low E string keeps popping out

[conradwoo]

I recently put new strings on my guitar, the same ones I've been putting on my guitar for 2 years now. Anyways, I can't seem to figure out why the E string keeps popping out of the nut. It's like the groove isn't deep enough for the string. But it never used to do that before. Is it cause I wound it up in the tuner wrong or something?

Any help is appreciated

[Stuntcheeks]

That could be one reason. Does the string come up the middle (between the machine heads) and wind around the top of the head toward the outside of the guitar? Or does it come from the "outside" in?

If it's tuned correctly, there 'should' be enough tension to hold it in place.

Is there any visible damage to the nut? or wear?

Just some thoughts.

[DMB@AlpineRocks]

When you turn the tuner toward you it should tune it sharp. That's the correct way to do it. Also, when you are winding the strings initially, make sure the first coil stays on the bottom with each additial turn having the extra string push down on the string.

[Haiku Jimi]

Guys I think he meant the base of the string keeps popping out, not the end of the string on the head of the guitar.

Or am I missing something?

Conradwoo, try getting lighter gauge strings if you can, sometimes the E string is too thick to fit in. Or get a new nut if that one is worn.

[Stuntcheeks]

Well, the nut is at the top of the fretboard. The saddle is at the bottom and the bridge is where the strings to into w/the pins.

Is the E and the bridge pin popping out? I had that happen when I changed my bridge pins. You can go to the store and pick up a pack of longer ones. I've also found that the plastic ones seem to hold better than the wood ones, but I like the wood better :)

[conradwoo]

Thanks for all the replies guys....I haven't been getting much help anywhere else. I'm still using .009's on my electric, so I don't think I can go any lighter.

There doesn't look to be any visual damage on the nut. And when I strung my guitar, i put the string in the hole of the machinehead and then wound it up.

I didn't know 'bout the "turning toward should make it sharper cause even on my acoustic which sitll has its factory strings on it, turning the machinehead toward makes it flatter. That's the way it is on my electric right now too.

[Stuntcheeks]

I don't really know a lot about electrics, man. Maybe take it in to a shop. They'll more than likely be able to tell you what's wrong and give you an estimate for free.

[cj4258]

Do you play hard?

My dad's tele had a problem with the B string popping out with a medium pick and some real hard strumming. When he had me look at it I found that the slot was chipped to the right and the string really wouldn't have a lot holding it back from sliding out on the upstroke.

I ended up cutting a new nut for it, but I've read somewhere that there is a quick fix with a mixture of superglue, some water and plaster of paris. I'll see if I can find it, just for posterity...

[cj4258]

Ok, I'm not finding the article, so kids, don't try that at home, I could be way off with the plaster of paris part...

[conradwoo]

I wouldn't say I play hard. But even when I'm playing just powerchords or something, it just pops out....really frikken annoying

[conradwoo]

I wouldn't say I play hard. But even when I'm playing just powerchords or something, it just pops out....really frikken annoying

[bstorey]

Turning the peg toward you should make the string flatter. On acoustics the strings should be wound from the "inside out" meaning the top 3 strings are wound counter-clockwise and the bottom clockwise. On most electrics the strings should all be wound counter-clockwise (assuming you're looking straight at the guitar).

[conradwoo]

Originally posted by bstorey
Turning the peg toward you should make the string flatter.

Ok, then i've done it right:) It's such a frustrating problem too, cause when I'm playing a song with my band, it'll just arbitrarily pop out and I would have to push it back in.