Why Does My New Ukulele Go Out of Tune After Tuning? [TODO Ukulele FAQ for Beginners]
If you've just received your new ukulele and noticed that it keeps going out of tune shortly after tuning, don’t worry — you're not alone. This is one of the most frequently asked questions from beginner ukulele players.
In this blog post, we’ll explain why this happens, how long it lasts, and what you can do to help your ukulele stabilize its tuning faster.
Is It Normal for a New Ukulele to Go Out of Tune?
Yes, absolutely. It’s completely normal for a new ukulele to go out of tune frequently during the first few days of use.
When you first get your Ukulele, the strings haven’t been stretched yet. The tension in the strings hasn't settled, and as a result, even after you tune the instrument, the strings may loosen again slightly — causing the pitch to drop.
This “breaking-in” phase is common with all string instruments, but particularly with ukuleles that use carbon strings, like those on TODO models.
Why Do TODO Ukuleles Use Carbon Strings?
At TODO Ukulele, we use high-quality carbon strings imported from Japan, and there’s a good reason for that.
Benefits of Carbon Strings:
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Soft and Comfortable to Play: Unlike steel strings on acoustic guitars, carbon strings are gentler on your fingers. Even after long practice sessions, your fingers won’t hurt.
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Bright and Clear Tone: Carbon strings produce a brighter and more resonant sound that enhances the natural tone of the ukulele.
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Long Sustain & Durability: The sound lasts longer and stays clearer, even after months or years of regular playing.
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Stable Over Time: Once broken in, carbon strings hold their tuning remarkably well.
Compared to traditional nylon strings, carbon strings are a bit more premium — but for good reason. They offer exceptional playability and tone that make them ideal for both beginners and more experienced players.
How Can I Help My Ukulele Stay in Tune?
To help your new ukulele settle in and stay in tune more consistently, here are a few tips:
1. Stretch the Strings Manually
Gently pull each string away from the fretboard a few times, then retune. This helps the string adjust to its new tension faster.
2. Tighten When Not Playing
When you’re not playing, you can slightly overtighten the strings (just a bit) to help stretch them more. Before playing again, tune them back to standard pitch. This “exercise” helps stabilize the string tension.
3. Play Frequently
The best way to break in new strings is by playing regularly. The more you strum and fingerpick, the faster the strings will adapt to your playing style and stay in tune longer.
How Long Until the Tuning Becomes Stable?
Typically, within 3 to 7 days of regular playing and tuning, your ukulele strings will settle in and stay in tune much more consistently. After that, you'll only need to make small adjustments during daily practice or performance.
Conclusion
If your new ukulele keeps going out of tune, don't stress — it's a completely natural part of the instrument's settling process. With a few days of regular use and some basic stretching techniques, your TODO Ukulele will start to hold its tuning beautifully.
Remember, the journey of learning the ukulele is full of fun and small victories. Tuning stability is just the first step — and you're already on your way!
Start your music journey with confidence — and let TODO Ukulele be your partner every step of the way.