One of the most common concerns new guitar owners have is that their guitar keeps going out of tune — especially when it’s brand new.
If you’ve just bought a guitar and noticed the strings loosening or needing frequent retuning, this is completely normal and not a fault.
This guide explains why new strings behave this way, how long it lasts, and what you can do to speed up the settling process.
Why brand new guitar strings loosen
When new strings are installed at the factory, they are under tension for the first time. As you tune and play the guitar, the strings naturally stretch and adjust.
This stretching happens because:
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The string windings settle around the tuning posts
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The metal slowly stretches under tension
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The string beds into the nut and saddle slots
Until this process is complete, the guitar will need more frequent tuning.
How long does it take for new strings to settle?
For most guitars, new strings take:
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1–3 days of regular playing to mostly settle
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Up to a week to fully stabilise
During this time, it’s normal to retune several times per session, especially after the first few plays.
This applies to acoustic, electric, and classical guitars.
Why this happens more with brand new guitars
On a brand new guitar:
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The strings are factory-installed
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The guitar hasn’t been played before
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The instrument may have travelled and adjusted to a new climate
All of this contributes to temporary tuning instability at the beginning.
Once the strings have stretched and the guitar acclimatises, tuning becomes much more stable.
Is this a defect or quality issue?
No — this is not a defect.
Even high-end guitars behave the same way with new strings. In fact, many players expect this and automatically retune frequently during the first few days.
Most experienced players change strings early anyway, as factory-installed strings are usually standard stock strings designed for transport, not long-term performance.
How to help new strings settle faster
You can speed up the process by:
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Tuning the guitar accurately before playing
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Playing normally for short sessions
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Retuning whenever the pitch drops
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Avoiding aggressive bending in the first day
Some players gently stretch strings by hand, but this should be done carefully to avoid damage.
When should you be concerned?
You should only be concerned if:
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The guitar continues going badly out of tune after 1–2 weeks
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The tuning pegs slip suddenly
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A string will not hold pitch at all
In most cases, tuning issues disappear once the strings settle.
A quick note on factory strings
Just to add — most new guitars come fitted with basic factory stock strings. These are perfectly fine for shipping and initial setup, but many players choose to upgrade to a higher-quality set fairly early on.
Changing strings often improves:
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Tuning stability
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Feel
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Overall tone
This is normal and expected, not a requirement.
Final thoughts
If your new guitar’s strings are loosening or going out of tune, it’s usually just part of the break-in period. Once the strings settle and the guitar adjusts, tuning stability improves significantly.
If you’re unsure or want reassurance, we’re always happy to offer guidance and help you understand what’s normal before assuming there’s an issue.