How to Intonate an Electric Guitar
Electric guitar intonation is the proper adjustment of string length, which enables all notes to sound in tune. The distance between the nut and the 12th fret of each string must be equidistant with the 12th fret and the bridge saddle of the string. Every modern electric guitar is equipped with adjustable saddle bridges for intonation tweaks, and although the adjustment is simple, it does require a high-end tuner to properly complete. Intonation can change when string gauges are switched, or adjustments to the neck or bridge height have been made.
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Instructions
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1
Lay the guitar down on a flat surface, and place a rolled up towel under the neck underneath the nut to raise the headstock. Raising the headstock gives easier access to the tuning keys.
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2
Plug the guitar into the tuner, switching the tuner on and turning all guitar volume and tone controls up fully. Professional shops use strobe tuners, but a higher-end digital chromatic tuner will usually suffice.
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3
Play the 6th (E) string on the guitar, and tune to pitch
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4
Fret the 6th (E) string on the 12th fret, and compare the reading in the tuner with the open string tuning. If the string is properly intonated, both the open and 12th fret notes will be in tune. If the 12th fret note is high (sharp=#) or low (flat=b) the string saddle must be adjusted.
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5
To adjust the string saddle to compensate for a sharp 12th fret note, turn the adjustment screw on the saddle to move the saddle back to the tailpiece, to add length to the string. Turn the screw in small increments, and readjust the open string tuning before checking the 12th fret note again.
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6
To adjust the string saddle to compensate for a flat 12th fret note, turn the adjustment screw on the saddle to move the saddle forward to the first pickup, to decrease length to the string. Turn the screw in small increments, and readjust the open string tuning with the tuner before checking the 12th fret note again.
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7
Double-check both open and 12th fret notes with the tuner, before repeating Steps 3 through 6 for the remaining strings. The adjustment screws will stay in place by saddle pressure or with a small spring clip and do not require locking or other adjustment once the saddle is adjusted.
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Tips & Warnings
Screw turning direction is dependent on bridge design, as some have the screws in front of the saddles, and others are behind, but you will see the saddle move when the screw is turned.
Intonation can be tedious and time-consuming, especially when a professional grade tuner is not available. Take your time, and constantly recheck and compare open and 12th fret notes on the string you are adjusting.
Be careful of marring the finish with the screwdriver as adjustments are made. Placing a cloth or paper towel around the work area will help prevent accidents.
On Gibson-style Tune-o-matic bridges with front-loaded screws, use care when inserting the screwdriver under the string to make adjustments. String breakage could occur, presenting danger of eye or facial injuries.
Some tremolo bridges, such as Floyd Rose types, require a hex key rather than a screwdriver to adjust saddles.
