Guitar Intonation

Setting guitar intonation is generally the final stage of a guitar set up, you should ensure your neck relief and action are properly set before adjusting intonation (see earlier Imagmusingon set ups). Setting guitar intonation ensures that your instrument plays in tune across the entire fretboard. If your intonation is out, notes played higher up the neck will sound sharp or flat despite being in tune when played open. You will particularly notice this on barre chords played up the fretboard. Proper intonation adjustment is crucial for both electric and acoustic guitars, though the process is more commonly (and easily) done on electrics with adjustable saddles.

Step 1: Check the Current Intonation

Start by tuning your guitar perfectly to standard pitch using a good quality tuner. Play the 12th fret harmonic on a string and compare it to the fretted note at the 12th fret. If they match, your intonation is correct. If the fretted note is sharp or flat compared to the harmonic, adjustments are needed.

Step 2: Adjust the Saddles

On electric guitars with adjustable bridges, intonation is corrected by moving the string saddles forward or backward. If the fretted 12th note is sharp, lengthen the string by moving the saddle backward (away from the neck). If the fretted note is flat, shorten the string by moving the saddle forward (toward the neck).

Each small adjustment should be followed by retuning and rechecking until the harmonic and fretted note match.

Individual string adjustment is readily achieved on Stratocaster type guitars, six saddle Telecasters and Gibson type bridges. Three saddle Telecasters present more of a challenge as each of the saddles shares a pair of strings. Here, on the simplest bridge types some compromise on intonation for each string pair is required, However, this can be addressed by fitting “compensated” saddles that are shaped to give slightly different string lengths for each of the strings. (IMAG Music always has compensated saddles in stock for Telecaster players, since it is our go to guitar as well!).

On acoustic guitars a compensated bridge saddle can be added/the existing bridge saddle filed or reshaped the to adjust string length subtly. (This may be something you wish to leave to a guitar technician, or spare bridge saddles are readily available if you wish to give it a go yourself. Make sure you measure yours carefully before buying/ordering as a wide range of sizes are available). Modern acoustic guitars (such as the Tanglewood guitars stocked in IMAG Music) are supplied with bridge saddles which are shaped to compensate for correct intonation.

Step 3: Repeat for All Strings

Since each string may require different adjustments, repeat this process for all six strings.

Final Tips

· Use fresh strings, as old strings can cause inaccurate intonation.

· Make small adjustments to avoid overcompensating.

· By properly setting intonation, your guitar will sound in tune across the entire neck, improving playability and tone.