There are a number of things that can cause guitar intonation problems. Some of the most common causes include:
- Incorrect string height: If the strings are too high or too low, it can affect the intonation.
- Neck relief: The neck relief is the amount of curvature in the neck of the guitar. If the neck relief is too great or too little, it can also affect the intonation.
- Bridge saddle adjustment: The bridge saddle is the piece of metal that the string rests on at the bridge. If the bridge saddle is not in the correct position, it can also cause intonation problems.
- Worn or damaged frets: If the frets on the guitar are worn or damaged, it can also affect the intonation.
- Temperature and humidity: Changes in temperature and humidity can also cause the intonation of the guitar to go out of whack.
In addition to these common causes, there are a number of other things that can also affect guitar intonation, such as:
- The type of strings being used: Different types of strings have different characteristics, and some types of strings may be more prone to intonation problems than others.
- The age of the guitar: Older guitars may be more likely to have intonation problems due to wear and tear.
- The quality of the guitar: Guitars of higher quality are generally less likely to have intonation problems than guitars of lower quality.
If you think your guitar’s intonation is off, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it:
- Check the string height. The string height should be adjusted so that the strings are high enough to clear the frets without buzzing, but not so high that they are difficult to press down.
- Check the neck relief. The neck relief should be set to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you are not sure how to do this, you can take your guitar to a qualified technician.
- Adjust the bridge saddles. To adjust the bridge saddles, you will need a small Allen wrench. Loosen the screws on the bridge saddle that you want to adjust, and then move the saddle forward or backward until the note is in tune at the 12th fret. Once the saddle is in the correct position, tighten the screws back up.
- Replace worn or damaged frets. If the frets on your guitar are worn or damaged, you will need to replace them. This is a job that is best left to a qualified technician.
- Keep your guitar properly humidified. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause the wood in your guitar to expand and contract, which can affect the intonation. To keep your guitar properly humidified, you can use a humidifier in your home or keep your guitar in a case with a humidifying pack.
If you have tried all of the above and your guitar’s intonation is still off, it is possible that there is another problem with your guitar. In this case, it is best to take your guitar to a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair.
Here are some additional tips for keeping your guitar’s intonation in check:
- Tune your guitar regularly. The more often you tune your guitar, the less likely it is to go out of tune.
- Keep your strings clean and lubricated. This will help to reduce friction and wear on the strings, which can contribute to intonation problems.
- Store your guitar in a case when you are not using it. This will help to protect your guitar from the elements and keep it from going out of tune.
