I have an newer model SG, that won't stay in tune. I'm not a beginner musician. I've played bass for many years but recently started learning 6 string. I've watched many videos and listen to advice from many other guitarists. My problem is that when I tune each string open, chords are badly out of tune. If I tune a chord where it sounds good, such as D or G, and switch to a C or A , it's way off. Perfect example: The solo -WE WILL ROCK YOU by Queen, starts out in A on 2nd fret, then jumps to 14th fret A, and the 5th string remains open in the chord. It's even worst out of tune in the higher frets, and forget about note bending. I've tried all the tricks with graphite, setting the string height and even the string adjustments in front of the bridge, sorry I forgot the name. I also pay close attention to proper string installation. My questions are, what are the best strings to use? Would a better nut help? Is there an after market nut- string lock for epiphones? Please help
Music - Epiphone - SG Special Guitar Electric
Answers & Comments
The SG should not need any of the Tricks you mention. String type and size are the players preference. String size can also be in accordance with type of music one wishes to play. Heavy power cords in D tuning you will want a larger string in the 50 to 58 gage. All other types of music, you want a smaller gage in the 45 to 48. To use the larger strings for Power cord in D tuning, some modifications must be done in order for your guitar to use them well. You say you are not a beginner but I will advise you as bein new to the guitar to stick to the standard setup and make mods as you learn. >> Now why will she not stay in tune? First which SG did you get? Gibson or Epiphone? or one of the cheaper versions. Please do not get offended just need to know which to help with this problem. If you have one of the cheaper versions try and stay away from the extra large strings (ie 58 gage). The Gibson and the Epi can handle them, but like I said, mods will have to be done. Things which effect the guitar staying in tune are, neck joint screws being tight. not using proper gage strings for the set up (ie larger than normal set up, normal set up with an off the shelf guitar are 10 thru 46 or 09 thru 46. as larger strings put too much pull on the neck). Then the intonation or string to fret tuning, the 12 fret is your half way mark and the guitar intonation is set at this fret. The bridge of the SG should have adjustments on each string to set the string to fret tuning. Easy way is to use a tuning meter. Pluck the top E and tune it, fret the same string at the 12 fret and pluck it again, it should tune to a dead on E again. If not, adjust the string at the bridge until you get a perfect open E and a perfect fretted E at the 12 th fret. Do the same for each string. You do not have to adjust for the G string 1/2 pitch. If you are using the 5th fret tuning (ie using the E string to pitch the A string and so on down the neck you have to adjust the G string up to the forth fret 1/2 pitch) Use an electrical tuning meter to help with this task.
Sorry, having Fix Ya problems today. Next will be the neck adjustment. Once you have the string intonation set. Move on to the neck setup, at the top of the neck under a small plate, there is a neck adjusting rod. This rod adjust the neck to string height, or it puts in an amount of warp that is needed to compensate for the pull of tuned strings. Next would be the tuners, but I have not seen even the cheapest of guitars have problem with the tuners, so I would rule out any problem there. Now, once you have decided on the strings you wish to use, and if you swap string size and or "make", you have to reset the "Guitar setup" to the strings being used. A good string is any of the Ernie Ball super slinkys, 09 or 10's, Fender Bullets same size, The D'Addario XL's are fine strings also. So, get you a set of strings that you like buy 5 sets so you have extra when you brake them. Do the set up on the guitar, Get your intonation set, get the string height set to your liking. She should stay in tune, even if you drop it. Hope all this helps Fix Ya up.
Ok. I completely over looked the deal about new strings, they need to stretch or take their set before they will stay in tune. Takes a day or two for them to stretch or set to stay in tune.