Guitar Intonation And Setup Adjustments

Proper guitar intonation guarantees that every note rings true across the entire fingerboard. To dial it in, first tune your open string, then compare that pitch to the fretted note at the 12th fret. You’ll need to adjust the bridge saddle position: slide the saddle back (increasing length) if the octave is sharp, or move it forward (decreasing length) if the octave is flat. Tuning a guitar correctly will not be possible without first following these steps.

The Correct Sequence for a Full Guitar Setup

To achieve an optimal setup, adjustments must be performed in a specific chronological order, as tweaking one component directly influences the remaining elements:

1.  Truss Rod (Neck Relief): Correct the curvature of the neck first by tightening or loosening the truss rod, utilizing the Guitar Head Guide for reference.
2.  Action (String Height): Next, modify the bridge posts or height screws to ensure comfortable play-ability without causing fret buzz.
3.  Intonation: This final step should always be executed last, only after the neck relief and string action have been completely finalized.

adjusting your guitar truss rod for straightness at the guitar head stock

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Guitar: Intonation

Proper intonation is a process of balancing the length of each string so the guitar plays accurately across the fingerboard. The 12th fret provides the reference point because it is the octave of the open string.

• Start with fresh strings. Strings develop uneven wear as they are played, and worn strings can produce misleading intonation readings. For an accurate setup, begin with a properly installed, fresh set of strings.
• Tune the open string precisely. Bring the string to exact pitch using a reliable electronic tuner. This establishes the reference point for the intonation check.
• Check the 12th-fret note. Play the string at the 12th fret using normal playing pressure. Excessive finger pressure can raise the pitch and give you a false reading.
• Compare the 12th-fret pitch to the open string.
  • 12th-fret note is sharp: The string is effectively too short. Move the saddle backward, away from the neck, to increase the string length.
  • 12th-fret note is flat: The string is effectively too long. Move the saddle forward, toward the neck, to decrease the string length.
• Make small adjustments. Intonation should be adjusted gradually. After each saddle adjustment, re-tune the open string before checking the 12th fret again. Moving the saddle changes the string’s pitch, so skipping the re-tuning step can lead to an inaccurate adjustment.
• Repeat the process. Continue the tune–check–adjust cycle until the open string and its 12th-fret octave are accurately matched.
• Repeat for each string. Every string behaves differently because of its diameter, construction, tension, and interaction with the instrument. Each one must be evaluated and adjusted individually.

The Important Part

Intonation is not simply a matter of moving every saddle to a predetermined position. The final position of each saddle is determined by the individual string and the instrument. Proper intonation requires careful measurement, small adjustments, and repeated checking until the guitar plays accurately where it matters—under the player’s hands.

Warm Regards from South Carolina,
Rick Mariner

Haywire Custom Guitars Inc.

2007 Lees Landing Circle

Conway, SC 29526

843-347-5742
“Musicians working for musicians”
Thanks for letting us work for you

A guitar setup is a process of adjusting a guitar to optimize its playability and sound, encompassing adjustments to neck relief, string action, intonation, and other aspects.

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