How to Maintain a Guitar's Intonation

Playing the guitar is a favorite activity for many musicians. The guitar is considered one of the most melodic and versatile instruments in the string family and is used in different musical genres. Maintaining a guitar's intonation is very important for its overall effectiveness. However, knowing the proper method of maintaining guitar intonation can be tricky without some pertinent information. Follow these steps to maintain guitar intonation properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Guitar or instrument tuner
• Guitar bridge screwdriver

1. Locate a guitar tuner in order to be able to accurately intonate the guitar to the desired level. Purchase a guitar screwdriver as you will need this tool when adjusting the string length at the guitar's bridge.
2. Plug in the tuner and assure that it is working properly. Play an open 1st string note and take notice of where the notice sits on the tuner. Remember if it is sharp or flat and by how much.
3. Play the 12th fret note or octave. Notice whether the 2 notes are reading equally on the tuner, and if not it will be necessary to adjust the string length to rectify this problem.
4. Adjust the saddle of the guitar forward, to shorten the string, if the tuner reads flat when you pluck the notes. Move the saddle of the guitar backward if the notes ring sharp to the tuner. Adjust it only as much as needed to create a balance of intonation when reading the tuner.
5. Continue this process for other octaves on the guitar to assess whether the whole guitar is properly intune. Tune the guitar to the attack (or initial sound on the note). Do not tune to the swell, which is the after note, it will cause an inaccurate tuning.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit a repair technician if you are unsure or inexperienced in tuning the guitar. Ask the pro to demonstrate the process to you so you can complete the necessary minor tuning adjustments as needed.
• After checking the octaves of the tuning of the guitar, play an open E chord; if it sounds good, then the guitar is most likely properly tuned.
• Do not chime the open string harmonic at the 12th fret; tune the fretted note to the harmonic as it will result in inaccurate intonation.
• Do not touch the tuning key or neck after you pluck the chord, since it will cause pressure against the peghead and result in an improper tuning.