B String Won’t Stay in Tune: Here Is What You Should Do!

Introduction

We’ve all struggled a lot with issues with guitar strings. It’s a real life nightmare for us. Moreover, the notorius b-string makes life much more difficult by not staying in tune. 

So, why on earth b string won’t stay in tune?

High guitar pickups are very common reasons for b string not staying in tune. Secondly, the string not being positioned properly might be the reason too. However, you must not forget that using capo could also be a problem for this. And finally, old strings are another common reason for this.

There are solutions to each of these problems. I’ve mentioned all of them here and described them as well to help you out to solve this problematic issue.

So, get started now!

Why Will the B String Not Stay in Tune?

You know how crucial the b string of your guitar is. So, any disruptions of this string would be crucial and vulnerable. 

To face any issues of this, you must know the actual reasons behind it. But before that you should always check all other strings, if they are in tune or not. 

I usually use the Fender FT-2 Professional Clip on Tuner for my electric guitar. But it can be used for acoustics, bass as well. You can also try KLIQ UberTuner with multi-keys mode.

Now let’s get back to our main issue. And find out the reasons for which the b string does not stay in tune.

Reason 1: High Guitar Pickups

Although this might sound unusual, this is one of the reasons for the problem. There is no necessity of this for a b string issues but this happens often .

Recognize that your instrument’s pickups have magnetic characteristics. And there are a few that are particularly effective. 

If they go immediately to the strings, these may physically pull notes hard. This happens when the string vibrates. In this case, it’s the high pickup that’s to blame. 

If your pickup’s pole components are adjustable, check them first. It’s possible that the entire pickup is in good working order. 

However, one of the pole pieces is too close to the other, allowing the string to persist. Examine whether the e string is too far away from the fret.

Your pickup’s pole components should be around 2 or 3 millimeters away from the string. On your guitar, this is the length of the string fretted at the very last fret.

Source: fralinpickups.com

Remember, this is just a suggestion. Simply modify according to your preferences.

Quick Solution

You need to set the pickups of your guitar perfectly. You can follow this image to have a basic understanding about the setup.

Source: fralinpickups.com

Reason 2: String Not Positioned Right

This is one of the main causes of b string intonation. This problem might arise due to a worn-out or incorrectly installed nut. 

But the issue is not experienced all the time. And it is mainly experienced when an amateur buys a guitar for the first time. 

Because the person might not observe the position of the sting while buying.

String imposition is something you’ll notice if the device isn’t put together properly. As a result, you’ll have problems with b-string intonation. Remember this might be the reason for your amp hum without being plugged in too!

However, there is a good likelihood that the consumer will do it. 

But if it’s not positioned correctly then you’ll have to do it. In that case, use a Jim Dunlop Action Gauge System to check the strings positioning.

Quick Solution

Re-string or fix the string of your guitar immediately. There are different ways to restring different types of guitars. But here’s a tutorial about re-stringing an acoustic guitar.

How To Restring An Acoustic Guitar Properly

Reason 3: Capo Being Placed Wrong

A big reason for the b string not staying in tune might be the capo. Yes, that is correct. Using a capo might be problematic, especially with jumbo frets guitars.

Many users think that a capo being placed wrong can be the main problem. However, the main problem is with the frets and the capo both. 

Capo on bigger frets would pull the strings off. And this would let the strings get pulled so sharp onto the neck. As a result of this, the b string goes out of tune.

Quick Solution

Shubb capos offer fixable tension, which is beneficial. However, you can also place the capo right upon that fret. 

It is preferable to have tradition behind this one, and this will assist. 

However, here’s a capo chord chart.

Source: thaliacapos.com

If you want to go a bit dipper then follow this capo key chart.

Source: thaliacapos.com

Reason 4: Old Strings

We know that everything turns old with time. And the effectiveness of everything generally decreases as they age. So, strings are in no way different in this.

You know the strings of your guitar turn old after a few months or years. It does not matter whether it is the E or B string of your guitar. Any string would turn old with time.

So, as the strings keep aging, they start going out of tune gradually. 

Quick Solution

Replace the old strings after a few months when needed. If you are not sure about when to change this, take the help of an expert. 

It can also help out with fixing low e-string intonation issues.

So, these are the main reasons for your b string going out of tune.

What to Do Bring Back The B String in Tune?

Bringing back the tune of the b string is not impossible. There are a few things that you can follow to fix this. So, take a look here to know about those.

Solution 1: Replace The Old Strings

Replace the old strings of your guitar after a few months or years. And make sure that this is not too late. However, you must not also change it too much.

So, having a good idea about when to change the guitar strings is good. While replacing the string, take a couple of minutes to extend them in. 

Because this will allow them to remain on the pitch for longer. You’ll notice that it makes a real distinction. 

In addition, ensure to provide enough space when changing strings. A multitude of windings over each string tree will require this space. 

Unwound top strings require more winding than wound lower strings. 

Now, thinking of new strings for your guitar? Here are a few suggestions of acoustic and electric guitar strings that you may count on without a doubt.

Guitar TypeStringsPrice
AcousticD’Addario Guitar StringsOrder from Amazon
AcousticElixir Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar StringsOrder from Amazon
AcousticErnie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar StringsOrder from Amazon
ElectricD’Addario Guitar StringsOrder from Amazon
ElectricErnie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Electric Guitar StringsOrder from Amazon
ElectricDonner Electric Guitar StringsOrder from Amazon

There are other strings for different guitars in the market. You can get any of them from online or from some guitar store. Hope this helps!

But remember one thing. If you think you are unsure about replacing the strings, do not do it. Just take some advice or call an expert for this.

Solution 2: Amend The Position of The Strings

You must keep on checking the position of the strings often. And this is a must while you buy your guitar. If you feel like any issues with the position, amend them. You can use this Fretguru 2 gauge to position your guitar’s strings.

Because the proper placement and position of the strings are a must for the tune. Make sure you keep the strings tightened. But do not overdo it anyway.

So, these are what you can do to keep your b string in tune.

FAQs

Can the sudden increase in temperature affect my guitar tuning?

Well, yes, a sudden increase in the temperature may affect your guitar tuning. Although it may sound unreal, it is true indeed. You know heat can affect the condition of the wood of an instrument. For this, the strings lose the tune. Thus, the tune might change.

Can my low e string also go out of tune due to the b string?

There’s a good chance for the low e string getting affected by the b string. This is because all the strings out there are somehow connected to one another. However, the main reasons for the low e-string problem are different. Old strings and high nuts are the primary reasons.

Is it okay if I want to replace the string of my guitar?

Yes, you can replace the string of your guitar if you want. Also, you would be able to replace it whenever you want to. However, people do not usually replace the strings if not needed or so. If needed, you can change the strings yourself or call an expert for this.

The Final Words

Now you know about the problem, b string won’t stay in tune! We do not think that you would have any problem understanding the reasons. 

And the solutions that we covered here for this are so easy for you to follow. But remember one thing. Do not go for any random methods trying to resolve an issue like it.

This can even deteriorate the problem. So, be careful!

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