Pitch change when playing...

[DJ_e43]

I have a guitar that when the top string is struck hard, will start out in a higher pitch, then slowly lower into another. It's a Squire Double Fat tele with mohogany body, Mahogany thru-neck, no tremolo, no locking tuning keys (I would think locking keys would help it, but it happens every time I hit the string, the same thing, every time). I thought maybe I was crazy, but it also shows this happening on a chromatic tuner. I've changed strings, but that didn't help either. Has anyone ever experienced this? What can be done about it?

 

[64Firebird]

Do you mean that while you sustain the note the pitch drops? If so, a little of this is normal. When you first pick the note, the string vibrates a little faster and then it settles in to the correct pitch. When you tune your guitar, you'll want to tune to the pitch you get after it settles in.

 

[DJ_e43]

Hmm. I've never heard it on any other guitar. But thanks for the help.

 

[PeterKang]

maybe if u adjust your truss rod..

 

[matty_boy]

This is normal, esp. if you play hard w/ your right hand. Light strings do this more than heavy ones, so if it is a problem you might want heavier strings.

 

[Clive Hugh]

Shifting pitch like you describe is also caused by the slot in the nut being too deep and/or not having enough clearance. What happens in this situation is the tension between the nut and tuner is higher than the tension between nut and bridge (rest of string). When you strike it the vibration is enough to cause the tension to even out and the string shifts up in pitch.
Try lubricating the nut with graphite, pencil lead is graphite, take it to a tech for filing and best of all put in a graphlon nut, this is a compound of graphite and teflon, the teflon weeps out under pressure in minute amounts and it improves tuning, sounds good too.
And Peter Kang, leave your bloody truss rod alone! You'll go blind.

 

[Fangar]

You sound like a player that may need to try a heavier guage string set as well. If you are banging the strings especially the lower ones, that will happen often.

Fangar

 

[DJ_e43]

I've been playing for 8 years on and off, and this is the first time I've ever experienced this, and it's only on the top string. But anyways, thanks for all the input!!

 

[AlChuck]

Another possible cause of this problem is not putting the strings on correctly on the tuning post. This can cause the string to slip a bit. But if that was what was happening I would think it would happpen to all the strings more or less.

I once had a problem like Clive Hugh described with my nut -- the D string would do exactly what you are describing. I had a new nut installed and it's been fine.

Finally, it's possible the tuning machine itself is flaky, and when you hit the string hard the gears turn a tad backwards.

 

[eyeslikefire]

And Peter Kang, leave your bloody truss rod alone! You'll go blind.

Lighten up on the strumming hand and get a heavier guage wires dude.

 

[DJ_e43]

Lighten up on the strumming?!? NEVER!!! lol Do you think Adam Jones lightens up?, Or Wayne Static? Or SRV did? Or Jimi? I SHAL NOT GIVE IN TO THE DARK SIDE!!!!

Just kidding guys, thanks for all the input. Our bass player and I were discussing this last night, and his bass actually does it too, so I guess it IS a matter of strumming.