G string never stays in tune

[justin]

No matter what, the G string on my LP never likes to stay in tune. I don't get it. All the other strings stay in relatively perfect tune, but the G string always goes flat (sometimes sharp too). I use D'Addario 10's. Would a wound G help the problem. Does anybody else notice this?

 

[Snags]

Try lubing the nut slots with graphite (pencil lead). More often than not, this will solve the problem.

 

[sparkletop]

unruly G

I use D'Addario J21's 12-52 w/wound G on my 76 Deluxe with original Klusons. No tuning problems. Have you ruled out the tuning machine? It seems to me if the plain is having a problem so would a wound. The wound G takes some getting used to, both physically and tonal. The J21's do a lot for my mini/hums. Install a single and try it. An easy mod to undo! Check out that saddle too. I also use these on my SG Standard. Note: a wound G will have a much shorter life than a plain if you play aggressive.

 

[Mojojojo]

The number one problem is the nut and sometimes the saddle. Make sure the nut and saddle slots are cut well and properly back-angled. Also note that the inner-most strings (D and G) take the greatest angle to their respective pegs, so some side relief in the back of the nut slot helps too. Erlewine discusses this in his books. Pencil lead (graphite) works well for lubrication. It also could be the tuner, but I'd look at the slots first.

 

[justin]

thanks...

I'll check it out tonight. I don't think it's the tuner, but it could be the nut. I'll take a look at the slot. I use graph tech saddles, so I'm not sure if they could be the problem.

 

[Phil M]

Re:

Justin,

Do you get that little "ping" noise when you're trying to tune it? If so it's probably the nut. The material gets jagged and your string gets caught up on it so it won't go in tune. Definitely try the graphite and you may even need to do a little filing. Careful though, I went a little too deep on my high E and B strings and now it's looking like I'll need a new nut soon. If you don't know what you're doing (like I didn't), you might want to take it somewhere to be done.

 

[PSYCHO'BURST]

Tuning

I have learned that tuning problems are also a side effect of bad technique. I always stretch new strings at the 12th fret up away from the neck at least three times, tuning to pitch after each stretch. Always tune "up" never down. This has worked great for me. My guitar stays in tune unless I do the blind Mississippi one and a half step blue's bends! Try it. (its not always the guitar's fault).

PSYCHO'BURST

 

[RICH]

We are talking Gibson here, its totally their fault. They like cutting deep slots in their nuts without removing the excess nut material, and the g string constantly is a problem because its getting pinched in the nut. You have to either file the entire top of the nut down so the strings don't sit in slots deeper than 1/2 the diameter of the string, OR make sure the strings have a little breathing room by relieving the sharper corner in the back of the nut that the string gets pulled against on its way to the tuning peg.


Phil M, take some bone dust and rub that in the slots of the nut that are too low untill the slot is almost full, and put a small drop of crazy glue on it. It will sink in and will be hard as a rock, and you just need to recut the slot in the nut to the right height instead of replacing the nut, works like a charm.

 

[PSYCHO'BURST]

Hey Rich, Get a Fender Then!

PSYCHO'BURST

 

[Phil M]

Cool idea RICH, I never heard that one! Next time we have Buffalo wings, I'll hang the bones out to dry. :dude

Seriously, that is cool. Where do I get bone dust?

 

[Spose]

dressing your nuts...hehehe

Like RICH says, the back angle should be filed with care as to file the same angle that the string leads itself to at the tuning post.
I think that's what he said...
anyway, if it's a composite/plastic? type nut....a pinch of baking soda in the slot and a drop of crazy glue and you will be ready to file in one minute, that is to say if you can't get your hands on some bone dustspin


one more note: a trick Dan the Man teaches works real good for me.
I cut pieces of guitar string (about3 inches)the same gauge as I use on the guitar in question and crazy glue the string to a Popsicle stick(the fun part was having to buy ice cream to get the sticks) on its edge. Then use the tool to burnish the slot. It works well with the wound strings for the nut slot. :dude

I've also made feeler gauges with the same method.