Guided wave based methods are of potential interest for the non destructive evaluation of cables. However, the understanding of mechanisms governing the propagation of guided waves is particularly complicated owing to the helical and multi-wire structure of strands, the basic elements constituting cables. The complexity of the problem is further increased by the effect of high tensioning forces applied on cables. A typical dispersion curve veering phenomenon, sensitive to the applied loads, occurs in seven-wire strands, a common type of strands in modern constructions. The main goal of this paper is to highlight the origin of this phenomenon.