How to Set The Intonation on Guitar

admin February 17, 2023April 10, 2023 0 Comments Guitar setup, Set intonation

Setting the intonation on your guitar is an essential part of achieving a properly tuned instrument. This process is crucial in making sure the guitar is in tune all the way up and down the fretboard. If your intonation is off, your chords and notes will not sound correct.

In this instructional guide, I will walk you through the steps on how to set the intonation on your guitar.

Step 1: Tune Your Guitar The first step in setting the intonation on your guitar is to ensure it is in tune. It is best to use an electronic tuner to ensure the guitar is tuned accurately. Tune your guitar to the desired tuning you want to play.

Step 2: Check the 12th Fret Play the 12th fret harmonic on your guitar. The harmonic should ring clearly without any buzzing or muting. If the harmonic sounds off or is muted, you may need to adjust the saddle position.

Step 3: Check the 12th Fret Note Play the 12th fret note on your guitar, and it should be the same pitch as the harmonic. If the note is sharp or flat, your intonation is off. You can use an electronic tuner to check the pitch of the note.

Step 4: Adjust the Saddle Position To adjust the saddle position, you will need a screwdriver that fits the saddle adjustment screw on your guitar’s bridge. Loosen the screw and move the saddle forward or backward until the 12th fret harmonic and the 12th fret note are the same pitch.

Step 5: Retune and Check After adjusting the saddle position, retune your guitar and play the 12th fret harmonic and 12th fret note again. Repeat step 4 until the harmonic and note are the same pitch.

Step 6: Check Other Frets Once you have set the intonation for the 12th fret, check the other frets on the guitar. Play notes on various frets, and listen for any buzzing or muting. If you notice any issues, adjust the saddle position slightly until the frets play correctly.

Step 7: Final Check After setting the intonation, check your guitar’s tuning again. Play some chords and notes across the fretboard to make sure they are all in tune.

Setting the intonation on your guitar may take some time, but it is an important step in achieving the best possible sound from your instrument. If you are new to guitar maintenance, it is best to take your guitar to a professional technician who can help you set the intonation correctly.

In summary, setting the intonation on your guitar involves tuning the guitar, checking the 12th fret harmonic and note, adjusting the saddle position, retuning and checking, checking other frets, and performing a final check. By following these steps, you can achieve a properly intonated guitar that sounds great across the entire fretboard.