip 1.0mm Nylon Picks (Thick Guitar Pick So You Don’t Lose Grip!)
- Universal Guitar Stand (Cheap & Minimalist Guitar Stand I Recommend)
- Levy’s 2″ Wide Quick Adjust Guitar Strap (Best Guitar Strap For Any Level)
FAQs On Guitar Tuning Peg Not Tightening Strings
How do you fix a loose guitar tuning peg?
To fix a loose guitar tuning peg, you may need to tighten the screw that holds the peg in place, or replace the bushing that fits into the peg hole in the headstock. You can also try applying a small amount of wood glue to the peg and letting it dry before reinserting it into the hole.
How do you fix a guitar string that won’t tighten?
If a guitar string won’t tighten, it may be due to a problem with the tuning peg or the nut slot. Check to make sure the string is properly inserted into the peg and that the peg is securely tightened. If the problem persists, you may need to file the nut slot or replace the tuning peg.
How do I know if my tuning pegs are bad?
Signs that your tuning pegs may be bad include difficulty tuning the guitar, loose or wobbly pegs, or a clicking or popping sound when turning the pegs. If you suspect that your tuning pegs are bad, it may be time to replace them.
How do you fix tuning pegs?
To fix tuning pegs, you may need to tighten the screw that holds the peg in place, replace the bushing that fits into the peg hole in the headstock, or lubricate the gears inside the peg with a small amount of graphite or other lubricant. If the pegs are severely damaged or worn, it may be necessary to replace them entirely.
Are tuning pegs supposed to be loose?
Tuning pegs should not be loose, as this can cause tuning instability and affect the playability of the guitar. If your tuning pegs are loose, you may need to tighten the screw that holds them in place or replace the bushing that fits into the peg hole in the headstock.
Should tuning pegs be tight?
Tuning pegs should be tight enough to hold the strings in tune, but not so tight that they are difficult to turn or become damaged. If your tuning pegs are too loose or too tight, it may affect the playability and tuning stability of your guitar.
Why are my guitar strings loose but in tune?
If your guitar strings are loose but in tune, it may be due to a problem with the tuning peg or the nut slot. Check to make sure the string is properly inserted into the peg and that the peg is securely tightened. If the problem persists, you may need to file the nut slot or replace the tuning peg.
Why do my guitar strings keep untuning and coming loose?
Guitar strings may become untuned and come loose if there is a problem with the tuning pegs, the nut slot, or the bridge. Check to make sure that the strings are properly inserted and tightened, and that the tuning pegs are securely in place. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace or repair the affected components.
How do you fix a loose tuner bushing?
To fix a loose tuner bushing, you may need to remove the tuning peg and replace the bushing with a new one that fits snugly in the headstock hole. You can also try applying a small amount of wood glue to the bushing and letting it dry before reinserting the peg.
Why does my tuning peg keep clicking?
A clicking sound when turning a tuning peg may be due to a problem with the gears inside the peg. You can try lubricating the gears with a small amount of graphite or other lubricant to see if this helps. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace the affected tuning peg.
How do you make strings tighter?
To make strings tighter, you can turn the tuning pegs in the direction that tightens the string, typically clockwise. Be careful not to overtighten the strings, as this can cause damage to the guitar or strings. It’s also important to ensure that the string is properly seated in the tuning peg and that the peg is securely tightened.
How long do guitar tuning pegs last?
The lifespan of guitar tuning pegs can vary depending on factors such as usage frequency and maintenance. Generally, high-quality tuning pegs can last for many years or even decades with proper care and maintenance.
When should I replace my tuning peg?
You may need to replace your tuning pegs if they become worn, damaged, or loose, or if they no longer hold the strings in tune. If you notice tuning instability or difficulty tuning your guitar, it may be time to consider replacing the tuning pegs.
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