If your guitar intonation is always sharp, there are a few things you can check to try to fix the problem.
Here are some possible causes of a guitar intonation that is always sharp:
- The intonation screws are not adjusted correctly. The intonation screws are located on the bridge saddles. They control the length of the string at the bridge, which affects the intonation. If the intonation screws are not adjusted correctly, the strings will be too long, which will make the notes sharp.
- The strings are too old or worn out. Old or worn out strings will stretch more than new strings, which can cause the intonation to go out of whack.
- The neck is bowed. A bowed neck will cause the strings to be too long, which will make the notes sharp.
- The nut is too high. The nut is the small piece of bone or plastic at the headstock of the guitar that the strings rest on. If the nut is too high, the strings will be too long, which will make the notes sharp.
Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot a guitar intonation that is always sharp:
- Check the intonation screws. Make sure that the intonation screws are adjusted correctly. If they are not, adjust them until the notes are in tune at the 12th fret.
- Replace the strings. If the strings are old or worn out, replace them with new strings. This may fix the intonation problem.
- Check the neck. If the neck is bowed, have it adjusted by a qualified luthier.
- Check the nut. If the nut is too high, have it filed down by a qualified luthier.
If you’ve checked all of these things and your guitar intonation is still sharp, you may need to take it to a qualified luthier for further diagnosis. They will be able to help you figure out what’s causing the problem and fix it.
Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting guitar intonation:
- Use a tuner to check the intonation. This will give you a more accurate measurement than just listening to the notes.
- Be patient. It may take some time to get the intonation perfect.
- If you’re having trouble, you can always take your guitar to a qualified luthier. They will be able to help you get your guitar set up properly.
With a little patience and troubleshooting, you should be able to get your guitar intonation back in tune.
