Should you detune your guitar when not in use?

Gear & Tools Talk 🎸 Guitars, Instruments & Maintenance
1

I have an acoustic guitar and just put on new strings (custom light) for the first time. I’ve tuned my guitar using a Snark, but if I’m not going to be playing it for a few days should I detune the strings to give the guitar’s neck a rest?

2

No, it will be fine for a few days. If it ever becomes necessary you can adjust the truss rod to correct any movement in the neck.

3

I’d think you’re more likely to cause problems than cure them by doing this

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4

I would think if your neck relief is properly set, the truss rod is countering the string tension. Leaving it without the string tension for an extended time could cause the truss rod to overcompensate.

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5

Thanks, I guess then I’ll just leave them tuned when I’m not playing for awhile.

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6

Hi Mitch, welcome to the community. I agree with leaving the guitar tuned. Leaving the guitar tuned will also give the strings a chance to stretch, which they will do a lot in the first week or so after you put them on the guitar. You will need to tune the guitar more often at first.

7

Hi Mitch.
I don’t know the correct answer to the question.
But I will say.
I left my alverez 12 string and a gibson L6-S both tuned to standard tuning. Then walked off from even opening the case for 25 years.
Both still play just fine when I finally did open their cases and gave them a try again.

The more I know the more I think I shoulda tuned the 12 string down maybe a semi tone to be a bit safer. But I didn’t and don’t see any ramifications at all from leaving them in tune when I packed it in.
Of course after 25 years they were not in tune to much the first try. But they tuned up just fine and played just like I remember them playing.
That was just my experience with the two guitars that I had stored, for a long time. I suppose ymmv?

As for your “a few days” of not playing.
I can’t imagine that ya need to do anything about tuning. Other than tune it up prior to your next play time. I rotate through 3 guitars. So each may sit for 2-4 days before I play it again. No ramification what so ever from doing that. Heck, sometimes they’re still in tune from my last play time… :wink: Granted this is not a regular happening, but it has happened.

imho, yer fine with leaving them in tune when you put it away for a few days.

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That makes sense Steve, thanks.