Intonation is the accuracy of a guitar’s tuning across the entire fretboard. When a guitar is properly intonated, all of the notes will sound in tune, regardless of which fret they are played on. However, many factors can contribute to intonation problems, such as worn strings, high action, and neck relief.
Causes of Intonation Problems
- Worn strings: Old, worn-out strings can cause intonation problems because they are less stable and less likely to stay in tune.
- High action: High action is when the strings are too far above the fretboard. This can cause intonation problems because it makes it more difficult to fret the strings cleanly and accurately.
- Neck relief: Neck relief is the amount of curvature in the guitar’s neck. Too much or too little neck relief can also cause intonation problems.
- Improper bridge saddle placement: The bridge saddle is the piece of metal that sits behind the bridge and supports the strings. If the bridge saddle is not positioned correctly, it can cause intonation problems.
- Worn or damaged frets: Worn or damaged frets can also cause intonation problems because they can make it difficult to fret the strings cleanly and accurately.
How to Adjust Intonation
If you are experiencing intonation problems with your electric guitar, there are a few things you can do to adjust it.
- Check your strings: If your strings are old or worn out, replace them.
- Adjust your action: If your action is too high, lower it. You can do this by adjusting the truss rod or raising the bridge saddles.
- Check your neck relief: If your neck relief is too much or too little, adjust it. You can do this by adjusting the truss rod.
- Adjust your bridge saddles: To adjust your bridge saddles, you will need a small hex wrench. Loosen the screws that hold the bridge saddle in place and move it forward or backward until the note at the 12th fret is in tune. Once the note at the 12th fret is in tune, tighten the screws to hold the bridge saddle in place.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each string.
Tips for Adjusting Intonation
- When adjusting intonation, it is important to tune your guitar first.
- Make small adjustments to the bridge saddles and truss rod. It is better to make small, incremental adjustments than to make one large adjustment.
- Once you have made an adjustment, check the intonation at the 12th fret again. Repeat this process until the note at the 12th fret is in tune.
- Once the note at the 12th fret is in tune, check the intonation at other frets on the fretboard. You may need to make small adjustments to the bridge saddles to get all of the notes in tune.
If you are not comfortable adjusting the intonation on your own, you can take it to a qualified guitar technician. They will be able to adjust the intonation for you and ensure that your guitar is playing its best.
