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Step 1
Get an electric tuner. The precise sounds for checking intonation make it hard to operate without a tuning device. For an electric guitar, the tuner can be plugged right into the guitar for a more accurate reading.
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Step 2
Start with the low E string. Tune the string up to E, then check the octave (finger on the 12th fret).
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Step 3
Observe whether your octave note is sharp or flat. If it is either sharp or flat, you'll need to adjust the intonation on the guitar.
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Step 4
Release tension on the string by winding the peg out to tune the string down from E.
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Step 5
Locate the screw on the end of the guitar string by the bridge that connects to the "saddle." The saddle is the little metal piece that holds the string at its opposite end from the tuning peg, near where the string goes into the body of the guitar.
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Step 6
Turn the screw to move the saddle down, away from the fretboard, to correct a sharp octave. To correct a flat octave, turn the screw to move the saddle up toward the fretboard.
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Step 7
Tune your string back up and check the octave again.
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Step 8
Repeat as necessary until you have a tuned octave, then repeat with the other strings.







