Sustained note out of tune with short note
I have a Schecter C1 Classic with D'dario XL EJ22 strings, down tuned to dropped A# (A#, F, A#, D#, G, C). The strings are relatively new, but broken in (a couple of weeks old, and I don't play every day). I use a BOSS TU-3 to tune it.
When I tune the guitar, I've noticed that for about the first half second after I pluck the string, the tuning is sharp by about a 1/4 step, then it drops into place at the correct tuning. This occurs more on the lower strings (4, 5, & 6), and happens regardless of how softly I pluck the string.
This concerns me because I play both fast and slow notes, so I want the tuning to be consistent whether I'm playing 1/16 notes or letting it ring out.
What could be causing this problem and how can I fix it?
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This is completely normal behavior of plucked and hammered strings. The average tension is slightly higher when the physical amplitude of the string's vibration is greater. The higher tension leads to a higher restitution force which leads to a shorter period which is the same as a higher frequency which means a sharp note. As the amplitude of vibration dies down, the average tension decreases and the note flattens back down.
What creates the greatest pitch deviation is a greater relative tension. That means if the resting absolute tension is higher, the relative tension difference created by plucking will be less, leading to a lower pitch change. Also, greater resting tension will reduce the physical amplitude of the string, leading to a lower average tension increase.
In short, use thicker strings to minimize the pitch variation that occurs when you pluck the strings.
You have the lowest string tuned to A# instead of E: that's a whole augmented fourth lower than designed. That's rather loose.
As a result, the string's tendency to straighten out the "kink" from plucking the string is lower than usual, and while the string is kinky, its overall tension is larger than when it is swinging in sinoidal manner, making it a bit higher pitched.
If you want to decrease the effect, try starting with less of a kink. Use a softer pick and/or attack, and play closer to the middle of the effective string than you usually would. Harmonics should settle faster than regular notes as they tend to kill off the kinkier bits of action.
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